On 17th July St Mary’s was awarded Bronze Status in the Eco-Church scheme  - read Rosemary's introductory article below.

For more info on the Eco-Church programme see  https://arocha.org.uk/what-we-do/eco-church/

St Mary’s is a grade 1 listed building, deservedly so, it is a beautiful church dedicated in 1500 so being awarded an Eco-Church bronze award is very gratifying. Over many years the small team have worked to fulfil our obligations to our creator God.

Caring for those in need wherever they are and whatever their needs is an accepted Christian duty and a comparatively, and long standing, easy response. Caring for the rest of creation was we felt more of a challenge! But we have reduced our carbon footprint by several initiatives –LED lighting to have been the simplest and offsetting the carbon used at events buy planting a tree being a joy.

We are dedicated to recycling and using ethical products wherever we can. Sharing and encouraging one another in the congregation is important.

Our wild area is important but on heavy clay hard work! Easier is the releasing of butterflies on our brambles each year. Within the church we have information about wildlife and we enjoy an annual Creation week end which includes the wildflower count and a children’s activity.

There is much more we do, and much more to do, but we are proud to have moved this far, so far!

Well done to Rosemary for all her hard work on guiding us to this wonderful achievement - next stop on the journey Silver?