£213K Boost Secured for Milton Keynes Wetland Arc

A major boost is on the way for one of Milton Keynes’ most unique natural landscapes. The River Great Ouse Valley Wetland Arc has just secured a £213,000 grant to shape its future, improving both wildlife habitats and public access.

Stretching across 355 hectares—roughly the size of 500 football fields—the Wetland Arc includes floodplain meadows, nature sites, and linear parkland running alongside the River Great Ouse. It’s a vital stretch of green space where visitors and wildlife can thrive together.

What makes this project exciting?

• A new community-led masterplan is being developed.

• Local voices—residents, schools, and volunteers—will directly shape the future through idea fairs, science projects, and hands-on events.

• A dedicated project officer will be hired to engage new audiences and make sure the park’s future reflects community needs.

Victoria Miles, Chief Executive of The Parks Trust, summed it up perfectly: their vision is to design city landscapes that benefit both nature and people—forever.

The grant, awarded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will allow The Parks Trust to plan ahead while balancing two big goals: keeping the space wild and beautiful for animals, and making it welcoming and accessible for people.

Lewis Dickinson, Nature Services Manager, highlighted the urgency: wetlands across the globe are disappearing, so protecting and restoring local lakes, rivers, and floodplains has never been more important.

Founded in 1992, The Parks Trust already manages around 6,000 acres of green space in Milton Keynes, including river valleys, ancient woods, lakes, and parklands. Now, with this new funding, the Wetland Arc is set to become a model of sustainability—where community involvement and nature conservation go hand in hand.