OpenCountryYorks
@opencountryyorks.bsky.social
UK-based (Yorkshire!) charity helping people with disabilities to access and enjoy the countryside. Reg Charity No. 1107331. HQ in Harrogate. Activities, accessibility to the countryside, conservation work. www.opencountry.org.uk
Open Country tandem member Will Browning has made a big splash at the Open European Down Syndrome Swimming Championships in Portugal.
Five new personal bests times, bronze medals in the 400/800m freestyle races and silver in the freestyle relay! Legend!
#OutThereTogether
#yorkshire
#disability
Five new personal bests times, bronze medals in the 400/800m freestyle races and silver in the freestyle relay! Legend!
#OutThereTogether
#yorkshire
#disability
November 7, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Open Country tandem member Will Browning has made a big splash at the Open European Down Syndrome Swimming Championships in Portugal.
Five new personal bests times, bronze medals in the 400/800m freestyle races and silver in the freestyle relay! Legend!
#OutThereTogether
#yorkshire
#disability
Five new personal bests times, bronze medals in the 400/800m freestyle races and silver in the freestyle relay! Legend!
#OutThereTogether
#yorkshire
#disability
Our Walk on the Wild Side group has been really enjoying the sunny, autumnal walks in the glorious Yorkshire countryside. 🍂🍁Here are a couple of snapshots from our recent rambles! 📸
#OutThereTogether #yorkshire #disability #walking
#OutThereTogether #yorkshire #disability #walking
October 31, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Our Walk on the Wild Side group has been really enjoying the sunny, autumnal walks in the glorious Yorkshire countryside. 🍂🍁Here are a couple of snapshots from our recent rambles! 📸
#OutThereTogether #yorkshire #disability #walking
#OutThereTogether #yorkshire #disability #walking
Being outside in nature can support good mental health - reducing anxiety and depression, boosting mood and promoting feelings of calmness.
Small steps count: Even a short walk on a tree-lined street, a visit to a local park, or tending to plants can have a positive impact.
#WorldMentalHealthDay2025
Small steps count: Even a short walk on a tree-lined street, a visit to a local park, or tending to plants can have a positive impact.
#WorldMentalHealthDay2025
October 10, 2025 at 9:38 AM
Being outside in nature can support good mental health - reducing anxiety and depression, boosting mood and promoting feelings of calmness.
Small steps count: Even a short walk on a tree-lined street, a visit to a local park, or tending to plants can have a positive impact.
#WorldMentalHealthDay2025
Small steps count: Even a short walk on a tree-lined street, a visit to a local park, or tending to plants can have a positive impact.
#WorldMentalHealthDay2025
Our chief officer David Shaftoe has been interviewed on BBC York ahead of next weekend's make A Difference awards, where he is a finalist for a 'green award'.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Or you can read the whole transcript on our blog, click on link below
www.opencountry.org.uk/open-country...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Or you can read the whole transcript on our blog, click on link below
www.opencountry.org.uk/open-country...
Georgey Spanswick at Breakfast - David is a finalist in the 'Green' category of the BBC Radio York Make A Difference Awards - BBC Sounds
Georgey meets the finalists of the BBC Radio York Make a Difference Awards for 2025.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 12, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Our chief officer David Shaftoe has been interviewed on BBC York ahead of next weekend's make A Difference awards, where he is a finalist for a 'green award'.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Or you can read the whole transcript on our blog, click on link below
www.opencountry.org.uk/open-country...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Or you can read the whole transcript on our blog, click on link below
www.opencountry.org.uk/open-country...
We're on a mission to help people with disabilities to access and enjoy the countryside.
Try out some of our Teesside activities.
* Weekly Tandem Club, Tues eves until end of Oct
* Saturday outings - accessible minibus adventures
T: 07848 257814 or E: teesside@opencountry.org.uk to find out more.
Try out some of our Teesside activities.
