Clean for the Queen

The Parks Trust staff and volunteers are set to take part in one of the UK’s largest litter picks

by Laura Tarry

Clean for The Queen is a call for volunteers to join the UK’s largest litter pick and help get your local area looking its very best in the year of The Queen’s 90^th birthday.

The aim of the campaign is to attract one million people during a special clean-up weekend on 4, 5 and 6 March 2016.

The Queen for the Queen Campaign Director Adrian Evans said: “Our ambition is to create a community inspired, grass-roots mass action event – one that will become a recurring annual initiative. We feel that marking The Queen’s 90th birthday with the inaugural clean-up is a wonderful way to kick-start it to life.

"We want to show that millions of people in this country care passionately about the litter affecting the nation and are prepared to get out and do something about it. Everyone in this country will reap the benefits.”

The Parks Trust staff and volunteers will host their litter pick on Saturday 5^th March from 10am-12noon, Stanton Low Park, Milton Keynes.
The Parks Trust Head of Community Engagement Briony Fox said: “We value our volunteers and all their hard work throughout the year. Being part of Clean for the Queen means we can encourage more people to get involved so that everyone can enjoy a cleaner place to live.”

Please meet in the car park off Selkirk Drive, Oakridge Park.

Litter pickers, gloves and sacks will be provided. Please wear sensible clothing and footwear. See theparkstrust.com or call 01908 233600 for information.

For more information visit: www.cleanforthequeen.co.uk  

The sheep are baaaaa-ck

by Laura Tarry 

The city’s popular flock of sheep will return to Campbell Park to continue their important conservation work, next week.

The flock of 100 sheep graze about half the park, as part of our farming portfolio, the parks large grass area offers great grazing for the sheep.

Periodic grazing is also a vital conservation tool, helping to manage large areas of grassland in order to create a much richer diversity of wildlife. Grazing deters scrub and encourages the growth and spread of wildflower in these grass rich meadows. The sheep return to Campbell Park on the week beginning 8^th February 2016 for a minimum of three weeks.
Landscape and Operations Director of The Parks Trust, Rob Riekie said: "Please can we remind dog owners to keep your dog close, calm and on a short lead, and stay nice and clear of livestock.

“Cyclists and walkers are advised to slow down and also keep clear of the sheep and take particular care when travelling through grazing areas.”

For more information call The Parks Trust on: 01908 233600

Howe Park Wood Management Plan Launched

Maintaining the habitats for rare species of butterflies and  protecting the landscape for the future

by Laura Tarry

Purple Emperor

The Parks Trust recently completed and updated an extensive management plan that defines how Howe Park Wood is to be managed for the future. The plan explains how the Trust will continue to maintain and enhance the Semi-Natural Ancient Woodland’s character, biodiversity conservation interest and recreational value of the woodland. Howe Park Wood has ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’ (SSSI) status, as designated by Natural England.

The woodland has some unique offerings including that it is a very important woodland habitat for butterflies.  27 species have been recorded in and around the wood over the last 15 years, in comparison only 17 species were recorded when surveys were carried out in 2003 and 2004. The Howe Park species list includes White Admiral Ladoga camilla, Purple Hairstreak Quercusia quercus and Black Hairstreak Satyrium pruni. Black Hairstreak is the rarest of these two species as in the UK it only occurs in the Midland woodland belt. In July 2015, the spectacular Purple Emperor butterfly was recorded in Howe Park Wood for the first time and was also spotted in other woodlands nearby.

