York Environment Week 2023 (YEW23) is over for another year, but you can take a look at some of the events that took place under the links below.
Ready for more? View the events programme for York Environment Weeks 2024 (YEWs24) here.
Pilgrimage for the Planet
Meet at York Minster
Saturday 9 September, 11:00 – 14:30
All are welcome on this pilgrimage for climate justice through the city of York.
Hello Autumn!
Wildlife Area – Rowntree Park, Terry Ave, YO23 1JQ
Sunday 10 September, 13:00 – 16:00
Join the Friends of Rowntree Park to celebrate the end of summer and welcome the coming of Autumn with this community nature-based event for all ages.
York Walking Festival
Various – see ‘Read more’ below!
Saturday 16 to Sunday 24 September
Our group walks are aimed towards people who prefer not to walk too far or too fast. They are for anyone who would like to get some fresh air, get moving and all with some good, friendly company.
Wild York Walk
Starting from outside York Castle Museum
Saturday 16 September, from 09:30
How much city can we cross without leaving the Wilds? A walk connecting places you know with ones you might not.
Saving the planet – International Day of Older People (IDOP)
Growing Old Responsibly: saving the planet & celebrating the natural world’ Celebrate IDOP on Saturday 30 September as part of York’s 50+ Festival
York Bus Forum Members Meeting
Online
Tuesday 19 September, 17:30
This quarterly Bus Forum meeting is a chance for members to discuss topical bus-related issues, including emissions, accessibility, timetabling and the progress of the proposed Local Transport Plan.
The Story of Planet South Bank
Online
Friday 22 September, 19:30
Discover how one of York’s community environment groups got started in 2011, how we’ve kept going(!), and what we’re now focusing on.
Global Justice: Make Polluters Pay
Hiscox Building, Peasholme Grn, York YO1 7PR
Saturday 23 September, 12:00 – 13:30
A peaceful, inclusive, family-friendly event to draw attention to the campaign to Make Polluters Pay for the Loss and Damage they have caused to countries in the Global South.
Get to grips with Climate Science: Climate Fresk workshop
Streetlife Hub, 29-31 Coney St, YO1 9QL
Saturday 23 September, 14:00 – 17:00
Climate Fresk turns climate science into a team game. Work together to connect the causes, mechanisms and effects of the climate crisis.
Medact Leeds: Could a windmill a day keep the doctor away?
SPARK:York CIC, Piccadilly, YO1 9PB
Saturday 23 September, 16:00 – 17:00
A deep dive into the multitude of ways in which the worlds of health and climate change interact delivered by local healthcare professionals.
Practical Conservation Task Day
Bachelor Hill, Askham Lane, York YO24 3HD
Sunday 24 September, 9:30 – 16:00
Join us to carry out practical conservation projects throughout York and the surrounding countryside. No experience is required!
York Kidical Mass Bike Ride
Start at Hungate Reading Café
Sunday 24 September, from 9:45
Family-friendly protest cycle ride – we need space to cycle! #KidicalMassYork2023
York Environment Week! Get to grips with the Ecological Crisis
Streetlife Hub, 29-31 Coney St, YO1 9QL
Sunday 24 September, 10:00 – 13:00
Biodiversity Collage turns science into a team game. Work together to connect the causes, mechanisms and effects of the ecological crisis.
Wildlife Area Volunteering Session
Rowntree Park, Terry Ave, YO23 1JQ
Sunday 24 September, 11:00 – 13:00
Come along and find out more about the Friends of Rowntree Park Wildlife Area project that includes a pond, orchard, bog garden, wildflower meadow and more.
Street Re-Cycle
Within Nunnery Lane, Tadcaster Road & the Knavesmire Sunday 24 September, 11:00 – 15:00
For one day only, households in the ‘Planet South Bank’ area will be selling or giving away items on the doorstep – come and see what you can reuse, re-sell or recycle!
The Barberellas at the Forest of Flowers
Forest of Flowers, Home Farm, Tollerton Road, Huby. YO61 1JB Sunday 24 September, 15:00 – 15:00 – 17:00
The Barberellas perform a cappella in the Forest of Flowers, with songs closely resonating with the project’s wildlife, meadows, ponds and woods.
