The Parks Trust begin to revive Great Linford Manor Park

Construction work is due to start on the restoration of Great Linford Manor Park in Milton Keynes, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.

Great Linford Manor Park, owned by independent charity The Parks Trust, has a history that can be traced back to the Saxon times, but many of its features date to the 17th and 18th centuries when the park was created to provide the setting for the impressive Manor house (a private property).

The Parks Trust have been awarded £3.1m by the National Lottery to ‘Reveal, Revive and Restore’ Great Linford Manor Park. With this funding they are restoring elements of the 18th century English Landscape Garden that was laid out by historic owners of the Manor. Now that the Development stage is complete, The Parks Trust have contracted landscapers Ground Control to deliver the park’s masterplan. Available to view on The Trust’s website www.theparkstrust.com/glmp the masterplan was designed by landscape architects Jon Sheaff & Associates, who are behind the restoration of The Royal Parks’ Greenwich Park in London, with input from The Parks Trust and local Historic Landscape Architect Rebecca Hiorns.

The Parks Trust Project Manager James Cairncross said: “Great Linford Manor Park is a unique and special place in Milton Keynes, a historic designed landscape now forming part of a wider network of parks and open spaces under the care of The Parks Trust. The remains of an 18th century landscape is still there and with this funding we’re able to revive the park and make its history more obvious to visitors. We’re pleased to have appointed Ground Control to work with us on the project and look forward to work starting soon”.

One of the most significant areas for restoration are the Water Gardens. The Parks Trust will be making the natural spring that feeds the ponds more visible, creating new paths around the ponds and restoring the cascade between them. They will also be restoring and interpreting the Doric Seat, an 18th century folly that was destroyed in the 1970s. Across the park signage will be improved, providing information about the restored heritage features, and new paths will provide better access for all visitors.

Stuart McLeod, Director London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We’re delighted to support work to restore Great Linford Manor Park, celebrating and raising awareness of its design and history. Thanks to National Lottery players, local people will be able to enjoy this natural space as it was originally intended over 300 years ago.”

As the capital works progress, visitors will continue to have access to the park, where they will find information about what is planned at each stage and updates will also be made available on social media and online. Throughout, The Parks Trust will be continuing to deliver its events and activity programme and visitors are advised to check the website for upcoming events in the park.