St Mary’s, Church, Haughley, is the 4th church to receive the Gold Eco Church award in Suffolk. The Award is given by A Rocha UK, and reflects commitment to walk in step with nature and put creation care at the heart of what they do.
The team have worked over several years to increase the biodiversity of the churchyard and other areas in the village; this has resulted in identification of sixty plant species normally dormant but now visible in uncut areas of the churchyard, enhancing the number of swift and owl boxes in the village, and identification of over ninety bird species locally. They also produced local nature walk footpath maps and is very proud that their Land Management Plan and Plan for Nature has been identified as a nationally leading exemplar by A Rocha UK.
Solar panels were installed on the South Aisle roof, and the Church is a Fairtrade Place of Worship, committed to Earth Hour, Plastic Free July, and Fairtrade Fortnight, and runs a monthly children’s active service called ‘Pizza’ which entails an Eco-Church activity at every service. The Church of England Primary School in the village is, with the church’s support. working towards the Christian Aid ‘Global Neighbours’ School Award. St Mary’s works closely with Haughley Nature Watch, the Parish Council, and the Parish Biodiversity Group, and has held a major community exhibition of Haughley wildlife photographs.
The Eco Church group have ambitious plans to continue churchyard development, for example with a wildflower meadow area and a sensory garden.
Helen Stephens, Church Relations Manager, commented “Our huge congratulations to St. Mary’s Church on their Gold Award. They are part of a movement of churches, from all denominations, who are using Eco Church to take practical steps towards caring for creation. By responding to our survey churches can make connections between the biblical mandate to acknowledge that ‘The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.’ (Psalm 24:1) and our response to the world around us. The rate of climate change and biodiversity loss is staggering, and therefore seeing the response by churches like St Mary’s is so encouraging. We wish them all the best as they celebrate their award.”
Churchwarden Josephine Gibson said: "Our Eco Church Group, which includes some key members of the wider community as well as members of our immediate congregation, the church’s own PCC, and members of the village, have worked very hard towards this shared and incredibly important goal. We cannot do enough to protect creation, to adapt our own lifestyles to be as eco-friendly as possible, and to celebrate and conserve biodiversity. We do not see this prestigious award as an end in itself, but instead as a springboard to further effort and development, as part of our church’s identity and a critical part of Christian worship, and as part of the wider ecology of the parish."
And Sudbury Archdeacon David Jenkins commented: ‘This is excellent news! Many congratulations to everyone involved!’