White Admiral

Some of the key parts of the plan include:

• Conservation of habitats and biodiversity, including preserving and enhancing the Wood’s characteristics, it’s woodland habitats and protecting species found in it , including the resident Black Hairstreak butterfly and other forms of wildlife.
• Managing the wood to include higher canopy trees, while influencing light levels so there are the right conditions for a healthy mid-storey (future high canopy trees) to flourish, along with a coppiced understorey of  native shrubs and a vibrant and species rich layer of ground vegetation.
• Create better and more favourable habitats for indigenous mammals (including bats), woodland birds and  invertebrates through such measures as creating a mix of habitat and retaining more decaying and dead wood (while ensuring the wood is safe to its visitors)
• Encouraging a diversity of indigenous species,  to help protect the wood from threatening pests and diseases (e.g. Ash Dieback) 
• Providing public access for relaxation and leisure activities (e.g. walking and experiencing the natural and historic environment).
• Providing information about the Wood and enabling it to be used as an educational resource.

Rob Riekie, Landscape and Operations Director at The Parks Trust, said: “We have owned Howe Park Wood since 1992, and we are very privileged to be able to continue to enhance and maintain the site.

 “We’ve always had detailed plans for managing our landscape but in publishing this plan and making it downloadable from the website or available on request we want to help people understand our work better and make it easier for them to access this information.”

You can request a copy of The Howe Park Management Plan by emailing landscape@theparkstrust.com  or calling 01908 233600 or download at: http://www.theparkstrust.com/downloads/h-p-wood-mngt-plan---13-nov15-low-res.pdf

What's on in the Park?

Join us in 2016 and find out What’s On in Milton Keynes’ parks

by Laura Tarry

We have a jam packed events calendar for 2016 full of fun and interesting things to do in our parks.


Our new What’s On Guide, (January to June 2016) is now available with events ranging from a talk on Butterflies to Parks and Run.


Julie Dawes, Events & Recreation Co-ordinator at The Parks Trust said: “Pick up a What’s on Guide and find a new hobby or interest whilst enjoying our beautiful parks. Kick-start January by joining the Women’s Walking Network or learn the basics of Green Woodworking at Howe Park Wood Education Centre.


“We provide an extensive programme of activities and aim to offer events for a range of ages and tastes.”


The 2016 What’s On Guide will be available from local libraries, DMK: The Visitor Information Centre and The Parks Trust offices. It is also available online: http://www.theparkstrust.com/downloads/whats-on-2016/


Visit us online to find a month by month overview of our activities http://www.theparkstrust.com/whats-on.php?date=2016-01-03&location=&type=&event_option_submit=submitted


Regular activities:

· Discover – A series of short education courses for adults.


· Easy Riders – A series of bike rides organised by the Cyclists Touring Club. Visit www.mkctc.org.uk for details.


· Orienteering – Learn how to use a map while having fun in the parks. Run by South Midlands Orienteering Club. Visit www.smoc.info for details.


· Parks and Run – Fun runs for all ages and abilities with a choice of routes from 2km to 10km.


· Women’s Walking Network – Get to know your parks better and make some new friends. Walks are normally 4-5 miles and at a moderate pace.


Other activities and events:


· Cricket – Campbell Park Pavilion cricket ground hosts many cricket matches throughout the year. Annual match list will be available on our website from spring 2016.


· MK Rose – A series of events and activities centred at the space for commemoration and celebration in Campbell Park.


· Ride Out – Run by Whaddon Chase branch of Pony Club and Cromwell Group of Endurance GB. Booking 2 weeks in advance is essential. To book call 01908 677791.


· Tree Tots – Weekly toddle around Howe Park Wood followed by a ‘Nature Play’ session for pre-school toddlers and their parents. See our website for information and booking.


Events which carry the star icon symbol must be booked in advance.


Book online at www.theparkstrust.com or call our events line to confirm your place on: 01908 255379.


Events are subject to change; please visit our website for additional events, up-to-date information, terms and conditions.


Don’t forget! There are a wide variety of volunteering opportunities are available, contact our Volunteer Co-ordinator on 01908 233600 or volunteering@theparkstrust.com




The Parks Trust is a charity that cares for Milton Keynes’ parks and green spaces – the river valleys, ancient woodlands, lakesides, parks and landscaped areas alongside the main roads that make the city such a great place to live, work and visit.

