Churches Count on Nature 2026

The initiative invites churches to discover, record and celebrate the wildlife found in churchyards and burial grounds. The information collected contributes to a wider understanding of the ecological value of churchyards and burial grounds across the UK.

The team at Church House are preparing to do their own biodiversity survey of the gardens at Church House this June, to look at how much biodiversity the site currently holds and ways that we might improve it. If you’re holding an event, we want to hear about it. Contact ku.gr1779207164o.coi1779207164dsolg1779207164@mosn1779207164asn1779207164 to share more about what you’re doing.

Churchyards can provide important habitats for wildlife, particularly in areas where green space is limited or heavily managed. Many have remained relatively undisturbed for centuries and can support a rich variety of species, including wildflowers, lichens, mosses, pollinating insects, birds and small mammals.

One of the simplest changes some churches are making is leaving certain areas of grass un-mowed. Allowing grass to grow longer can encourage native wildflowers to emerge naturally, providing food and shelter for bees, butterflies and other pollinators. In turn, this helps support wider ecosystems within churchyards. For more inspiration, read about the event that Stroud Deanery organised last year to protect and restore wildlife in their churchyards.

Churches taking part in Churches Count on Nature in the past have often organised community events such as wildlife walks, species surveys, talks, outdoor activities and guided nature recording sessions. Many also make use of identification charts, bird boxes, and the iNaturalist phone app to help participants recognise and record the species they find.

Erica Siddall, Strategic Net Zero Carbon Lead for the Diocese of Gloucester, said:

“Many people appreciate nature and have experienced God when spending time in creation. We tend to focus on buildings, but spending time beyond the doors of the church is a great reminder that God’s beautiful creation also honours Him and is worthy of our love and care. It feels good to learn more and feel more connected with your surroundings, your neighbours and God.

“In the past six months I have enjoyed starting to use the iNaturalist app, and I have also begun paying special attention to our churchyard yews. If these sound too vigorous, simple personal prayers of thanksgiving for creation are also a great starting point.”

For more information about Churches Count on Nature 2026 →

As part of Churches Count on Nature 2026, the Church of England and Caring for God’s Acre will also host a series of lunchtime webinars on Zoom exploring different aspects of land and nature. You can find more information about these webinars →