York Environment Festival

Practical Conservation Volunteer
2024-10-08 09:00 - 16:30, 2024-10-03 09:00 - 16:30, 2024-10-02 09:00 - 16:30, 2024-10-01 09:00 - 16:30 UTC | 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.

Geothermal Local Energy
2024-10-07 19:00 - 20:00 | https://yorkenvironmentfestival.org.uk/event/geothermal-local-energy/
Does circa 50% decarbonisation, a massive boost to energy security, significant cost savings and freeing up capacity on a ‘not fit for purpose’ national electricity grid sound too good to be true?
Is geothermal energy a realistic and safe proposition?
Clean affordable and renewable home-produced energy when ‘the wind don’t blow and the sun don’t shine’ – pipedream or reality?
This talk on Zoom will explore how repurposing a former fracking well could lead to cheaper, home-grown, clean, renewable energy for Pickering, York, and everywhere else.
It will last for around 40 minutes, with Mike Potter from Ryedale Environment Group, followed by 20 mins of questions. A talk for anyone who will be impacted by climate change i.e. everyone.
Register to join via this Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tf-2pqz0qGN22Nctt-34w4jCiJukcvmUf

Defending our Environment: Protest Rights and the Law Discussion
2024-10-06 16:00 - 18:00 | Micklegate Social, 148-150 Micklegate, York, YO1 6JX
Have you been thinking about joining a protest? Unsure about how to participate safely? Heard about new laws restricting protests and want to understand what they mean and how they’re being used?
Join YorkCliConnect at Micklegate Social to find out about UK protest law and policing, share concerns and questions, and hear insights from activists. Disclaimer: Facilitators/participants are not legal experts – nothing in this session should be considered legal advice.
Booking is optional but recommended – please reserve tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/defending-our-environment-protest-rights-and-the-law-discussion-tickets-972052082947?aff=oddtdtcreator

Restoring habitats for nature
2024-10-06 14:30 - 16:30, 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.

Marvellous Mushrooms: Appreciating Fungi in a Semi-Urban Landscape
2024-10-06 12:00 - 15:00, 2024-10-05 12:00 - 15:00 | 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.

Plug Planting Millenium Field
2024-10-06 11:30 - 14:00 | Centre of Millenium Bridge
Come and help us to create a wildflower area at the southern end of Millennium Field. We will be planting wildflower plug plants into areas previously prepared, so the ground should be nice and easy to dig. We will also be chatting about our Green Corridors York project and all about meadows.
Anyone can get involved, we will provide gloves and kneelers to those who require them.
Under 13s need to be accompanied by an adult and under 16s need parental consent if not accompanied by an adult.
Meet at Millennium Bridge on the Fishergate side of the river.

York Kidical Mass
2024-10-06 10:15 - 11:30 | Hungate Reading Cafe, Bellerby Court, Hungate, York, York, YO1 7AF
WHO CAN COME JOIN THE RIDE? Anyone interested in protesting for safer cycling in York. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. For riders of all ages, abilities and cycle types.
Children of all ages are welcome on bike seats/cargo bikes/trailers/tag-alongs.
This is a fun, family-friendly protest cycle ride that welcomes everyone to join us and campaign for safer riding around York. Cargo bikes, decorated bikes, placards (#Room to ride #Safe cycle routes to schools), flags, and speakers encouraged. The ride will be suitable for all cycles.
The route will be finalised nearer the time. Meet at 10:15am for a 10:30am start at Hungate Library Bellerby Court, Hungate, YO1 7AF. The ride will be around 3 miles, and finishes at The Cycling Cafe at Cycle Heaven, 31 Hospital Fields Rd, Fulford, York YO10 4SF. Please join us at the cafe for a social chat, refreshments will be available.
PLEASE NOTE: Children on their own cycles should be able to cycle around 3 miles (recommended minimum age 6 years)
Show your interest by registering at https://yorkcyclecampaign.bike
If you have any questions or can help marshal, please contact: yorkcyclecampaign@gmail.com

Explore York: Urban Becks Restoration Project
2024-10-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Heworth Holme, 4 Bad Bargain Ln, Tang Hall, York YO31 0QZ, YO31 0QZ
Join the Green Corridors York Team for a walk along Tang Hall Beck through former wetland meadow, Heworth Holme. Meet at the site entrance on Bad Bargain Lane, next to 1st Heworth Scout Hut.
Through the York Urban Becks project, the beck banks will undergo some reprofiling as part of a beck restoration scheme. This walk will give people the opportunity to see the plans for the work before it happens and find out more about the positive impact it will have for wildlife and the local community.
This event is perfect for anyone interested in conservation. For ages 8+.

A Walk through Danesmead Wood
2024-10-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Danesmead Wood, Danesmead wood, York, YO10 4PB
Walks through the wood pointing out the different areas and the things we have put in place to increase pollinators, bio diversity and wildlife.
We’ll be starting in Danesmead Wood at the side closest to Broadway West, by the notice board and cycle track.
Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Wheelchair access on main paths only.

Nature walk on University of York Campus
2024-10-05 16:00 - 17:30 | Heslington Church, Heslington Church, Field Ln, Heslington, York, YO10 5ED
A guided visit to the campuses of the University of York, wonderful green spaces in York for wildlife.
The lakes attract birds and dragonflies, with meadowland for wild flowers and butterflies, and Peregrine falcons bred here for the first time in 2024.
We will look for newly arrived wintering birds, as well as late butterflies and flowers. Bring footwear for wet ground and binoculars, if you have them. Accessible by bus, parking free at weekends. Families welcome.
We’ll meet on the footpath from Field Lane to Heslington Church. Booking is required.
To book, email: robin.perutz@york.ac.uk

Welcome to YorEnergy: Energy Solutions for Every York Home
2024-10-05 12:00 - 14:00 | Priory Street 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

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 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?

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.
