York Environment Festival

York rivers trail: Stories, nature and resilience along the river
2026-10-03 10:00 - 11:15, 2026-10-03 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | North Street Gardens, North Street Gardens, North Street, York, YO1 6JD, United Kingdom
Join us for a guided exploration of the newly launched York rivers trail and discover how York’s rivers support nature, shape communities and contribute to a more climate-resilient city.
Participants will explore local history, biodiversity and environmental change while reflecting on their relationship with York’s waterways and sharing ideas to help shape the trail’s future.
The York rivers trail is a City of York Council and Ousewem initiative exploring the relationship between people, place and water. Working with local communities, artists, schools, historians and environmental organisations, we create opportunities for people to discover York’s rivers through nature, creativity, heritage and climate resilience. Our aim is to connect more people with the environment and inspire positive action for future generations.
Reserve your spot here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/cityofyorkcouncil1/2364580
Find out more: www.york.gov.uk/york-rivers-trail

Future Eco Warriors seed the Rampart of York City Walls
2026-10-03 10:00 - 16:00 | Fishergate Postern Tower, Piccadilly, York, YO1 9AF, United Kingdom
The young visitors will:
• Be helped to identify what is growing on the rampart now
• Learn of the five-year programme to increase wildflowers by reducing soil nutrients
• The pollinator-friendly plants which will be growing in the future
• How the rampart will look in 7 and 70 years time
• The part they can play in bringing this about
They will cap this off by making their own seed pot out of newspaper and sowing a wildflower seed to take away as the beginning of their eco-warrior lives.
Suitable for ages 4+. No booking required, just drop in!
Find us at the Fishergate Postern Tower, Piccadilly, York YO1 9AF.

York Long Table
2026-10-03 19:00 - 21:15 | The Citadel, 69A Gillygate, York, YO31 7EA
An affordable, nourishing community meal focused on good food sourced from local producers and growers, cooked by the wonderful team at Yahala Mataam. Inspired by Denmark’s social dining culture, York Long Table encourages diners to connect with people whilst enjoying their meal over conversation topics relating to food. Discover where your meal has come from, meet local growers and discuss how you could enjoy more local, good food.
Donations on a pay-what-you-can basis, suggested amount £8. Book your place here: https://yorklongtable.eventbrite.com
Suitable for ages 3+, with all under 12s to be accompanied by an adult.

York rivers trail: The rivers and us
2026-10-04 09:00 - 2026-10-29 18:00 | City Screen Picture House, 13-17 Coney St, York, YO1 9QL
York rivers trail: The rivers and us is an exhibition exploring the relationship between people, rivers, nature and place in York.
Through photography, stories and creative responses inspired by York’s rivers, visitors will discover perspectives on nature, heritage, wellbeing and climate resilience. Part of the wider York rivers trail programme, the exhibition invites reflection on the importance of rivers to communities, nature and York’s future.
No tickets needed – please visit during CityScreen opening times.
Find out more about the York Rivers Trail here: https://www.york.gov.uk/YorkRiversTrail

Climate Fresk
2026-10-07 13:30 - 16:30 | Sustainability Clinic, University of York Campus West, Heslington, York, Yorkshire, YO10 5DD
Take part in a 3-hour interactive workshop to understand the causes and consequences of climate change and how to take action: open to all.
This collaborative workshop uses an interactive card game to make the fundamental science behind climate change accessible and empowers participants to take action. Climate facts are sourced from scientific publications found in the IPCC reports: these are the same reports that inform global political and economic decision-making at the highest level.
Suitable for ages 16+. Note: spaces are limited. Later submissions may be placed on a waiting list.
Please sign up to secure your spot and make us aware of any accessibility requirements via our Google sign up form https://forms.gle/xdRbXDz1yMBv7jMY6
Find the Sustainability Clinic on the University of York Campus West – here is a link to the interactive university map: https://www.york.ac.uk/map/#locidmsd-r-b10
If you have any questions about our sessions, or can no longer attend, please contact esay@york.ac.uk

