As we continue our Lenten journey exploring our ongoing work towards an Eco Office Silver award and beyond, this week we turn our attention to Land and Nature.
At Church House, we have been taking small but intentional steps in caring for the garden alongside our building. One of our aims has been to increase biodiversity in the space by around 10%, largely through thoughtful planting choices. Some actions have been simple: establishing a compost heap, reducing how much we weed, and allowing parts of the garden to remain wild; these quieter approaches can make a meaningful contribution to improving biodiversity.
The Land and Nature section of the Eco Church Survey invites us to consider the broader footprint of land connected with our buildings. Whether you have a small patch of ground or a more extensive area under your care, every space offers opportunities for faithful stewardship.
This is quite an encouraging section of the survey because it contains classic and familiar environmental actions, such as installing bird boxes, creating log piles, or taking part in citizen science events like butterfly counts. These activities are great family projects and can help build community by giving people something positive to share and celebrate.
Inviting people to notice and celebrate creation is a powerful unifier. Demonstrating environmental care and credibility has shown to bring younger generations to church. Sustainability is something we do together, and our brains are wired for connection.
When we were preparing to submit our Eco Office Silver award application, we decided that this year should be a year of celebration. Although the land around our office is limited, we recognised that it can still form a key part of our shared office identity. After all, tending the garden has been a key aspect of human identity from the very beginning.
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.” (Gen Ch2v15)
Here are some ways to begin engaging with the section:
5 minute challenge: Next time you are go to church, sit outside for a few minutes and tune into your senses. Thank God for five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.
30 minute challenge: Have a look at A Rocha’s category overview for Land and Nature; are any areas that are you really passionate about? Share that passion to someone in your community and ask what inspires them.
Half a day challenge: Unlike in the Buildings and Energy section, where we may be looking to improve our management of the built environment, the Land and Nature section asks us to interfere less and allow nature more space. Bring the survey to your church’s next work morning, or write an article about it for your local newsletter to encourage others to get involved.
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