Eco Church is A Rocha UK's award scheme to encourage and recognise churches in England and Wales that demonstrate the gospel is good news for God's creation.
Churches in every area of the country and every diocese have joined the scheme, and there are a number of awards churches work towards. We, at St Peter’s, are working towards the Bronze award.
Please read why St Peter's has joined.
Please read about the Areas of Focus.
Projects
- Churchyard improvement
Since the Autumn of 2021, and under the leadership of Lynne Watson, the whole churchyard has been transformed. Volunteers from the church, the local community, interested individuals and groups, have all worked to clear the backlog of invasive trees, unwelcome bushes and undergrowth.
The Churchyard maintenance is the responsibility of the Elmbridge Council whose minimalist approach led to graves disappearing under brambles and undergrowth and many of these have now reappeared for the first time for years.
A Remembrance Garden has been established with emphasis on planting to attract wildlife. A wild meadow has been createdin the large unused section of the Churchyard near the surgery. Many bird boxes have been positioned in the trees and bird baths have been strategically repositioned.
In 2024/2025 250 hedge saplings consisting of ten different species of hedgerow have been planted. These should grow into a wonderfully diverse hedge to both enclose the wild garden and offer a huge biodiversity for birds and other wild life.
How can you help?
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Sign up on How Eco Church Works - Eco Church (arocha.org.uk), and receive their emails.
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Join a working party for the Churchyard improvement.
Contact Lynne Watson email (safeguarding@stpetershersham.com) or the Parish Office. -
If you are interested in a wider role then contact Lynne Watson email (safeguarding@stpetershersham.com) or the Parish Office.