Heart of the Parks: How Volunteers Kept Milton Keynes’ Summer Blooming

As the crisp autumn air rolls in and the trees begin their golden wardrobe change, The Parks Trust is pausing to celebrate something truly special — the people behind the parks.

Because while the grass grew, the bees buzzed, and families picnicked under the sunshine, almost 250 volunteers were quietly making sure Milton Keynes’ green spaces stayed glorious all summer long.

Over the past few months, these everyday heroes have done it all — patrolling parks, picking up litter, helping with wildlife surveys, and rolling up their sleeves for conservation work. They’ve also supported everything from outdoor learning sessions and family workshops to wellbeing walks and bike rides.

And the numbers? Well, they speak for themselves. Between June and August alone, volunteers clocked up an incredible 3,742 hours of time. That includes:

• 958 hours on nature and biodiversity projects

• 1,100 hours on park patrols

• 948 hours leading Health Walks

• 334 hours engaging visitors at park events

• 382 hours supporting outdoor learning sessions

That’s a whole lot of love for Milton Keynes’ great outdoors.

Over at Howe Park Wood, the Trust’s outdoor learning team welcomed thousands of visitors for 15 Open Mornings, supported by volunteers who helped deliver 45 bug hunts and craft sessions for families keen to get closer to nature.

Meanwhile, the volunteers leading MK Health Walks covered around 6,500 miles during the summer — that’s nearly a full lap around the moon! (Yes, really.) The free daily walks are all about boosting health and happiness across the city, one step at a time.

In a new video shared by The Parks Trust, several volunteers reveal what keeps them coming back — and why they love caring for the city’s green spaces.

David Lewis, Recreation and Volunteer Engagement Coordinator at The Parks Trust, says it best: “Our volunteers’ dedication over the summer (and throughout the year) is nothing short of inspiring — from supporting nature and biodiversity to helping thousands of MK residents connect with the great outdoors. We’re incredibly grateful not only for every hour they’ve given to Milton Keynes’ parks, but for doing so with so much passion.”

So next time you’re out for a stroll through Campbell Park or enjoying the peace at Ouzel Valley, take a moment to thank the people who make those moments possible.

Because without volunteers, summer in Milton Keynes just wouldn’t shine quite as bright.

If you’d like to find out more about volunteering with The Parks Trust, visit theparkstrust.com/volunteering.