Cultivating Biodiversity in a Churchyard
2026-10-08 14:00 - 15:00 | All Saints North Street, York, YO1 6JD, United Kingdom
In this short, informal talk, Beki Hagger from St Nicks will talk about how the church grounds are being managed for biodiversity, providing a vital link in the ‘Green Corridors’ through the urban centre of York and creating a sanctuary for local wildlife.
The event aims to inspire others with custodianship of even small patch of land to consider management that allows flora and fauna to thrive as it has in the grounds of this historic church.
All welcome, so come along – no booking needed. Any donations support the maintenance and running of the historic church and public engagement activities.

STEWdent and Song
2026-10-09 16:00 - 19:00 | King’s Manor, Exhibition Square, York, YO1 7EP
YSJ Living Lab, York Together and Singing Resistance York bring you a feast for your ears, voice, belly & mind. After a workshop to learn powerful songs of climate resilience, you will then be fed a delicious, vegan stew!
York Together will then bring their lively STEW model of grassroots funding to the Living Lab’s Friendly Living Fund. Students will each pitch their projects, and the audience will then vote on which project will benefit young people and the climate the most.
100% of donations raised will go to support student-led climate resilience projects.
Booking essential: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stewdent-and-song-tickets-1994947187741
Find out more at:
Instagram: @ysj_livinglab, @york.together, @adderstone.duo and @singing_vicar (for Singing Resistance)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-social-justice-at-york-st-john-university/posts and an.finnegan for York Together
King’s Manor, Exhibition Square, YO1 7EP

St Nicks Autumn Fayre
2026-10-10 13:00 - 17:00 | St Nicks Environment Centre and Nature Reserve, Rawdon Ave, York, YO10 3FW
St Nicks’ Autumn Fayre is a free-to-attend, community-led event for the whole family. Filled to the brim with good vibes and cosy Autumn cheer, it helps and inspires people from York live more sustainably. All are welcome to come along and enjoy the activities, live music, food, drink and fun!
Drop in – all welcome!

Permaculture, the park, and climate justice guided tour
2026-10-10 13:30 - 15:00 | Homestead Park Pavillion, The Homestead, 40 Water End, York, YO30 6WP, United Kingdom
This gardener-led tour is a chance to explore Homestead Park through a permaculture lens.
The park team work to create a wonder filled space which also supports our ecosystems in a time of climate crisis – a lot of thought goes into it! This tour is great for those who want to dig beneath the surface and discover the “why?” behind the park’s methods and practices.
Optional tea, cake and connection to follow. No booking required, just turn up!
Meet outside the Homestead Park pavilion (whatthreewords reference: ///ears.feast.boots). Please be aware, we may go off the beaten track and stand for periods of time.

Water and us: simple actions for healthier rivers
2026-10-13 18:30 - 20:00 | West Offices, West Offices, Station Rise, York, YO1 6GA, United Kingdom
York’s rivers connect our communities, support wildlife and shape the city’s future. This interactive discussion will explore practical actions residents can take, from planting and rain gardens to water butts, depaving and sustainable drainage.
Inspired by the York rivers trail and its wider “The rivers and us” programme, the event will consider how local action can support biodiversity, climate resilience and healthier rivers for future generations.
Book your free place here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/cityofyorkcouncil1/2364848

Cli-mic Night
2026-10-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Spark York, 17-21 Piccadilly, York, YO1 9PB
Join us for a night of climate and environment related poetry, music, and spoken word. Come along as a performer, or simply sit back and enjoy the show!
No booking required, just drop in!

