Gardening for Wildlife in Autumn
2025-10-04 10:30 - 12:15 UTC | Room 1, Clifton Explore Centre, Rawcliffe Drive, York, YO30 6NS, Clifton Explore Centre, Rawcliffe Drive, York, YO30 6NS, United Kingdom
Come along to discover how you can really make a difference for wildlife in your garden over autumn and winter by creating a mosaic of habitats and establishing food sources, shelter and water features to increase biodiversity on your doorstep. We’ll explore a range of practical steps you can take in even the smallest of spaces and you’ll create some wildflower seed balls to take home and sow in your outdoor space.
All ages welcome. Booking required and can be done here.

Game night 1: Daybreak - Can you Save the Planet?
2025-10-04 15:00 - 18:00 | Sustainability Clinic, Market Square, University of York, Sustainability Clinic, Market Square, University of York, York, YO105DD
Join us for a collaborative board game where the stakes couldn’t be higher – our planet’s future.
In Daybreak (https://www.daybreakgame.org/how-to-play), you’ll team up to tackle the global challenge of climate change by building resilient societies and introducing green technology across sectors and regions. Can your strategies avert crises and lead us toward a sustainable future? A fun, challenging, and timely experience.
This activity is suitable for anyone aged 16 years+.
Booking is required and can be done here.

Get to grips with Climate Science: Climate Fresk workshop
2025-10-07 15:00 - 18:00 | Patch York, Terry Avenue, The Bonding Warehouse, Terry Avenue, York, YO16FA, United Kingdom
Understanding climate science might seem intimidating, but it’s important we get to grips with it. The Climate Fresk turns climate science into a team game, where we work together to connect the causes, mechanisms and effects of the climate crisis, and what we can do about it.
Join an interactive workshop with trained facilitators to look at climate science in more detail, learn together, challenge our assumptions and talk about the future.
Minimum age restriction 12+.

What’s a Sustainable Economy look like for York?
2025-10-08 19:00 - 20:30 | De Grey Court Lecture Theatre, De Grey Court building, York St John University, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York, YO31 7EX, United Kingdom
York needs both a thriving, job-rich economy and considerably lower carbon emissions, but how do we do this? What are the best models to adopt, where can we learn lessons, and are we headed in the right direction? Join us for a lively and interactive panel discussion to hear from businesses, change-makers, government, and academics on their versions of a sustainable future in our city.
Booking is required and can be done so here.
No minimum age restriction.
Venue accessibility information can be found here.

Hands on with the gardeners @ York Minster
2025-10-09 10:00 - 12:00 | York Minster, Minster Yard, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH, United Kingdom
Meet the York Minster Gardening Team to hear about how they are making a home for nature in the centre of York and join in with a seasonal gardening task such as planting, preparing wildflower areas, making compost, surveying the bird nest boxes and tidying the gardens. A suitable task for the session will be chosen nearer the time.
Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Booking is required for this event. To do so, please send an email to works@yorkminster.org
Event will start by the Sensory Garden near to the Old Palace Library (YO1 7JQ).
Blue Badge parking is available on Deangate.

Curious & Creative Gardening Tour: Wildlife-Friendly Museum Gardens
2025-10-09 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-15 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Yorkshire Museum Gardens, Museum St, York, YO1 7FR, United Kingdom
Learn about the initiatives and interventions York Museums Trust’s Gardens Team have made to make their busy public garden more wildlife friendly. Take a tour around over 10 acres of grounds, discovering inspiration for your own garden or workplace green spaces.
You’ll learn about climate change and biodiversity, discover the importance of insects for the food chain and how to manage your green space throughout the seasons to create wildlife habitat, and adopt a new perspective with some native weeds.

Suited to people aged 12+ with an interest in making green spaces more wildlife friendly. Under 16’s must be accompanied by and adult.
Meet on the hard standing in front of the entrance to the Yorkshire Museum. The tour will take an accessible route around the Museum Gardens.
York Museums Trust opens York Museum Gardens free of charge for all to enjoy. As a registered charity, York Museum Trust encourage visitors to consider donating to enable the Trust to continue maintaining and preserving their gardens and buildings for generations to come.
Booking required and can be done here.
Please note: This event is weather dependant. If adverse weather conditions cause this event to be cancelled, ticket holders will be notified.

Multi-Sensory Nature Experience
2025-10-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Berrick Saul Building, University of York, Harewood Way, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD
This slow nature walk, covering <1km, is all about how we can use soundscaping, biodiversity citizen science, literature and nature-journaling to learn more about the places around us in creative and innovative ways!
Meet at the main entrance of Berrick Saul building, University of York (Heslington Campus); whatthreewords: https://w3w.co/action.frame.grass (action.frame.grass)
Participants should dress for the weather, wear close-toed shoes and bring a surface to write on e.g. a book and their smartphone to fully explore a small part of Campus West; the rest of the materials will be provided at the event.
Suitable for ages 8+.

