Previous bird watchingThe RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch at Wimbish Church this morning had a good turnout of 13 people. It didn't rain and was a bit chilly so we all appreciated a hot drink and cake afterwards. Great to have a time to connect with nature and to mingle with each other. A red kite was spotted on a branch which was later replaced, on the same perch, by a kestrel. Obviously an observation spot for a meal! 20 starlings flew as a flock from the tops of the trees near the farm.Collared doves, bluetits, chaffinches, a robin, wren and a moorhen were amongst the other birds spotted.A successful ECO CHURCH event.
Wimbish’s Silver Eco Church Award The Parochial Church Council of All Saints Church, Wimbish with Thunderley, has been awarded the ARocha Silver Eco Church Award. This award recognises the work the church has undertaken to care for our environment, and is assessed in five key areas: worship and teaching, management of church buildings, management of church land, community and global engagement and lifestyle. Evidence that supported our application included details of events which have taken place during the past year. These included a ‘Bat Evening’, revealing the six different species of bats who call Wimbish Church and churchyard their home; an afternoon of ECO activities encouraging visitors to appreciate their surroundings; and a wildflower survey under the auspices of ‘Caring for God’s Acre’, detailing over 60 different plant species found in the churchyard.Wimbish Church strives to bring the community together to celebrate our wonderful building and grounds by embracing and promoting the use of Local, Organic, Animal Friendly and Fairtrade principles (LOAF) when providing food and drinks. Environmental strategies include a renewable energy tariff, low energy LED lightbulbs and designated areas for ‘no mowing’ and wild flowers. Finally, of course, there is the composting toilet! Team Vicar, the Revd John Saxon said: "It is important the church is seen to be caring for God’s beautiful creation, rather than just talking about it. Having tough ‘Zero Carbon’ targets in the Church of England’ is part of this but we enjoy celebrating and sharing our beautiful church and grounds too. We aim to make our welcome warm and friendly, so why not come and give us a visit!" Going forward, the church is working towards making the church building with its heritage, and the church grounds with its wildlife, better known in the local area and beyond. Please make use of the magnifying glasses in the porch to look at and record your findings, and consider entering our photography competition. (See website for details www.achurchnearyou.com/church/19645). It is a lovely place for a picnic (don’t forget to take your rubbish home!). Finally, the church will be supporting www.beesabroad.org.uk, a charity whose aim is to promote locally appropriate beekeeping in order to alleviate poverty, generate income, and enhance the livelihoods and quality of life of the participants. Contact: Revd John Saxon, 01799 541619 / debdenwimbishcurate@gmail.com
