Castle Howard Leaky Dam Day

Who is this for?
Young people aged 18-30 interested in spending time outside with other like-minded folk and keen to learn about streams and ponds, the biodiversity benefits of water retention, and how to think like a beaver.

What to expect:
During the summer months the stream at our Castle Howard site gets quite dry! So we want to slow the flow of the river to make it a more resilient, better and wetter home for all kinds of British fauna. We'll spend the day collecting logs and sticks, building the dam, whilst also learning about the importance and diversity of wetland habitats.

About the Castle Howard site:
Castle Howard is the newest youth-led rewilding project at Youngwilders. It covers about 50 acres of the estate in Yorkshire with wood pasture, a wet woodland and a stream called Mill Hills Beck, where the damming will be done!

Event Details:

Date: Saturday 31st January 2026

Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location: Castle Howard, York YO60 7BY

Group Size: Approx. 25

Food:

Snacks, tea and coffee will be provided. Please bring a packed lunch!

Getting there:

Via Train:

The closest train station is Malton. We will be organising lifts at 9:30, from the station to the site for those who need it. At the end of the day we will be organising lifts back to the station by 4:30.

If you have any questions re: getting to the site via public transport, please reach out to Layla (bGF5bGEgfCB5b3VuZ3dpbGRlcnMgISB1aw==).

Via Car:

If you are able to drive to the site, please let us know in the order form as we will be trying to encourage car sharing wherever possible! Parking will be available on the site.

What3Words Meet Point: nerves.solo.nicknames

Accessibility:
We can offer travel reimbursement (up to £30), so if you can send us receipts or proof of travel payment and your bank details, we will reimburse you as soon as possible. Please send the reimbursement request to Noah (bm9haCB8IHlvdW5nd2lsZGVycyAhIHVr) with a PDF attachment.

The site is relatively flat but we will be working in and around the stream for most of the day, the stream isn't deep but please bring wellies if you can, or let us know if you need to borrow some. The banks of the stream may be steep in parts.

We will be using tools, including handsaws and loppers, protective gloves will be provided as well as clear direction and many helping hands.

There is access to a toilet, which is roughly a 10 minute walk from where we will be working, and there is access to phone signal across the site.

If you have any questions or concerns about accessibility, please do not hesitate to reach out to Layla (bGF5bGEgfCB5b3VuZ3dpbGRlcnMgISB1aw==), who would be more than happy to discuss this.

Sign up now to reserve your FREE spot!

We can't wait to see you there :)