Our Green Neighbourhood: a walk looking at weeds and wildflowers
Bishophill and Scarcroft, meeting at Victoria Bar
Sunday 24 September, 14:00 – 16:00
A guided walk with Laura Potts and John Pearson looking at weeds growing in pavements and unplanted areas, learning what they are and how valuable they are to our environment.
Orchard Tour and Apple Tasting with Abundance & Edible York
Edible York’s Apple HQ, Salisbury Rd, YO26 4YN
Monday 25 September, 16:00 – 18:00
Taste fresh, local, York-grown apples and get a guided tour of the Leeman Park community orchard.
Film screening: Why wood from B.C forests is burning to fuel U.K. energy needs
The Crescent Community Venue, YO24 1AW
Monday 25 September, 19:00
A screening of documentaries investigating Drax’s destruction, harm and pollution. Followed by a short talk and Q&A.
Practical Conservation Task Day
Little Hob Moor, Tadcaster Road, YO24 1ET
Tuesday 26 September: 9:30 – 16:00
Join us to carry out practical conservation projects throughout York and the surrounding countryside. No experience is required!
City Centre Wellbeing Walk
Meeting outside the Museum Garden Gates (Lendal side)
Tuesday 26 September, 13:00
Our group walks are aimed towards people who prefer not to walk too far or too fast. They are for anyone who would like to get some fresh air, get moving and all with some good, friendly company.
Practical Conservation Task Day
Little Hob Moor, Tadcaster Road, YO24 1ET
Wednesday 27 September: 9:30 – 16:00
Join us to carry out practical conservation projects throughout York and the surrounding countryside. No experience is required!
Climate Club
Spring Lane Building (University of York), Heslington, YO10 5DS
Wednesday 27 September, 11:00 – 12:00
Climate Club is a role-playing card game that deals with various challenges that we all face in the context of sustainability and climate action.
Multi-sensory Nature Walk
Spring Lane Building (University of York), Heslington, YO10 5DS
Wednesday 27 September, 12:00 – 13:30
A nature-connectivity experience around the University of York’s green campus which includes soundscaping, biodiversity citizen science and nature journaling.
Inclusion and the Environmental Movement
Online
Wednesday 27 September, 18:00 – 19:30
Together We Thrive: Join our talk to hear about and discuss how the environmental movement can be made inclusive!
Film screening: The Ants and the Grasshopper
Friargate Friends Meeting House, Friargate, YO1 9RL
Wednesday 27 September, 18:45 – 21:00
An inspiring, multi-layered eco film that is both gentle and profound. Comes highly recommended by Quakers at Friargate, who have appreciated the film very much.
Biodiversity net gain in planning: a checklist for communities
Online
Wednesday 27 September, 19:00 – 19:45
How can communities be involved in development planning to ensure a biodiversity net gain rather than loss to the natural world? Join this online talk and Q & A with Greener Pocklington to find out!
Practical Conservation Task Day
Little Hob Moor, Tadcaster Road, YO24 1ET
Thursday 28 September: 9:30 – 16:00
Join us to carry out practical conservation projects throughout York and the surrounding countryside. No experience is required!
TCV Gardening Group
Hull Road Park, Alcuin Avenue, YO10 3TQ
Thursday 28 September, 10:00 – 13:00
Help add colour and interest to Hull Road Park through a range of gardening activities.
Dicey Dialogue
Spring Lane Building (University of York), Heslington, YO10 5DS Thursday 28 September, 13:00 – 14:00
Can questions change the world? In this session we discuss different responses to the climate crisis, including social and political responses as well as large-scale interventions in the Earth’s climate system.
Taking Teaching Outdoors
Rowntree Park, Terry Ave, YO23 1JQ
Thursday 28 September, 16:30 – 17:45
Calling all teachers and educators! Join us to explore taking teaching outside the classroom – top tips and activities for all ages.
A Community Garden for Fulford?
