York Environment Festival

Marvellous Mushrooms: Appreciating Fungi in a Semi-Urban Landscape
2024-10-05 12:00 - 15:00 UTC | Biology Department, University of York, Biology Department, University of, York, YO10 5DD
This easy circular walk is perfect for anyone interested in learning more about their local environment, requiring no prior knowledge! There will be lots of opportunity to stop and look for mushrooms in some key fungi hotspots.
Our goal is to observe and learn about different species we find, so we will not be picking any mushrooms. As a student completing my biology masters (focusing on mycology), feel free to ask me lots of questions!
The walks take place on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October from 12:00 – 15:00. We’ll be starting and finishing by the Biology Department, University of York, East entrance.
No booking required.

Welcome to YorEnergy: Energy Solutions for Every York Home
2024-10-05 12:00 - 14:00 | Priory Street Community Centre, 15 Priory Street, York, YO1 6ET
Discover how our new service, YorEnergy, can make your home more energy and cost-efficient.
YorEnergy aims to make energy-saving solutions accessible and affordable for everyone in York. Learn about our comprehensive support and hear from retrofit experts. Our community energy champions will also share their experiences and stories.
This event is perfect for anyone interested in sustainable living and keen to reduce their energy bills. Join experts and community energy champions and discover energy-saving home solutions with YorEnergy.
Location is Priory Street Centre 15 Priory Street, York, YO1 6ET

Restoring habitats for nature
2024-10-05 11:00 - 16:00 | Naburn Community Field, Vicarage Lane, Naburn, York, YO19 4RS
Explore this evolving project in Naburn with its Community Orchard and Future Forest. Short talk on the ideas behind the project, planting so far and future plans.
Join us for a walk round the 8 acres, share ideas for creating more diverse habitats and see how many different species of plant, insect, bird, amphibian and mammal you can find.
Book in on Saturday 5th October at 11:30am, 12:30pm: 1:30pm and 2:30pm. Or Sunday 6th October at 2:30pm and 3:30pm.
For Saturday, book here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1002044531167
For Sunday, book here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1002076968187
*All ages welcome, particularly suitable for 5+.
Naburn Community Field is at the end of Vicarage Lane, Naburn, York, YO19 4RS. Park in the Village Hall car park and walk to the far end of Vicarage Lane. Find us in the last field on the right.

Wellbeing in York Museum Gardens
2024-10-05 10:00 - 14:00 | Yorkshire Museum Gardens, Museum St, York, YO1 7FR, United Kingdom
Discover the beauty and wonder in York Museum Gardens – come and ponder, share in creative art journaling or add to our landscape art.
Pick up some paper and pencils, draw, write or simply observe. from the Pavilion and connect with nature to benefit your wellbeing. Enjoy time together or sit and ponder quietly under a tree to recover in nature. All ages welcome!
Dress for the weather and wear suitable footwear for walking. You’ll find us in the pavilion at the back of the York Museum Gardens, beyond St Mary’s Abbey.

Friends of the Earth invite you to meet four leading Councillors for a discussion on York’s environment
2024-10-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Priory Street Community Centre, 15 Priory Street, York, YO1 6ET
Take part in an in-person environmental Q&A with our panel:
Jenny Kent – Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency
Michael Pavlovic – Executive Member for Housing and Planning
Kate Ravilious – Executive Member for Transport
Stephen Fenton – Chair of Climate Change Scrutiny Committee
You can register to attend the event and submit a question by using this link:
https://actionnetwork.org/events/friends-of-the-earth-invite-you-to-meet-four-key-city-councillors-for-a-discussion-on-yorks-environment
Questions will also be taken from the floor on the night.
Main Hall, York CVS 15 Priory St, York YO1 6ET
*Those under 16 should be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Calling female-business owners: "how can we make our businesses more green?"
2024-10-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Micklegate Social, 148-150 Micklegate, York, YO1 6JX
Running our own business enables us to have more freedom but it can also be a lonely space. With the pressure to be more green it can be difficult to know where to start.
Hear from local business owners Alice Maynard of The Outside In & Laura Johnson of Dogobees, hosted by Sophia Cheng of With Many Roots. They’ll be sharing their stories of making their businesses green.
If you’re curious, come and join us at Micklegate Social for an informal evening of non-judgemental conversation and connection over a few drinks. Let’s lift each other up.
For ages 18+. Booking is optional but recommended – please reserve tickets with YorkCliConnect here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/calling-female-business-owners-how-can-we-make-our-businesses-more-green-tickets-971999214817?aff=oddtdtcreator

Branching Out: York Trees Through Time
2024-10-03 10:00 - 16:00 | Dean’s Park, Dean's Park, York Minster, York, YO1 7JN
Join us in the picturesque Dean’s Park for an imaginative journey through the life of a tree as York evolved around it. Discover stories about the significance of trees to individuals and the fabric of the city. As you hear these captivating tales, take time to reflect and engage in activities like writing postcards to your past or future self. This drop-in activity is perfect for anyone curious about the life and future of trees in York.