* Weekly Tandem Club, Tues eves until end of Oct
* Saturday outings - accessible minibus adventures
T: 07848 257814 or E: teesside@opencountry.org.uk to find out more.
September 11, 2025 at 8:07 AM
We're on a mission to help people with disabilities to access and enjoy the countryside.
Try out some of our Teesside activities.
* Weekly Tandem Club, Tues eves until end of Oct
* Saturday outings - accessible minibus adventures
T: 07848 257814 or E: teesside@opencountry.org.uk to find out more.
Try out some of our Teesside activities.
* Weekly Tandem Club, Tues eves until end of Oct
* Saturday outings - accessible minibus adventures
T: 07848 257814 or E: teesside@opencountry.org.uk to find out more.
Still time to apply for this exciting role - contact us for a chat on 01423 507227 or E: chiefofficer@opencountry.org.uk
Wakefield Countryside Activities Officer with @opencountryyorks.bsky.social based in Wakefield, full-time (job share considered), fixed term position c-js.uk/3UQqMNd
Open Country: Wakefield Countryside Activities Officer advertised with CJS
Based in Wakefield. Job share considered. Salary £27,985 per annum, based on a 40-hour week. Open Country is an inspirational Yorkshire-based charity with operational Hubs in Harrogate, Teesside and…
c-js.uk
September 11, 2025 at 7:59 AM
Still time to apply for this exciting role - contact us for a chat on 01423 507227 or E: chiefofficer@opencountry.org.uk
Want to explore Yorkshire this Bank Holiday Weekend but worried about accessibility?
See our breakfree packs with all the info you need to plan a day out, whatever your ability.
We cover Nidderdale, Selby, York, Harrogate, Leeds and Wakefield.
Download www.opencountry.org.uk/breakfree/-
See our breakfree packs with all the info you need to plan a day out, whatever your ability.
We cover Nidderdale, Selby, York, Harrogate, Leeds and Wakefield.
Download www.opencountry.org.uk/breakfree/-
August 22, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Want to explore Yorkshire this Bank Holiday Weekend but worried about accessibility?
See our breakfree packs with all the info you need to plan a day out, whatever your ability.
We cover Nidderdale, Selby, York, Harrogate, Leeds and Wakefield.
Download www.opencountry.org.uk/breakfree/-
See our breakfree packs with all the info you need to plan a day out, whatever your ability.
We cover Nidderdale, Selby, York, Harrogate, Leeds and Wakefield.
Download www.opencountry.org.uk/breakfree/-
We managed to get 35 tandems in one place to mark our 35th anniversary!
Our tandem clubs run in Yorkshire, helping people with disabilities to enjoy the fun and freedom of two wheels - thanks to an amazing team of volunteers.
#Disability
#Yorkshire
#Tandems
Our tandem clubs run in Yorkshire, helping people with disabilities to enjoy the fun and freedom of two wheels - thanks to an amazing team of volunteers.
#Disability
#Yorkshire
#Tandems
August 19, 2025 at 10:25 AM
We managed to get 35 tandems in one place to mark our 35th anniversary!
Our tandem clubs run in Yorkshire, helping people with disabilities to enjoy the fun and freedom of two wheels - thanks to an amazing team of volunteers.
#Disability
#Yorkshire
#Tandems
Our tandem clubs run in Yorkshire, helping people with disabilities to enjoy the fun and freedom of two wheels - thanks to an amazing team of volunteers.
#Disability
#Yorkshire
#Tandems
Our chief officer David was invited to Westminster by Laurence Turner MP for the launch of 'Transforming Mobility', a research paper highlighting ways of making it easier for disabled people to get around.
It's a really interesting document that we hope our legislators can get put into Law.
It's a really interesting document that we hope our legislators can get put into Law.
July 10, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Our chief officer David was invited to Westminster by Laurence Turner MP for the launch of 'Transforming Mobility', a research paper highlighting ways of making it easier for disabled people to get around.
It's a really interesting document that we hope our legislators can get put into Law.
