Bracknell Parish continues to make encouraging progress in its Eco Church mission through good stewardship, sustainability and the responsible use of resources.
This year, the area behind Langley Hall has been left unmown to encourage biodiversity. As a result, several rare grasses have appeared, together with an abundance of insect life, including large numbers of ladybirds. Butterflies have also flourished, with Holly Blues seen early in the season and a welcome second generation appearing later. Red Admirals, Large Whites and Peacocks have also been seen in good numbers, while Meadow Browns have made a more modest appearance.
Our Parish Bulletin has featured articles promoting practical ways to care for the environment, including the use of cistern ‘hippos’ to save water and encouraging people to repair household items at the Crowthorne Repair Café rather than discard them, giving many items a valuable second life.
Our Youth Group has been busy surveying the wildlife in the churchyard and has recorded more than 40 different species of plants and flowers, including aquilegia, anemone, borage, buttercups, ferns, bitter lettuce and common cat’s-ear, among many others.
Earlier in the month, a swarm of bees briefly made its home in an alcove beneath a high, round window at the rear of the church before naturally moving on after a few days.
We have also continued to care for the trees in our churchyard through regular maintenance designed to promote healthy growth and ensure public safety. One Lawson cypress, which was in irreversible decline and overhung the A3095, was professionally removed.
Environmental responsibility is also reflected in the church’s day-to-day activities. We now use environmentally friendly cleaning products throughout the church, operate an energy-saving policy and follow a parish printing and laminating policy to reduce waste, minimise unnecessary costs and make the best use of our resources.
Our Eco Church journey continues as we seek to care faithfully for God’s creation through good stewardship, efficiency, sustainability and fair access for all.