Could York be a National Park City?
2026-10-14 18:30 - 20:00 | West Offices, West Offices, Station Rise, York, YO1 6GA, United Kingdom
What if York could become a National Park City? How would being a National Park City influence the way people in York experience work, play and travel?
This event invites anyone interested in these questions to shape the path we collectively take towards the bold idea of establishing York as one of the next globally-recognised National Park Cities!
Come with questions and ideas, and learn about the National Park City movement!
Suitable for ages 12+.
Booking is required for this event and can be done through the following link: https://forms.gle/vYvPvUqHPbavx7zY8

How will extreme heat change our lives?
2026-10-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Spark York, 17-21 Piccadilly, York, YO1 9PB
Following the extreme heat, lack of rain and wildfires this summer, Jan Selby, Professor of International Politics and Climate Change at the University of Leeds, will explain the science behind the changes to our weather and introduce a discussion on what we can do about the impacts.
We’d really welcome participation from organisations or individuals who work with vulnerable people or who offer solutions to help us adapt our homes, buildings and public spaces.
Join us in person at Spark (in the Show Room on the first floor) – no booking needed.
This is event is most suitable for ages 14+, but all are welcome!

What would a community-supported farm bring to York? Ways to address local food and climate resilience
2026-10-15 19:30 - 22:30 | Bleubird Bakery, 201 Acomb Road, York, YO24 4HD
What would a community-supported farm bring to York?
Learn about ways to address local food & climate resilience with community-supported agriculture. This event will include a facilitated panel discussion, and audience Q&A, to learn about community supported agriculture.
Book online and join us at Bluebird Bakery in Acomb. All are welcome!

Small Hands - Meaningful Moments
2026-10-16 09:30 - 11:30 | Acomb Methodist Church, Front Street, Acomb, York, YO24 3BX
For parents with babies, toddlers and children in primary school this is an opportunity to see how nature play can inspire your child to connect with nature, with free flow play activities in the garden and meet Natalie from Evergreen Park Exploring to get your top tips! The nappy library will be there so you can see how reusable nappies are easy and fun! Find out what’s going on in your local area and enjoy good coffee & cake at the cafe run by Acomb Methodist Church.
Join us at Acomb Methodist Church, no booking needed. Suitable for babies to children aged 11.

Ready, Set, Rawcliffe! - Party in the Park
2026-10-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Rawcliffe Country Park, Rawcliffe, York, YO30 5RX
Every year, York Cares hosts a Big Community Challenge – four weeks of volunteering delivered by our ECO Team partners and volunteers from across York. This year, our challenge is ‘Ready, Set, Rawcliffe!‘, and focuses on making Rawcliffe Country Park a more sustainable, more enjoyable, place for residents and visitors of our city to enjoy. On the final day, we’ll be hosting a ‘celebration’ event to inaugurate the park, and show people how unique and vital a green space Rawcliffe is for York.

Join us to cut the ribbon on a new, improved Rawcliffe Country Park! There will be music, food, activities – and you can try out our new ‘soundwalk’ trail of Rawcliffe. No booking needed, just turn up!
Read more about the project here: https://www.yorkcares.co.uk/about/blog/ready-set-rawcliffe-announcing-our-big-community-challenge-2026/

York! Get to grips with the Ecological Crisis @ Homestead Park
2026-10-17 10:00 - 13:00 | Homestead Park Pavillion, The Homestead, 40 Water End, York, YO30 6WP, United Kingdom
The Biodiversity Collage is a visual, interactive, and accessible workshop that aims to raise awareness around the ecological crisis. It is based on the 2019 IPBES report from the UN. The collaborative workshop invites participants to share their knowledge while making this important scientific report fun and accessible.
During this workshop, you will discover key concepts around biodiversity, the interactions with human activities and the threats caused by its destruction.
Find us at: Homestead Park Pavillion. The Homestead, 40 Water End York YO30 6WP
what3words.com/flips.nurses.renew (find out more about what3words)
Suitable for ages 14+. Book online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/york-get-to-grips-with-the-ecological-crisis-homestead-park-tickets-1544004702629?aff=oddtdtcreator