It's a really interesting document that we hope our legislators can get put into Law.
New allotment season has begun! Our members love it - here's Caroline explaining how it helps her.
"Coming to the allotment really helps me. It’s a nice peaceful atmosphere and I like the smell of the flowers and plants. I like doing things there and I am learning ways to help myself feel better."
"Coming to the allotment really helps me. It’s a nice peaceful atmosphere and I like the smell of the flowers and plants. I like doing things there and I am learning ways to help myself feel better."
May 6, 2025 at 10:52 AM
New allotment season has begun! Our members love it - here's Caroline explaining how it helps her.
"Coming to the allotment really helps me. It’s a nice peaceful atmosphere and I like the smell of the flowers and plants. I like doing things there and I am learning ways to help myself feel better."
"Coming to the allotment really helps me. It’s a nice peaceful atmosphere and I like the smell of the flowers and plants. I like doing things there and I am learning ways to help myself feel better."
Our members spent a backbreaking day making new paths at Brimham Rocks, in North Yorkshire ready for the Easter weekend rush. We estimate they covered a mile in wood chippings, to make things a little easier for visitors.
Dip, chip and tip... on repeat!
Dip, chip and tip... on repeat!
April 11, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Our members spent a backbreaking day making new paths at Brimham Rocks, in North Yorkshire ready for the Easter weekend rush. We estimate they covered a mile in wood chippings, to make things a little easier for visitors.
Dip, chip and tip... on repeat!
Dip, chip and tip... on repeat!
We're not claiming that coming out with Open Country is the secret to happiness - but just look at these happy faces from our outings!
Find out more about us, and how you can help us make miles more smiles at www.opencountry.org.uk
#InternationalDayOfHappiness
Find out more about us, and how you can help us make miles more smiles at www.opencountry.org.uk
#InternationalDayOfHappiness
March 20, 2025 at 10:03 AM
We're not claiming that coming out with Open Country is the secret to happiness - but just look at these happy faces from our outings!
Find out more about us, and how you can help us make miles more smiles at www.opencountry.org.uk
#InternationalDayOfHappiness
Find out more about us, and how you can help us make miles more smiles at www.opencountry.org.uk
#InternationalDayOfHappiness
As well as providing activities for people with disabilities, we provide info about a variety of countryside access issues.
Our Yorkshire ‘Countryside Advice Service’ includes training, access audits, talk, and general advice - from rights of way to supplying contacts for specific queries.
Our Yorkshire ‘Countryside Advice Service’ includes training, access audits, talk, and general advice - from rights of way to supplying contacts for specific queries.
March 17, 2025 at 12:03 PM
As well as providing activities for people with disabilities, we provide info about a variety of countryside access issues.
Our Yorkshire ‘Countryside Advice Service’ includes training, access audits, talk, and general advice - from rights of way to supplying contacts for specific queries.
Our Yorkshire ‘Countryside Advice Service’ includes training, access audits, talk, and general advice - from rights of way to supplying contacts for specific queries.
We had a great day out at Beningbrough Hall, near York, for our Harrogate Outings group!
We enjoyed strolling through beautiful Mediterranean gardens and exploring the historic hall.
A lovely accessible mix of nature and history, in glorious sunshine!
We enjoyed strolling through beautiful Mediterranean gardens and exploring the historic hall.
A lovely accessible mix of nature and history, in glorious sunshine!
March 6, 2025 at 9:10 AM
We had a great day out at Beningbrough Hall, near York, for our Harrogate Outings group!
We enjoyed strolling through beautiful Mediterranean gardens and exploring the historic hall.
A lovely accessible mix of nature and history, in glorious sunshine!
We enjoyed strolling through beautiful Mediterranean gardens and exploring the historic hall.
A lovely accessible mix of nature and history, in glorious sunshine!
Wakefield Wild About Water group enjoyed a fantastic inclusive dance workshop with DAZL - Dance & Health Charity on Tuesday. What a fun session we had with dance moves suitable for all abilities!
