UK nature is in crisis. As species numbers continue to plummet, we are at risk of losing so much of the wildlife who call these Isles home forever. From bats in belfries and swifts in vestries, to the flowers and insects found living amongst our church burial yards – nature calls the land around our churches home too. Which is why church land, from local church yards to the extensive farming and woodland investments owned by church bodies, can play a huge role in addressing the biodiversity crisis. It is estimated that the Church of England holds about 75,000 acres within dioceses, including churchyards, glebe land and burial grounds. The Church Commissioners have
an additional 100,000 acres including 17,000 acres of woodland. Add in other denominations and total church land holdings in the UK easily exceed 200,000 acres , making the church one of the UK’s largest landowners.
The issue is coming up on the conservation agenda fast and in February, the Church of England’s General Synod passed a motion bringing nature up the agenda of the church to sit alongside climate change and calling on all parts of the church to engage with land and nature. A Rocha UK is ramping up its work to support local churches to care for God’s creation on their own or neighbouring land, as part of their core mission and many Eco Churches and Partners in Action are blazing a trail for others to follow.
Join our free webinar on Tuesday 4th June, 2-3pm to hear from our CEO Andy Atkins as well as stories and case studies from Eco Churches and our Partners in Action and who are leading the way on this important issue.
