Management of Church Land

ECO Church and Environment – Management of Church Land

One of the five key areas of church life

All our churches are fully supportive of working in a sustainable way to conserve and protect the environment. We are following the A Rocha Eco Church programme – Denham, Risby and Lt Saxham have been awarded the Bronze Eco Church Award and Risby & Barrow the Silver.

Last year A Rocha UK celebrated their 20th anniversary. So, I thought I would share their ethos and goals. Then we can see for ourselves how our actions fit in with the bigger picture. A Rocha UK began as a local Christian conservation project in a deprived and multi-ethnic area of Southall, west London. Now the Eco Church movement facilitates more than 3,100 local churches in England and Wales, “learning how to care for creation in all they do.” They also host an ‘online community’ of ‘Wild Christians’ caring for nature.

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Message from A Rocha UK

“In such a critical time for action on biodiversity loss and climate change, we want to say a big thank you to you for doing your bit – whatever action you are engaged in in your home, church, or wider community.”

“God requires us: Firstly, to hold true to our mission: To equip Christians to protect and restore the environment – for God, nature and all people. Secondly to invite all Christians and churches to join us in helping bring:

Land for nature: We want to see land owned by denominations and networks, Christian organisations and Christian individuals being managed for nature.

Christians for nature: We want to see local churches and Christians engaged in deliberate and on-going action to protect nature and address climate change practically and by using their voice to speak up for change.

Nature for All: We want to see the general public actively benefiting from access to nature on land owned or managed by UK churches, Christian organisations and individuals.

To achieve this we will need to work in new ways. And we will need many more people to join us with their time, prayer, voice and support. But if this vision is from Him, we believe God will provide.” A Rocha UK

Jackie - ECO Church Environment Officer for Risby

Jackie Orbell

risbyecochurch@gmail.com

Barrow Benefice ECO Church
RISBY ECO CHURCH ENVIRONMENT OFFICER

What actions Barrow Benefice taken so far?

At the heart of Eco Church is an online survey which enables our churches to record what we are already doing to care for God’s earth, and to reflect on what further steps we can take and then act accordingly. The in-depth survey covers every aspect and allows each church to collect points towards an Eco Church Award for which there are three levels: bronze, silver and gold. Some churches are already well underway with many of the churchyards setting aside areas designated for wildlife.

Habitats

By changing the mowing regime at Barrow church, Eco Church has created the perfect habitat for insects, small mammals, birds, hedgehogs and deer. Wild grasses provide an abundant food supply for caterpillars. In fact, a variety of plants you might consider weeds are actually caterpillar favourites, such as dandelions and groundsel. This latter plant is irresistible to cinnabar moth caterpillars.

We have linked up with the local hedgehog hospital and plan to introduce hedgehogs into the churchyard. The patches of long grass will provide them with corridors and a safe environment to search for food.

Rev’d Lynda has a passion for swifts and has linked with Save Our Swifts and installed swift boxes on the rectory, and in addition, have support from the two church schools to do the same on their buildings. We have installed bird boxes (including owl boxes) and plans are in place to use the churchyard to rehome hedgehogs from the Suffolk Hedgehog Hospital.

As well as providing an excellent eco system, the long grass provided a nature trail – a great environment for children to learn, connect to nature, and have fun.

There are plenty of things we can be doing – not just as a church but individually at home. Our actions make a difference.

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Our actions make a difference

There are plenty of things we can be doing – not just as a church but individually at home.

Bee orchid at Denham Church

Saxifrage at Little Saxham church

View across the valley between Risby and Barrow

Forest

Even a child knows how valuable the forest is. The fresh, breathtaking smell of trees. Echoing birds flying above that dense magnitude. A stable climate, a sustainable diverse life and a source of culture. Yet, forests and other ecosystems hang in the balance, threatened to become croplands, pasture, and plantations.

Snowdrops St Giles, Risby – the plucky Buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) feed upon a few winter-flowering plant species such Snowdrop

Nuthatch on feeder, by Lynda

Area of holly and ivy – great habitat for birds to nest & feed on insects. Hedgehog shelter.

Nettle area for ladybirds and butterflies

Butterflies feed on nectar from flowers, but a lot of species only lay their eggs on one or two very specific plants. If we have these in our gardens, we can help ensure their future survival. Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Peacock, Painted Lady, Comma lay their eggs on the Common nettle.