Many people of York know of the York Civic Trust, an organisation to ensure the "built" environment is well looked after and protected.

However, it appears that few know of the existence of the York Natural Environment Trust (YNET), a group of like-minded people who, in early 1987, got together concerned with the deterioration of the York natural environment.

YNET (now coming up to its 20th anniversary) was formally launched on the July 19, 1988, the first project envisaged being the reclamation of the area known then as St Nicholas Tip.

This has gone from strength to strength under the auspices of various groups, and is now a thriving community, ecological and education centre, as well as being an urban nature park and dedicated local nature reserve.

Since then, YNET has taken ownership of Danesmead meadow (now being well run by a residents' group), and manages Rawcliffe Meadow and Mayfields Nature Reserve. It is also closely involved with Clifton Backies, Friends of Fulford Cross, Friends of the New Walk, The River Foss Society and Rawcliffe Bar Country Park. Active support is also given to the Friends of Osbaldwick Meadows and previous involvements have been with Coppergate II and the Germany Beck proposed developments.

However, as with all organisations, a small "hard core" of members seem to do all the organising and all the work, therefore the purpose of this letter is to appeal to all those in York who are concerned with the natural environment to consider joining YNET.

We meet on the last Tuesday of each month (except December) at St. Clements Club, and details of subscriptions may be obtained from the membership secretary at the following address: R Hutchinson, 16 Manor Park Close, York.