Church Grounds Returning to Nature
Transform your Church Grounds with our Returning to Nature programme, aligning with the Bishops Conference and Pope Francis to create lasting positive changes that benefit communities through sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Need help or advice, contact our team now!
Duration
Delivery
Based on Pope Francis’ Laudato Si, the Bishops of Ireland have set a goal for parishes to return 30% of their land to nature by 2030.
Our Returning to Nature programme empowers churches to achieve the goals in line with the Bishops Conference and Pope Francis. Our programme will guide you through how to make lasting positive change in your parish whilst benefiting the wider humans and non-human community around you. Discover the most effective ways to return to nature.
Who will benefit from this course?
Community groups
Tidy Towns
Individuals
Town Local Authority
Educators and Trainers
What will you Learn?
Our Returning to Nature Training Programme will activate and animate new volunteers and existing parishioners. We will share ideas and methods to engage in biodiversity actions suitable for church grounds. We will cover:
- What does nature and rewilding mean to you? – Group discussion to meet people where they are at
- Why we are here – Quote Laudato Si’ 32-33 and Pope Francis’ guidance “on care for our common home”
- What is Biodiversity in simple terms – Have everyone is on the same page
- What is Rewilding, and what is NOT rewilding
- Why is rewilding important
- Biodiversity and fighting Climate Change
- The National Biodiversity Action Plan
- Churches often have high nature value sites
- Biodiversity in your are
- Excite parishioners with what’s ahead and motivate them to come along
- Harmful practices that can affect biodiversity
- Recognise what you have
- Recognise what you can restore
- Get the community involved!
- Consult with the wider community.
- What are the best actions YOUR church can take
- How to make a map of your church
- How to make an action plan
- How to find different funding sources
- Detailed exploration into best available resources
- Facilitating events to grow support
- Group discussion and Questions
- Review how the land is currently managed
Course Structure
The structure of the programme can be moulded to suit your needs. One proven option is:
- 2 x classroom sessions
- 2 x church visit with ecologist
- 2 x online sessions