Here’s what’s worth knowing in Milton Keynes this week.
Hundreds help transform Milton Keynes meadow into wildlife haven
More than 200 people have helped plant trees and create new habitats as part of a major nature project in Milton Keynes.
The Parks Trust says 218 people have taken part in transforming Trinity Meadow – a grass field in the north of the city – into a new wildlife space.
Volunteers – including local schools, college students and community groups – have planted 14 different native tree species, such as oak, hawthorn and hazel.
Over time, the site will be developed into a mix of habitats including woodland, ponds, wetland areas and wildlife shelters to support birds, insects and other species.
The project forms part of the wider Wetland Arc, a 355-hectare stretch of parkland along the River Great Ouse, and is backed by a £213,000 National Lottery Heritage Fund grant.
Photo: The Parks Trust
Volunteers raise £1 million at Stony Stratford bookshop
A volunteer-run bookshop in Stony Stratford has raised more than £1 million for Willen Hospice over the past decade.
The High Street shop, which includes a popular children’s section, has been run entirely by volunteers since 2016.
As well as selling around 1,000 books a week, volunteers also help identify rare titles and support online sales, helping maximise fundraising for the hospice.
All proceeds go towards supporting local patients and families facing life-limiting illness.
The team will celebrate the shop’s 10-year anniversary throughout April, with special promotions and events.
Photo: Willen Hospice
Deadline approaching to apply for free voter ID
Residents in Milton Keynes have just one month left to apply for free voter ID ahead of upcoming elections.
Anyone without an accepted form of photo ID can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, which allows them to vote in person.
Applications must be completed before the deadline to ensure eligibility.
The requirement to show photo ID applies to all in-person voting at polling stations.
Photo: Phil Hearing
MK Walking Festival returns with new events across the city
Milton Keynes’ annual Walking Festival will return in May, with a wide range of guided walks and outdoor activities taking place across the city.
Organised by The Parks Trust, this year’s festival runs over five days and includes events for all ages and abilities – from casual strolls to themed experiences.
Highlights include:
A walk exploring the city’s iconic concrete cows
A photography walk in Campbell Park
A spring apple orchard walk in Woughton
An inclusive guided walk at Great Linford Manor Park
A literary walk in Howe Park Wood
Most events are free, although some do require booking.
Photo: The Parks Trust
Residents invited to help shape future of local parks
Residents are being invited to take part in a short survey to help shape the future of parks across Milton Keynes.
The Wetland Arc stretches across the north of Milton Keynes along the River Great Ouse.
The survey focuses on the Wetland Arc – a major green corridor in the north of the city – and aims to gather feedback on how people use local parks and how they could be improved.
The Parks Trust says community input will play a key role in developing a long-term plan for the area.
It takes just a few minutes to complete.
Image: The Parks Trust
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Toby
MK Digest