Members of Keinton Mandeville Church recently joined forces for a bioblitz in their churchyard, recording species of insects, plants, trees, and birds. The event, which was held as part of the monthly Faith and Fun all ages service, is part of their Eco Church journey. They’re working towards a Silver Eco Church Award after achieving Bronze last year.
Debbie von Bergen, a member of the Eco Church team explains, “The bioblitz was an opportunity for everyone to spend time in the churchyard counting all the different species that you could see or hear. It helped give us an indication of what is living in the churchyard.
“We got lots of children involved and also tried to encourage other children that perhaps wouldn’t necessarily come to church.”
And Debbie says, the children made interesting discoveries. “They were really keen on slugs. They managed to teach me that there are quite a lot of different types of species of slugs in the UK, and we had at least three or four of them in our churchyard.”
For Debbie, Creation care is central to faith. “It’s essential. Being outside in nature is when I feel closest to God. I’ve gardened for the last 45 years and have been organic for the last 30. To me, being a Christian means we should be looking after our planet as well as we possibly can.”
Many churches in Bath and Wells, who have begun working towards an award, have discovered that partnership with the local community is key to the work they’re doing. Debbie shared how this has worked in Keinton Mandeville. “We have a Keinton Environment Group who planted a copse at the village recreation ground. They planted about 180 trees. Members of the church congregation, as well as the Eco Church group, got involved in that.
For me it’s about picking up these connections. When the school got in touch to talk about what they might do in the playground we were very happy to take part.”
She also shared how practical steps are often simple and affordable. “Quite a lot of what we do at the church doesn’t cost very much. We’re doing bulb planting again at the Faith and Fun service. I managed to buy them wholesale so they’re not that expensive. We’ll add to them gradually over the years.”
Debbie’s advice to other churches thinking about beginning their Eco Church journey, is to start small, “Just do little bits at a time. Don’t try and jump off into an enormous, big thing like changing the heating all at once, because that is quite daunting. But things like planting a few crocus bulbs to extend the pollinator season, so they’re there for the early bumblebees, really helps. That doesn’t take too much time or effort, and they’ll be there forever once you’ve done it.”
Planting bulbs at the church
