St Nicholas Fields : News and Events : Past Events

Past Events

Saturday 28th January: BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH

10am-12, meet at York Environment Centre
Join us in taking part in RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch in the Environment Centre garden and the nature reserve. We'll do a one hour slot of counting followed by cups of tea with biscuits so come and see the variety of birds which frequent St Nicholas Fields.

Tuesday 17th January: OUTDOOR EXPLORERS for under 5's

1.30-2.30pm at St Nicholas Fields
Explore St Nicks and enjoy a nature walk. Come and join in with the free fun, whatever the weather, and explore with your senses. Children's Centre staff will be available after the session for support and advice.

This event is organised by The Avenues Children's Centre. Please contact Vicki or Claire for more information on 01904 551250.

Saturday 7th January: ECO-ACTIVE DAY

10am-1pm, meet at York Environment Centre

Start the new year by helping us with a task in the nature reserve. You will get a warm feeling and free lunch in return. Eco-Active Day is a great opportunity to be doing something useful outdoors, get lots of fresh air, maybe learn a new skill, get fit, meet like-minded people and drink cups of tea!

Monday 5th December: BEARING FRUIT WORK DAY - orchard planting

1-4pm meet at York Environment Centre
Help turn St Nicks Community Orchard plans into reality. Voluteering on Bearing Fruit is a great opportunity to get healthy, meet people, learn new skills, have fun, and create something really exciting at St Nicks.

Bearing Fruit has been funded by Ecominds, a £7.5million funding scheme run by Mind on behalf of the BIG Lottery Fund. Ecominds involves people with direct experience of mental distress in environmental projects that improve their mental and physical health, and local communities.

Please contact Jonathan on 01904 411821 or volunteer[at]stnicksfields.org.uk for more details.

Saturday 3rd December: ECO-ACTIVE DAY - orchard planting family day

10am-2pm, meet at York Environment Centre
Wrap up warm and bring the family along to help us plant St Nicks Community Orchard. This planting day, aimed at families, will run along side our regular Eco-Active Day session to make sure all our shiny new fruit trees get planted. As with the recent wild flower planting day there will also be lots of other fun activities to keep the kids busy such as crafts and storytelling.

The event is open to all and is a great opportunity to be doing something useful outdoors, get lots of fresh air, maybe learn a new skill, get fit, meet like-minded people, drink cups of tea and find out more about our exciting Bearing Fruit project. Tasty lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Saturday 3rd December: Choose2Reuse Fair

10am-4pm at York Racecourse, YO23 1EX
A great opportunity to buy some funky and ethical Christmas presents - St Nicks is having a recycled crafts stall at the Choose2Reuse fair organised by York & North Yorkshire Waste Partnership. The fair will showcase amazing upcycled creations from local designers, fabulous collections of charity and vintage chic, and customised goods from some of York and North Yorkshire's most talented artists and crafts people.

There will be something for everyone including fashion shows, stalls full of unique buys and free workshops and craft activities where you can learn new skills and create something wonderful from reuse or recycled materials. See http://www.letstalklessrubbish.com for more details. Entry is free.

Saturday 12th November: BIRD WALK

start 10am at York Environment Centre
Come join local ornithologist David Campbell on a walk through the nature reserve. Please bring binoculars if you have them. There are limited places on this walk so please book ahead.

This walk is one of a series supported by the Big Lottery Fund and its Community Wildlife scheme.

Admission: £2.50 adults/ £1.50 children (free to Friends of St Nicholas Fields)

Monday 7th November: BEARING FRUIT WORK DAY - orchard planting

Please contact Jonathan on 01904 411821 or volunteer[at]stnicksfields.org.uk for more details.

Friday 28th October: EVERYONE CAN GROW AN APPLE

7.30pm at York Environment Centre
This talk by Tony Chalcraft, of York Organic Gardeners Association, will cover aspects of apple cultivation, including trained forms and varieties suitable for the North. There will also be an opportunity to taste some varieties.

Entry: £1 (free to YOGA members)

Wednesday 26th October: PUMPKIN EVENING

5:30-7pm at York Environment Centre

Come for an evening packed full of all things pumpkin: Giant Pumpkin competition - bring yours along if you've grown a big one, pumpkin carving competition - just bring along a pumpkin to carve, and pumpkin refreshments - soup and muffins. Join us for the food and fun!

Monday 24th October: BEARING FRUIT FAMILY PLANTING DAY

1-4pm at York Environment Centre

Come and help us transplant trees and plant wild flowers for our new community orchard!

Other activities on the day include arts and crafts, storytelling, produce tastings, plus a fruit based recipe swap - so be sure to bring yours along!

Please contact Jonathan on 01904 411821 or volunteer[at]stnicksfields.org.uk for more details.

Saturday 15th October: APPLE DAY

1-4pm at York Environment Centre
Enjoy our annual celebration of the humble apple - join in the juicing, Apple Olympics, Longest Apple Peel contest, Apple Pudding Competition or simply enjoy the buzz of the fun day.

Monday 3rd October: BEARING FRUIT WORK DAY - orchard site preparation

Please contact Jonathan on 01904 411821 or volunteer[at]stnicksfields.org.uk for more details.

Saturday 1st October: CAMERA CLUB

10:15-12:15 at York Environment Centre
Join our friendly informal group in recording life on St Nicks and sharing photographic skills. Free admission. You can also join the group on-line. For more information please contact Ivana at the Environment Centre.

Saturday 1st October: ECO-ACTIVE DAY - orchard site preparation

10am-1pm, meet at York Environment Centre

Help us prepare the ground for St Nicks Community Orchard. You will get a warm feeling and free lunch in return. Eco-Active Day is a great opportunity to be doing something useful outdoors, get lots of fresh air, maybe learn a new skill, get fit, meet like-minded people and drink cups of tea!

Saturday 1st October: ONE DAY SALE OF HALF PRICE COMPOST BINS

9.30 am - 12.30pm at Haxby Memorial Hall, The Village, Haxby, York, YO32 3HT
Get a compost bin or two at £9 each, plus free composting advice, at our 1-day sale. The bins are subsidised by the York and North Yorkshire Waste Partnership and are available to residents in York and North Yorkshire. These prices are valid until 1st October 2011.

For guaranteed delivery please pre-order your compost bin by Friday 16th September. Forms can be downloaded from the website. Compost bins can be purchased on the day but availability can only be guaranteed if pre-ordered. Compost bins must be collected in person on 1st October.

Saturday 10th September: FOOD FOR FREE WALK

10am-12noon, meet at York Environment Centre
Come and learn which wild plants provide free (and sometimes tasty) food on a guided walk through the nature reserve.

Entry: by donation. If possible, please book ahead.

Saturday 10th September: THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH

evening, meet at York Environment Centre
Enjoy an exciting night on St Nicks - The York Stars Theatre Company is putting on Shakespeare's classic Macbeth in the form of an indoor/outdoor promenade performance. Watch the play unfold on a walk through varying settings of the nature reserve and York Environment Centre. Advance booking is essential. Tickets are £6.50/ £5.50 concessions, available from www.theyorkstars.ticketsource.co.uk or call 07504 984445.

