Johnsons helps to turn Milton Keynes green

Leading commercial nursery and BALI Registered Affiliate member Johnsons of Whixley has supplied more than 25,000 plants to the Parks Trust, an independent charity that cares for around 6,000 acres of parkland and green space across Milton Keynes.

In most places, it’s common for parks to be managed by the local authority, but in Milton Keynes, the Trust has ownership to ensure the city’s unique green landscape is managed and protected forever without having to compete for funds with other council departments.

Caring for river valleys, ancient woodlands, lakesides, parks and landscaped areas alongside the main roads that represent 25% of the city, the Trust was created in 1992 and endowed with a substantial property and investment portfolio, that pays for the vital work of nurturing and enhancing the landscape, remaining entirely self-funded.

Johnsons supply to The Parks Trust included more than 20,000 hedging transplants including 9,000 Cornus, 3,500 Ligustrum ovalifolium, more than 1,200 Crataegus monogyna and over 1,000 Acer campestre. Shrub varieties included over 800 Hypericum ‘Hidcote’, 500 Pachysandra terminalis and 600 Euonymus 'Emerald 'n' Gold.

86 10-12 girth trees were also included with varieties such as Betula Jacquemontii, Carpinus betulus and Tilia Cordata all planted at Campbell Park.

Graham Richardson, Group Managing Director at Johnsons, said:

“We’re delighted to play a part in the project that is turning Milton Keynes green, with our plants, shrubs and trees ready to be showcased around the city. The Park Trust does an incredible job of caring for its much-needed green space, continuing to take ownership of additional areas as the city expands.”

Rob Riekie Landscape and Operations Director for The Parks Trust said:

“Each year we plant between 30,000 - 40,000 shrubs and trees to help to maintain and develop the green spaces within our care in Milton Keynes. The high-quality plants supplied by Johnsons help us do this as well as helping to develop the city for future generations”

Johnsons has recently celebrated its strongest year of trading in its 98-year history, reporting a turnover of £14.3m – up more than two million on the original forecast - and almost 400 new customers on the order books.

For further information about The Parks Trust, visit www.theparkstrust.com.