Developing Green Spaces

‘I believe that taking part in ecology and gardening is modelling what God is calling us to do: tending, respecting and sustaining life.’
Professor Jim McManus, ‘Green Health - using church space for therapeutic gardening.’

Many of our churches have green areas that have been developed into spaces which can benefit their community in varying ways. Others have green space that has potential but has not yet been developed. Wherever you are in your progress towards being good curators of the spaces you have been given, contact us if you think we might be able to help you with this work. We have some ideas that we hope you’ll find inspirational. If you have a story to share about the development of your church’s green space, we would love to hear from you.

Plant a Tree
Inspired by World Environmental Day, and as an encouragement to churches who would like to launch an environmental project, the Church Support team offers churches the opportunity to plant a tree, somewhere in their church grounds or as part of the National Forest.We could provide a tree which you then plant, or get it planted on your behalf, and ideally we would like to come to your church and plant a tree together with you as part of worship.

Quiet Garden
The Quiet Garden Movement flows from the example of Jesus’ withdrawal to natural places to pray and his invitation, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest’ (Mark 6:31).

The Movement brings together a range of gardens for sharing outdoor space for the inner journey. They say that Quiet Gardens:

• are a local initiative and resource for people in your area
• vary widely in their size and situation
• are enjoyed in solitude or with others and
• act as both a context and focus, in which to share.

More information can be found at the Quiet Garden Movement Website.

Developing a Garden
Have you considered applying for a starter grant to develop a garden space? One church has already applied for funds - for a shed and garden tools for their new project, and another has applied for help with landscaping and planting. Pontesbury had a starter grant to help with the ramp to make their garden accessible, and Ashby de la Zouch had a grant for their garden project. Do you need some funds to kick start your garden project?