About the event

Join us to participate in York City Nature Challenge which runs from Friday 26th to Monday 29th April.

Our reserves at Moorlands, Askham Bog and Wheldrake Ings will be part of the count area and, to celebrate, we'll be hosting some special events!

Members of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust team will be on-site at Moorlands, Askham Bog and Wheldrake Ings from Friday 26th to Monday 29th April and, at times, we'll be joined by members of the Yorkshire Naturalists' Union and volunteers from York City Nature Challenge itself. Together, we'll help you to discover amazing wildlife, record your findings and put York in the running to win the challenge!

Here's what will be going on at our reserves across the weekend:

• Guided walks at Moorlands: 11am on Friday 26th, 1pm Saturday 27th and 11am and 1pm Sunday 28th April. Free, but advance booking is essential - please use the event link at the bottom of this page.
   
• Guided walks at Askham Bog: 11am and 1pm on Friday 26th, 11am Saturday 27th and 11am and 1pm Sunday 28th April. Free, but advance booking is essential - please use the event link at the bottom of this page.
   
• Wildlife Discovery Sessions at Askham Bog: Drop in on Sunday 28th April between 9:30am and 11am to 'Meet the Moths and Mammals' with Prof. Alastair Fitter, Dr. Geoff Oxford and Ann Hanson from Yorkshire Naturalists' Union or between 11:30am and 1pm to 'Spy on Spiders' with Geoff. No need to book, just drop-in.

All our guided walks and discovery sessions are offered free of charge. Any cash donations on the day will be gratefully received.

What is York City Nature Challenge?

'Started in 2016 as a competition between Los Angeles and San Francisco in the United States, the City Nature Challenge (CNC) has grown into an international event. This challenge motivates people around the world to find and document wildlife in their own cities.'

How do I take part in York City Nature Challenge?

'Spot an animal on your way to work or school? See an insect on a plant near your home? Take a few photos and contribute to observations of biodiversity all around you during the York City Nature Challenge from 26-29th April 2024. Feel free to make your own observations of animals, plants and fungi where you live, work or play during those days, as well as join any one of the many events happening around York by different community groups.'

To find out more about the citywide challenge, visit the York City Nature Challenge website.

Join a York Naturalists’ Group

Did you know that it's been more than 20 years since the City of York had it's own naturalists' group? To see if there's any interest in starting one up, Alastair Fitter is hosting an informal open meeting at Spark on Piccadilly at 5pm on Sunday 28 April.

If you’re interested in natural history and live in or near York, please come along and join the discussion. There's no commitment necessary!