Local Campaign to Preserve Historic Wavendon Greenspace Gains Momentum in Milton Keynes

A grassroots movement to transform the abandoned Wavendon golf course into a public greenspace is gaining traction among local residents. T

The golf course, left untouched for the past five years since the development of the Eagle Farm and Glebe Farm housing estates, is now at risk of being lost to further housing development, sparking widespread concern in the community.

Currently, residents of these estates have limited direct access to the former golf course which is scheduled for housing development subject to planning permission being by granted Milton Keynes Council. Although a previous application for development was refused, the threat of further attempts looms large.

Local advocates argue that the area is far from a vacant plot; it is a historic and environmentally significant site that should be preserved for future generations. The site is home to ancient, protected trees, a heritage driveway, wildlife habitats, ponds, and a protected ancient mound. It forms a critical green corridor linking Caldecotte Lakes through Wavendon to Bedford, enhancing the ecological and historical landscape of the region.

"There is an urgent need for more greenspace in our community," said a spokesperson for the Wavendon Park Campaign. "This site is a ready-made park, rich in history and natural beauty, and it would be a tragedy to see it replaced by housing. Our vision is to create a public park that future generations can enjoy forever."

In an effort to raise awareness and gather support, the campaigners are organising guided walks every Sunday at 10:30 am, starting from the area opposite Wavendon Arms. These walks will introduce residents to the public footpaths that cross the site, allowing them to experience firsthand the natural beauty that is at risk of being lost. The walks are suitable for all ages, though parents are advised that pushchairs, prams, and buggies may not fit through the kissing gates.

The campaign is urging residents to participate in the ongoing Milton Keynes 2050 local plan Consultation to voice their support for preserving this unique greenspace. "If people haven’t seen what’s at stake, they can’t fully appreciate what they’re losing," added the spokesperson. "We encourage everyone to come out and see this hidden gem for themselves."

Residents and supporters can follow the campaign on Facebook at Wavendon Park for updates and additional information. They can share their feedback ON Milton Keynes 2050 local plan on https://tinyurl.com/mrjwhm96 by scrolling down to section 16 and that is the area east of Newport Road and adding their comments in the boxes provided.

About the Wavendon Park Campaign:

The Wavendon Park Campaign is a community-led initiative dedicated to preserving the former Wavendon golf course as a public park. The campaign seeks to protect this historic and ecologically valuable site from further housing development and ensure it remains a vital green space for future generations.

Wavendon Parish Council has arranged with MK City Council that a MK2050 drop-in session with citycouncil planning officers take place on Friday 27th September between 2.30pm and 7.30pm in the Wavendon Hub off Dankworth Way in Wavendon.

Residents are urged to use this opportunity to hear firsthand what MK City Council is proposing for land east of Newport Road in the parish and for other sites in nearby communities.