No Jobs On a Dead Planet - Organising For A Just Transition in Workplaces
2025-10-09 17:30 - 19:00 | Priory Street Centre, 15 Priory Street, York, YO1 6ET
A panel style meeting with speakers and time for questions/discussion. There will be action points for people to take away so that they can organise around climate in their workplace even if they have never done this before.
2026 is designated as a year of climate activity across the trade union movement, with the aim to come up with concrete action to tackle the climate emergency – both in the here and now, and as part of the just transition to the green jobs needed for a sustainable future.
Suitable for ages 12+.
Booking is required for this event, and can be done here. This is a hybrid event.

Climate Listening Circle
2025-10-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Patch, The Bonding Warehouse, Patch, The Bonding Warehouse, Terry Avenue, York, YO1 6FA, United Kingdom
This Climate Listening Circle (previously known as a Climate Cafe) is a chance to meet with others and share our feelings about the climate and ecological crisis – a thinking and feeling space and a haven from busyness and activity. Sharing feelings, over a cuppa, in a supportive space can help to build our resilience in our changing and challenging world.
This event has a minimum age of 14.

Guided morning walk around Homestead Park
2025-10-11 09:00 - 11:00 | The Pavillion Homestead Park, Homestead Park, Clifton, York, YO30 6WP, United Kingdom
NOTE: This walk has been postponed from it’s original date due to adverse weather conditions. It will now take place on the 11th of October at 9am.
Start the day with a guided walk through Homestead Park. We will explore the colourful and diverse flora and fauna of early Autumn, share stories and insights from the park, and enjoy a few moments of calm and quiet among the trees. Participants will be invited to enjoy a cup of park-grown herbal tea together at the end of the walk (optional).
This will be a great event for new or experienced gardeners, nature lovers, and anyone interested in learning more about their local park.
Booking required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/york-environment-festival-guided-morning-walk-around-homestead-park-tickets-1556864015179?aff=oddtdtcreator
Suitable for ages 12+ (under 18s must be accompanied by a guardian)

Fantastic Fungi - Searching for Mushrooms in a Semi-Urban Landscape
2025-10-11 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-10-12 13:00 - 14:30 | Biology Department, University of York, Biology Department, University of, York, YO10 5DD
This easy nature walk across the University of York campus is perfect for anyone interested in learning more about local fungi species, requiring no prior knowledge! There will be lots of opportunity to stop and look for mushrooms in some key fungi hotspots, and to ask any questions you may have.
For those who came last year, this will be the exact same walk. However, since nature is unpredictable, we will likely spot some new species, and there is always more to learn!
Suitable for all ages.
No booking required.
The walk will begin at the east entrance to the biology department on the University of York campus, Heslington, YO10 (Coordinates: 53.947774, -1.056132; What3Words: tigers.able.sunset)

Weedy Walk
2025-10-12 14:00 - 15:30 | Victoria Bar off Nunnery Lane, Victoria Bar, Victor St, York, YO1 6HQ
A popular walk around Bishophill, looking at ‘weeds’ growing in untended and unintended places.
What are weeds? Unwelcome outsiders or resilient and adaptable organisms? Should we be concerned about the spraying of herbicides on our streets? What is their value to humans and insects?
We’ll have a slow short walk around Bishophill and get to know some of the plants and enjoy their interesting common names: fairy foxgloves anyone?
Booking is required for this event. To book please email laurapotts@phonecoop.coop
Suitable for ages 12+.
Any donations made at this event will be given to Pesticides Action Network UK.
For accessibility purposes, please consider that streets/pavements/alleys travelled during the walk may be uneven. Support and help can be offered if needed.

Getting your eco campaign in the news
2025-10-13 13:00 - 14:30
Tips and tricks from a multi award winning environmental journalist to help you get the attention your cause deserves. This workshop is for organisers of eco groups looking for publicity and will cover how to approach the media to get your message out.
Booking is required and can be done here.
No minimum age restriction.

Welfare Not Warfare for Climate Justice and Palestine
2025-10-13 19:00 - 22:00 | The Crescent, The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW, United Kingdom
Join us at the York Environmental Festival for Welfare Not Warfare for Climate Justice and Palestine. War and militarism drive climate breakdown—destroying ecosystems, polluting air and water, and diverting resources from a just green transition. Militaries are among the world’s biggest polluters, yet governments expand defence spending while cutting climate action. True environmentalism means resisting militarism and uniting for peace, justice, and a sustainable future.
This event is for ages 12+.
Booking required and can be done here.

