Skills and Learning Groups

Our ‘Skills and Learning Groups’ offer a chance for you to develop skills and boost your knowledge, whilst connecting with nature and others.

These groups run for a duration of 6-8 weeks (as well as additional one-off events or workshops), and you can attend one or two of these groups at a time.

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

Time to Garden

Time to Garden is an 8-week skills-based seasonal gardening group based in our garden at St Nicks.

We will garden by following the seasons, learning skills relevant at that time of the year. We will take time to notice, appreciate and share in the beauty of the garden, working together, taking part in mindful gardening activities, enjoying the slow process of growing and reflecting on how we share the garden with wildlife and nature.

Coming up:

  • Autumn Abundance (8 weeks): Tuesday, 10:30am-12:30pm, starting 1st September

Generosity and curiosity in the garden. Focus on harvest and storage, the abundant garden, composting and mulching and how to use everything we grow to avoid waste. 

UnEarth Ecology

UnEarth Ecology is a 8-week ecology course. We will learn about a wide range of local wildlife, starting each session with a discussion about our chosen topic. We then head out onto the reserve for hands-on activities to record and learn about local species, for example, bumblebee surveys, bird territory mapping, and wildflower identification.  

 

Coming up:

  • Autumn (8-weeks): Tuesdays, 10am-12pm, starting Tuesday 8th September at St Nicks 
  • Winter - day/time TBC
  • Spring - day/time TBC

Mindful Movement

Mindful Movement in the outdoors offers you the chance to connect with nature and move your body - experience the wellbeing benefits of both!

Coming up:

  • Get Moving!: (6-weeks) Wednesdays, 10-11am, starting 23rd September at St Nicks.

Get Moving! to the sounds and sights of nature at St Nicks local nature reserve. With the support of expert facilitator, Julie, the group will enjoy some gentle warm-ups, stretching, balance games, movement skills and guided movement play using what can be found around us, from fallen logs to the dragon stones.

The group gives you a chance to connect with nature, feel good about moving your body, build confidence and have fun alongside others! All abilities are welcome.

  • Yoga: (6-weeks) Mondays, 12-1pm, starting 14th September at St Nicks.

Our yoga group sessions offer a gentle and relaxing way to connect with mind, body and nature. 

Soothing, slow-paced yoga will be led by qualified yoga instructor, Sophie. Sessions will focus on deep breathing, simple yoga flows, restorative stretches, gentle movement and quiet stillness to calm the mind and body. It's a welcoming and safe space for all ability levels, including complete beginners. 

 All equipment is provided, just wear comfy clothes and bring a bottle of water. The sessions will be held outdoors, in nature (weather permitting), with an indoor space available if needed. 

 

Eco-Crafts

Eco-Crafts is a skills-based course, where we will learn sustainable ways of creating, from upcycling garments to creating textile based artworks.

No previous experience is needed. For more experienced crafters, there will be opportunities to further advance your skills. 

Coming up:

Upcycle! (7 weeks): Wednesdays, 2-4pm, starting 9th September at St Nicks

Over 7-weeks, we’ll learn different methods of applique and embroidery and experiment with eco-sewing skills, like how to best utilise scrap fabric and making the most of the supplies you already have.

We’ll find inspiration in the natural world and use the skills we have learned to upcycle a pre-owned item of clothing or textiles (this could be a t-shirt, sweatshirt, jeans, pillowcase etc.), giving something we already own a new lease of life!

Bushcraft Skills

Bushcraft Skills will introduce you to a range of 'forest' activities, collectively referred to as Bushcraft. The course is led by instructor ‘Wolf’ from Forest Quest.

Time spent in a woodland environment has been shown to have many health benefits, and the course aims to encourage you to enjoy the outdoors while learning a range of different skills, including use of hand tools, building shelters, making cordage, purifying water, and discovering trees. The course is completely hands-on, with practical experiences throughout; it requires a degree of mobility to access the wood and to work on the forest floor.  

The course is based at St Nicks Nature Reserve, close to the Environment Centre and will be outside whatever the weather (there will be some cover if it is raining).  

  • Future dates TBC

Making Tracks

Making Tracks is a stepping stone group, supporting you to build confidence, knowledge and skills for practical conservation volunteering. 

Our Nature-Based Wellbeing team will be joining Green Corridors sessions – come along and join in with the help of a friendly and familiar face.  

Together, we will help to support the conservation work of St Nicks, across our Green Corridors sites in York, visiting different locations, meeting new people and improving our local wildlife habitats. Seasonal conservation skills may include coppicing, scything, planting and seed sowing. The sessions are flexible and no previous experience is necessary. 

Day/Time/Date- TBC. Sessions running at various locations.

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

Goldfinch on teasel at St Nicks IMG_3733a