York Environment Festival

Climate Fresk @ UoY
2025-10-01 14:00 - 17:00 UTC | Sustainability Clinic, Market Square, University of York, Sustainability Clinic, Market Square, University of York, York, YO105DD
Interested in Joining a climate science workshop? Climate Fresk is a 3 hour interactive workshop based on the IPCC reports – the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The collaborative Climate Fresk workshop will teach you the fundamental science behind climate change and empower you to take action through small group discussion, reflecting on emotions and collaborative action planning. Suitable for anyone wanting to develop their understanding of this topic.
Booking required at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdP8G-tVOQj8O3jL6iQudvtCmCbdlhUMOsIr0mrK5uYmHf4mA/viewform
Age restrictions: 16+

Hands on with the gardeners @ York Minster
2025-10-02 10:00 - 12:00, 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.

Plant Propagation Workshop
2025-10-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Homestead Park Pavillion, The Homestead, 40 Water End, York, YO30 6WP, United Kingdom
Join the garden team at Homestead Park for a workshop on dividing perennials.
We will begin with a walk through the park with the park team. We will practise lifting from plants, then return to our glasshouses to divide and propagate them, covering the principles of division and plant aftercare.
You will have a plant to take home – pots and compost will be provided. If you prefer to garden with gloves, please bring a pair with you.
Open to everybody – especially suited to beginners. Booking is required and can be done here.
All under 18s should be accompanied by a guardian.
Meet outside the Homestead Park Pavilion – What Three Words: https://w3w.co/haven.splash.unique

Friends of the Earth present an Audience with our Representatives - Local, Regional and National
2025-10-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Central Methodist Church, Central Methodist Church St. Saviourgate, York, YO1 8NQ, United Kingdom
An invitation to meet York politicians and debate the city’s place in the local, regional and national environment.
Rachael Maskell: MP York Central
Cllr. Kilbane: York & North Yorks. Deputy Mayor, Combined Authority Member
Cllr. Douglas: Leader of City Council, Combined Authority member, Vice Chair of Yorks. & Humber Climate Commission
Cllr. Kent: City Council Exec. for Environment
Questions can be submitted in advance but contributions will also be taken from the floor on the night.
If you are planning to attend, you should register here.
This form will also give you the opportunity to submit a question for the panel.
Please note the venue is fully accessible. Those under 16 should be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Donations towards Friends of the Earth accepted.

Gardening for Wildlife in Autumn
2025-10-04 10:30 - 12:15 | 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+.

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 Community 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.

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)

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.

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.

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! Get to grips with the Planetary Boundaries @ Patch
2025-10-22 15:00 - 18:00 | Patch York, Terry Avenue, The Bonding Warehouse, Terry Avenue, York, YO16FA, 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 7 other earth systems that we need to be aware of. They call these “planetary boundaries.” They highlight the rising risks from human pressure on nine critical global processes that regulate the stability and resilience of the Earth.
Explore them in this systemic and collaborative 3-hour workshop.
Suitable for ages 15+.
Booking is required and can be done here.

Nature in the City - Games to Grow Greener and Wilder Urban Spaces
2025-10-22 15:00 - 18:00 | Sustainability Clinic, Market Square, University of York, Sustainability Clinic, Market Square, University of York, York, YO105DD
Discover two innovative board games exploring nature’s place in urban life. Come experiment, discuss, and reflect on how small choices shape our shared environments:
Set in the city of Bangalore, India, Birds in the City helps you connect with nature and understand the links between urbanisation and bird diversity.
Set in the city of York, UK, Urban Labor-a-tree challenges you to grow thriving treescapes that meet diverse community needs.
Can your team design the greenest, wildest neighbourhood? Outplan the rest and reshape your city together.
Suitable for anyone aged 14 years+.
Booking is required for this event and can be done here.

Heritage & the Environment @ York Minster
2025-10-23 13:00 - 14:00 | York Minster Works and Technology Hub, 4 Deangate, York, YO1 7JA, United Kingdom
A walking tour of the York Minster precinct taking in the projects established in its Neighbourhood Plan, including its new Centre of Excellence for Heritage Craft Skills and Estates Management, focused on work to protect its heritage estate, craft skills, and the environment, such as renewable energy initiatives and combatting damage caused by increased rainfall. The tour will appeal to those interested in heritage but also with a concern about our rapidly changing environment.
Suitable for ages 18+
Booking is required for this event and can be done by email to works@yorkminster.org
Blue badge parking available on Deangate

Convening the convenors: connecting climate & green networks across York
2025-10-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Patch York, Terry Avenue, The Bonding Warehouse, Terry Avenue, York, YO16FA, United Kingdom
Do you work on a project that connects groups doing climate & environment work in York? You might be sharing resources, fostering collaboration or convening networks.

Three networks – York Climate Commission, York Environment Forum & York CliConnect – invite the organisers, business owners & initiatives that bring people together on climate & environment.

There is great stuff going on; some overlap, plenty we could cross-pollinate, some duplication we could avoid & maybe some gaps we could address.
No minimum age restriction. Booking is required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1559464854359?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Groves Repair Café
2025-10-25 09:30 - 12:00 | St Thomas’s Church Hall, Lowther Street, York, YO31 7ND, United Kingdom
This is an opportunity to get your broken household items fixed for free – from toasters to teapots, electronics to egg-timers – and to get clothing and fabrics mended. A chance to save money on buying new whilst reducing waste and being part of York’s growing circular economy.
Suitable for all ages, under 16s to be accompanied by an adult.
This event is free but donations are welcome. Any donations made will be used to support the continuation of the Repair Café.
Booking is not required.
