Explore pollinator-rich wildlife areas across the historic Museum Gardens - Yorkshire Day 2026 : Step into Nature and History within York's City Walls

Unguided, but the friendly gardens staff will be working around the gardens all day. Explore pollinator-rich wildlife areas across the historic gardens, including the wildflower meadow behind the city art gallery. Onsite interpretation listing the species at the wildflower meadow.

Explore the orchard

Orchards are brilliant habitat and food sources for pollinators and wildlife generally. Mini apple orchard to the west side of the Hospitium. Contains 6 Yorkshire variety apple trees and a graft from the apple tree descended from the tree in Isaac Newtons' Lincolnshire home. The trees were planted in 2023 in an area set aside for wildflowers, including nearby Tansy. A quieter part of the Garden. Located at: What3Words///admiral.fills.button

Explore the mini apple orchard

Mini apple orchard to the west side of the Hospitium. Contains 6 Yorkshire variety apple trees and a graft from the apple tree descended from the tree in Isaac Newtons' Lincolnshire home. Located at: What3Words///firm.pack.manage

About the Stepping Stones Trail

Timed to celebrate Yorkshire Day, in collaboration with St Nicks and other York partners, the Step into Nature and History Within York’s City Walls 'Stepping Stones Trail' is centred around our iconic walls. Uncover the hidden connections between nature, heritage and historic spaces within the city. 

Designed to be enjoyed at your own pace (the whole thing can be completed in one go, or as a hop-on/hop-off with a break for a pub or picnic lunch and a spot of shopping), highlights include a Small Mammal Survey at the Museum Gardens, art displays at Foss Islands Wildflower Area and Station Rise, York Minster’s City Walls Nature Trail and North Yorkshire’s first floating ecosystem at North Street Gardens. 

For orientation maps, information about projects and the other York 'Stepping Stone Trail' locations, come to the wild flower meadows, Station Road YO1 6HU / What3Words: ///clear.crush.lovely. 

Additional information and online Stepping Stones Trail map available on the day from St Nicks.

 See the Festival website listing for other events on the day Other events during the day