Thanks to Wakefield Council OurYear2024 Culture Grants for the funding for this session.
Thanks to Wakefield Council OurYear2024 Culture Grants for the funding for this session.
February 21, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Wakefield Wild About Water group enjoyed a fantastic inclusive dance workshop with DAZL - Dance & Health Charity on Tuesday. What a fun session we had with dance moves suitable for all abilities!
Thanks to Wakefield Council OurYear2024 Culture Grants for the funding for this session.
Thanks to Wakefield Council OurYear2024 Culture Grants for the funding for this session.
We're sharing some heart-warming feedback from some of our members for Valentine's Day.
Everybody deserves to get 'out there' regardless of ability. Our mission is to open up new landscapes for people with disabilities, creating opportunities for them to connect with and enjoy the outdoors.
💚
Everybody deserves to get 'out there' regardless of ability. Our mission is to open up new landscapes for people with disabilities, creating opportunities for them to connect with and enjoy the outdoors.
💚
February 14, 2025 at 1:04 PM
We're sharing some heart-warming feedback from some of our members for Valentine's Day.
Everybody deserves to get 'out there' regardless of ability. Our mission is to open up new landscapes for people with disabilities, creating opportunities for them to connect with and enjoy the outdoors.
💚
Everybody deserves to get 'out there' regardless of ability. Our mission is to open up new landscapes for people with disabilities, creating opportunities for them to connect with and enjoy the outdoors.
💚
Our Harrogate Nature Force group had a great day of hedgerow planting, with volunteers from East Keswick Wildlife Trust. Together we planted over 600 trees that will soon turn into a valuable habitat for wildlife.
February 10, 2025 at 8:51 AM
Our Harrogate Nature Force group had a great day of hedgerow planting, with volunteers from East Keswick Wildlife Trust. Together we planted over 600 trees that will soon turn into a valuable habitat for wildlife.
We’re looking for people who love the outdoors to get involved with our new Teesside hub, helping people with disabilities to access and enjoy the countryside.
Are you interested in joining us – or can you help us spread the word?
Get in touch E: teesside@opencountry.org.uk
Are you interested in joining us – or can you help us spread the word?
Get in touch E: teesside@opencountry.org.uk
February 3, 2025 at 12:53 PM
We’re looking for people who love the outdoors to get involved with our new Teesside hub, helping people with disabilities to access and enjoy the countryside.
Are you interested in joining us – or can you help us spread the word?
Get in touch E: teesside@opencountry.org.uk
Are you interested in joining us – or can you help us spread the word?
Get in touch E: teesside@opencountry.org.uk
Reposted by OpenCountryYorks
#BigGardenBirdwatch runs today until Sunday🐦⬛
Get involved by heading to your garden or balcony, or look out your window to spend an hour connecting with nature & helping build a snapshot of how our wild birds are doing🐦
Read more👇
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
@rspbengland.bsky.social
Get involved by heading to your garden or balcony, or look out your window to spend an hour connecting with nature & helping build a snapshot of how our wild birds are doing🐦
Read more👇
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
@rspbengland.bsky.social
Nature lovers urged to take part in UK bird count amid fears over climate and disease
Birdwatch survey comes as concerns grow over infection risks posed by garden bird feeders
www.theguardian.com
January 24, 2025 at 10:08 AM
#BigGardenBirdwatch runs today until Sunday🐦⬛
Get involved by heading to your garden or balcony, or look out your window to spend an hour connecting with nature & helping build a snapshot of how our wild birds are doing🐦
Read more👇
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
@rspbengland.bsky.social
Get involved by heading to your garden or balcony, or look out your window to spend an hour connecting with nature & helping build a snapshot of how our wild birds are doing🐦
Read more👇
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
@rspbengland.bsky.social
2025 is a really exciting year for us!
As well as celebrating 35 years of helping people with disabilities to access and enjoy the countryside, we're expanding, with a new hub in Teesside!