Seed Harvesting
2025-10-14 13:00 - 15:30 | Rowntree Park, Terry Avenue, York, YO23 1JQ
Join us for a series of fun, hands-on sessions exploring Rowntree Park’s wildflowers and pollinator plants. Learn how to collect, clean, and pack seeds while discovering their vital role in supporting bees, butterflies, and biodiversity. No experience needed — just bring enthusiasm and enjoy connecting with nature and community!
Ideally, the sessions will follow on from each other but can be done individually. Meet underneath the Rowntree Park Reading Café.
Donations accepted towards Friends of Rowntree Park – the charity that helps maintain and improve Rowntree Park.
Event suitable for ages 18+. Booking is required and can be done here.

Game night 2: Design Your York - Planning with Urban Labor-a-tree
2025-10-14 17:30 - 20:00 | Sustainability Clinic, Market Square, University of York, Sustainability Clinic, Market Square, University of York, York, YO105DD
In this fast-paced, interactive game night, you’ll compete to build the ultimate green city using Urban Labor-a-tree, a strategy board game inspired by real community voices. Choose where to plant, who to help, and how to balance climate, nature, and people. No planning skills needed.
Get ready to put your game on and harness the power of creativity, teamwork, and a bit of strategy. Ideal for gamers, changemakers, and anyone who loves a good challenge.
Suitable for ages 16+.
Booking is required and can be done here.

Exploring Geothermal Energy at the University of York
2025-10-15 - 2025-10-17 | Ron Cooke Hub Atrium, Campus East, University of York, 133 Deramore Lane, York, YO10 5GE, Ron Cooke Hub Atrium, Campus East, University of York, 133 Deramore Lane, York, YO10 5GE
As part of York Environment Festival and World Geothermal Day 2025, the University of York is excited to be hosting a series of public events that dive into the world of geothermal energy. We’ll also be sharing the latest updates on our own geothermal project on the University’s Campus East, including details about our upcoming seismic survey works planned for late October.

Come and join us at one of our events:

Wednesday 15 October (5pm – 7pm)
Exploring Geothermal Energy drop-in: Tang Hall Explore
Join us at Tang Hall Explore to learn about geothermal energy, chat with the University’s geothermal team, and take part in interactive geothermal activities.
https://www.york.ac.uk/about/sustainability/events/2025/geothermal-energy-event-tang-hall/

Thursday 16 October (1pm – 3pm)
Exploring Geothermal Energy drop-in: York Explore Library
Join us at York Explore library to learn about geothermal energy, chat with the University’s geothermal team, and take part in interactive geothermal activities.
https://www.york.ac.uk/about/sustainability/events/2025/geothermal-energy-event-york-explore/

Friday 17 October (2pm – 6pm)
Seismic Survey Open Day
Join us in the Ron Cooke Hub atrium to learn more about the upcoming seismic survey taking place in late October, the next step in the University’s deep geothermal energy project.
https://www.york.ac.uk/about/sustainability/events/2025/seismic-survey-open-day/

Friday 17 October (6.30pm-7.30pm)
Celebrating World Geothermal Day: York’s Geothermal Exploration
Could the heat beneath our feet help power a low-carbon future? Join us for an evening exploring the science, opportunities and impact of deep geothermal energy.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/celebrating-world-geothermal-day-yorks-geothermal-exploration-tickets-1760792079509
Find out more about our Deep Geothermal Energy project: www.york.ac.uk/geothermal

Biodiversity Collage
2025-10-15 15:00 - 18:00 | Patch York, Terry Avenue, The Bonding Warehouse, Terry Avenue, York, YO16FA, United Kingdom
Uncover the intricacies of our impact on biodiversity through the interactive lens of a game that transforms ecological understanding into an engaging experience.
Age restrictions: 16+
Please book in advance through this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/get-to-grips-with-the-ecological-crisis-during-york-environment-festival-tickets-1544004702629

Creating an Urban Green Corridor - Talk
2025-10-16 18:00 - 20:00 | St Nicks Environment Centre and Nature Reserve, Rawdon Ave, York, YO10 3FW
An illustrated talk on the Solar System Greenway – from its origins as a main line railway to its current status as a Site of Interest for Nature Conservation stretching from the city centre into the countryside.

The following Saturday morning, the talk will be followed up with a guided walk and an optional cycle ride. See here for more details.
Booking is required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/creating-an-urban-green-corridor-tickets-1545670053739?aff=oddtdtcreator
Donations to the work of St Nicks or York Greenways will be welcomed.

