Peer Groups

Our ‘Peer Groups’ offer a relaxed way to connect with nature and each other in a friendly, social and supportive environment.  

You can attend one peer group at a time, for up to 6-months, or the duration of the group (some may run on a more short-term basis).

See details on each group below by clicking the banners and read a bit more about what to expect from nature-based groups (click here).

Evergreen Arts

Evergreen Arts is our creative peer group.

Whether through drawing, painting, collage, origami, textiles, photography or writing, we will create playfully, with lots of experimentation (there is no right or wrong!). We will always look to nature for our inspiration – this may be from going on walks around the nature reserve, sitting in the garden, or exploring creations by other nature-based artists.

We will spend time creating artwork individually and there will also be the option to collaborate as a group, creating pieces of artwork together, if we’d like to.

Weekly Tuesdays, 2pm-4pm (with occasional scheduled breaks) at St Nicks.

Care-ful Conservation

Care-ful Conservation is our practical conservation peer group.

Together, the group will carry out conservation work on St Nicks local nature reserve, managing existing wildlife habitats and creating new ones, using heritage skills such as scything, pruning and hedge laying.

Whether you are a complete beginner, or have more experience, the group welcomes all to get involved in conservation.

Weekly Wednesdays, 11am-1pm (with occasional scheduled breaks) at St Nicks.

Stepping Out

Stepping Out is our ‘walking in nature’ peer group.

We’ll meet for seasonal walks, starting by going on walks around St Nicks local nature reserve, before venturing to different green spaces around York.

Our walks will take a gentle pace, with chances to sit down along the way. We'll explore different ways to connect with the nature around us as we take in the sights, sounds, smells and feelings of being outdoors together.

We’ll have the opportunity to explore Green Corridors sites and projects, like the York Walls in Bloom and floating eco-system, and visit other locations, such as Museum Gardens.

Current group:

  • Summer (8 weeks): Thursdays, 10:30am-12:30pm, starting 16th July - first 4 walks at St Nicks, followed by 4 walks 'on location'.

 

Coming up:

  • Autumn (7 weeks): Thursdays, 10:30am-12:30pm, starting 1st October 2026 - first 3 walks meet at St Nicks, followed by 4 walks 'on location'.
  • Spring (7 weeks): Thursdays, 10:30am-12:30pm, starting February 2027

What can I expect from Nature-Based Wellbeing groups?

We've put together some 'Frequently Asked Questions' to help you find out more on what to expect from group activities at St Nicks, like what's included in the sessions (and what's not).

Read our Frequently Asked Questions

red and black spotted ladybird on branch with textured bark in the sunlight