YORK is turning several shades of green with the city's first environment week.

The event started today with an environment fair in St Sampson's Square. Stalls included face painting, plants and corn-dolly making.

Tomorrow there will be "a bonfire and picnic around the dragon stones" at St Nicholas Fields from noon, although the bonfire will not be lit until 6pm.

Tuesday, from 6.30 to 7.30pm, will see a guided walk around York Cemetery.

From Tuesday to Thursday York residents get the chance to build a nature trail at New Earswick. Take a packed lunch, waterproofs and strong boots.

On Wednesday there will be an introduction to beekeeping at the Yorkshire Museum of Farming from 6pm, a talk on "rising tides" at the University of York from 7.30pm and "how to make your own paper class" at Rawcliffe Bar country park from 2pm.

Thursday offers a guided walk around the trees of the Museum Gardens from 7pm, a walk in St Nicholas Fields from 6pm or a guided walk across the history and ecology of Hob Moor, meeting at 7.30pm at Edmund Wilson baths.

Friday offers a stroll around Moorlands Nature Reserve and family minibeast safari from 2pm.

Next Saturday there will be a "grand day out" for all the family at Rawcliffe Bar country park from 2pm, including dog obedience, pond dipping and bird watching.

The week will end next Sunday with a "minibeast safari" in York Cemetery from 2pm and an open day at Brunswick Nursery from 11am, which includes rickshaw rides, badge-making and much more.

All events are free, apart from the minibeast safari on June 3, which will cost £2 for adults and £1 for children. Advance booking is essential for the walk across Hob Moor, telephone 01904 553440.

For any other information telephone 01904 411821.

Updated: 12:53 Saturday, May 26, 2001