Eco Church – St Giles’ Church Wendlebury
MEB Design Director Charles Darby has recently supported St Giles’ Church, Wendlebury to achieve it’s Eco Church Silver Award.
What is Eco Church?
Eco Church is an initiative run by A Rocha UK in collaboration with the Church of England as part of their efforts to achieve net zero carbon by 2030. Eco Church provides a self assessment Bronze, Silver and Gold Award framework that any church can apply for.
St Giles’ Church initiatives
The church has implemented several sustainability initiatives, including a dry stone walling project constructed by volunteers from the local community.
The churchyard features an area of wildflower grass, with some sections kept neatly mown while others are left longer and more natural to support biodiversity. Signage around the site highlights efforts to help feed bees and other pollinators.
Additionally, the church offers a seating area that includes an informal picnic space with logs, which also functions as a log pile. This compliments the church’s bug hotel, a structure made from stacked pallets designed to provide an ideal habitat for invertebrates and small creatures.
Inside the church, a community book corner has been established, offering a bring-and-share library accessible to all members of the village. The church is also a registered Fairtrade place of worship with sustainably sourced tea and coffee making facilities.
The church is also undergoing a development project aimed at improving accessibility and inclusivity. Planned additions include toilets, a kitchen, and other accessible facilities to make the building more welcoming to the wider community.
Eco Church is open to all
The Eco Church initiative is a valuable starting point for churches looking to engage with sustainability. Beyond building management, the initiative also encourages education on environmental issues and the integration of sustainability themes into worship and preaching materials.
Overall, Eco Church provides a comprehensive framework for churches seeking to begin or advance their journey toward net zero carbon.
You can watch Charles (who is joined by his dog Rocket) providing an insight into the various Eco Church initiatives being undertaken at St Giles’ Church, Wendlebury by following the link below. You will also find a selection of photos from Church at the bottom of this blog.
St Giles’ Church, Wendlebury.
St Giles’ Church entrance.
Some sections of neatly mown grass while other areas of wildflower grass support biodiversity.
A bug hotel made from stacked pallets designed to provide an ideal habitat for invertebrates and small creatures.
Signage around the site highlights efforts to help feed bees and other pollinators.
A community book corner has been established, offering a bring-and-share library accessible to all members of the village.
Fairtrade tea and coffee supplies.
Eco Church provides a comprehensive framework for churches seeking to begin or advance their journey toward net zero carbon.