Rowntree Park in York launches free app for visitors

Rowntree Park in Terry Avenue is now home to Walk on the Wild Side, a free digital tree trail created by the Friends of Rowntree Park and developed with local app creators Boon & Moil.

The interactive trail guides users around 20 trees, from native varieties to ornamental species, offering identification tips, facts, and seasonal observations.

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Abigail Gaines, from the Friends of Rowntree Park, said: “We wanted to create something that encourages people to slow down and really notice the nature around them.

“Rowntree Park is full of incredible trees that many people walk past every day without knowing their stories.

“This trail is a fun and gentle way to connect with nature, whether you’re visiting alone, with friends, or as a family.”

Walk on the Wild Side is a free app from Friends of Rowntree Park (Image: Friends of Rowntree Park)

The app includes a map and illustrated tree cards, making it easy for users to learn about tree characteristics as they walk through the park.

A shortened version of the trail is available for younger children, and the route takes around 30 minutes to an hour to complete.

The app can be used without booking, works on older devices, and is designed to function even with limited connectivity.

The Friends of Rowntree Park is a volunteer-run charity focused on maintaining and enhancing the park through gardening, wildlife projects, and community events.

Walk on the Wild Side is a free app from Friends of Rowntree Park (Image: Friends of Rowntree Park)

Their work aims to help people connect with nature and each other while ensuring the park remains a welcoming green space for everyone.

Illustrations for the digital tree trail were created by local illustrator Ellie Lewis.

For those who prefer a physical guide, a leaflet version of the trail is available for a small donation at the York Explore Reading Café within the park.

The app is free to download.