Castle Howard's Future Landscapes - From Hundred Springs to Climate Extremes
2026-10-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Patch, The Bonding Warehouse, Patch, The Bonding Warehouse, Terry Avenue, York, YO1 6FA, United Kingdom
Castle Howard’s acclaimed Future Landscapes series comes to the York Environment Festival for a panel discussion on water in a changing climate.
Inspired by Henderskelfe, meaning “Hundred Springs“, speakers from Castle Howard, Environment Bank, Howardian Hills National Landscape and Young Wilders will explore flooding, drought and landscape resilience.
This panel discussion is perfect for anyone interested in nature, climate and water. Suitable for ages 12+.
Reserve your spot online: https://www.castlehoward.co.uk/whats-on/natural-environment-events

What’s in the water? Using data to tackle misinformation and drive change
2026-10-22 18:00 - 19:30 | York Explore Library, Library Square, York, YO1 7DS
Is the Ouse an open sewer, or a river we’re forgetting how to know?
This interactive evening explores how myths, headlines and assumptions shape public perceptions of York’s river, and how citizen science and community knowledge can help us build a clearer picture and drive change.
Featuring Ouse It or Lose It, the University of York’s AQUA Project and local river partners, with discussion and audience Q&A. With images from the City Archive as hosted by Explore York Library and Archives.
Suitable for ages 14+, people under the age of 14 can attend if accompanied by a responsible adult.
Tickets for this free event are available at https://exploreyork.org.uk/whats-on/

How York can resist Drax's Dirty Data Centre
2026-10-23 19:00 - 20:30 | Spark York, 17-21 Piccadilly, York, YO1 9PB
Join us to find out how to take action against Drax’s tree burning power station. Learn about their plans to build an AI data in Yorkshire in collaboration with the University of York, which would enable them to profit from harming marginalised communities for decades to come. Whether you are looking to try something new or are a seasoned campaigner/organiser – there is something for everyone!
We need people power now more than ever. There will be a panel followed by discussion. Booking is not required – just turn up!
All donations will go towards buying materials and supporting campaigners with costs such as travel.

York rivers trail: the rivers and us - following the Foss
2026-10-24 10:00 - 11:15, 2026-10-24 12:00 - 13:15 | Tower Gardens, York, YO1
Join us for a guided exploration of the River Foss and its role in shaping York’s past, present and future.
Starting on the York rivers trail and following part of the New Walk, participants will explore the Foss’s heritage, wildlife and role in climate resilience. Through guided conversation and creative engagement, the walk invites participants to reflect on the future of York’s rivers, communities and natural environment.
We will meet at Tower Gardens, near Clifford’s Tower.
Book your place here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/cityofyorkcouncil1/2364785
Find out more about the York Rivers Trail here: https://www.york.gov.uk/YorkRiversTrail

Get to grips with the Planetary Boundaries @ Homestead Park
2026-10-24 10:00 - 13:00 | Homestead Park Pavillion, The Homestead, 40 Water End, York, YO30 6WP, United Kingdom
Perhaps you’ve got your head around the climate crisis? Or the ecological crisis? It’s already a head scratcher. The Stockholm Resilience Centre have identified a further 7 other earth systems that we need to be aware of. Together they call these “”planetary boundaries.”
These 9 planetary boundaries are exposed and explained in this systemic and collaborative 3-hour workshop.
Find us at: Homestead Park Pavillion. The Homestead, 40 Water End York YO30 6WP
what3words.com/flips.nurses.renew (Find out more about what3words)
Suitable for ages 14+. Book online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/york-get-to-grips-with-the-planetary-boundaries-homestead-tickets-1996252716613?aff=oddtdtcreator

Better Buses National Conference
2026-10-24 10:30 - 16:00 | Friends Meeting House, Friargate, York, YO1 9RL
Join campaigners from across the UK to mark 40 years of bus deregulation & discuss progress towards getting our buses back in public control.
This is a conference of interest to public transport campaigners, environmental activists, trade unions, pensioners and anyone concerned about the future of public transport.
The conference will bring together campaigners for better buses to share experiences and plan the way forward. There will be workshops on free fares, rural transport, experiences of franchising campaigns, accessibility, working conditions on buses and more.
People under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Reserve your spot here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/better-buses-national-conference-in-person-in-york-and-online-tickets-1993610834673
All donations will support paying for the venue, refreshments and any admin expenses.

