Multi-million pound project begins to restore history-steeped park in Milton Keynes

The restoration of Great Linford Manor Park is being financed by National Lottery's Heritage and Community Funds.

The park, owned by MK's Parks Trust, has a history that can be traced back to the Saxon times, but many of its features date to the 17th and 18th centuries when the it was created to provide the setting for the impressive manor house.

The house is now privately owned, but the Park Trust aims to restore elements of its original English landscape garden back to how they were 300 years ago - complete with a water garden and a folly.

They have contracted landscapers Ground Control to deliver the park’s masterplan, and are also using landscape architects Jon Sheaff & Associates, who are behind the restoration of The Royal Parks’ Greenwich Park in London.

Parks Trust Project Manager James Cairncross said: “Great Linford Manor Park is a unique and special place in Milton Keynes, a historic designed landscape now forming part of a wider network of parks and open spaces under the care of The Parks Trust.

"The remains of an 18th century landscape is still there and with this funding we’re able to revive the park and

make its history more obvious to visitors. We’re pleased to have appointed Ground Control to work with us on the project and look forward to work starting soon”.

One of the most significant areas for restoration are the Water Gardens. The Parks Trust will be making the natural spring that feeds the ponds more visible, creating new paths around the ponds and restoring the cascade between them.

They will also be restoring the Doric Seat, an 18th century folly that was destroyed in the 1970s.

Across the park, signage will be improved to give information about the restored heritage features, and new paths will provide better access for all visitors.

Stuart McLeod from the National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “We’re delighted to support work to restore Great Linford Manor Park, celebrating and raising awareness of its design and history. Thanks to National Lottery players, local people will be able to enjoy this natural space as it was originally intended over 300 years ago.”

Visitors will continue to have access to the park throughout the works and the Parks Trust will still be running events and activities there.