Manna feature: Making space for nature

Across Bath and Wells our churches are working with local communities and schools to care for the environment, with more than a third of churches in the diocese engaged with the Wilder Churches project. Launched in 2021 with Somerset Wildlife Trust, it offers free online training sessions to help communities learn more about the land in their churchyards and burial grounds, appreciate its wildlife value, and explore ways to enhance the biodiversity.

Churchyards are often the oldest enclosed parcels of land in a parish. Unaffected by agricultural changes, they often have diverse ecosystems containing wildflowers, ancient trees, a variety of wildlife, and provide habitats for numerous species. These natural ecosystems contribute to clean air, and water, and often provide good carbon storage.

Sara Emmett, Climate Justice & Environment Advisor for the Diocese of Bath and Wells says, “Our churchyards form a network of pockets of space for nature within the heart of our communities and for our communities. They are vital for species and habitat survival as well as for people to connect with our world. Every churchyard that supports nature in its care and management is contributing to this bigger picture and even the smallest actions make a difference.”

Hundreds have taken part in the Wilder Churches online training sessions and get-togethers or watched the recorded sessions. This year the diocesan Environment and Everyday Faith teams plan to hold interactive sessions in parishes, to provide young people with the opportunity to learn more about caring for God’s earth with practical sessions on constructing bird boxes, bug hotels, and more. Find out more.