Churchfield is a public open space of approx. 3.5 acres with an enclosed dog walk area, children’s play area, an enclosed younger children’s playground and an open space of grass and trees known as Willow Garth.

Cared for by:
Local volunteers – Churchfield Open Space Committee (COSC)

As part of the planning permission for the construction of York College the creation of a new wildlife site was required. This former potato field is now an important location for a wide variety of wildlife including common spotted orchids, northern marsh orchids and common fleabane. This is a site in need of a name and is currently known only as York College Forest School. Created around 2007 the site has a number of trails which pass through grassland, scrub and young woodland. A pond on the site is home to great-crested newts. Other than the plants, little is currently known about the wildlife to be found here.

Cared for by:
York College

This well-loved duck pond has seating and in the summer, some welcome shade under a weeping willow tree. During the hot summer of 2022 local residents brought water to the site to help ducklings at risk due to the drying up of the pond. The pond is adjacent to the Haxby Pond bus stop (buses 1 and 20).

Cared for by:
Haxby Town Council

See https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/20712663.haxby-duck-pond-dire-state-hot-weather/

Resembling a shallow canal this linear fen is actually a great place for wetland plants. Plants to be found in the fen include a wide variety of sedges, bulrushes including the rare lesser bulrush, common fleabane, evening primrose and many other colourful plants. There is a footpath running beside the fen. The best time to visit this location is in July or August.

A well-equipped play area adjacent to sports fields. Lots of opportunities for children to climb. The play area has picnic benches and seating.

Cared for by:
City of York Council

A nice place to sit and relax, Dunnington Millennium Green is being managed by the local parish council and a keen group of volunteers who have created a colourful green-space full of colourful annual wildflowers. The site has benches where visitors can rest and enjoy these wildlife friendly areas.

Cared for by:
Dunnington Parish Council and Dunnington Conservation Group

Things to help out with here:
Planting wildflowers and hedges

A large grassy open space adjacent to Eighth Avenue is a great place for walking a dog, exercising or playing ball games.

This brand new play area has a great range of play equipment for children including slides, swings and things to climb on. There are picnic benches beside the play equipment and an adjacent field which can be used for games or resting.

A play area suitable for young children with a good range of play equipment. Located directly opposite York Cemetery.

Cared for by:
City of York Council

A well-equipped children’s play area set in the grounds of Heslington Sportsfield. The site is accessed via a track called Outgang Lane leading from Common Lane, Heslington.

Cared for by:
Heslington Sportsfield Management Committee
sportsfield@heslington.org.uk