This year’s Heritage Open Days events from The Parks Trust are set to uncover the routes, networks, and connections that weave through Milton Keynes’ scenic parklands.
In September, residents are invited to explore some of the art, history, and nature found across the city’s 6,000 acres of green spaces.
Julie Dawes, Events & Community Engagement Manager at The Parks Trust says “Our amazing network of parks, connected by green routes and redways, are the perfect fit for this year’s theme (routes, networks and connections)! So, this year’s events are all about getting to know the city’s green spaces - learning about their connection with communities discovering their past and imagining their future.”
Booking is essential for this event series, free tickets are available from 9am, Thursday 8th August on theparkstrust.com/events
Wonderful Willen through a sociological lens6 September, 10am at the Tree Cathedral
Setting off from the Tree Cathedral, this guided walkexplores the sociological influences of local landmarks on the community – visiting and discussing the role of places such as the Peace Pagoda and St Mary Magdelene Church.
30 Mile Challenge Ride8 September, 10am at Willen Lake
A sightseeing cycling tour of the city’s varying lakes and landscapes. Spot local wildlife and public art on the circular route from Willen Lake, taking in scenes through Ouzel Valley, Great Linford Manor Park, Loughton Valley, Furzton and Caldecotte lakes, the Grand Union Canal and Campbell Park.
Celebrating 40 years of Campbell Park10 September, 2pm in Campbell Park
Join a Parks Trust Landscape Officer on a celebratory tour of Campbell Park, learning about the parks’ 40-year history and the year-round maintenance work to keep it in pristine condition.
Introduction to Bancroft Roman Villa11 September, 4.30pm & 6pm in North Loughton Valley Park
Discover some less-known local heritage, learn about local Roman life and unearth excavation findings from Bancroft Roman Villa.
Borderlands, a walk in the Ouse Valley12 September, 2pm in Ouse Valley Park
Explore the border of the early iteration of England with a walk and talk along the valley of the river Ouse. Learn about the Motte and Bailey castle in Old Wolverton and how the Saxons shaped the landscape along the river’s ever-changing path.
Gyosei Trail13 September, 2pm in Campbell Park
A walk to discover the beautiful and unique Gyosei Art Trail along the Grand Union Canal. The Parks Trust are proud custodians of this public art trail, with eight pieces relating to themes of Japanese connections, canal history and local history.
As part of the Heritage Open Day celebrations there will also be additional Guided Walks at Great Linford Manor Park, on Saturday 14th September at 11am and 1pm. These walks uncover hidden gems such as the Veteran Lime Tree, Doric Seat and Ha-ha, which survive from the 18th century English Landscape Garden design of the park and have been recently revealed, revived and restored as part of a National Lottery Heritage Fund project.
Milton Keynes Rose, in its 10th anniversary year, also joins the celebrations with a special pop-up exhibition at MK Gallery on Friday 13th September, 12pm – 5pm.
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