Friday 9th September: THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH

Thursday 8th September: HOW TO COMPOST free training

7-9pm at Bar Convent, Blossom Street (YO24 1AQ)
Be amazed by the variety of materials which can be turned into fantastic compost. You do not need to have a garden to compost and it will help slim your refuse bin.
Please book ahead with Catherine on 01904 412861 or rotters[at]stnicksfields.org.uk

Thursday 8th September: THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH

Wednesday 7th September: THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH

Tuesday 6th September: HOW TO COMPOST free training

7-9pm at Haxby Methodist Church (YO32 2JJ)
Be amazed by the variety of materials which can be turned into fantastic compost. You do not need to have a garden to compost and it will help slim your refuse bin.
Please book ahead with Catherine on 01904 412861 or rotters[at]stnicksfields.org.uk

Tuesday 6th September: THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH

Monday 5th September: BEARING FRUIT WORK DAY - wild strawberry planting

Please contact Jonathan on 01904 411821 or volunteer[at]stnicksfields.org.uk for more details.

Saturday 3rd September: ECO-ACTIVE DAY - orchard site preparation

10am-1pm meet at York Environment Centre
Help us prepare the ground for the Community Orchard. You will get a warm feeling and free lunch in return. Eco-Active Day is a great opportunity to be doing something useful outdoors, get lots of fresh air, maybe learn a new skill, get fit, meet like-minded people and drink cups of tea!

Saturday 3rd September: CAMERA CLUB

10:15am-12:15, meet at York Environment Centre
Join our friendly informal group in recording life on St Nicks and sharing photographic skills. Free admission. You can also join the group on-line. For more information please contact Ivana at the Environment Centre.

Thursday 1st September: YOUTH VOLUNTEER SESSION

2-4pm meet at York Environment Centre
Free conservation and environmental studies sessions for 14-16 year olds throughout the school summer holidays.

Sessions could include activities such as:

practical conservation tasks
wildlife photography and identification
jam making
wildlife surveys
green woodworking

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and learn exciting new skills.

Sessions are free but booking is essential.

Please book ahead with Vicki or Jonathan on 01904 411821 or volunteer[at]stnicksfields.org.uk

Saturday 27th August: MOTH DAY

10am-4pm at York Environment Centre
Moth, photo by Anneliese Emmans Dean

* 10am-2.30pm: Learn to identify moths with local expert Dave Chesmore. He will give a detailed presentation on identification features of moths and their families, show you moths from an over-night trap and take you on a walk through St Nicholas Fields nature reserve in search of day flying moths. This part of the day is suitable for adults and children of 12 years and upwards.

* From 2:30pm the day will conclude with the highly enjoyable, and award-winning, multimedia moth show by acclaimed poet and photographer Anneliese Emmans Dean. The show is suitable for adults and children of all ages. Anneliese's Buzzing! is an edu-taining multimedia celebration of garden minibeasts. Each of her poems introduces you to one of the extraordinary tiny creatures that live in our gardens. She performs the poems to a backdrop of projected photos, interspersed with musical interludes.

Quentin Blake has said: “Anneliese Emmans Dean has discovered the poetry in insects and knows a lot about them as well. She has the Buzz!”

Whether you come to one or both parts of the day, you will get an insight into the fascinating world of moths. Places are limited so please book ahead if possible. This event is one of a series supported by the Big Lottery Fund and its Community Wildlife scheme. It is also supported by the Open Air Laboratories project.

Entry: free to members—join on the day or £2.50 adults, £1.50 children. Price includes a drink and biscuits. Please bring your own lunch.

Thursday 25th August: YOUTH VOLUNTEER SESSION

2-4pm meet at York Environment Centre
Free conservation and environmental studies sessions for 14-16 year olds throughout the school summer holidays.

Sessions could include activities such as:

practical conservation tasks
wildlife photography and identification
jam making
wildlife surveys
green woodworking

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and learn exciting new skills.

Sessions are free but booking is essential.

Please book ahead with Vicki or Jonathan on 01904 411821 or volunteer[at]stnicksfields.org.uk

Thursday 18th August: BAT WALK

8-9:30pm meet at York Environment Centre
Learn about bats with St Nicks Wildwatch’s own bat expert Adele Colamarco. Walk through the nature reserve looking for the fascinating flying mammals.

This presentation and walk is one of a series supported by the Big Lottery Fund and its Community Wildlife scheme.

Entry: free to members—join on the day or £2.50 adults, £1.50 children. Price includes a drink and biscuits.

Thursday 18th August: YOUTH VOLUNTEER SESSION

2-4pm meet at York Environment Centre
Free conservation and environmental studies sessions for 14-16 year olds throughout the school summer holidays.

Sessions could include activities such as:

practical conservation tasks
wildlife photography and identification
jam making
wildlife surveys
green woodworking

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and learn exciting new skills.

Sessions are free but booking is essential.

Please book ahead with Vicki or Jonathan on 01904 411821 or volunteer[at]stnicksfields.org.uk

Monday 15th August: BEARING FRUIT WORK DAY - orchard site preparation

Please contact Jonathan on 01904 411821 or volunteer{at}stnicksfields.org.uk for more details.

Thursday 11th August: YOUTH VOLUNTEER SESSION

2-4pm meet at York Environment Centre
Free conservation and environmental studies sessions for 14-16 year olds throughout the school summer holidays.

Sessions could include activities such as:

practical conservation tasks
wildlife photography and identification
jam making
wildlife surveys
green woodworking

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and learn exciting new skills.

Sessions are free but booking is essential.

Please book ahead with Vicki or Jonathan on 01904 411821 or volunteer[at]stnicksfields.org.uk

Saturday 6th August: ECO-ACTIVE DAY - orchard site preparation

10am-1pm, meet at York Environment Centre
Help us prepare the ground for St Nicks Community Orchard. You will get a warm feeling and free lunch in return. Eco-Active Day is a great opportunity to be doing something useful outdoors, get lots of fresh air, maybe learn a new skill, get fit, meet like-minded people and drink cups of tea!

Saturday 6th August: CAMERA CLUB

10:15am-12:15, meet at York Environment Centre
Join our friendly informal group in recording life on St Nicks and sharing photographic skills. Free admission. You can also join us on-line at www.flickr.com/groups/stnickscameraclub For more information please contact Ivana at the Environment Centre.

Saturday 30th July: BUTTERFLY WALK

starts 10am from York Environment Centre
Join local butterflfly expert, Tony Fairburn, on a walk through the nature reserve. Around a half of the 50 UK species of butterflflies have been recorded on St Nicholas Fields. If possible, please book ahead. On the day you will also be able to pick up a survey pack for the OPAL’s Bugs Count.

This walk is one of a series supported by the Big Lottery Fund and its Community Wildlife scheme.

Entry: free to members—join on the day or £2.50 adults, £1.50 children. Price includes a drink and biscuits.

Thursday 28th July: THE STORY OF CHARCOAL + ST NICKS AGM

7:15-9:30pm at York Environment Centre
David Hutchinson, Master Charcoal Burner, inventor of ‘The Viper’ mobile charcoal retort, with over 20 years experience in the industry and numerous TV appearances, including channel 4’s ‘Worst Jobs in History’ and Luke Casey’s ‘Country Diary’, will take us from charcoal’s chequered past up to the present and into its fantastic future.

