Care for God’s Earth

As part of our commitment to an overall ecological strategy, we are continuing to implement some key measures, we believe, will promote biodiversity and sustainability in our churchyard and grounds. We use A Rocha, a Christian based organisation to help us to work through ideas that will have the most beneficial impact. So far, we have achieved silver status. The structured approach they advocate, allows us to plan how we might continue to develop our thinking in years to come.

As a guiding principle, we seek to plant native species. Replacing non-native species with native ones to provide food and habitat for local wildlife. We choose plants that are adapted to local climate and soil conditions, which reduces their need for water, fertilizers, and pesticides.

We have cleared some areas of invasive non-native laurel from the embankment to the North of the car park. Underplanting native shrubs in the UK is an excellent way to create an attractive and biodiverse landscape. Native shrubs provide essential habitat for wildlife and can help to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Shrubs or hedging such as hawthorn and blackthorn can also help to reduce soil erosion and improve water retention, making them great for keeping soil healthy and preventing flooding. Additionally, native shrubs are hardy, meaning they are more likely to survive extreme weather conditions, and require less maintenance than non-native species. By underplanting native shrubs, we can create a lush, colourful, and diverse landscape that is beneficial to both wildlife and the environment.

We also encourage flowers that attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other beneficial creatures. This will help increase the local pollinator population, which is important for the health of the ecosystem.

We have installed birdhouses across our site: This will provide shelter and nesting sites for local bird species. They will help to control insect populations and encourage diversity. We already have evidence that some are being nested in.

Pyramid orchid

Certain areas of our grass contain rare and at-risk species of grasses and other native wildflowers. Once again, this year, we intend to implement a programme of controlled mowing which, we hope, will encourage the growth and development of these species which in turn will provide nutrients for the soil and shelter for small animals and insects. These areas are not neglected, but deliberately left to grow and seed until later in the summer when they will be carefully mown giving the rarer wildflowers the opportunity to establish next year.

We are also committed to educating ourselves and our wider community about environmental issues aiming to inspire us all to act. We will look to provide resources, host events, and partner with local schools and other interested organizations to promote environmental sustainability.

We believe that by implementing these strategies, our church and its environment can become a vibrant and sustainable ecosystem that supports local wildlife and promotes ecological health.

To talk to us about our grounds, help us with observations or work parties on our site contact us ecogroup@christchurchswindon.co.uk or contact the Parish office on 01793 522832.