York Cares Big Community Challenge 2023: York Rivers and Wetlands!

This year’s Big Community Challenge (BCC) will focus on the maintenance and restoration of river and wetland areas in York, supporting a number of different sites and culminating in improving a section of the Foss Walk along Foss Islands. We have identified river and wetland areas in the North, East, South and West of the city, linking to the city’s river heritage. Activities organised in these areas aim to preserve and improve biodiversity in the city. All areas selected for this year’s BCC are in close proximity to freshwater habitats and tasks will focus on preserving and improving these vital habitats for conservation. The BCC will take place between 5 and 29 June across numerous sites in the city, including Chapman’s Pond, Rowntree’s Park, the University of York and along the Ouse and the Foss. 

York has always been intrinsically linked with its waterways, sitting on the confluence of the Foss and the Ouse, and it is our responsibility to care for them. York is home to a wide range of wildlife that rely on the wetlands across the city, such as geese, ducks, and the famous Tansy Beetle. The work done in this year’s BCC will increase the connectivity of our ecological network, allowing nature to thrive in our city.

Moreover, this year’s Big Community Challenge will be a partnership between York Cares,  City of York Council (CYC) Environment and Communities Team, St Nicks and the University of York. St Nicks is the green heart of York, based at a former landfill site, they have transformed it into an ecological hub within our city. They will be bringing their expertise to the BCC, supporting volunteers in the work they do throughout the month. The University of York is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, and as the home of York Cares, they are supporting this year’s BCC in conjunction with the celebrations. 

We will officially be launching the programme of events at the beginning of March, but you can express your interest for you and your team now! To express an interest, please follow the link below and complete the form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1k20X_qHdh-mz6xpi57YfhzqEAN0HygJ3fPZrW0z6VJU/edit