Going for a Bronze Eco Church Award
St Marys Parish is delighted to join the Chester Diocese A ROCHA Eco Church award scheme initialy working towards the Bronze Award.You may have noticed how we are managing our grounds to be nature friendly ` bug hotels`-woodpiles- wildflower and tree planting. We are also taking steps to reduce our energy usage in Church, but there is still plenty to do. we will keep this page updated as we progress towards to bronze award and beyond
A ROCHA
A Rocha UK is a Christian charity working to equip Christians and churches to protect and restore the environment – for God, nature and all people.They are part of the worldwide family of A Rocha organisations committed to conservation action as an expression of the Christian mission.
Eco Church was launched by A Rocha UK in 2016 and provides a practical framework for churches across England and Wales of all denominations to engage practically in caring for the earth and for this to be embedded into every aspect of church life. It’s an award scheme which is free to join.
There are now 8,600 registered churches and over 4,000 awarded churches, including 104 golds as at July 2025.
Eco Tips Calender
AUGUST
Looking after wildlife in the heat. Times of drought and dryness can be dangerous for wildlife.
Provide water for birds and insects – put a dish of water out to help wildlife stay hydrated. Insects, small mammals, birds, and even badgers, foxes, and deer could benefit.
A stone in a plant saucer helps bees to perch and drink without drowning.
These small actions make a big difference and are just some of the ways we can live out our calling to care for God’s creation. See our blog on looking after wildlife in the heat for more warm weather eco tips: arocha.org.uk/looking-after-wildlife-in-the-heat/.
JULY
Bumblebees are in crisis. The UK has 24 species of bumblebee, and a third of these are in serious trouble. Wildflower meadows and hedgerows are disappearing at an alarming rate, leaving bumblebees struggling to find enough food and shelter.
There are lots of quick, simple ways you can make your outdoor space more bumblebee-friendly. Whether you have a garden, an allotment or no outdoor space at all, you can Bee the Change. You can find out more from the Bumblebee Conservation Trust at Bumblebeeconservation.org
FEBRUARY
This Lent, consider taking part in Climate Steward’s Carbon Fast. Lent is a time when Christians traditionally fast and focus on God.
The Carbon Fast will help you consider ways to live more simply, give you new ideas to cut your carbon footprint and invite you to focus on God and consider the whole of his creation.
Beginning on 18th Feb, you’ll receive a weekly email containing key facts, suggestions for how you could reduce your carbon footprint and a prayer to lead you through this Lenten season. Each week features a different theme designed to help us take climate action in manageable ways that bear witness to a God who has promised to restore all of his creation.
Find out more and sign up at
climatestewards.org/resources/