We're looking for 10 people, aged 16–25, to join a new project uncovering the heritage of Milton Keynes – and shaping how it's shared with the public.
You’ll help bring hidden stories and fascinating places to life through curated content for a new heritage cycle and walking trail – both online and along the trail itself.
You’ll be paid full expenses throughout the course of the project.
What you’ll do
As part of the project’s Heritage Trail Team you'll:
Research the heritage and meaning of key places on the trail
Select what stories to tell and how to tell them – from local legends to architectural quirks
Help write or edit content for the project website and interpretation boards
Gather ideas on what would interest different audiences (families, young people, visitors)
Dig into archives and explore creative ways to present history
Locations you’ll help bring to life
Some of the amazing places you’ll help interpret include:
The Tree Cathedral, Newlands
Willen Lake
Milton Keynes Village (where the city got its name)
The Poplar Plantation
Woughton-on-the-Green, a medieval village
The Open University’s art trail
FutureWorld, a housing expo site
Why it’s worth your time
This is real-world experience that looks great on your CV or uni application – especially if you're interested in:
History or heritage
Media, journalism, or communications
Museums, galleries, or libraries
Education, culture, or public engagement
You’ll build skills in:
Curating and interpreting information
Writing for different audiences
Research & content planning
Teamwork & communication
Plus, you’ll get:
The chance to meet professionals working in design, heritage, archives, and place-making
To help shape something that will be seen and used by the public
Paid expenses
Who is this for?
You must be aged 16-25 and living, working or learning in Milton Keynes to join. You don’t need any past experience or qualifications, and you don’t need to be a history expert – just curious, open-minded and keen to get involved.
Whether you're a natural writer, a creative thinker, or just love where you live – we want to hear from you.
Project schedule
Most sessions will take place on selected Thursdays, 6-8pm, from September to November 2025. Sessions #2 and #4 will take place on a Saturday. Snacks and drinks are provided, and we guarantee a relaxed and sociable environment.
#1 Project kick off & trail walk | Saturday 20 September, 10am-3.30pm, Big Shop Friday
Meet your team, explore the project and get inspired. You’ll help shape what we focus on and how we work together.
After lunch, we’ll take the trail and discover the stories. Join us for a walk along the route, visiting key heritage sites. Snap, sketch, record or write your instant thoughts!
Full lunch, snacks & drinks provided.
#2 Archive Dive Part 1: Research Visit | Thursday 25 September, 6-8pm, MK City Discover Centre
We’ll head to MK City Discovery Centre to dig through original material, uncover hidden stories and spark ideas for how history can connect with young audiences today.
#3 Marketing Masterclass | Thursday 9 October, 6-8pm, Big Shop Friday
Dive into audience targeting, content ideas, and how to make your voice heard. You’ll leave with skills useful for campaigns, brands, and creative careers. With marketing expert Sophie Neal.
#4 Archive Dive Part 2: Research Session | Saturday 11 October, 10-1pm, Big Shop Friday
Explore MK’s digital archives – and remix them with your perspective. What stands out to you? What stories are missing? With support from Living Archive & Bucks Archives.
#5 Story Lab: Youth Voices on the Trail | Thursday 23 October, 6-8pm, Big Shop Friday
Whose stories are we telling – and how? We’ll explore personal connections to local places and figure out how to weave youth voices into the trail experience.
#6 Design & Digital | Thursday 20 November, 6-8pm, Big Shop Friday
You’ll explore MK’s design roots and consider ideas like interactive maps, Augmented Reality, accessible design, and tone of voice. With designer, Daniel Chehade.
#7 What Makes the Cut? | Thursday 27 November, 6-8pm, Big Shop Friday
Together, we’ll gather everything you’ve created – from archive finds to stories and ideas – and decide what makes it into the final trail experience.
How to join
Places are limited, sign up now! Registration closes: 13 September 2025
Click here to complete a registration form — it takes just 5 minutes!
This project is commissioned by Milton Keynes City Council and The Parks Trust as part of Look Again, a guide to Central Milton Keynes’ unique modern heritage, art, architecture and design.