About 25 percent of the new city area is parkland, adding up to 5,000 acres.
In addition to parkland, The Parks Trust takes care of the landscaping along the main grid roads – 80 miles of trees, shrubs and flowers.

John Muir Awards for the Parks Trust Youth Rangers

John Muir Awards presented to The Parks Trusts’ Youth Rangers

by Laura Tarry

 Morning session (L-R): Gemini Harrison, Deiniol Edwards, Melissa Lindsay 

Twelve Youth Rangers were presented with John Muir Awards by The Parks Trust Education team on Saturday 5 December.

The Youth Rangers celebrated at Howe Park Wood at an official awards presentation for their commitment to the programme.

Since February 2015, the Parks Trusts’ Youth Rangers have completed a number of tasks as part of their John Muir Award.  It’s a scheme that supports connections with and care for nature, landscape, and the natural environment – wild places. 

Afternoon session (L-R): Back row, from left to right: Katy Barnett, Bethany Heathcote, Niamh Kennedy, Frances Barnes, Ayla Webb, Taya Webb. Front row: Isabel Shipp, Harry Noon, Eleanor Charman

To achieve a John Muir Award, each participant must:

• Tackle all four Challenges – Discover, Explore, Conserve and Share their experiences of a wild place.
• Complete the required time commitment
• Show enthusiasm and commitment towards their Award involvement
• Have an awareness of John Muir, his life and achievements
• Have a sense of making a difference and doing something positive for wild places

The Parks Trust Education Ranger, Caylin Gans said : “Young people that attend Youth Rangers are very passionate and committed to conserving the environment and wild places. This Award is a way for us to acknowledge the Youth Ranger’s dedication through a nationally recognised award scheme.

“The John Muir Trust also promotes similar values to The Parks Trust and we feel that partnership work with similar organisations brings greater benefit overall.”

John Muir Award England Manager, Andy Naylor said: “I am delighted that the Youth Rangers have achieved their John Muir Awards.  This recognises their commitment and hard work as volunteers over the last 10 months.  It’s wonderful to see the Rangers engage in such a rich variety of activities including practical conservation tasks, wildlife monitoring, bushcraft skills and community action. The John Muir Trust also welcomes the opportunity to support The Parks Trust and its work to conserve local wildlife and wild places”.

To earn this Award, participants attended monthly Youth Rangers session as well as taking part in activities in their own free time. In total, the children spent 570 hours working toward their John Muir Award.

Activities as a group:

• February – Helped to cut back vegetation on south facing bank of Walton Lake so the area could be more easily surveyed for grass snakes.
• March – Lambing visit to Home Farm to learn about farming practices and use of grazing animals in land management.
• April – Assisted our Community Rangers with site checks at Caldecotte Lake.
• April– Great Crested Newt survey at Elfield Nature Park
• May – Pond survey at Stony Stratford Nature Reserve to test water quality and habitat suitability.
• June – Built hibernaculums (hibernation shelters) for newts and toads near pond at Manor Farm.
• July – Adventure activity: Raft building at Willen Lake.
• September – Terrestrial invertebrate survey at Howe Park Wood.
• October – Looked at aspects of water safety in summer and winter with Community Ranger team.
• November – Planted daffodil bulbs in Campbell Park to increase numbers of early spring flowers in the parks.

Some examples of what the Youth Rangers did individually:

• Went on walks in the parks with family and friends
• Used a trail camera to observe nocturnal animals like badger, deer and fox
• Climbed trees
• Took photographs of plants and animals in the parks or in their gardens
• Built insect hotels, hedgehog houses, bat boxes, bird houses and feeders
• Planted trees and sowing wildflower seeds
• Went litter picking
• Wildlife identification of birds, insects, flowers

ABOUT THE PARKS TRUST 

The Parks Trust is a charity that cares for Milton Keynes’ parks and green spaces – the river valleys, ancient woodlands, lakesides, parks and landscaped areas alongside the main roads that make the city such a great place to live, work and visit.

