The park contains the site of a deserted medieval village at Woolstone, featuring visible earthworks of former dwellings.
The landscape is designated as a County Wildlife Site due to the presence of rare flora in the unimproved grasslands.
Part of the park includes the Ouzel Valley Park Local Nature Reserve, officially recognized for its biodiversity value.
The ancient hedgerows within the valley are estimated to be several hundred years old, acting as critical corridors for local wildlife.
The river restoration projects along the Ouzel have re-introduced meanders to improve water quality and flood management.
Ouzel Valley Park is a linear greenbelt stretching along the River Ouzel in Milton Keynes, connecting Woughton Park to Middleton. The landscape encompasses a diverse range of habitats including wildflower meadows, ancient hedgerows, and riparian woodlands. The park functions as a wildlife corridor, supporting populations of kingfishers, barn owls, and water voles. Historic remnants within the site include the medieval site of Woughton and the remains of the hamlet of Woolstone. The area features a network of surfaced and unsurfaced paths suitable for walking, cycling, and equestrian use. It is managed by The Parks Trust, an independent charity overseeing green space in Milton Keynes. The valley floor is prone to seasonal flooding, which maintains the nutrient-rich quality of the soil and diverse plant life. The route integrates with the wider Milton Keynes redway system for non-vehicular travel.
The wooden bridge crossing the River Ouzel near the Woolstone medieval site.
Wear waterproof footwear as the low-lying riverside paths frequently become muddy or waterlogged.
Bring binoculars to observe the barn owls that hunt in the meadows near the Woolstone area at dusk.
Check the local river level reports if heavy rain has occurred, as sections of the valley paths can flood.
Attempting to cycle on narrow meadow paths during wet winter months; straying into marked conservation zones.
Keep dogs under close control near grazing livestock; take all litter home.
