"York residents and visitors will have the chance to look at the walls and city centre through a different perspective — that of our urban wildlife and the people who help to conserve it. And we couldn’t think of a better day to do that than on Yorkshire Day.”
Centred around York’s iconic walls, this new, free event will encourage locals and tourists alike to follow a ‘Stepping Stones Trail’ and uncover the hidden connections between nature, heritage and historic spaces within the city.
The trail begins at Station Rise (what3words ///frozen.pies.rapid), which is home to York Walls in Bloom. Here, you can pick up a copy of the trail map and chat with staff and volunteers from St Nicks (trail maps will be available at other points as well).
Event attendees can either go in the direction of the Museum Gardens or North Street Gardens. The trail is designed to be enjoyed at your own pace, where the whole thing can be completed in one go, or as a hop-on/hop-off with a break for a pub or picnic lunch and a spot of shopping.
Highlights include:
Small Mammal Survey at the Museum Gardens at 9am (this is free to attend, but places are limited so must be booked via Eventbrite
Moth Trap Reveal at three different locations - Station Rise (10am), All Saints Church North Street (10.45am), Postern Tower (11.30am)
Art displays at Foss Islands Wildflower Area and Station Rise by local botanical artist Kayliegh Smith
York Minster’s City Walls Nature Trail
Discover the secret garden in the heart of York that is Holy Trinity Goodramgate. Join in a "How Not to Die in a Churchyard" tour (tours at 11.30am and 2pm) or become a climate detective or an archaeologist (with the chance to handle real finds!) on the 'Mouse Trail'.
North Yorkshire’s first floating ecosystem at North Street Gardens
Hourly tours of the St Leonard's Hospital site by local archaeologists
River Foss Society freshwater invertebrate sampling
Great for locals looking for some free entertainment for the school summer holidays as well as tourists visiting for the weekend, Step into Nature and History Within York’s City Walls will offer a mix of fun, learning and discovery right in the heart of our city.
Looking forward to seeing you there! 
