If we are in a Christmas church service, in the deep midwinter, away from the cold and darkness outside, we can easily forget the natural world around us. But, viewed from the churchyard, the true beauty of the stained glass windows are revealed by the warm glow from the hearts within. There is also beauty out in the winter churchyard where you can find a special kind of serenity in the winter landscape, contributing to a different but equally joyful experience in nature.
Churchyards can be good for nature. They often provide green spaces in urban areas, supporting biodiversity with trees, plants, and wildlife. Additionally, a well-maintained churchyard can serve as peaceful haven for both people and various species, contributing to local ecosystems. We may feel at this time that our gardens are “dead”. But nature doesn’t die in winter, it undergoes a period of dormancy. Many plants and animals adapt to the cold by entering a state of rest or slowing down their metabolic processes. Trees may lose their leaves, and some animals hibernate, while others have special adaptations to survive the winter months. Nature is resilient, and this seasonal cycle is a vital part of the natural world’s ongoing processes.
Derek Woodhead
ECO OFFICER FOR BARROW CHURCH
Barrow Benefice ECO Church
