Welcome to Yorkshire
News • September 14th, 2026
|The York rivers trail has had a fantastic first summer season, and now it's inviting residents and visitors to help shape its future. Launched earlier this summer, the trail has already generated over 750 digital conversations and reached more than 6,000 people, introducing them to the rich stories and connections along York's rivers. As autumn approaches, the trail is set to expand its activities, offering a range of exciting opportunities for everyone to explore and engage with the waterways that have so significantly influenced the city.
Autumn Programme Launch
This autumn, the York rivers trail will feature a variety of activities designed to encourage exploration, creativity, and community involvement. These events will be part of the York Walking Festival, the York Environment Festival, and the York 50+ Festival.
Councillor Jenny Kent, who is the Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency at City of York Council, expressed her enthusiasm for the programme:
“York's rivers have always shaped our city, and the York rivers trail helps bring that relationship to life in new and engaging ways. It shows how water connects communities, landscapes, and everyday life.”
The autumn programme aims to build on the trail's successful launch by creating opportunities for people to explore, learn, reflect, and share ideas about the future of York's rivers. Through activities such as walks, workshops, and exhibitions, participants will discover how factors like nature, water quality, and community action can contribute to healthier rivers and a more sustainable future for the city.
Exploring the Connections
Mark Henderson, Flood Risk Manager at City of York Council, highlighted the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of various aspects related to rivers:
“Whether we are talking about water quality, wildlife, flood risk, or the way people use our rivers, it is important to understand that everything is connected.”
The York rivers trail aims to make these connections visible, linking upstream landscapes, local action, and the river through York into one shared story. This autumn's programme will provide participants with opportunities to explore these connections through heritage, nature, creativity, and practical learning.
Programme Highlights
The York rivers trail is designed to be accessible and engaging for people of all ages. Here are some of the key highlights of the upcoming autumn programme:
York Rivers Trail: Stories, Nature and Resilience along the River - A guided exploration of the trail where participants can reflect on their discoveries and share ideas for the future.
The Rivers and Us: Future Voices - A creative storytelling and performance workshop aimed at young people aged 13 and above, focusing on rivers, climate resilience, nature, and community.
The Rivers and Us: Future Frames - A creative animation workshop encouraging young people to express their visions for the future of York's rivers through storytelling and creativity.
York Rivers Trail: Following the Foss - A guided exploration of the River Foss, discussing its impact on York's history, present, and future.
Water and Us: Simple Actions for Healthier Rivers - An interactive discussion on practical actions individuals can take at home and in their communities to promote river health.
York Rivers Trail: The Rivers and Us Exhibition - An exhibition running throughout October at various locations, showcasing the relationship between people, rivers, nature, and place through photography and community-created stories.
Community Engagement
The York rivers trail not only offers a fun way to explore the city's waterways but also encourages community engagement and awareness of environmental issues. The programme aligns with this year's York Environment Festival theme, which focuses on future generations and positive actions for the environment. By participating in these activities, residents can contribute to shaping healthier, more resilient communities that are aware of the importance of their local rivers.
The York rivers trail can be explored year-round, with various locations across the city including Homestead Park, Leeman Park, Museum Gardens, North Street Gardens, Tower Gardens, and Rowntree Park. Each of these spots offers unique opportunities to connect with York's rich natural and cultural heritage.