• About 25 percent of the new city area is parkland, adding up to 5,000 acres.
• In addition to parkland, The Parks Trust takes care of the landscaping along the main grid roads – 80 miles of trees, shrubs and flowers.

For more information on the John Muir Award, please visit: www.johnmuiraward.org 

Join us for Carols by Candlelight at Willen Lake North this December

by Laura Tarry

The Parks Trust staff and volunteers are set to host their annual Carols by The Lake event to help raise money for Willen Hospice www.willen-hospice.org.uk

This year the event will be held at Willen Lake North, on Sunday 20^th December, 3:30pm.

Join us for our annual carolling afternoon, bring a lantern, wrap up warm and join in the fun and spread a little festive cheer.

Join MK Youth Brass as they set the ambience and purchase a mince pie or a cup of mulled wine.

Julie Dawes, Events & Recreation Co-ordinator at The Parks Trust, said: “Wrap up warm, embrace the outdoors and join us for our annual Carols by the Lake.

“Year on year this event grows in popularity and for The Parks Trust marks the final event of the year.

“Join in and spread some festive cheer as we sing together whilst raising funds for Willen Hospice.”

Please park at Willen Pavilion, Portland Drive, Willen.  Event will be located at Willen Hospice. You do not need to book for this free event, the event is open to all ages and we look forward to welcoming you to Willen Lake.

Playtime in the park

New play equipment at Willen Lake South

by Laura Tarry

Community Ranger Susie Jensen, Area Landscape Manager Luke Nixon
and Community Ranger Natalie Dewhirst 

The Parks Trust is pleased to announce the new multi-play attraction equipment is now open in the play area at Willen Lake South.

Staff officially opened the new equipment on Monday 2^nd November 2015.

The new multi-play piece will aim to accommodate a large number of children and provide entertainment for visitors to the lake.  

The new pieces of equipment replace the two large pieces of play equipment which were installed in 2002.

The Parks Trust Landscape and Operations Director, Rob Riekie said: “After 10 years it was time to replace the old play equipment due to wear.

“We are so pleased the new pieces have been installed and children will be able to enjoy the play area this autumn and beyond, in one of our busiest parks.

 “We have invested a large amount in Willen Lake in a bid to improve the area for our visitors. We hope people enjoy the play equipment at Willen Lake.”

On top of ongoing maintenance £110,000 has been invested into Willen Lake this year to help improve the quality and standard of the park.

Community Ranger Susie Jensen, Willen Lake Operations Manager Steve Howkins,
Area Landscape Manager Luke Nixon, Landscape and Operations Director Rob Riekie
and Community Ranger Natalie Dewhirst 

These improvements include:  

·         New equipment in the Play Area

·         Leisure route resurfacing

·         Bridge re-build

·         Bird Feeding area re-build

·         General Landscape improvement works

·         Car park improvement works

Play-Ground Supplies Ltd (PGS) helped the Parks Trust design and installed the equipment.

Lifelong Learning at Howe Park Wood

Join us at Howe Park Wood for our Adult Education talks this autumn

by Laura Tarry

The Parks Trust Staff are pleased to announce the adult education programme of talks this autumn.

To kick-start the programme come along to Howe Park Wood Education and Visitor Centre on Tuesday 3rd November to find out about The History of Willen Lake.

Talks and times:

•    The History of Willen Lake: Tuesday 3 November, 7.30pm – 8.30pm

•    Bats: Tuesday 24 November, 7.30pm – 8.30pm

•    Park Life: An Introduction to the Wildlife of Milton Keynes, Wednesday 2 December, 7.30pm – 8.30pm

Howe Park Wood

The Parks Trust’s Environmental Education Coordinator, Nicky Saunders said: “The talks are a great opportunity to find out more about Milton Keynes landscape and the wildlife we have in our parks.

“Howe Park Wood is a great venue where you can come along and find out about a new topic that may be of interest to you.

“Try something new this autumn and join experienced staff and volunteers at the next talk.”

