Local people in Milton Keynes are being encouraged to take part in the Big Butterfly Count event to track butterfly numbers.
The Parks Trust, which is the charity that cares for the city’s parks, is calling on residents to take part in the 2025 edition of this event, which will be running until 10th August.
People can do so by simply spending 15 minutes in a sunny spot and recording the butterflies you see.
Tracking this data is intended to help contribute towards a national database that helps track population trends and inform future conservation efforts.
Milton Keynes is home to 32 butterfly species, including the nationally scarce Black Hairstreak which has been spotted recently in local woodland. Other species to look out for include the Red Admiral, Peacock, Gatekeeper, and Speckled Wood.
Sadly, over half of the UK’s butterfly species are in long-term decline, with 2024 being the fifth worst on record for butterfly populations. Factors such as wet spring weather, pesticide use, and habitat loss have all contributed to this worrying trend.
In a statement, The Parks Trust said, “That’s why The Parks Trust and the Butterfly Conservation are encouraging everyone to get involved, from curious nature lovers to seasoned lepidopterists (people who study butterflies and moths).”
Carla Boswell, Biodiversity Officer at The Parks Trust, added, “This is a fantastic opportunity for families, friends and individuals to connect with nature and support our precious wildlife. Every butterfly counted helps to build a clearer picture of how our local and national species are faring.”
There are lots of ways you can help, including
- Plant native wildflowers in your garden or balcony to support butterflies and caterpillars.
- Provide shallow water dishes, butterfly houses, and feeding stations.
- Avoid using harmful pesticides and support wildlife-friendly policies.
- Record your sightings during the Big Butterfly Count and become a citizen scientist.
To learn more and to get involved, visit theparkstrust.com/butterflies
Three MK Dons games between October and January have been selected for TV coverage by Sky Sports and will now have their kick-off times revised.
Home games against Gillingham, Fleetwood Town and Chesterfield were all chosen
Sky published their selections earlier today (29/07) for all games to be shown on their network between early October and mid-January, covering a large chunk of the upcoming 2025/26 season.
MK Dons had previously had one game chosen for selection and a move of kick-off time, with their trip to Newport County in August chosen by Sky for broadcast.
The Dons’ home match against Gillingham on Saturday October 4th will have a 12:30pm kick-off time.
Fleetwood’s visit to Stadium MK on Saturday November 29th will also be brought forward from 3pm to 12:30pm.
The other chosen match will see the Dons’ game against Chesterfield on Sunday 4th January serve as a 12:30pm kick-off.
MK Dons confirmed ticket details for each match will be provided closer to the time.
Fire crews attended a multi-vehicle fire that broke out in a car park in Milton Keynes on Sunday (27/07).
The incident happened at around 1:40am in the early hours of Sunday at a car park in Northfield Drive in the Northfield area of the city.
Three crews from West Ashland, Broughton and Newport Pagnell fire stations attended the incident, which happened in a secure car park. Nine vehicles were involved in fire, one of which is believed to have been a hybrid.
Hydraulic cutting equipment, five breathing apparatus sets, two main jets, two hose reel jets and thermal imaging cameras were among the equipment all used by Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue in the initial fighting of the blaze.
No injuries have been reported as a result of the incident.
Crews remained on scene for some time damping down and monitoring temperatures, with Thames Valley Police also attending the scene of the incident.
Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue confirmed crews re-inspected the scene over the following day.
One crew remained at the scene for some time afterwards to monitor a lithium-ion car battery, with re-inspections carried out by firefighters and officers at 6.25pm, 8.45pm and 11.10pm.
Further re-inspections took place on Monday 28 July at 1.40am, 3.50am, 5.55am and 8am, with a further inspection scheduled for midday.
Alfie Doughty has left Luton Town after the left-sided player agreed to join Championship side Millwall.
The 25-year-old, who can play in defence and midfield, moves from Kenilworth Road to The Den for an undisclosed fee. He has signed a deal described by the Lions as a “long-term contract”, although no specific length has been confirmed.
Doughty moves after three years with Luton, who he had joined from Stoke City in 2022.
He played 105 times for the Hatters, scoring 6 times, with his CV including being a part of the Luton side that won promotion to the Premier League in the 2022/23 campaign and playing in all but one match in Luton’s Premier League run in the 2023/24 season.
In a brief statement confirming his departure, Luton Town said, “Everyone at Kenilworth Road would like to thank Alfie for his contribution to the club over the past three seasons and wish him all the best in his new adventure at the Den.”
Millwall’s Director of Football Steve Gallen told the London-based club’s official website that he was pleased to make the deal, which reunited him with a player who was on the books when he was at Charlton Athletic.
He said, “I am really pleased we could get this deal done. Alfie is a player I’ve known for a long time, from when we were both at Charlton. Even as recently as a year ago, there was Premier League interest in him, no doubt due to his versatility and ability both on and off the ball.
“He is an exciting footballer, and a Millwall fan, which has helped speed up the process, as he really wanted to join the club, which is an important factor when speaking to these players.”
Multiple fire crews from across the region were called after a flat fire in Newport Pagnell on Sunday (27/07).
A fire was affecting three flats within a three-storey block (around forty meters by thirty meters) on Tickford Street in Newport Pagnell near Milton Keynes was reported at around 12pm on Saturday afternoon.
Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue confirmed that six crews from Newport Pagnell, Buckingham, Aylesbury, West Ashland, Mereway and Dunstable stations attended the incident, along with four officers.
Two adults suffered the effects of breathing in smoke, while one adult received minor burns to their hand and was handed into the care of South Central Ambulance Service.
Two of the flats were 100 per cent damaged by smoke, water and fire. The third flat had smoke damage and fire damage to the loft.
Four breathing apparatus sets, three hose reel jets an aerial appliance and thermal imaging cameras were all equipment used by the firefighters in extinguishing the blaze.
Firefighters carried out re-inspections of the scene overnight. Thames Valley Police also attended and remained on scene throughout the night.