From the dawn of civilization, charcoal has been a major catalyst in the evolution and development of Mankind. In a marriage of the elements; earth, water, fire and air, are skilfully brought together to produce the fuel that transformed Stone Age Man into Technological Man. Without charcoal there would have been no Bronze Age or Iron Age and from flatulence to filtration, coppicing to combating climate change, charcoal, the unsung hero, is still playing a key role.

David’s talk and charcoal making demonstration will be followed by St Nicks annual general meeting with light refreshments and a visual overview of the charity’s year. Come and have a say in the future of St Nicks.

Free event, new members welcome

Tuesday 19th July: INTRODUCTORY BAT DETECTOR WORKSHOP

7:30-10:20pm at York Environment Centre

Learn about bat detectors and how they can be used to monitor bats as part of the Bat Conservation Trust’s National Bat Monitoring Programme. The format of the workshop is designed for new and existing volunteers to the programme and the skills will be useful to anyone that wants to take part in voluntary bat work, individually or as part of their local Bat Group or conservation organisation. You will learn how to identify five of the common species and how to take part in our surveys. This course will not provide individuals with sufficient knowledge to undertake professional bat survey work and attendance cannot be used to demonstrate proficiency in bat surveying. BCT runs courses for professionals – please see the BCT website details.

Entry: £10 / £5 concessions & BCT members. Please book ahead.

Saturday 16th July: BIG BUG HUNT

10am-1pm, meet at York Environment Centre

Explore the amazing world of minibeasts in the garden and various habitats of the nature reserve, with the Open Air Laboratories project officers. After the event we'll have a shared picnic lunch.
Entry: free to members—join on the day or £2.50 adults, £1.50 children. Price includes a drink and biscuits.

Saturday 25th June: 'LOVE FOOD, HATE WASTE' & 'HOW TO COMPOST' training

10:30-3pm at York Environment Centre

* 10:30-12:30 Love Food, Hate Waste
Wasting food costs the average family with children £680 a year. This training will give you practical tips on how to make the most of the food you buy.

* 1-3pm How to Compost
Some food waste is inevitable and composting is a brilliant way to dispose of it. Be amazed at the wide variety of waste which you can turn into fantastic compost—and you don’t even need a garden to do it. The course will cover how to start composting, what you can and can’t compost and how to compost cooked food waste.

These courses are free and free lunch will be provided for participants attending both. This training session is delivered by York Rotters and City of York Council. Please contact York Rotters for more info & booking.

Saturday 18th June: TREE & WILDFLOWER WALK

10am-12 noon, meet at York Environment Centre

Explore, discover and celebrate the leafy world of St Nicks with activities to delight and entertain all ages, led by Botanist Thea Jacob.

Admission: £2.50 adults/ £1.50 children (free to Friends of St Nicholas Fields - you can join on the day)

Saturday 18th June: BEARING FRUIT LAUNCH

1-3pm at York Environment Centre

The Bearing Fruit Core Group is now into its third month of our project to create St Nicks very own community orchard. The project is progressing well and on Saturday 18th June 1-3pm, the Core Group will hold a launch day to show off what work has taken place already and its future plans. Part of the event will be a consultation process so you can have a say in how the orchard will be designed. The event will include a presentation about the project, a chance to see what the orchard may look like, details of open work days for you to get involved, key speakers, plus a chance to see all four of the orchard sites. You will also be able to find out about our exciting plans for a foraging trail.

Bearing Fruit has been funded by Ecominds, a £7.5million funding scheme run by Mind on behalf of the BIG Lottery Fund. Ecominds involves people with direct experience of mental distress in environmental projects that improve their mental and physical health, and local communities.

Saturday 11th June: GIVE OR TAKE DAY

1-4pm at York Environment Centre

Join the annual recycling fest – bring your unwanted stuff and maybe pick up something you do want. Things you can give/swap: household and garden items like books, toys, bikes and bike parts, tools, kitchenware, paint (re-usable), bric-a-brac, plants, clothes, furniture.

Please do not give: electrical items; hazardous or toxic items; chairs, sofas or beds without fire safety labels. There will also be recycled crafts, Compost! The (mini-) Musical, and refreshments. Free entry.

Thursday 9th June: MUSIC FOR ST NICKS

7:30pm at The Unitarian Chapel on St Saviourgate

David Hammond, one of our fantastic recycling offi cers, is also a talented pianist with similarly gifted friends. They have kindly offered to stage a concert to raise funds for St Nicks. Ellen Jordan will accompany David on cello and Rob Carruthers will add the guitar to the ecclectic mix of 20th century music. They will play works by Schostakovich, Raffaele Bellafronte, Leo Brouwer, Maurice Ravel and Isaac Albeniz.

Tickets: £8/ £6 concessions. If possible, please book ahead on 01904 411821.

Saturday 14th May: POND DIPPING

10am-12 at York Environment Centre

Have a peak in the life of our pond under expert guidance of Vicky Kindemba from Buglife. If possible, please book ahead.

Entry: free to Friends—join on the day or £2.50 adults, £1.50 children. Price includes a drink and biscuits.

Saturday 7th May: BIRD WALK

start 10am from York Environment Centre
Will you be lucky and see our kingfisher? Join local ornithologist David Campbell on a walk through the nature reserve. Please bring binoculars if you have them and book ahead.
Admission: £2.50 adults/ £1.50 children (free to Friends of St Nicholas Fields)

Friday 6th May: WORM CHARMING COMPETITION

3:30pm at at Scarcroft Green, off Scarcroft Road

It's Compost Awareness Week! Come along and take part in our friendly competition for all the family. Encourage worms to the soil surface using a variety of techniques such as drumming, watering and using garden forks. Equipment will be provided and a Wormery will be awarded to the team charming the most worms to the surface. York Rotters will be on hand to answer any composting queries and give away free lettuce seeds. Please contact York Rotters for more info.

Saturday 9th April: DAWN CHORUS WALK

meet 6am at York Environment Centre

Join our wildlife watch group for an early morning walk and hearty breakfast. We can't promise that you will see our kingfisher but the early start will be rewarded with plenty of bird sightings and beautiful song. Please book ahead.
Admission: £2.50 adults/ £1.50 children (free to Friends of St Nicholas Fields - you can join on the day)

Saturday 2nd April: THE BIG GREEN KNEES UP!

8-11pm at English Martyrs Church Hall, Dalton Terrace

Come for a great evening of live music with local ceilidh band Greensleveless and experinced caller Ros Batchelor. If dancing's not your thing, just come for a drink, some food and natter. This is a joint fun(d)raising event for Friends of St Nicholas Fields and York in Transition.
Tickets: £6/ £4 concessions in advance, or £1 extra on the door. Advance tickets available from York Environment Centre or 01904 412861.

Monday 21st March: INTRODUCTION TO GROWING YOUR OWN ORGANICALLY - session 3

7.15-9.30pm at DANESGATE CENTRE, Fulford Cross

Session 3 of a four week course - Looking after your crops including organic methods of controlling pests and diseases

Jane Thurlow and Tony Chalcraft (founders of York Organic Gardeners Association) have been self-suffiicient in growing their own fruit and veg for more than 25 years on allotments and in their large garden in Acomb. Their garden is open for charity under the National Gardens Scheme. They have run many courses on organic gardening. They are keen to share with you what works best in York so you get the most from your efforts.