We can't wait to start running activities later this year. Watch this space . . .
As well as celebrating 35 years of helping people with disabilities to access and enjoy the countryside, we're expanding, with a new hub in Teesside!
We can't wait to start running activities later this year. Watch this space . . .
January 23, 2025 at 3:27 PM
2025 is a really exciting year for us!
As well as celebrating 35 years of helping people with disabilities to access and enjoy the countryside, we're expanding, with a new hub in Teesside!
We can't wait to start running activities later this year. Watch this space . . .
As well as celebrating 35 years of helping people with disabilities to access and enjoy the countryside, we're expanding, with a new hub in Teesside!
We can't wait to start running activities later this year. Watch this space . . .
Our walking group members don't mind the weather - at least our coats are cheerful!
#York #Disability #OutThereTogether
Where is your favourite place for a stroll?
#York #Disability #OutThereTogether
Where is your favourite place for a stroll?
January 16, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Our walking group members don't mind the weather - at least our coats are cheerful!
#York #Disability #OutThereTogether
Where is your favourite place for a stroll?
#York #Disability #OutThereTogether
Where is your favourite place for a stroll?
Reposted by OpenCountryYorks
A single 400-year-old ancient oak produces 234,000 litres of oxygen a year while soaking up carbon dioxide, and can support more than 2,000 species of bird, insect, fungus, and lichen. Nature is amazing - we need more of it, not less. Please repost if you agree 🌳
January 7, 2025 at 6:00 PM
A single 400-year-old ancient oak produces 234,000 litres of oxygen a year while soaking up carbon dioxide, and can support more than 2,000 species of bird, insect, fungus, and lichen. Nature is amazing - we need more of it, not less. Please repost if you agree 🌳
If the weather is preventing you from getting out this week, why not experience the joys of a virtual outing with our audio walks?
Available on you tube www.youtube.com/@opencountry... or on our website they are the perfect escape without leaving home.
#Disability
#Yorkshire
#OutThereTogether
Available on you tube www.youtube.com/@opencountry... or on our website they are the perfect escape without leaving home.
#Disability
#Yorkshire
#OutThereTogether
Open Country Yorkshire
@OpenCountryYorkshire (RCN 1107331) is a registered charity dedicated to helping people with disabilities access and enjoy the countryside. No activity is beyond our reach; we 've enjoyed abseiling, c...
www.youtube.com
January 7, 2025 at 11:58 AM
If the weather is preventing you from getting out this week, why not experience the joys of a virtual outing with our audio walks?
Available on you tube www.youtube.com/@opencountry... or on our website they are the perfect escape without leaving home.
#Disability
#Yorkshire
#OutThereTogether
Available on you tube www.youtube.com/@opencountry... or on our website they are the perfect escape without leaving home.
#Disability
#Yorkshire
#OutThereTogether
Hello!
This is our first post. We're lucky to be have some glorious places on our doorstep.
Our members have been doing conservation work here in Nidderdale, to make an accessible footpath at a beauty spot called Fishpond Wood. Very satisfying!
#OutThereTogether #Disability #Yorkshire
This is our first post. We're lucky to be have some glorious places on our doorstep.
Our members have been doing conservation work here in Nidderdale, to make an accessible footpath at a beauty spot called Fishpond Wood. Very satisfying!
#OutThereTogether #Disability #Yorkshire
December 5, 2024 at 3:40 PM
Hello!
This is our first post. We're lucky to be have some glorious places on our doorstep.
Our members have been doing conservation work here in Nidderdale, to make an accessible footpath at a beauty spot called Fishpond Wood. Very satisfying!
#OutThereTogether #Disability #Yorkshire
This is our first post. We're lucky to be have some glorious places on our doorstep.
Our members have been doing conservation work here in Nidderdale, to make an accessible footpath at a beauty spot called Fishpond Wood. Very satisfying!
#OutThereTogether #Disability #Yorkshire