A blossoming year for Milton Keynes’ parkland

From landmark celebrations and accessibility improvements to environmental projects and thousands of events, The Parks Trust has continued its mission to protect and enhance over 6,000 acres of green space across the city.

Education and community engagement remained central, with Outdoor Learning sessions delivered to 50 primary schools and 10 secondary schools, reaching a combined total of 16,584 students. These sessions inspire the next generation to connect with nature and understand the importance of conservation.

Environmental stewardship continued to be at the heart of the work at The Parks Trust. Securing a grant from Defra through The Tree Council’s Trees Outside Woodland Fund, will enable them to plant 13,000 new trees across the city. The Parks Trust also launched the Wetland Arc Project with £213,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, a transformative initiative aimed at restoring and enhancing the River Great Ouse Valley landscape.

The Parks Trust’s commitment to excellence was also recognised when Campbell Wharf Marina achieved a prestigious double accolade: 5 Gold Anchor status and Clean Marina accreditation, highlighting outstanding facilities and operational standards. Additionally, they proudly received the Green Flag Award for the ninth consecutive year, reaffirming the quality of Milton Keynes’ parkland.

Accessibility remained a key focus for The Parks Trust, with 20 inclusive events added to their calendar, including Wheelchair Rambles, Inclusive Strolls, and BSL-guided walks. To further improve access, nine brand-new wheelchair-friendly gates were installed in Ouzel Valley Park, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the green spaces.

The parks have also been buzzing with activity, hosting an incredible 1,846 events and activities throughout the year, attracting over 113,000 attendees. Among these were 572 Health Walks, marking 20 years of the MK Health Walks scheme, which has benefitted more than 9,000 people by promoting wellbeing and active lifestyles.

Building on their commitment to enhancing green spaces, 25 team members from across the organisation joined forces with the Direct Works team to plant 67 saplings, laying the foundations for a new arboretum in the Poplar Plantation. This collaborative effort reflects the Trust’s dedication to creating landscapes that will flourish for generations.

This year also marked a major milestone by celebrating more than 40 years of Campbell Park. To commemorate this, The Parks Trust introduced a new interactive trail designed to immerse visitors in the park’s rich history—from its original concepts to its artworks, events, and ongoing care. This initiative was supported by MK City Council and MK Community Foundation.

Finally, the Trust would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to their 240 volunteers, whose dedication and hard work have been invaluable over the past 12 months. Their contribution underscores the spirit of community that makes Milton Keynes’ parkland truly special.

As they look ahead to 2026, The Parks Trust remains committed to protecting Milton Keynes’ unique landscapes and creating opportunities for everyone to enjoy the outdoors. With ambitious projects on the horizon and continued support from their partners, volunteers, and local communities, they’re excited to build on this year’s successes and ensure the green spaces thrive for generations to come.

Find out what’s coming up at The Parks Trust in 2026.