This course is partly funded by the Fishergate Ward and Fishergate residents will be given priority FREE places if they book before 18th February. Cost to others: £40 for all four sessions. Please book early on 01904 411821 to avoid disappointment.

Saturday 19th March: NATURAL SPRING-CLEANING

10am-1pm at York Environment Centre

York in Transition logo Join this skillsharing session on how to keep our houses clean without using noxious chemicals. Also basic bicycle maintenance: cleaning, oiling and pumping up tyres. This event is organised by York in Transition.

Monday 14th March: INTRODUCTION TO GROWING YOUR OWN ORGANICALLY - session 2

7.15-9.30pm at DANESGATE CENTRE, Fulford Cross

Session 2 of a four week course - Recycling in the garden and looking after your soil

Saturday 12th March: INTRODUCTION TO PERMACULTURE GARDENING

10am-5pm at York Environment Centre

This course will demonstrate how permaculture design can be used to create gardens, allotments, community spaces to provide a yield of food, herbs and medicinal plants. These systems will require a minimum of labour input to establish and maintain. They will also provide a space for wildlife and beneficial insects. We will look at existing examples of permaculture gardens and carry out a soil sampling practical and an observation exercise. This course will demonstrate a range of techniques and strategies which can be used to covert overgrown areas into productive ecological gardens.

Chris holds the Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design. He has designed many edible gardens like the Lolliplot: a permaculture communal edible garden for a local charity Lollipop, who provide activities for children with hearing loss. The lolliplot was a derelict allotment plot and is now a highly productive edible garden giving yields of fruit, vegetables, herbs and salad. Chris has 21 years horticultural experience and consults, designs and runs courses in permaculture design showing how permaculture can be applied to your home, garden and local community.Chris works freelance for The Permaculture Association as a personal tutor for the Diploma in applied permaculture design, supporting students through the diploma process.

This course is partly funded by the Fishergate Ward and Fishergate residents will be given priority FREE places if they book before 18th February. Cost to others: £40. Please book early on 01904 411821 to avoid disappointment.

Monday 7th March: INTRODUCTION TO GROWING YOUR OWN ORGANICALLY - session 1

7.15-9.30pm at Danesgate Centre, Fulford Cross

Session 1 of a four week course - Deciding what to grow (identifying the easiest and most rewarding fruit and veg crops for you)

This course is partly funded by the Fishergate Ward and Fishergate residents will be given priority FREE places if they book before 18th February. Cost to others: £40 for all four sessions. Please book early on 01904 411821 to avoid disappointment.

Saturday 5th March: WILDLIFE GROUP taster day

10am-1pm at York Environment Centre

Improve your identification skills and help us regularly monitor wildlife on St Nicholas Fields. The wildlife group meets regularly and is planning a programme of expert guest speakers. Come to this taster session to find out more and meet new people.

Tuesday 22nd February: CREATING A CLIMATE FOR CHANGE workshop

9.30am - 2:30pm at Priory Street Centre, 15 Priory Street, York, YO1 6ET

A free workshop to help voluntary and community organisations in York and North Yorkshire to become more sustainable and resilient to climate change. All voluntary and community organisations or social enterprises based in York or North Yorkshire are entitled to a FREE place. Limited places are available, though, and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. See our projects page for booking information.

Monday 14th February: BEARING FRUIT

11am-1pm at York Environment Centre

Join in the planning and planting of a community orchard in St Nicholas Fields.
Bearing Fruit is a new project all about growth. Growth in confidence, teamwork, making new friends and of course… fruit!
You will learn new skills, be in the fresh air, get some green exercise and could improve your health.

Come along to this informal meeting for more information and some cake. Please book in advance by contacting Jonathan at St Nicholas Fields on 01904 411821 or Emma at the Community Recovery Team on 01904 553850.

Bearing Fruit has been funded by Ecominds, a £7.5million funding scheme run by Mind on behalf of the BIG Lottery Fund.

Saturday 12th February: COMPOST & GROWN YOUR OWN

10am-12 & 1-3pm at York Environment Centre
Free training which includes lunch. You can book on one or both of the following courses:

10am–12 How to Compost: Be amazed at the wide variety of waste which you can turn into fantastic compost—and you don’t even need a garden to do it.
1–3pm Grow Your Own: Session led by Sandra Geere, local gardening expert who specialises in creating sustainable, organic vegetable, fruit and herb gardens in the smallest of spaces. She will be giving advice on what to do in the garden at this time of year.

For more information and to book a place, please contact Catherine on 01904 412861 or email York Rotters.

Monday 31st January: CREATING A CLIMATE FOR CHANGE workshop

9.30am - 2pm at Priory Street Centre, 15 Priory Street, York, YO1 6ET

Saturday 15th January: CHRISTMAS PRESENTS SWAP + wrapping paper & Christmas cards makeover

10am-1pm at York Environment Centre

York in Transition logo Did Santa get it wrong? Bring unwanted gifts along or just yourself, and have a browse. You can also bring your Christmas wrapping paper and cards to give them a makeover, and find out more about York in Transition. Leftover items will be donated to a local charity shop. Event organised by York in Transition. Entry by donation, no need to book.

Saturday 18th December: VALUES HAVE VALUE!

10am-1pm at York Environment Centre

York in Transition logo This free workshop is organised by York in Transition and based on the latest work by WWF, FoE, Oxfam, CPRE and COIN.

We will investigate the critical role of goals and values in motivating people, and identify those values that will support a green future.
We’ll explore how we can use this knowledge to communicate with and influence people who prioritise different goals and values.
Finally, we can consider if there really is a ‘Common Cause’ that links all of those working for social change in York.

The report ‘Common Cause’ is free to download from www.wwf.org.uk For more information please contact York in Transition or just come along.

Saturday 11th December: MAKE YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS YULE LOG

10am-1pm at York Environment Centre

Come and enjoy the surroundings of the Environment Centre, the heat from a real log fire and relax with friends while being creative. Create a traditional centre piece for your Christmas table by trimming your log with foliage, candles and ribbon. Also available to make will be Christmas tree decorations in wood, salt dough and fabric, and there will be drinks and mince pies.

Entry by donation. Please book on 01904 411821 to avoid disappointment.

Saturday 20th November: WILLOW SCULPTURE

10am-4pm at York Environment Centre

A very hands on day, using Somerset willow, will result in a unique sculpture to take home. Tutored by Angela Cole of Yorkshire Hurdles, the day will be creative and inspiring! Please book ahead on 01904 411821.

Admission: free to 14-16 year olds, £40 waged/ £20 unwaged

Wednesday 17th November: ECO-ACTIVE DAY - task to be confirmed

10am-4pm, meet at York Environment Centre

Come help us with a task in the nature reserve. You will get a warm feeling and free lunch in return. Eco-Active Day is a great opportunity to be doing something useful outdoors, get lots of fresh air, maybe learn a new skill, get fit, meet like-minded people and drink cups of tea!

