Get closer to the natural world this #LoveNatureDay

The Parks Trust, the self-financing charity that looks after more than 6,000 acres of parkland in Milton Keynes, has joined forces with local nature groups to celebrate Milton Keynes’ natural world – and everyone is invited!

Love Nature Day returns to Howe Park Wood on Saturday 1 July from 11am until 4pm. Aiming to bring local people closer to nature, there will be lots of fun things to do inside the Education and Visitor Centre and plenty to explore outside in the stunning local woodland too.

What’s in store:

• Bug-hunting to find minibeasts
• Guided walks around the ancient woodland
• Bird-ringing demonstrations and talks
• Specimens from the Natural History Museum at Tring
• All-things flying mammals with North Bucks Bat Group
• The chance to observe honeybees at work in their hive
• Caribbean sounds of Steel Pantasy

There’ll be story-telling and outdoor games too, as well as special guests from Wolverton Swifts Group, Butterfly Conservation, The Wildlife Trust, RSPB and MK Gallery. More event information is available at theparkstrust.com/events/love-nature-day

Howe Park Wood, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), is home to more than 200 plant species, 30 different species of butterfly and a variety of birds. The site also has great facilities for visitors including Grounds café and public toilets. Parking is limited, but there’s plenty of space at nearby Westcroft shopping centre.