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The YEWs festival is for anyone who cares about tackling climate change, increasing biodiversity and making the city more sustainable, offering opportunities to connect and get involved.
There are talks, workshops and film screenings on a variety of environmental topics, as well as opportunities to develop practical skills such as gardening and foraging. All YEWs events are free, and all are welcome.
This year, researchers from SEI York are running three events: a multi-sensory walk to engage mindfully with local nature, a chance to chat with a tree using experimental AI, and an opportunity to think about trees of the future, the present and the past.
On Wednesday 18 September, head over to the University of York campus to take part in a multi-sensory nature walk.
This event will allow people to experience their surroundings using their senses, smartphone technology and good old pencil and paper! Using soundscaping, citizen science and nature journaling, we will explore the nature-human relationship in fun ways that contribute to one’s well-being, as well as biodiversity research and conservation.
Dress comfortably for walking outdoors.
Downloading the free smartphone apps iNaturalist and Seek by iNaturalist beforehand would be ideal, but not necessary.
Participants should be aged 6+.
On Thursday 3 October, researchers from the Branching Out project will host two events simultaneously:
Join us in this experimental journey that brings trees and AI together and ask a tree what you’ve always wanted to know. Who knows, the tree might have some questions for you too! Discover why and how we’re talking to trees and why trees are so important to all of us. This drop-in activity is ideal for anyone (with a mobile phone) who has looked at a tree and wondered what it might be thinking. For ages 18+.
Join us in the picturesque Dean’s Park for an imaginative journey through the life of a tree as York evolved around it. Discover stories about the significance of trees to individuals and the fabric of the city. As you hear these captivating tales, take time to reflect and engage in activities like writing postcards to your past or future self. This drop-in activity is perfect for anyone curious about the life and future of trees in York.
Explore York’s evolving history through the life of a tree, engaging in creative activities and reflecting on the future of the city’s treescape.
In the grounds of the stunning York Minster, you will be able to get to know the city’s trees like never before, as well as thinking creatively about how they might look in the future.
Feature / The Branching Out project connected researchers, policymakers and communities to integrate the social and cultural value of UK city treescapes into planning.
Feature / Delivering legislation to tackle deforestation should be a priority for the newly elected British government according to Trase.
Past event / SEI York’s expert, Alison Dyke shared insights from the Branching Out project at the Future Treescape 2024 conference.