Fulford Social Hall, School Lane, Fulford, YO10 4LS Thursday 28 September, 18:30 – 20:00
Join us to discuss how we could set up a Fulford Community Garden.
Trade Unions and Climate Justice: Can We Have Good Jobs and Green Public Services?
The Council Building, West Offices, Station Rise, York, YO1 6GA (also online) Thursday 28 September, 19:00 – 20:30
A timely and inspiring public debate on how public sector trade unions can win good, green jobs and a ‘just transition’ to a greener society for all.
Climate Cafe
Friargate Quaker Meeting House, Friargate, YO1 9RL Thursday 28 September, 19:00 – 20:30
If you are worried about the climate crisis, this is a chance to voice your feelings with others. Someone once said after a cafe: “Nothing’s changed, but I feel so much better!”
Wild Friday
Hull Road Park, Alcuin Avenue, YO10 3TQ
Friday 29 September, 10:00 – 12:00
Join The Conservation Volunteers for a session of wildlife focused activities such as eco-crafting and creating habitat homes.
Sustainability Stories
King’s Manor, Exhibition Square, YO1 7EP
Friday 29 September, 10:00 – 11:00
Join us for a creative session, involving storytelling and crafts, in which we celebrate nature and the environment through some of our favourite picture books. For you and your children under 5 years old.
Experiment in Thinking: Citizens Council
Online
Friday 29 September, 11:00 – 12:30
Join this thought experiment that puts participants in a position of interested parties and policymakers, engage with new perspectives and identify opportunities and obstacles in resolving environmental conflicts of interest in your local community.
Nature Journaling
King’s Manor, Exhibition Square, YO1 7EP
Friday 29 September, 12:00 – 13:00
Discover the beauty and artistry of nature journaling in this immersive and hands-on workshop designed for beginners! Journaling and drawing supplies will be provided.
Climate Club
King’s Manor, Exhibition Square, YO1 7EP
Friday 29 September, 13:00 – 14:00 OR 14:00 – 15:00
Climate Club is a role playing card game that deals with various challenges that we all face in the context of sustainability and climate action.
How to make your home more energy efficient
Tang Hall Community Centre, Fifth Avenue, YO31 0UG
Friday 29 September, 14:00 – 16:00
All your questions answered on renewable technology and how it can lower your energy bills, increase the price of your home all while reducing your environmental impact.
Cocoa Sustainability Challenge
King’s Manor, Exhibition Square, YO1 7EP
Friday 29 September, 15:00 – 17:00
The ‘Cocoa Sustainability Challenge’ is a two-hour opportunity to learn more about your favourite treat – chocolate!
Talk: Nuclear weapons and the climate crisis – 2 global threats, where’s the overlap?
Friargate Friends Meeting House, Friargate, YO1 9RL (also available online)
Friday 29 September, 16:00 – 17:00
A presentation on the cost and environmental impact of nuclear weapons. This will include highlighting the links between nuclear power and militarism.
Dicey Dialogue
King’s Manor, Exhibition Square, YO1 7EP
Friday 29 September, 17:00 – 18:00
Can questions change the world? In this session, we will discuss different responses to the climate crisis including social and political responses as well as large scale interventions in the Earth’s climate system.
The Arts response to the climate emergency
York Theatre Royal, YO1 7HD
Friday 29 September, 17:00
Join a panel of Arts professionals for conversation and debate about how the Arts are responding to the climate emergency.
Repair + Share Café
St Thomas in the Groves, Lowther St, YO31 7ND
Saturday 30 September, 9:30 – 12:30
The Groves Repair + Share host a free, monthly repair café in the Groves. Even if you don’t need to fix anything – you’re welcome to pop by for a cuppa and cake in a friendly setting!
Mother Earth – Dance workshop on climate change (5 – 11 years)
The Marriott room at York Explore Library
Saturday 30 September, 09:30 – 10:30
A fun and inspirational workshop to educate children about climate change exploring dance in a storytelling way!
Red Tower Open Days
The Red Tower, Foss Islands Road, YO31 7UR
Saturday 30 September 10:00 – 16:00
Rare chance to see The Red Tower – one of York’s oldest listed buildings – reroofed to give a new lease of life as a community facility – with tea, coffee and cakes!
