The Wetland Arc stretches across the north of Milton Keynes and is made up of 355 hectares (about 500 football pitches!) of linear parkland, nature sites and floodplain meadows along the course of the River Great Ouse and is home to some of the area’s most important biodiversity sites.
Over the next two years The Parks Trust will create a community-led masterplan for the Wetland Arc, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Project will fuse the views of local people with ambitions for nature restoration and protecting the natural heritage of the Wetland Arc for future generations.
Community involvement is at the heart of this project, and The Parks Trust will continue to work with a variety of community groups, parish councils, volunteers, and Access Ambassadors to ensure the project reflects local needs.
A significant project within the wider Wetland Arc initiative is that of Trinity Meadow, an ambitious two‑year pilot program designed to transform a formerly plain grass field into a rich and diverse wildlife haven.
Since mid‑February, 218 people have taken part in planting and habitat‑creation efforts. Participants include local primary and secondary schools, Milton Keynes College, the Deanshanger Integration Project (supporting asylum seekers), members of the public, and Parks Trust staff and volunteers.
As part of the habitat transformation, volunteers have planted 14 different native tree species, including oak, field maple, black poplar, small‑leaved lime, elder, guelder rose, blackthorn, hawthorn, and hazel.
The project will create a mosaic of habitats including ponds, wet and dry woodland, wildlife scrapes, hibernacula, and dead wood piles. These features will support insects, birds, mammals, amphibians, and fungi, helping to boost biodiversity and build climate resilience.
Florie Bryant, Wetland Arc Project Officer said, “it’s been a privilege having so many different groups take part in this project which will leave a lasting impact for the wildlife of northern Milton Keynes”.
As a pilot project, Trinity Meadow will help The Parks Trust identify the most effective approaches for improving local greenspaces and supporting nature recovery. The project will continue over the next two years and involve multiple groups and individuals from the local community.
Find out more about the project here by watching the latest video
It’s time to have your say in shaping the future of the Wetland Arc parks. The Parks Trust have launched a community survey to collect information on how the parks are being used and how they can improve them for people and for nature. The survey is now open and can be accessed at app.maptionnaire.com/q/wetland-arc
The Wetland Arc Project is supported with a £213,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
