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. We will confirm exact dates with you. Snacks and drinks are provided, and we guarantee a relaxed and sociable environment.

#1 Project kick off

Meet your team, explore the project and get inspired. You’ll help shape what we focus on and how we work together.

#2 Marketing Masterclass

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.

#3 Trail walk

Take the trail, discover the stories. Join us for a walk along the route, visiting key heritage sites. Snap, sketch, record or write your instant thoughts!

#4 Archive Dive Part 1: Research Session

Explore MK’s digital archives – and remix them with your perspective. What stands out to you? What stories are missing?

#5 Archive Dive Part 2: Research Visit

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.

#6 Story Lab: Youth Voices on the Trail
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.

#7 Design & Digital
You’ll explore MK’s design roots and consider ideas like interactive maps, Augmented Reality, accessible design, and tone of voice.

#8 What Makes the Cut?
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 to sign up now! Registration closes: 31 August 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.