The Humber Hovercraft - a more sustainable way for Yorkshire people to travel?
2025-10-16 19:00 - 20:00 | The House of Trembling Madness, 48 Stonegate, York, YO1 8AS, United Kingdom
This creative workshop is a follow-up to a York Festival of Ideas keynote.
It will tell the secret story of the HUMBER HOVERCRAFT and make a case for more sustainable transport here in the region in the future.
The Humber Hovercraft ran between Grimsby and Hull for a short period at the end of the 1960s. This method of crossing the river captured imaginations back in 1969 and inspired a new creative project in the north of England that took place over the past 12 months.
No booking required.

This whole earth is family - From human-centrism to ecocentrism
2025-10-16 19:00 - 21:15 | Jacob’s Well, Trinity Lane, York, YO1 6EL, United Kingdom
Led by Sociologist Dr Peter Gardner, we will explore the deep-rooted human-centrism shaping our diets, economies, laws, climate goals and outlooks. We’ll examine the alternative: ecocentrism—a worldview that sees all life, from octopuses to oysters, forests to rivers, soils to ecosystems – as holding fundamental value. Together, we will think through some of the implications of applying an ecocentric outlook in our everyday lives and across society. A one-pot vegetarian supper will be included.
Donations towards the work of Poesis are welcome.
Booking required. Please book tickets here.

York Open Eco Homes
2025-10-18 10:00 - 16:00
Visit one or more local homes that don’t cost the Earth to run. Learn from the hosts’ experiences and find inspiration for your own home.
You will see a great variety of energy saving measures, from draught-proofing and insulation to heat pumps and solar panels. More than 10 homes and an all electric caravan will be opening their doors to visitors over 3 days.
Book a free tour for one or all! Homes and addresses will be supplied after booking.
Children must be accompanied. Book via the link below or contact York Community Energy:
https://buytickets.at/yce

Creating an Urban Green Corridor - Walk and Cycle
2025-10-18 11:00 - 12:00 | St Nicks Environment Centre and Nature Reserve, Rawdon Ave, York, YO10 3FW
A guided walk and an optional cycle ride following a talk on the Solar System Greenway on 16/10/2025 (see details about the talk here).
The walk will end at the Brunswick Organic Nursery in Bishopthorpe and those with cycles can continue the length of the Greenway to Riccall. Meeting arrangements for the walk/ride will be announced at the talk.
Booking is required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/creating-an-urban-green-corridor-tickets-1545670053739?aff=oddtdtcreator
Under 16s should be accompanied by a responsible adult. Children under 7 are likely to need a buggy.
Donations to the work of St Nicks or York Greenways will be welcomed.

Open Garden at the Nose
2025-10-19 14:00 - 16:00 | St Clement’s Church, 15A Scarcroft Rd, York, YO23 1NE
This community garden is for everyone is interested in growing (and eating) beautiful edible plants, some well-known varieties, and other more unusual ones.
Visitors will have the opportunity to find out how community gardening works and how it fits with Planet South Bank’s other projects. Those with gardens of their own can exchange gardening tips, find out about unusual plant varieties or perhaps be encouraged to start growing some food for themselves. Some outdoor activities and stalls for children.

Axe Drax: Documentary Screening
2025-10-20 18:30 - 19:45 | Spark York, 17-21 Piccadilly, York, YO1 9PB
Join Axe Drax for a screening of documentary on York’s local big polluter: Drax Power Station. Learn about the resistance and join the fight!
Suitable for ages 10+
Donations are welcome and will be put towards the ongoing efforts of the Axe Drax organisation.

Green Business Forum: Energy
2025-10-21 09:30 - 12:00 | York Theatre Royal, St Leonard's Pl, York, YO1 7HD, United Kingdom
York Green Business Forum’s next event is focusing on helping businesses to tackle their energy bills and cut carbon to cut costs. You’ll hear about how to reduce your energy consumption and increase profitability, hearing first-hand from other local businesses and industry experts.
Participating businesses can access free one-to-one expert advice, participate in workshops and network with like-minded local organisations.
Booking Required: buytickets.at/cityofyorkcouncil3
Blue Badge parking is available on Duncombe Place at the rear of the theatre. Please email carbon.reduction@york.gov.uk for any specific queries about access needs.

York Bus Forum Meeting 21/10/2025
2025-10-21 17:30 - 19:00 | https://yorkenvironmentfestival.org.uk/event/york-bus-forum-meeting-21-10-2025/
Special guest is David Skaith, Mayor for York and North Yorkshire.
Transport emissions form a large part of carbon. Hear the Mayor’s plans for public transport in York with particular emphasis on bus services and how they integrate with his wider transport strategy.
This event is online. Booking is required. To book please contact: rogerfrench1148@outlook.com
