Skills and Learning Groups

Our ‘Skills and Learning Groups’ offer a chance for you to develop skills and boost your knowledge, whilst connecting with nature and others.

These groups usually run for a duration of 6-8 weeks (as well as additional one-off events or workshops), and you can attend one or two of these groups at a time.

See details on each group below and read a bit more about what to expect from nature-based groups (click here).

UnEarth Ecology

UnEarth Ecology is a 8-week course to learn how to identify wildlife and be introduced to practical surveying skills.

We will learn about a wide range of local wildlife, starting each session with a discussion about our chosen topic. We then head out onto the reserve for hands-on activities to record and learn about local species, for example, bumblebee surveys, bird territory mapping, and wildflower identification.  

Coming up:

  • Winter (8-weeks) - Tuesdays, 10am-12pm, starting Tuesday 1st December at St Nicks (no session 22nd or 29th December)

'Winter Wildlife Identification and Introduction to Practical Surveying Skills': learn the basics of how to identify winter trees and birds, an introduction to 'phenology' (timings of nature events) and discover amphibians, insects and feathers. 

Enjoy a practical element to each session including tree age estimation, robin surveys, bird counts (Big Garden Bird Watch), Nature's Calendar logs and PondNet Spawn Survey.

 

  • Spring (8-weeks) - day/time TBC

Eco-Crafts

Eco-Crafts courses explore sustainable ways of creating, from upcycling garments to creating textile based artworks. No previous experience is needed. For more experienced crafters, there will be opportunities to further advance your skills. 

Coming up:

  • Stitching Winter Scenes - (3-weeks): Wednesdays, 1:30-3:30pm, starting 2nd December at St Nicks.

Join a relaxed and friendly group to stitch scenery, inspired by nature in winter.

We will learn a variety of hand embroidery stitches and how transform scrap materials into a unique piece of textile artwork. Completed pieces can be framed, patched onto garments or mounted to a card – a perfect gift for yourself or others.

 

  • Introduction to Visible Mending - (4-weeks): Date/time TBC (Early 2027)

More information coming soon! Check back here.

 

  • Upcycle! (7 weeks): Date/time TBC (Spring 2027)

Over 7-weeks, we’ll learn different methods of applique and embroidery and experiment with eco-sewing skills, like how to best utilise scrap fabric and making the most of the supplies you already have.

We’ll find inspiration in the natural world and use the skills we have learned to upcycle a pre-owned item of clothing or textiles (this could be a t-shirt, sweatshirt, jeans, pillowcase etc.), giving something we already own a new lease of life!

Time to Garden

Time to Garden is a skills-based seasonal gardening group based in our garden at St Nicks.

We will garden by following the seasons, learning skills relevant at that time of the year. We will take time to notice, appreciate and share in the beauty of the garden, working together, taking part in mindful gardening activities, enjoying the slow process of growing and reflecting on how we share the garden with wildlife and nature.

Current group:

  • Autumn Abundance (8 weeks): Tuesday, 10:30am-12:30pm, starting 1st September

Generosity and curiosity in the garden. Focus on harvest and storage, the abundant garden, composting and mulching and how to use everything we grow to avoid waste. 

 

Coming up:

  • Spring Gardening - dates/times TBC, check back soon!

Mindful Movement

Mindful Movement in the outdoors offers you the chance to connect with nature and move your body - experience the wellbeing benefits of both!

Coming up:

  • No current dates

 

Previously:

  • Get Moving!: (6-weeks) at St Nicks.

Get Moving! to the sounds and sights of nature at St Nicks local nature reserve. With the support of expert facilitator, Julie, the group will enjoy some gentle warm-ups, stretching, balance games, movement skills and guided movement play using what can be found around us, from fallen logs to the dragon stones.

The group gives you a chance to connect with nature, feel good about moving your body, build confidence and have fun alongside others! All abilities are welcome.

  • Yoga: (6-weeks) at St Nicks.

Our yoga group sessions offer a gentle and relaxing way to connect with mind, body and nature. 

Soothing, slow-paced yoga will be led by qualified yoga instructor, Sophie. Sessions will focus on deep breathing, simple yoga flows, restorative stretches, gentle movement and quiet stillness to calm the mind and body. It's a welcoming and safe space for all ability levels, including complete beginners. 

 All equipment is provided, just wear comfy clothes and bring a bottle of water. The sessions will be held outdoors, in nature (weather permitting), with an indoor space available if needed. 

 

Making Tracks

Making Tracks is a stepping stone group, supporting you to build confidence, knowledge and skills for practical conservation volunteering. 

Our Nature-Based Wellbeing team will be joining Green Corridors sessions – come along and join in with the help of a friendly and familiar face.  

Together, we will help to support the conservation work of St Nicks, across our Green Corridors sites in York, visiting different locations, meeting new people and improving our local wildlife habitats. Seasonal conservation skills may include coppicing, scything, planting and seed sowing. The sessions are flexible and no previous experience is necessary. 

  • Day/Time/Date- TBC. Sessions running at various locations.

What can I expect from Nature-Based Wellbeing groups?

We've put together some 'Frequently Asked Questions' to help you find out more on what to expect from group activities at St Nicks, like what's included in the sessions (and what's not).

Read our Frequently Asked Questions

Goldfinch on teasel at St Nicks IMG_3733a