Wednesday 17th November: FREEBIES FOR FIDO

10am-1pm at York Environment Centre

At 10am join your local dog warden Jane Taylor for a dog walk around the reserve.
Between 10:30am-1pm pick up DogsTrust info, leaflets, dog poo bags and other freebies
You can also get your dog micro chipped at a reduced rate of £11.75 (the usual vets' rate is £30) so you never run the risk of losing Fido again!

Friday 5th November: CAMERA CLUB

Saturday 23rd October: CRAFTY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS

10am-1pm at York Environment Centre

York in Transition logo Ceramic painting, card and gift wrap making, plus sewing, knitting, crochet, painted gift ideas, ‘Upcycled’ items - reused and refurbished gifts. With Lynn of York LETS. Entry free or by donation, no need to book.

Wednesday 20th October: ECO-ACTIVE DAY - task to be confirmed

10am-4pm, meet at York Environment Centre
Come help us with a task in the nature reserve. You will get a warm feeling and free lunch in return. Eco-Active Day is a great opportunity to be doing something useful outdoors, get lots of fresh air, maybe learn a new skill, get fit, meet like-minded people and drink cups of tea!

Wednesday 13th October: GET ECO, GET ACTIVE! Wildlife Survey, for 13 to 16 year olds only

4:30-6pm, at York Environment Centre

We are going to be conducting a wildlife survey on St Nicholas Fields nature reserve. We will collect the data and then input it into a national database. For more info and to book, please call 01904 411821. You will need to submit this parental consent form (141kB PDF file).

Sunday 10th October: 10 PICS FROM ST NICKS - photo exhibition opening night

5-7pm at National Trust Cafe, 30 Goodramgate

10 Pics from St Nicks exhibition Our celebrations of the tenth birthday of York Environment Centre continue and we've teamed up with the National Trust for this occasion - join us for the opening night of a photo exhibition including ten quirky images taken by St Nicks staff and volunteers, plus a selection of haikus written at the tenth birthday celebrations in May. You will get a complimentary glass of wine/ tea & coffee. We will also be marking the Global Day of Doing of 10:10 campaign. Please book ahead for the opening night.

After Sun 10th October the exhibition will be open Mon-Fri 9:30am-4:30pm, Sat 9:30am-5pm until Wednesday 10th November. All the photos and a small range greeting cards will be available for sale.

Saturday 9th October: GET ECO, GET ACTIVE! Introduction to Green Construction, for 13 to 16 year olds only

7:30am-5:30pm, meet at York Environment Centre for a trip to Lincolnshire

Come on an away day at Hill Holt Wood in Lincolnshire for an Introduction to Green Construction. Please email katie[insert at]stnicksfields.org.uk for more details and to book on. Limited places available.

Wednesday 29th September: GET ECO, GET ACTIVE! Learn how to fell small trees, for 13 to 16 year olds only

4:30-6pm, meet at York Environment Centre

Come and try your hand at practical conservation at St Nicholas Fields! We will be demonstrating how to safely fell small trees using handsaws - and then we will help you to do it. Felling small trees is a vital part of maintaining a woodland, removing fast growing invasive species to give our native trees a better chance. For more info and to book, please call 01904 411821. You will need to submit this parental consent form (141kB PDF file).

Wednesday 22nd September: GET ECO, GET ACTIVE! Photography Workshop, for 13 to 16 year olds only

4:30-6:30pm, at York Environment Centre
It's a free workshop with prize-winning poet and wildlife photographer Anneliese Emmans Dean, for 13-16 year olds only. Please book on 01904 411821. You will need to submit this parental consent form (141kB PDF file).

Wednesday 15th September: ECO-ACTIVE DAY - lichen survey

10am-4pm, meet at York Environment Centre

Come help us with the task in the nature reserve. You will get a warm feeling and free lunch in return. Eco-Active Day is a great opportunity to be doing something useful outdoors, get lots of fresh air, maybe learn a new skill, get fit, meet like-minded people and drink cups of tea!

Wednesday 15th September: GET ACTIVE, GET ECO-ACTIVE - Photography Workshop, for 13 to 16 year olds only

4:30-6:30pm, at York Environment Centre

It's a free workshop with prize-winning poet and wildlife photographer Anneliese Emmans Dean, for 13-16 year olds only. Please book on 01904 411821. You will need to submit this parental consent form (141kB PDF file).

Saturday 4th September: EMERGENCY FIRST AID AT WORK

10am-4pm at York Environment Centre

Join St Nicks staff for a bargain priced First Aid Training provided by The Professional First Aid Service. Places at £50 each are limited so please book early on 01904 411821.

Monday 23rd August: ECO-ACTIVE DAY - for 13 to 16 year olds only. Building bird and bat boxes.

2-5pm meet at York Environment Centre

Are you 13-16 and want to do something (eco)active? Come help us with a conservation task in the nature reserve - you will have fun, learn new skills and make new friends. Please book by contacting Katie on katie@stnicksfields.org.uk or text 07563 733457.

Thursday 19th August: why & how to ATTRACT WILDLIFE INTO YOUR GARDEN

7-9pm at York Environment Centre

A free taster course led by Sjaak Kastelijn - the Manager of Museum Gardens, who also has his own eco garden in Crayke (www.dutchhouseyorkshire.com). Learn the basic principles of attracting beneficial wildlife and see examples of mini wildlife gardens at the Centre. If possible, please book ahead.

Monday 16th August: ECO-ACTIVE DAY - for 13 to 16 year olds only. Deadhedging.

2-5pm meet at York Environment Centre

Monday 9th August: ECO-ACTIVE DAY - 13 to 16 year olds only. Tree pruning and path clearance.

2-5pm meet at York Environment Centre

Thursday 22nd July: BE A ROTTEN VOLUNTEER

7-9:30pm at York Environment Centre

Join our jolly Rotters lot - come to this free training session to learn how to compost and spread the word. You will meet new people and have fun along the way. For more info & booking contact Catherine on 01904 412861.

Saturday 17th July: MENDING, HANDCRAFTS & BIKE MAINTENANCE skill share

10am-1pm at York Environment Centre

YiT logo Join sewing, mending, knitting & crochet workshop with Lynn Turner of York LETS. Please bring, if you can, balls of wool, bits of material, old umbrellas, lace, broderie anglaise, trims, etc. Plus your bike if it needs mending. Also Anna Semlyen will show you how to complete a simple one page form to apply for Ward Funding for anything with a community benefit. This event is organised by York in Transition.

Wednesday 14th July: SCYTHING COURSE

9.30am - 4pm, meet at York Environment Centre

We are very lucky to have Ray Lister, former British scything champion, to deliver a scything workshop. Come along to learn the skills and techniques of how to use the Austrian scythe. This lighter, versatile tool can make short work of cutting around your orchard, meadow, garden and even cutting the lawn. Scything is also a fantastic tool for getting rid of Himalayan Balsam and up to one year saplings. This is not hard work when you have the technique and good exercise as well as carbon neutral. The workshop covers setting up your scythe, different techniques, sharpening and maintenance of the tool. Use the scythed grass for mulching and making hayracks, which will be demonstrated. All equipment provided. Please bring your own lunch. Limited spaces available so please book ahead on 01904 411821.

