Eco Church Group News: Reader Sara reportsOur friends at All Saints School have given us some surplus tree whips, these are single stem shoots which grow before branches are formed .We have been given native dogwood, hawthorn, dog rose, and crab apple. We plan to plant them into a new hedge on the far southern boundary of the churchyard during the summer of 2024.We are seeking specialist advice, and have the grant funding to do this.The churchyard will be the venue for an Eco church family time in July.This month's Eco tip:Join #30DaysWild. One of A Rocha UK’s firm beliefs is that we are more likely to nurture and defend God’s creation if we spend time enjoying it. The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild challenge is a great opportunity to engage with nature as an individual, household, or with your church community throughout the summer. Find some wild ideas at
New windows were installed in quick time as our Eco church project gathers pace. Energy friendly lighting fittings have aslo now been installed in the body of the church.Our thanks again to the grant providers who have made this possible, and the members of the church family who have donated to the cause.
Eco Church working party at All Saints CofE Church, Appley BridgeWe are moving towards the Silver Eco award from the A Rocha Eco Church Awards scheme, and on Sunday June 25th a large group of the church family and friends did a massive job in the churchyard, including tree husbandry, grave plot refurbishment, wildlife refuge building, bird box installation, raised bed creation and planting fruit bushes along the boundary fence line. This was followed by a well timed picnic <a></a>lunch in church as the rain came hammering down.Thanks to everyone who took part. Thanks also to Sarah Mapple for the photographs, David Mapple for generous donation of essentials for the work: Crisps, Biscuits and Water Bottles, and Mark Atherton for the essential spade!The work was done according to the principles of the A Rocha scheme, namely Being Good Stewards of God’s Earth.1. Reduce wasteHome made compost was used, donated water butts installation started (to reduce mains water used for watering plants etc)2. ReuseOld food containers have been used to grow blackcurrant, blackberry and raspberry plants to form a new hedge line on the boundary, also used for growing herbs for the raised beds.3. RecycleTwo donated nest boxes installed on churchyard trees.4. MeasureWe increased biodiversity by providing new homes for plants and animals: the habitats are logpile, scrub (uncut) grass, mown grass, shady areas under trees, a new rockery, and a new raised bed.
The photo shows some of the scaffolding which was erected to facilitate the completion of repairs to the church roof recently. We are very grateful to Whitemoss Community Fund for a generous grant which enabled us to undertake this work: it is now complete and the scaffolding has gone.So many people in the Appley Bridge Community benefit from using our church building in the week: Moo Music, a parents’ and toddlers’ music group; Hartbeeps, another toddler group; two pilates groups; All Saints’ School; Little Saints’ Playgroup; and, of course, our own church congregation. All are grateful for leak free a building!