Explore York’s evolving history through the life of a tree, engaging in creative activities and reflecting on the future of the city’s treescape.
. For ages 12+.

Branching Out: Chat with Trees!
2024-10-03 10:00 - 16:00 | Dean’s Park, Dean's Park, York Minster, York, YO1 7JN
Join us in this experimental journey that brings trees and AI together and ask a tree what you’ve always wanted to know. Who knows, the tree might have some questions for you too! Discover why and how we’re talking to trees and why trees are so important to all of us. This drop-in activity is ideal for anyone (with a mobile phone) who has looked at a tree and wondered what it might be thinking. For ages 18+.

Save Energy & Money
2024-10-03 10:00 - 12:30 | York Explore Library, Library Square, York, YO1 7DS
Pop along for free support on saving energy, managing bills and related issues such as benefits advice. Enjoy short talks, info stalls, free LED bulbs for eligible residents and more. Drop in and say hello!
This is a joint event with Age UK York, City of York Council and Older Citizens Advocacy York.
More information and booking optional here:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/yce/1354627?

Practical Conservation Volunteer
2024-10-03 09:00 - 16:30, 2024-10-02 09:00 - 16:30, 2024-10-01 09:00 - 16:30 | Tang Hall Community Centre, Fifth Ave, Tang Hall, York, York, YO31 0UG
Practical outdoor volunteer sessions in and around York. Our tasks vary from pond building to tree planting. This is a great chance to learn skills, make friends and enjoy being outdoors whilst carrying out practical work to help improve places for people and the environment.
We are a friendly mixed-age group, we are an inclusive organisation and there is no knowledge or previous experience needed for you to join in. Note: this activity is only suitable for ages 15+.
This event runs every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and during York Environment Weeks we’ll also meet on Sunday 8 September and Sunday 22 September.
Please email york@tcv.org.uk to tell us which sessions you are joining.
Once you’ve booked, you can either meet us on-site or at the Tang Hall community centre at 9am. Our minibus can transport up to 8 volunteers to site.

Wednesday Nature Walks
2024-10-02 12:30 - 13:30 | Centre of Millenium Bridge
Wednesday Nature Walks every Wednesday lunchtime at 12.30 pm. Meet in the middle of the Millennium Bridge. Just turn up! https://what3words.com/cheese.caked.wire
Short, inclusive walks of around an hour with around 1 mile of walking.
These nature walks include spotting the nature around us and taking time to pause and connect.
Get in touch for any extra support.
More details here: https://yorkbikebelles.community/takethegreenroute/
This is part of our Autumn Nature Programme with weekly nature walks, rides and workshops until 9 December 2024

Beyond Drax: A Real Green Future for Yorkshire and the Humber
2024-10-01 19:00 - 20:30 | Spark York, 17-21 Piccadilly, York, YO1 9PB
We all know we need real green jobs and a transformation of society to deal with climate breakdown. But what does this look like for Yorkshire? How do we make sure that workers and communities benefit rather than losing out? We’ll be answering these questions and more with a look at new research from the Stop Burning Trees Coalition on what a real just transition for Yorkshire can look like and discussing how we can get there.
please book at:
https://actionnetwork.org/events/beyond-drax-a-real-green-future-for-yorkshire-and-the-humber/

Art in creation @ York Minster
2024-10-01 19:00 - 20:00 | York Minster, Minster Yard, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH, United Kingdom
An opportunity to reflect upon environmental issues globally and locally, by using art as a starting point for discussion and reflection. People will learn a little about the artwork chosen and how it speaks to the issues of the environment/climate justice/ global warming etc.
There will be an opportunity for discussion and questions. This is an event perfect for those wanting to explore these issues in a different way using art as a springboard.
This is an 18+ event. No booking required.
Entry through the South Transept door. Blue badge parking is available on Deangate.

Cycling Without Age Nature Rides
2024-10-01 14:00 - 16:30 | Cycle Heaven Hospital Fields, 31 Hospital Fields Road, Fulford, York, YO10 4FS
Passenger Cycling Without Age Nature Rides on a Triobike, starting from Cycle Heaven in Fulford.
Rides take place at 2pm and 3:30pm in our comfortable Triobike. One of our brilliant volunteer pedallers will take you out for an hour on the bike to enjoy the green spaces around the south of the city.
Booking essential via takethegreenroute@gmail.com
More details here: https://yorkbikebelles.community/community-nature-rides/
This is part of our Autumn Nature Programme with weekly nature walks, rides and workshops until 9 December 2024

