York Introduces New York Rivers Trail to Enhance Community Engagement and Flood Resilience

A new walking and wheeling trail has been introduced along the River Ouse in York, aiming to connect people, places, and the crucial issue of flood resilience. The trail, known as The York rivers trail: the rivers and us, is designed to help residents and visitors explore how water influences the city's landscape and communities.

Trail Overview

The York rivers trail is a creative initiative that combines art, storytelling, and digital experiences to engage people with the environment. It has been co-designed with local communities, schools, and artists, focusing on how actions upstream can impact life downstream. This connection is vital for understanding flood resilience, especially as climate change continues to affect weather patterns and water levels.

Visitors will be able to stroll through beautiful parks and gardens, including:

• Homestead Park

• Leeman Park

• Museum Gardens

• North Street Gardens

• Tower Gardens

• Rowntree Park

The trail features printed and digital interpretive materials, as well as an interactive mobile experience called Talk to the River, powered by Hello Lamp Post. This innovative approach allows users to engage with the river in a fun and meaningful way.

Importance of the Trail

According to Councillor Jenny Kent, who is the Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency at City of York Council, the rivers have historically shaped York and its communities:

“York’s rivers have always shaped our city, and the York rivers trail helps bring that relationship to life in new and engaging ways.”

The trail aims to promote awareness of nature-based solutions, such as tree planting and habitat restoration, which can enhance flood resilience. These efforts are critical in preparing for possible flooding events, especially in a city that has experienced significant flooding in the past.

Educational Aspects

In addition to its recreational benefits, the York rivers trail serves an educational purpose. The project includes The Rivers and Us toolkit, a resource developed for primary schools in York and North Yorkshire. This toolkit links classroom learning with real-life experiences along the trail, helping students understand the importance of water management and environmental stewardship.

Artistic Elements

Visitors will notice sculptural viewing frames at Leeman Park and Tower Gardens. These frames are designed to encourage people to pause and appreciate the river and its surroundings. The frames at Leeman Park will initially be temporary but are planned to become permanent fixtures as part of broader improvements to the riverside pathways, ensuring they are accessible to everyone.

Community Involvement

The York rivers trail is delivered by the City of York Council in partnership with Ousewem and a variety of local partners. This collaborative effort aims to engage the community and invite everyone to participate in exploring and enjoying the trail. A series of events, exhibitions, and activities will take place throughout the summer, encouraging people to share their experiences using the hashtag #Yorkriverstrail.

Mark Henderson, Flood Risk Manager at City of York Council, emphasised the significance of understanding the entire river system:

“York has always lived with water, and understanding flood risk means understanding the whole river system - not only what happens within the city itself.”