Cost: £50

Saturday 19th June: FOOD CO-OPs & CHICKENS

10am-1pm at York Environment Centre

YiT logo Learn about the Soil Association, how its York branch supports local farmers through its food co-ops and how you could benefit from joining. There will also be advice on keeping chickens in urban gardens and other food projects such as a potential central York Country Markets group. Lunch will be provided. Please book ahead on 01904 411821.

Saturday 15th May: CARBON REDUCTION ECOCELL course with Peter Redwood

11am-12 at York Environment Centre

YiT logo Get a flavour of this practical flexible modular course (available on a CD) on everyday environmental issues and how to downsize and live a lower carbon lifestyle. Focus is on reducing waste. Originally produced for Christian Ecology Link (non-denominational and working with all religions - Jewish, Moslem etc) on environmental issues. All welcome. Followed by a tour of St Nicholas Fields and York In Transition Events planning over a shared lunch. No need to book.

Saturday 8th May: 10th ANNIVERSARY OF YORK ENVIRONMENT CENTRE

11am-4pm at York Environment Centre

Come and celebrate our 10th birthday with us! Join us for any or all of the following:

11am - 12 noon celebration with birthday cake and speeches including the former Environment Minister Chris Mullin
12-1pm lunch and exhibition about the first ten years of the Centre and a peek at what the next ten may bring
1-4pm stalls of local groups, children's activities and speakers on: green building - at 1pm, Phil Bixby of Constructive Individuals; eco-refurbishment - at 2:15pm, Nick Parsons of South Yorkshire Energy Centre; and Green Streets - at 3:30pm Kate Lock, local author involved with the project.

Groups and activities confirmed so far: Bike Rescue, Brunswick Organic Nursery will be selling their lovely cakes and bedding plants, Buglife and OPAL will lead pond dipping and water survey sessions, BTCV, Cycling City York with free cycling clips and maps, Edible York, Energy Saving Trust, Friends of the Earth, Garden-Able will show you how to plant up old tyres, National Trust, York CVS with games and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust's Running Wild project will show you how to make simple bug houses. There will also be storytelling, music, Anneliese Emmans Deans and Little Rotters teaching you Compost! The mini-musical, and plenty more fun activities for everyone.

Saturday 8th May: COMPOST! THE MINI-MUSICAL

2pm at York Environment Centre
It's Compost Awareness Week 2010 - Come and enjoy this little "composition about decomposition". Heworth Cubs will be performing the musical, written by local poet Anneliese Emans Deans, as part of the Environment Centre's 10th Birthday celebrations.

Thursday 6th May: COMPOST INFO STALL

2-7:30pm at Morrisons, Foss Island Road

It's Compost Awareness Week 2010 - Come and visit York Rotters' stand at Morrisons, Foss Islands Road and find out more about composting and the Council's new home compost bin offer. Bring your wage slip with you too and enter Minster FM's 'Double your Pay in May' competition.

Wednesday 5th May: USING HOME COMPOST to grow your own in a small space

7-9pm at York Environment Centre

It's Compost Awareness Week 2010 - This talk on how to use home-made compost is from Sandra Geere, local gardening expert from the Local Link. Please book ahead with York Rotters Officer, Catherine Bamford.

Sunday 2nd May: COMPOST INFO STALL

11am-3pm at Deans Garden Centre, Stockton On The Forest

It's Compost Awareness Week 2010 - Pop along to the garden centre for free friendly home composting advice from York Rotters volunteers.

Sunday 2nd May: COMPOST GIVEAWAY

9:30am-2:30pm at Harewood Whin site in Rufforth

It's Compost Awareness Week 2010 - City of York Council is giving away free compost from the Yorwaste site at Harewood Whin in Rufforth. Bring your bags/ containers to fill up with compost made from York households' garden waste.

Saturday 1st May: CANCELLED - ECO-ACTIVE DAY

We've decided to relax over the bank holiday weekend so that we can better focus on the 10th birthday celebrations on Saturday 8th May. We'll need many hands on the day so if you can help us make the big event run smoothly, please get in touch.

Saturday 1st May: WORMCHARMING

2pm meet at York Environment Centre

It's Compost Awareness Week 2010 - Come along and take part in York Rotters' annual competition. The team charming the most worms will win a wormery. Plots will be allocated on a first come first served basis so please arrive early.

Wednesday 21st April: ECO-ACTIVE DAY - footpath building

10am-4pm, meet at York Environment Centre

Saturday 17th April: CEILIDH DANCE & Transition film

7.30-11.30pm at Priory Street Centre

YiT logo St Nicks will be having a stall at this fun event at Priory Street Centre - we hope you'll join us for a dance (or the film and a natter)! Ceilidh band Pugwash Convention will be playing live music and a caller will guide you through the dances. If you are not into dancing, come along anyway - there will be 'In Transition' film, many stalls of local green groups, raffle and light refreshments.

Tickets: £3 concessions or in advance /£4 on the door. Bring your own booze. Advance tickets available from Anna Semlyen on 01904 654355, anna[at]yogainyork.co.uk or from Ivana at the Environment Centre.

Wednesday 17th March: ECO-ACTIVE DAY - Buddleia coppicing

10am-4pm, meet at York Environment Centre

Saturday 13th March: BIRDS & SPRINGTIME - storytelling and eco-crafts

2–3:30pm at York Environment Centre

Come to our storytelling and eco-crafts session on the theme of “Birds and Springtime”. All welcome, especially 3-8 year olds (all children must be accompanied by an adult). Dress for the weather as some time will be spent on the nature reserve. Tea, coffee and cake provided.
Admission: £1 per family

Friday 26th February: ENERGY AUDITING FOR COMMUNITY BUILDINGS

9.45 for 10am start - 4.30pm at York Environment Centre

Almost all community buildings could be made more comfortable for the users while cutting their energy bills, if the right energy efficiency measures are employed. This one day free course, delivered by the Energy Saving Trust, will show you how to carry out a basic energy audit of a community building. It includes monitoring of energy consumption, identifying potential savings that could be made through the introduction of energy efficiency improvements and a summary of renewable energy options. Free booking includes a free lunch. Places are limited, so early booking is advisable. Please contact Ivana at the Centre for more information and bookings.

Saturday 20th February: BEE INFO DAY & beehive making

10am-1pm at York Environment Centre

York in Transition logo One third of all our food depends on bees but they have been disappearing. Come and help make a simple bee hive, enjoy honey tastings, watch films and learn how you can help bees in your garden or even a windowsill. There will be advice available from the National Bee Unit and York in Transition stall. Free admission, donations welcome

Wednesday 17th February: ECO-ACTIVE DAY - Buddleia coppicing

10am-4pm, meet at York Environment Centre

Saturday 6th February: MAKE THE MOST OF YORTIME! FAMILY FUN DAY (includes Eco-Active Day & Camera Club)

10am-4pm at York Environment Centre

There will be two Eco-Active sessions on this day so you can come to one or both to help us clean up the nature reserve. You will get a warm feeling and free lunch in return. Besides free refreshments and information stalls, fun day activities include:

10am-12.30 Eco-active Day session 1
10-11.30am Storytelling and ecocrafts
10-11am Wildlife Walk 1
11.30am-12.30 Wildlife Walk 2
12.30-1.30pm Lunch
1.30-4pm Eco-active Day session 2
2-4pm Camera Club - bring your camera and learn about some wildlife photography basics

This event is supported by Yortime.