All talks will take place at the Howe Park Wood Education and Visitor Centre and cost £2 per person.

Booking is essential. Book online at www.theparkstrust.com/whats-on.

For more information email education@theparkstrust.com or call 01908 233600.

A full programme of talks will be announced for 2016, please visit The Parks Trusts’ website for more information www.theparkstrust.com

Howe Park Wood: http://www.theparkstrust.com/parks/howe-park-wood

V is for volunteers

Volunteer Coordinator Carla Boswell and volunteers

Could you spare a couple of hours to help us to Make a Difference, this weekend?

Join The Parks Trust staff on Make a Difference Day (Saturday 24th October) to help to restore the woodland rides, Campbell Park with wood chip.

Staff and volunteers will meet at Campbell Park Cricket Pavilion, Campbell Park, MK9 4AD from 10am to 12pm, Saturday. We will provide you with the tools to help us on Make a Difference Day 2015. 

Carla Boswell Volunteer Coordinator at The Parks Trust said: “This year we'll be reinstating some of the woodland rides in Campbell Park.  We would love people to come along and help us to restore the paths in one of our much-loved parks. Please come dressed for outside work with relevant footwear and gardening gloves. We value the work and commitment from all of our volunteers all year round, thank you!”

Toilets and refreshments will be provided in the Pavilion. No booking required, children to be accompanied by an adult.

For more information email volunteering@theparkstrust.com or call the Parks Trusts Volunteer Coordinator on 01908 255 388.

by Laura Tarry

AND, the LifestyleMK team were delighted to speak with Carla who will be featured on their show, which celebrates the work of volunteers this week.

"V is for  volunteers" looks at the benefits of volunteering and how you can make a difference. 

Their resident experts, Robb Henderson (Personal Trainer), and Dr Jamie (Vet), discuss how to get involved with Fitness as well as Veterinary work, and the team have interviews with volunteers who will inspire you by talking about their exciting work with some really great causes.

LIFESTYLE MK Saturdays 12 - 2pm on Secklow Sounds, Community Radio for Milton Keynes.

Award Winning parks in Milton Keynes

Landscape contractor wins prestigious national award

by Laura Tarry, The Parks Trust

Complete Ground Management Ltd (CGM) are set to receive a 2015 BALI National Landscape Award in association with Horticulture Week.

The Awards, which are run annually by the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), are designed to demonstrate the exceptionally high standards of professionalism and skill attained by their members. They are the largest landscape awards scheme in Europe.

CGM has won a BALI National Landscape Award for the maintenance of their North and North East Parks contract in Milton Keynes.

The award-winning contract includes Campbell Park, Willen Lake, the tranquil Canal Broad walk, the Tree Cathedral and the historic Linford Manor Park, as well as the rural landscape along the Ouse Valley and the ancient woodland at Linford Wood. These boast an impressive wealth of facilities which cater for all ages, abilities and interests - all owned and managed by The Parks Trust.

David Elkington Managing Director of CGM said “The BALI awards are one of the landscape industries’ highest accolades so I’m delighted that all of the team’s hard work and dedication has been recognised by the winning of this award. We took the judge on a 10km bike ride to view the extensive park network maintained, and to show the comprehensive range of techniques we use to keep such a diverse range of parks to standards of which we can all be proud.”

Rob Riekie, Landscape and Operations Director, from The Parks Trust said: “It’s great to see our contractor’s work recognised nationally with this award. Our congratulations go to David and his team for their work on a contract with so many challenges.”

For more information about the services CGM can offer please visit www.c-g-m.net or The Parks Trust www.theparkstrust.com

Complete Ground Management now eagerly waits to hear if their entry will win a Principal (best in its category), Special or the overall Grand Award at the prestigious Awards Ceremony on the 4^th of December at The Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London. To find out more please visit www.baliawards.co.uk. 

Milton Keynes embraces the Rugby World Cup

There are SO MANY exciting events going on in Milton Keynes from October 1st - 11th co-inciding with the Rugby World Cup, where the StadiumMK is playing host.

