When it comes to protecting natural spaces, Milton Keynes just scored big. A major wetland project in the River Great Ouse Valley has received a game-changing £213,000 grant, paving the way for a greener, more accessible future for both wildlife and people.
So, what’s the buzz all about? The Wetland Arc—a stunning 355-hectare stretch (picture about 500 football fields) of parkland, meadows, and river floodplains—is getting a fresh vision for the future. Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Parks Trust will lead the charge in crafting a community-driven masterplan to preserve and enhance this natural treasure.
Why it matters
Across the globe, wetland habitats are disappearing at an alarming rate. Lewis Dickinson, the Trust’s nature services manager, put it plainly: it’s more crucial than ever to protect lakes, rivers, and floodplains before they’re lost forever. The Wetland Arc offers a rare opportunity not just to safeguard nature but to create a living, breathing landscape that welcomes visitors too.
A plan for people and wildlife
The goal isn’t just conservation—it’s balance. The Trust envisions a sustainable park that thrives with wildlife while remaining open and accessible for everyone. From walking trails to bird-watching spots, the project aims to bring people closer to nature without compromising the ecosystems that make this place so special.
Victoria Miles, Chief Executive of The Parks Trust, summed it up perfectly: “Our aim is to create city landscapes that deliver more for both nature and people in Milton Keynes, forever.” It’s about ensuring future generations inherit a vibrant green space that continues to grow and adapt.
Community at the heart
This isn’t a top-down project. Local schools, families, and volunteers will be invited to take part in shaping the Wetland Arc’s future. Expect community events, hands-on volunteering, citizen science projects, and even idea fairs where residents can pitch their visions. By weaving together local voices with expert planning, the project hopes to create a space that reflects both the natural environment and the community it serves.
And here’s another exciting element: part of the grant will fund the hiring of a dedicated project officer. Their mission? To connect with new audiences, rally community input, and make sure local ideas are baked right into the long-term plan.
A legacy of green care
If you’re not familiar, The Parks Trust isn’t new to this kind of work. Founded in 1992 as an independent charity, it already looks after more than 6,000 acres of green space across Milton Keynes—everything from ancient woodlands and riversides to lakes, parks, and even the landscaped areas along the city’s grid roads. The Wetland Arc project builds on decades of stewardship, proving that conservation and community can go hand-in-hand.
Looking ahead
Imagine this: a lush, restored river corridor buzzing with wildlife, yet fully open for residents and visitors to explore. That’s the future The Parks Trust is aiming for with the Wetland Arc. With the boost from this grant, the dream of a sustainable, community-powered, wildlife-rich landscape is closer than ever.
In short, this project isn’t just about preserving land—it’s about creating a legacy. A place where nature and people thrive side by side.
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