Friday 5th February: ECO-ACTIVE DAY - task to be confirmed

10am-1pm meet at York Environment Centre

Saturday 30th January: BIG GARDEN WATCH

10:30 am - 12 noon at York Environment Centre

We will be taking part in the RSPB’s ‘Big Garden Birdwatch’ – and we need your help! For one hour we will record all the birds who visit the Environment Centre Garden, and also take a walk around the nature reserve and see who else we can find! The cold weather has brought in species not usually seen in urban areas in the search for food, so we hope this’ll be a really interesting hour. As well as contributing to RSPB’s data on urban birdlife in the UK, this session will an opportunity for people interested in forming a regular Wildlife Watch group to meet and make future plans. Cups of tea available throughout, and soup will be served at 12 – donations gratefully received!

Thursday 21st January: ST NICKS STORYTELLERS' FIRST MEETING

10:30am at the Environment Centre

Do you believe stories can inspire positive action and change?
Would you like to be part of an environmental storytelling and crafts group?
Do you want to engage children and adults alike in some of the most important issues of our time?

We are looking for volunteers to help form the St Nicholas Fields Storytellers group, who will run monthly sessions at the York Environment Centre and on the Local Nature Reserve. We hope to bring in parents and children from the local community one Saturday a month to hear stories, explore the reserve and get creative and crafty with nature!

If this sounds like something you’d like to be involved in, please come to our first planning meeting – all welcome. No experience necessary – just bring your ideas and creativity! For more info please contact our Volunteer Co-ordinator Ellie.

Friday 8th January: ECO-ACTIVE DAY - task to be confirmed

10am-1pm, meet at York Environment Centre

Saturday 17th October: REDUCING FOOD WASTE training

10-11:30am at York Environment Centre

Around one third of all food bought ends up being thrown away, much of which is still edible, costing the average family approximately £420. As well as showing people how to reduce the amount of waste they produce the course will also show people how to dispose of any food waste in an environmentally friendly way. Please book ahead.
Course fee: it's free

Thursday 15th October: FOOD DILEMMAS

meet 6:30pm for 7pm start - 9pm at York Environment Centre

Permaculture Association’s free workshop which introduces permaculture thinking. If you are concerned about food security and wondering what you can do about responding to climate change, come and explore positive solutions for a life with enjoyable abundant food. Booking is essential: please contact Suzi High on suzi_cherrytree[at]yahoo.com or 0777 6253743

Saturday 26th September: SEEING GREEN SPONSORED WALK

start 10am or 12 noon

Help raise funds for this year’s ‘Seeing Green’ Community Arts Project with a short walk around St Nicholas Fields. The funds will help provide art based learning and volunteering opportunities for people who have suffered mental health distress. A series of visual arts workshops will run throughout November and December and artworks created in response to York's beautiful green spaces will be exhibited and then auctioned on Residents First Weekend January 2010 at Priory Street Centre to raise further funds for the project. Seeing Green 2009 is a partnership project between Arts Action York, York CVS, Friends of St Nicholas Fields, York & District Mind and CYC/PCT Recovery Services.
For more info and sponsor forms: contact Vanessa Langford on tel. 01904 554617 or 07747 020251, Vanessa.Langford[at]york.gov.uk

Saturday 12th September: ECO REFURBISHMENT

9.30am-5pm at York Environment Centre

The vast majority of us will never design and build our own new eco-homes, yet our existing houses can make a massive contribution to our carbon footprint and wider environmental impact. This course covers ecological improvements to existing buildings, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, water re-use and conservation, healthy buildings and hazardous building materials. Tutor: Nick Parsons. Limited places available so please book early.
Course fee: £40 (£30 non waged)

Wednesday 9th September: WILDLIFE WATCH GROUP MEETING

4:30-5:30pm at York Environment Centre

Come to the initial meeting of our new wildlife watch group which will help us regularly monitor the wildlife on St Nicholas Fields. If you are interested in improving your wildlife ID skills and attending monthly socialising meetings with guest speakers, please get in touch with our Volunteer Co-ordinator. If you cannot make this meeting, please still get in touch.

Sunday 6th September: YORK GREEN FESTIVAL

11am-5pm at ROWNTREE PARK

We'll be having a joint Friends' and York Rotters' stall at the festival which promises to be even better than last year. The highlights include Seize the Day as the headline act on the main music stage, solar cinema, bike powered racing, a number of interesting stalls and workshops. The festival will also be the first outing for our mobile solar water heating unit so come check it out if you haven't seen it yet or need to wash your hands after some yummy food from one of the festival food stalls. For more details see: www.yorkgreenfestival.org.uk

Saturday 18th July: SELF BUILD WITH TIMBER

9.30am-5pm at York Environment Centre

What is Walter Segal Timber Frame building? This introductory course will explain the background to this method and the practicalities of constructing and erecting simple frames for a garden shed or summer house. Nick Parsons from the award-winning South Yorkshire Energy Centre, is the tutor. Limited places available so please book early.
Course fee: £60 (£40 non waged)

Wednesday 24th June: WILDFLOWER WALK

start 6pm from York Environment Centre

Always wanted to know what that little flower was called? Join our local expert Martin Hammond who will tell you. If possible, please book ahead.

Admission: £2.50 adults/ £1.50 children (free to Friends of St Nicholas Fields)

Tuesday 2nd June: BAT WALK

8:30-10:30pm, meet at York Environment Centre

Join our resident bat man Roger Curtis for an evening walk round the nature reserve looking and listening out for bats. Bat detectors provided. Please book ahead.

Admission: £2.50 adults/ £1.50 children (free to Friends of St Nicholas Fields)

Tuesday 2nd June: VOLUNTEERING TASTER

11am-1pm, meet at York Environment Centre

Come find out what it takes to volunteer at St Nicks, and enjoy a picnic and outdoor games. Whether you fancy giving volunteering a go or you volunteer already, just pop along. You will meet new people, help the environment, get fit and have a great time all at once!

Thursday 7th May: COMPOST CLINIC

10am – 2pm at Lakeland (on High Ousegate)

It's Compost Awareness Week! York Rotters will be in store to answer any composting queries.

Wednesday 6th May: ‘USING YOUR COMPOST TO GROW YOUR OWN VEGETABLES’ TRAINING

7-8pm at York Environment Centre

It's Compost Awareness Week! The course will cover how you can grow your own vegetables using your own homemade compost. Please contact York Rotters for more info & booking.

Sunday 3rd May: ANNUAL WORM CHARMING COMPETITION

11-12:30 at Rowntree's Park

It's Compost Awareness Week! Come along and take part in York Rotters' friendly competition for all the family. Encourage worms to the soil surface using a variety of techniques such as drumming, watering and using garden forks. Equipment will be provided and a Junior Wormery will be awarded to the team charming the most worms to the surface. Places are limited so prebooking is advised. Please contact York Rotters for more info & booking.