Celebration of Repair Cafes
2026-10-24 11:00 - 15:00 | York Explore Library, Library Square, York, YO1 7DS
Join the combined Repair Cafes of York together with York Explore for a showcase Repair Cafe to meet volunteer fixers at work, find out what goes on in a repair cafe, learn about what can be mended, and take away advice, inspiration and new skills.
Workshops in mending techniques will be available alongside the Repair Cafe. Open to any and all ages, if you have ever had anything break and wonder whether it can be fixed, or wanted to reduce waste or save money by mending, this is for you.
Find us at York Explore Library, no booking needed.

Clifton Apple Weekend: Apple Day at Homestead
2026-10-25 12:00 - 16:00 | Homestead Park Pavillion, The Homestead, 40 Water End, York, YO30 6WP, United Kingdom
Join us for a fun-filled celebration of apples! Joined by preserving-whizz Marion Burgess for a day of fruity fun for all ages.
Find us on the Main Lawn from 11am – 3pm, no need to book.

Try your hand at apple pressing and enjoy some fresh juice
Get stuck into some autumnal crafts
Finish with our autumn open mic music

Everyone is welcome. If you have a surplus of apples, do bring them along to make into delicious juice. No Apples? No problem, you can still get involved in all the activities!
The event will be held near the main lawn and in the Homestead Park pavilion – to find us, head to the pavilion (whatthreewords reference: ///ears.feast.boots).

The rivers and us: stories in motion
2026-10-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Rowntree Park, Terry Avenue, York, YO23 1JQ
Join us for a creative family workshop inspired by York’s rivers, wildlife and changing environment.
Through storytelling, imagination and performance activities, families will explore how rivers support nature, shape communities and contribute to a healthy future. Inspired by themes from the York rivers trail, participants will create characters, stories and short performances exploring wildlife, water, flooding and life along the river.
Book here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/cityofyorkcouncil1/2364644
Booking information:

Suitable for families with children aged 5+. No previous drama or performance experience is required.
This workshop is designed for families to participate together. Capacity is limited to 20 people in total, including both children and accompanying adults. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Activities are designed to encourage family groups to create, explore and take part together.
Set within Rowntree Park, the amphitheatre is near the southern tennis courts and recreation field (Millennium Bridge side).

Why Trees Matter
2026-10-27 12:00 - 16:00 | Rawcliffe Country Park, Rawcliffe, York, YO30 5RX
Join us at Rawcliffe Country Park for a fun, family-friendly drop-in event exploring the amazing world of trees. Discover how trees help tackle climate change, reduce pollution and flooding, support wildlife, and provide food. Learn to identify a variety of local trees, enjoy hands-on tree planting demonstrations, and find out how to get trees for your own garden or community.
Perfect for children, young people, families, and nature lovers. All welcome – just drop in!
No age restrictions but children should be accompanied by an adult.
Find us in Rawcliffe Country Park at the Park and Ride – use the What3Words location ///duck.making.soak.

The rivers and us: future voices
2026-10-27 14:00 - 16:00 | Rowntree Park, Terry Avenue, York, YO23 1JQ
What kind of future do we want for York’s rivers?
Drawing inspiration from the York rivers trail, this creative workshop invites young people to explore rivers, climate resilience, nature and community through storytelling, discussion and performance. Participants will develop creative responses, share their perspectives and consider how individual and collective action can help shape a more sustainable and resilient future for York’s rivers, communities and natural environment.
Book your place here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/cityofyorkcouncil1/2364683
Booking information:

Suitable for young people aged 13+. No previous drama or performance experience is required.
Capacity is limited to 10 participants to allow time for discussion, creative development and performance.
The workshop is designed for young people aged 13+ to participate independently, although parents and carers are expected to remain on site.
Set within Rowntree Park, the amphitheatre is near the southern tennis courts and recreation field (Millennium Bridge side).