Tuesday Nature Rides
2024-10-01 12:15 - 13:30 | Centre of Millenium Bridge
Short, inclusive bike rides of around an hour with around 4 miles of cycling. Free bike hire available.
These nature rides include spotting the nature around us and taking time to pause and connect.
Starting from the centre of Millenium Bridge. https://what3words.com/cheese.caked.wire
Booking is essential, get in touch for any extra support.
More details and booking here: https://yorkbikebelles.community/takethegreenroute/
This is part of our Autumn Nature Programme with weekly nature walks, rides and workshops until 9 December 2024

Slowing the Flow with help from Beavers
2024-09-30 19:00 - 20:00 | https://yorkenvironmentfestival.org.uk/event/slowing-the-flow-with-beavers/
A talk on Zoom with Mike Potter from Ryedale Environment Group.
York floods frequently from five fast-flowing catchments combined. Why and how can Slowing the Flow reduce flood risk, and how can it improve water quality and biodiversity in a cost-effective manner?
Better still, Mike will explain how the reintroduction of beavers will effectively do it for us.
This talk will last for around 40 minutes, followed by 20 mins of questions.
Reserve your place online via this Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZErd-uprjIiEtQWn2JJlhBgucK18nrhc7xP

Warheads to Windmills (Book Talk)
2024-09-30 18:00 - 19:00
To survive the climate crisis, we need money, brainpower and infrastructure for the most effective climate solutions. Those resources are currently being squandered by the nuclear weapons industry. This book is a tool kit for campaigners on both issues to work together on treaties, divestment, boycotts, lobbying, legislation, education, conversion and more.
This talk will be followed by a Q&A with Timmon Wallis.
Free booking required at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpf-ygqDgoGNaX9QqBL352PHc92yLUgXpr

Nature crafts, nature trail and Garden Tour
2024-09-29 14:00 - 17:00 | Haxby Group Practice, Haxby & Wigginton Health Centre 2 The Village, York, Yorkshire, YO32 2LL
Perfect for all ages and abilities, come and find out about this new Community Garden in Haxby.
A small oasis of peace and calm, have a wander around on your own, have a go at our nature trails or crafts, or talk to the trustees about the vision for the garden.
Donations accepted to promote the work of the community garden.

Pulling the future in: Open Mic
2024-09-29 14:00 - 17:00 | Micklegate Social, 148-150 Micklegate, York, YO1 6JX
Solving the climate and environmental crisis isn’t just parts per million and dizzying numbers. It’s also about shifting our culture and what we care about. It’s also about dreaming up how we want to live and love.
Calling for poets, storytellers, singers, musicians, artists and all those people who’ve only written one poem, story or song! Have a go at performing on stage and sharing your creativity with a friendly group.
If you would like to perform, you are encouraged to let us know via yorkcliconnect@proton.me.
And calling the curious, these brave performers need an audience…
Join us at Mickelgate Social (The Den). For ages 16+. Booking is optional but recommended – please reserve tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/york-environment-week-pulling-the-future-in-open-mic-tickets-976062558387

A Walk Through 1000 Trees
2024-09-29 14:00 - 16:00
Discover the 1000 UK varieties of trees in the Modern section of York Cemetery with Friends of York Cemetery. Donations welcome. Telephone 01904 610578 for more information.

Location: meet at Harriet Centre, York Cemetery
Time: 14:00
Duration: 1.5 miles, 1.5 to 2 hours

This is one of the many walks put on by York Walking festival, more information at:
https://www.itravelyork.info/yorkwalkingfestival

Explore York's Green Corridors - Guided walk to Naburn Lock Cafe
2024-09-29 11:00 - 15:00 | Askham Bar Park and Ride, Askham Bar Park and Ride, York, YO24 1LW
Walk along the Solar System route and riverside path to Naburn Lock. Bring picnic or buy tea / lunch at Tea-by-the-Lock. Suitable for families and all ages comfortable with 7.5 mile round trip at easy pace. Traffic-free apart from a short section (under mile) on country road.
Please assemble at 10:45 for a 11:00 start at Askham Bar Park and Ride.
Family-friendly but under sixteen year olds should be accompanied by adult.
Please book at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/explore-yorks-green-corridors-on-foot-a-walk-along-the-solar-system-greenway-to-naburn-lock-tickets-1001549089287

Fairy Bushcraft and Foraging
2024-09-29 11:00 - 13:00 | Monkbridge
This will be a short event to invite anyone who is interested down to the trail to learn how it originated and the nature/environment vision we have.
We will have a skilled bushcraft person to do some bush craft ideas and will also include a foraging exercise for people to learn about the useful plants that exist on the trail.
You’ll find us at the picnic area of the Foss Fairy Trail – approach from the NE side of Monkbridge on Heworth Green (the A1036).
Donations to contribute to the upkeep of the Fairy Trail are appreciated.

