In the heart of Heworth, nestled along the gentle banks of the River Foss, lies a little world of magic: the Foss Fairy Trail. What began as a lockdown passion project to brighten a neglected riverside has grown into a vibrant community space. It is loved for its fairy houses, wild wonders, and woodland whispers. Now, thanks to a team of students from York University, we’ve learned a great deal more about the wildlife quietly thriving in our enchanted wood.
Why biodiversity matters here
Biodiversity isn’t just about having lots of different plants and animals. It’s about the relationships between them: bees pollinate flowers, birds eat insects, hedgehogs forage through the undergrowth. Every living thing plays a part in keeping the trail healthy and magical.
That’s why we welcomed a partnership with Jenna Cheung, Guy Johnson, Mahima Sharma, and Rhianna Shaw. These four university students carried out a full biodiversity survey this spring. Their mission was to understand what lives along the trail and how we might attract even more wildlife.
What they found
Over the course of three surveys between March and April 2025, the team explored the woodland, pond, and meadow spaces. They used scientific tools like quadrats, transects, and the iNaturalist and Merlin apps.
Here are just a few of the living treasures they recorded:
- Insects: Ladybirds, butterflies, bees, and snails are among the many creatures spotted. The seven-spot ladybird and red admiral butterfly make regular appearances.
- Birds: Over ten different species were recorded including robins, blue tits, wood pigeons, and blackbirds. This is an encouraging sign that the trail is a healthy and vibrant habitat.
- Plants: From nettles and wood avens to small-leaved lime and alder trees, the trail supports a rich tapestry of plant life. This diversity is especially noted in shaded areas and raised beds.
- Pond life: While the pond is an essential water source, it’s currently suffering from poor water quality and litter. This is a challenge we’re keen to address.
Top recommendations for a wilder, greener trail
The students didn’t just document – they also shared a wealth of practical, hopeful suggestions:
🌱 Clean and protect the pond
Removing debris and adding oxygenating plants like hornwort can help the pond. Additionally, installing protective netting could transform the pond into a thriving mini-ecosystem for tadpoles, insects, and maybe even bats and toads.
🌼 Build more raised beds
The existing raised flowerbed near the pond buzzed with insect life. Adding more of these throughout the trail could create colourful pockets of biodiversity that support pollinators all year round.
🦔 Create wildlife habitats
Dry hedging, hedgehog houses, along with the right food and cover, can help wildlife. Planting nectar-rich flowers like evening primrose, wallflowers, and honesty could welcome back hedgehogs, butterflies, and even bats.
📱 Get the community involved
Using the iNaturalist app, anyone visiting the trail can help track and record wildlife sightings. This “citizen science” approach means we can keep building on this survey, year after year.
Funding the future of the trail
To bring these recommendations to life, the team also highlighted several grant opportunities. These are from organisations like the Nineveh Charitable Trust, York Community Fund, and the HDH Wills Charitable Trust. If successful, these grants could help us restore the pond, add new flowerbeds, and enhance habitats – all while keeping the magic alive.
What’s next?
This survey has given us a valuable snapshot of the life along the Foss Fairy Trail. However, it’s only the beginning. With your help, we can protect and grow this biodiversity, making the trail a haven for wildlife and wonder alike.
We’ll be sharing more updates soon, including how you can get involved. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for fluttering wings, buzzing bees, and the tiniest of footsteps… you never know who or what you might meet on the trail.