July 31, 2025

Walking Through Time: An Experiential Exploration of Wellbeing, Culture, and Urban Ecology in Historic York

—A multisensory outdoor learning journey with the Ramblers, integrating physical wellbeing, intergenerational connection, and cultural heritage through the landscapes of York Minster, the Museum Gardens, and the Edible Wood

A multisensory outdoor learning journey with the Ramblers

It was a shiny Tuesday morning—bright, calm, and full of promise—when I, Sofonie Dala, made a heartfelt decision to join the Ramblers Wellbeing Walks. What awaited me was not just a physical exercise, but an enriching journey of learning, reflection, and reconnection.

Our walking group was vibrant and diverse, composed of young adults and spirited elders, their energy radiating like sunlight through the trees. One individual especially stood out: an elder over 90 years old, moving with the vitality and enthusiasm of an 18-year-old. He became, in that moment, a living symbol of what community connection and active lifestyle can achieve at any age.

We began our one-hour exploration through the storied heart of York, a city where every cobblestone breathes history. With every step, we passed through layers of time and culture—York Minster rising with majestic grace, York Art Gallery standing as a sentinel of creativity, and the Museum Gardens, a green sanctuary filled with both flora and memory. Locals and tourists strolled beside us along the River Ouse, soaking in the sun, the laughter, and the freedom of open space.

As we crossed the bridge near the railway station, we paused to appreciate the sight and sound of trains gliding past—symbols of movement and connection, fitting for a journey that was about much more than reaching a destination.

But the most profound moment came when we arrived behind York Art Gallery, where hidden gems revealed themselves: the Artists Garden and the Edible Wood. These spaces, once closed to the public, are now fully accessible and thriving. Developed as part of a major gallery redevelopment, they are not just gardens—they are living classroomswhere sustainability, art, and urban biodiversity converge. Contemporary art installations stand in harmony with nature, while edible plants invite curiosity and deeper learning. A new entrance from the Museum Gardens physically and symbolically opens the gallery to everyone.

This was more than sightseeing—it was outdoor education in its purest form. We engaged our senses, minds, and bodies in a space that teaches quietly but powerfully. It reminded me that health, culture, history, and ecology are not separate subjects—they are interconnected dimensions of wellbeing.

Reflections Through the Lens of the SDGs

Our wellbeing walk beautifully echoed several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Promoting physical and mental wellness through movement and nature.
SDG 4 – Quality Education: Enabling informal, place-based learning in outdoor public spaces.
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Revitalizing urban spaces to be inclusive, green, and culturally engaging.
SDG 13 – Climate Action: Encouraging stewardship of urban green areas and raising ecological awareness.

A Gentle Call to Action

To anyone reading this: Take a moment. Step outside. Join a walk, explore your surroundings, or simply sit in a park and observe. These small acts can become powerful moments of restoration, learning, and connection. Whether you're nine or ninety, the world outside has something to teach—and something to heal.

Let us walk not just for fitness, but for community.
Let us walk not just to move, but to learn.
Let us walk, together, toward a more sustainable, healthy, and inclusive world.