Morsbags! – Shopping bags from recycled fabrics
York Explore Library, Museum Street, YO1 7DS
Saturday 30 September 10:00 – 15:30
Save money and help the environment by making a reusable, original, washable, bag from re-cycled and unwanted fabrics.
Bulb Planting Day
Glen Gardens, Heworth, YO31 0TR Saturday 30 September, 10:00-16.00
Interested in trying your hand at a spot of gardening? Or looking for a new group to get involved with? Friends of Glen Gardens are holding a bulb planting day and need as many volunteers as possible, so come along and get stuck in!
Tea By The Lock: Taster Menu
Tea By The Lock, Naburn Lock, Naburn, YO19 4RU Saturday 30 September and Sunday 1 October, 10:00 – 17:00
Would you like to relax with some feel good food? Tea By The Lock’s taster menu will introduce you to food that is better for you and better for the environment.
The People’s Assembly
Central Methodist Church, 27 St Saviourgate, YO1 8NQ
Saturday 30 September, 13:00 – 17:00
Decide together how we will respond to the climate crisis as a city, what the council and people of York should do to face up to today’s challenges.
Mother Earth – Dance theatre workshop on Climate Racism and Climate Justice (12 years+)
The Marriott room at York Explore Library
Saturday 30 September, 10:45 – 12:00
Is climate change racist and equal? Join us to explore this question using dance theatre in an inspirational workshop aimed at young people 12+ and their families.
Mother Earth street performance
York city centre
Saturday 30 September
We are all responsible for climate change! Join award-winning dance artist Ana Silvério on the streets of the city centre for this visual and impactful performance.
Red Tower Open Days
The Red Tower, Foss Islands Road, YO31 7UR
Sunday 1 October, 10:00 – 14:00
Rare chance to see The Red Tower – one of York’s oldest listed buildings – reroofed to give a new lease of life as a community facility – with tea, coffee and cakes!
Biodynamic Take on Nature
Menagerie Glade, Escrick YO1 6EH
Sunday 1 October, 10:30 – 16:30
A bio-dynamic appreciation of nature, with a particular emphasis on the metaphysical aspects of this deepest of green ecological
conceptions.
York Open Eco Homes
Addresses supplied after booking
Sunday 1 October, 10:00 – 16:00
Visit and be inspired by local homes that don’t cost the Earth to run.
Motherhood in a Climate Crisis: Conversation & Story Screening
REFILL 26 Fairfax Street, YO1 6EB
Monday 2 October, 19:00 – 21:00
Exploring if and how we mother in uncertain times. Join a compassionate discussion & short story screening.
Green Business Forum
York Explore Library, Library Square, Museum Street, YO1 7DS
Tuesday 3 October, 09:00 – 11:00
If you want to futureproof your business, increase profits, access new markets and become more sustainable, come along to the first Green Business Forum.
York Spoken Word
Exhibition Pub, Bootham YO30 7BW
Tuesday 3 October, from 19:00
Join an open mic evening in celebration of nature and our place in it! Free 4 minute slots available.
Friends of the Earth present: An Audience with the Executive Members for the Environment and Climate Emergency
Friends Meeting House, Friargate, YO1 9RL
Wednesday 4 October, 19:00 – 21:00
Q&A with Cllrs. Kent and Ravilious on the Council’s goals for the environment and climate emergency.
Finding the connections: yoga and climate change
The Stables Yoga Centre, 10A Nunmill St, YO23 1NU
Sunday 8 October, 15:00 – 17:00
‘Yoga has a valuable contribution to make in addressing climate change, the defining issue of our time’. Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, on International Day of Yoga, 2019.
St Nicks Autumn Fayre
St Nicks Environment Centre, YO10 3ST
Saturday 14 October, 13:00 – 17:00
A celebration of nature’s harvest with activities for all the family. A day of entertainment, learning and community in the green heart of York.
Attended an event and want to let us know what you think? Submit our feedback form here and be in with a chance of winning a £25 Tullivers gift voucher!