On 18 September, Councillors approved the locations of two new micro woods to be planted in the city through the Government’s Coronation Living Heritage Fund
Our Green Streets team have selected two sites from 50 locations using tools such as the Tree Equity Score to determine the most suitable location. The woods, each consisting of 600 trees, will be created in Rawcliffe and Holgate.
To find out more about the two sites go to: Two new woodlands for York to mark reign of King Charles III - BBC News
Climate Action Fund open to climate partnerships
The National Lottery has announced the Climate Action Fund – Our Shared Future, which seeks to fund partnership projects inspiring more people to take climate action. Formal partnerships led by community, voluntary, or public sector organisations can apply for projects up to £1.5 million. Applications will be open until at least the end of 2024.
You can apply here: Climate Action Fund - Our Shared Future | The National Lottery Community Fund (tnlcommunityfund.org.uk)
Plans for a floating habitat on the River Ouse
Plans to create a "floating ecosystem" on the River Ouse in York have been approved in September. Environmental charity St Nicks are behind the plans for an island habitat to be installed on the water near to North Street Gardens. St Nicks plan to use native aquatic plants to create a thriving habitat for wildlife and help improve water quality.
You can read more here: York: Plans approved for island wildlife habitat on River Ouse - BBC News
York walls set to be transformed
The first stage of an ambitious project to transform the City Walls embankments began this week with the sowing of wildflower seeds. The York Walls in Bloom project aims to see these spaces evolve into a beautiful biodiverse landscape, which residents and visitors should be able to see bloom into life from next spring near Station Rise.
York Walls in Bloom – City of York Council
Discover the Rivers 2U Project
Ousewem is dedicated to building flood resilience across Yorkshire, from the tranquil corners of North Yorkshire to the bustling streets of York.
Discover our exciting initiative, supporting the Rivers2U project, creating a network of informed individuals who can contribute to the sustainability of their environments.
Our mission to educate and protect our communities – Ousewem
Environment Weeks 2024
There is one week left of York Environment Weeks (YEWs) 2024, the biggest and most varied YEW programme yet, with more than 90 events taking place across the city.
To mark YEW, BetterPoints are giving away 250 York by bus smartcards with 5 days of free travel to anyone that registers to the BetterPoints app and pledges to leave the car at home.
Priority Ponds
The Freshwater Habitats Trust and Natural England are working together to identify and protect priority ponds – habitats which are key in supporting important freshwater species and rare wildlife communities. Fewer than 2% of ponds in the UK have been identified as priority habitats, but the total of these key conservation sites is likely to exceed 20%.
Volunteers can support these habitats by identifying and reporting new priority ponds through the Freshwater Habitats Trust.
Priority ponds - Freshwater Habitats Trust
Action plan to tackle climate crisis supported by Yorkshire’s leaders
A comprehensive plan for Yorkshire and the Humber to respond to the climate and nature crises has received unanimous support from leaders of the region's 15 local authorities and mayors of combined authorities on 26th September.
The Climate Action Plan highlights how the region can rapidly reduce emissions and become adaptive to climate impacts whilst ensuring climate action is fair and involves communities.
Read the plan: Climate Action Plan 2024 | Yorkshire & Humber Climate Commission (yorksandhumberclimate.org.uk)
Dates for your diary:
The Lord Mayor prepares for festive Community Carol Concert