Briony Fox, Community Engagement
Team Manager, The Park's Trust

Briony Fox from The Park's Trust took the time to speak to Audrey from Secklow Sound's LifestyleMK on Sports Chat Show, "Sports Recap" (Sky586) where Audrey co-presents along with Host, Christian K, and the team Larry Ordu, Dan Henderson and Ricky Taylor.

Briony said that Campbell Park has been turned into a huge FANZONE with a brilliant line up of events co-inciding with the matches at StadiumMK:
Thursday October 1 - France v Canada
Saturday October 3 - Samoa v Japan
Tuesday October 6 - Fiji v Uraguay

and the official Fanzone opening times are:
Thursday Oct 1: 12;00 - 22.30
Friday Oct 2: 15.30 - 22.30
Saturday Oct 3: 12.00 - 22.30
Tuesday Oct 6: 15.30 - 22.30
Wednesday Oct 7: 15.30 - 22.30
Saturday Oct 10: 11.30 - 22.30
Sunday Oct 11: 11.00-22.30

The exciting line up includes:
· 80s Lineout ‘Sponsored by Centre MK’, Sunday 4 October: 4pm-10:30pm: Sister Sledge, Rick Astley, Los Pacaminos featuring Paul Young, Katrina Leskanich (Katrina & The Waves) and The Real Thing. In the Undercover Marquee Arena. Visit: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/80s-lineout-milton-keynes-04-10-2015/event/37004E91D35468B0

· The Big Sports Quiz, Monday 5 October: Doors open at 6pm event starts at 7pm.: Join Luke Ashmead to test your sporting knowledge in a fun quiz for all the family. There will be a chance to meet your heroes and have your photo taken. To purchase tickets visit: www.theparkstrust.com/festivalofrugby

· The Art of Rugby Film Festival, Thursday 8 October: 4pm-10pm: Join us for a free Mini-Film Festival alongside an art exhibition and social paint activity. Gates open at 4pm for the Society of Artists Exhibition, this highlights local talent where you can view, discuss and purchase some truly unique artworks. Social Paint - take part in a truly interactive social experience. Have a drink whilst you paint a rugby-related artwork of your very own separate charge see www.socialpaint.co.uk for details.

· Murder Ball – film starts at 6pm

· Invictus – film starts at 8pm

AND WILL YOUNG!!!!

Will Young will be performing songs from his Number One Album, ‘85% Proof’ along with favourites from his acclaimed back catalogue this October in Campbell Park as part of the city’s Festival of Rugby events, celebrating rugby’s biggest year. 

SEE WILL YOUNG: Friday October 9 2015. Gates open 6:30pm. Tickets ON SALE NOW:

Tickets cost £30.00, postal charges apply, e-ticket option available. To purchase tickets visit Ticketmaster at: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/37004F19EA02B053

As part of the celebrations Living Archive Milton Keynes will be producing an exhibition to showcase the history of Rugby, bands Soul Fever, Ukie Toones and Rayguns look real enough will entertain the crowds and lots more. To find out What’s on in Milton Keynes visit www.lovemkrugby.co.uk

England Rugby 2015 and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) launched the ‘Festival of Rugby 2015’ programme enabling people to put on events across the UK.

Just visit: www.theparkstrust.com

Laura Tarry from The Park's Trust says:
“We want to welcome as many people as possible to the park and we have a line-up to suit all tastes and ages. Throughout the 11 days, enjoy a great atmosphere with funfair rides, delicious food and drink, official merchandise and programmes, giveaways, free performances from local groups and artists and the Rugby Zone! At the Rugby Zone, you can find out more about your local clubs, test your reflexes with the Rugby Batak, jump on the rugby bungee and loads more!”

LifestyleMK's Audrey Tang on
Sports Recap. Sky586

...and if you want to catch Briony's interview on Sports Recap, tune into Sky 586 for the repeat 6 - 7pm tonight (Tuesday 29th Sept).