JGS+ jazz trio present: The Useless Tree (premiere performance) CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES
2024-09-28 19:30 - 20:45 | York Unitarian Chapel, 31 St Saviourgate, York, Yorkshire, YO1 8NQ, United Kingdom
THIS PERFORMANCE HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND THE PERFORMERS CONTROL. WE APOLOGISE TO EVERYONE WHO WAS INTENDING TO BE THERE.
Premiere of a jazz trio piece of music called The Useless Tree (after the Buddhist fable about humanity’s relationship to nature), a live performance of the suite for York Environment Weeks at the Unitarian Chapel on St Saviourgate .

Programme:
The Useless Tree (50′)
I. ode to the timber in our hands
II. homo inscius
III. look until you see something
IV. just because we shouldn’t do it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t

Featuring: Sam Johnson (of the Sam Johnson Trio); Georgia Johnson; James Wood.
There will be an opportunity for a Q+A at the end.

Green for Now and for the Future: Eco Fair (Huntington Methodist Church)
2024-09-28 14:00 - 15:30 | Huntington Methodist Church, Huntington Methodist Church, Strensall Road, Huntington, York, YO32 9SH
North York Church are hosting a series of events across York as part of York Environment Weeks. There are a wide range of activities over a number of sites—talks, upcycling workshops, nature trails, a Repair Café, a Reflection Space and Lego Church.
So much to do and something for everyone!
Many events are drop-in: just turn up and see what’s going on.
Come along to Huntington Methodist Church, between 14:00 and 15:30 on Saturday 28th September, and take part in our Lego Church Creation!
Come and get creative on a theme of Creation. We will tell the Creation story from the Bible and then everyone will have the chance to build something in Lego inspired by the story. This will be followed by a time of sharing everyone’s models and an opportunity to reflect on how we are looking after our planet today. This activity is particularly suited to families with primary school age children but everyone is welcome.
Parking is limited to accessible parking, but you will be able to park in the nearby streets.
All events are free, but you’re welcome to make a donation on the day to help cover the cost of putting the event on.
For more information on these and other Eco Fair events, visit our website: www.hwmc.org.uk/ecochurch

York Education - Sharing Ideas on Sustainability & Climate Action
2024-09-28 11:00 - 12:30 | Circuit Hub (Melbourne Terrace Methodist Church), Melbourne Terrace Methodist Church Cemetery Road, York, YO10 5AF, York, YO10 5AF
During this informal ‘show and share’ event, we are inviting people who represent schools and educational settings from across the city of York to share something that their organisation is doing to become more sustainable, take climate action or promote appreciation of the natural environment.
If you are interested in informally speaking (5 minutes) then please contact georgia.ramsay@york.ac.uk.
Most suited to those working in or attending educational settings.

Edible plants - Middle Ages meet 21st Century York
2024-09-28 11:00 - 12:00 | ‘Barbican Beds’, Fawcett Street, York, YO10 4AH
Edible York’s ‘Barbican beds’ are close to where monks grew food years ago. Many crops are still grown in York.
Trustee Emily Hansen will share her expert knowledge at this regular Saturday morning gardening session. This is a public spot and can be visited any time to appreciate the herbs and vegetables we have cultivated.
For all ages, but children under 16 need an adult carer.

A Green Safari
2024-09-28 10:00 - 16:00 | St Aelred’s Church, 216 Fifth Avenue, Tang Hall, York, YO31 0PN
Tour the public green spaces of Heworth with refreshments, a children’s art exhibition and fairtrade stall en route.
Collect route plan to visit Hull Road Park, St Nick’s, Glen Gardens, Heworth Holme. Parking is available at St Aelred’s and there is on-street parking in Heworth.
The route plan can also be found here:
24 08 07 – A4 – Green spaces Safari Guide – Hull road to Heworth – YEW 28-9-2024
And just for fun, you can mark off what you find as you go on this sheet:
24 08 30 – A5 – Green safari – things to find
Savouries and exhibition are at Holy Trinity Church Hall, Melrosegate. Cake, plant stall and fairtrade stall at Heworth Methodist Church, Heworth Village. Toilets, route plan, and water bottle filling are available at each venue. Do as much or as little as you like!
Donations accepted for refreshments.

ACT NOW! for a sustainable Acomb
2024-09-28 10:00 - 13:00 | Acomb Parish Church, Front St, Acomb, York, YO24 3DW, United Kingdom
Drop in and join local businesses, organisations and charities to explore how to live more sustainably in Acomb and West York.
Discover sustainable living tips, eco-friendly products, and green initiatives. Engage with local experts, enjoy family-friendly activities, and explore a variety of booths showcasing renewable energy, zero-waste solutions, and organic gardening.
All are welcome; no registration required. See you there!