Saturday 2nd May: HAXBY AND WIGGINTON SCARECROW FESTIVAL

Saturday 2nd – Monday 4th May, around Haxby and Wigginton

It's Compost Awareness Week! Little Rotters, a group of children involved with York Rotters, have made a York Rotters scarecrow which is being displayed as part of the Scarecrow Festival. Follow the trails through the villages and answer the clues relating to each scarecrow. Prizes will be given for the most correct answers to each trail and the most popular scarecrows. Trails will be sold for £1 at Haxby Methodist Church from 10.30-4.30pm with the scarecrows being displayed until dusk.

Saturday 21st March: COMMUNITY HORTICULTURE & GROWING IN SMALL SPACES WORKSHOPS

10am-1pm & 2-4pm at York Environment Centre
10am-1pm Community Horticulture Workshop with Simon Cross from Northdale Horticulture

Television gardener, Simon Cross, will illustrate the benefits of community horticulture and indicate how a community or individual might plan, fund and implement a community horticultural project. He will discuss and illustrate a range of community horticulture projects both past and present and cover topics such as: community orcharding, community composting, shared allotments, street gardening, garden competitions/open gardens.

2pm-4pm Growing in Small Spaces with experienced local organic gardener, Jane Thurlow

Jane, who is co-founder of the York Organic Gardeners Association, will give a brief introduction to growing vegetables and fruit in a backyard or small space. Even if you only have a small patio, balcony or just a windowsill you can grow a bountiful crop of fruit and veg. Jane will run through the basics to get you started.

Please remember to bring your own lunch. There will be a break between the workshops for you to have your lunch and share your gardening ‘tips and topics’.
The workshops are free but places are LIMITED so early booking is essential. You can book on one or both on: 01904 411821

Saturday 28th February: 5TH BIRTHDAY & TREE TRAIL LAUNCH

12noon - 2:30pm, meet at York Environment Centre

St Nicks is 5! Join our celebration of the 5th anniversary of St Nicholas Fields being designated a Local Nature Reserve. There will be an exhibition on the transformation from a rubbish tip into green haven, launch of the St Nicks Tree Trail with a guided walk, and you may get to have some birthday cake.

Saturday 14th February: CLOTHES SWAP

2-4pm at York Environment Centre

The Environment Centre is happy to host a York in Transition's event - a clothes swap for all. Please bring clean children's, women's or men's clothes to swap with others.

Saturday 31st January: SEEING GREEN ARTS AUCTION

starts 3:30pm at Priory Street Centre (doors open 12 noon)

Seeing Green Auction Invite (small) Buy original artwork inspired by nature and benefit St Nicholas Fields at the same time. The Seeing Green Community Arts Project took place throughout this winter. 25 workshops in 5 different visual arts media gave people of all ages and abilities an opportunity to learn new creative skills and volunteer to make artworks for sale. The proceeds of the auction will help us provide positive activities for young people and increase awareness of green issues. You are warmly welcomed to come see the exhibition of artworks from noon and take part in the auction from 3:30pm at the Priory Street Centre. There will be light refreshments.

Saturday 6th December: FUNGI WALK

starts 1:30pm at the Centre

Come join Findlay Cook on a hunt for autumn fungi. Please book ahead.

Thursday 4th December: CHRISTMAS CEILIDH

7-11pm at The Tramways Club - 1 Mill St (off Piccadilly)

Holly Get your dancing shoes and holly at the ready! Friends of St Nicholas Fields have a lively Ceilidh band called Foxy Folk ready for you who will get you bouncing and a-toe tapping, a raffle with some excellent prizes on offer and a bar. You will also have the opportunity to buy some great xmas pressies and stocking fillers from our green Christmas shop: tetrapak wallets, can crushers, recycled stationery, composting equipment and more. All proceeds will go towards building a demonstration solar water heater so come have fun and support us at the same time! Tickets: £5/£3 conc. in advance from York Environment Centre or 411821; £6/£4 on the door. For directions please follow this external link.

Saturday 8th November: THE YOUNG FRIENDS OF ST NICHOLAS FIELDS LAUNCH MEETING

11am - 2pm at York Environment Centre

Are you 16-25 years old? Would you like to be involved in the decision-making, management and ‘youth’ outreach of St Nicholas Fields? Come find out what it takes and how you can benefit. The day will kick off with a lively treasure hunt around the nature reserve (including prizes for the winning team) followed by more information about the project, a chance to shape the future of the Young Friends of St Nicholas Fields and stand for a key committee member position! Snacks and drinks will be provided. For more info/ booking contact our Volunteer Co-ordinator.

Friday 7th November: SEEING GREEN - the bigger picture 1

11am-1pm at York Environment Centre
The first of a series of free photography workshops looking for the extraordinary in nature - part of a community arts project which will raise funds for St Nicks. If photography isn't your thing, there are four other types of art workshops to try out at other times and other places. For more information & to get involved please contact Lisa Buckley on 01904 621133 or email lisa.buckley[at]yorkcvs.org.uk

Thursday 23rd October: YOUTH VOLUNTEERING OPEN EVENING

6-8pm at York Environment Centre

Are you 16-25 years old and want to make a difference? Come find out more about the range of exciting volunteering opportunities at St Nicks whilst eating cake and playing Climate Change Bingo (with prizes)! For more info/ booking contact our Volunteer Co-ordinator.

Tuesday 14th October: LITTLE ROTTERS (for 7-13 year olds)

4–5.15pm at York Environment Centre

Little Rotters is free and will normally be meeting at the Environment Centre on the second Tuesday of each month from 4 until 5:15pm. If you’re 7-13 years old and keen to try something new, come along to learn how to drum on compost bins, paint them, and learn to perform the fun ‘Compost- the Mini Musical’. Along the way you will learn how to do your bit for the environment by composting your waste and in March 2009 you will get to perform the musical at a Little Rotters Party! Please contact York Rotters officer to book and for more details.

Thursday 2nd October: CONFESSIONS OF AN ECO-SHOPPER

7:30pm at York Environment Centre
York writer and former Press columnist Kate Lock will be reading from her new book 'Confessions of an Eco-Shopper: the true story of one woman's mission to go green'. In Kate's quest to experience all that an eco-friendly lifestyle has to offer - and to test what does and doesn't work when it comes to doing it in practice - she has tried everything from making her own moisturisers to worm-charming in high heels. The result is a humourous and personal account of a novice's conversion to 'the good life' that tells it like it is. Come and meet Kate and hear about her research - and perhaps take up one of her 'eco-challenges' yourself! Kate will also be signing copies of her book and there will be tea & cakes.

Sunday 28th September: ECO-BUILD WALK

starts 2pm from the Environment Centre
Join us for a walk showcasing some of York’s eco buildings - from a community centre to offices and residential houses. This event is organised in partnership with York in Transition.

Saturday 27th September: SPIDER WORKSHOP

10am-3pm, meet at York Environment Centre

Learn how to collect spiders on a walk through the nature reserve with Geoff Oxford, an expert from the University of York. You will then take your finds to a laboratory at the Biology Department on campus to identify them and take a closer look through microscopes. Please book ahead on 411821.

Charge £10 per adult/ £6 consession/ £3 per child.