OUR JOURNEY SO FAR (August 2022)

A ROCHA ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD FOR CHURCHES.
CONTINUING OUR JOURNEY

To enable us to further improve our land we decided to enlist the help, of experts and provide funding for this. I contacted Dr. Susan Antrobus who is the Wilder Communities Manager at

Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, and asked if she was interested in completing a Botanical Survey and report of our church land. Fortunately, Susan was very interested and a meeting was

arranged. Dr. Daniel Van Der Loon and Dr. Susan Antrobus came after touring the area, we discussed our plans for a community garden. This is planned for our historic Medieval Fish Pond site adjacent to the church. The report on the graveyard site was very extensive, this has enabled us to commence drawing up plans for future land management. Due to the Covid epidemic activities were restricted for 2 years. Our first event was our Harvest Festival and the theme was Conservation. Luke Mason one of our Eco Team leaders spoke about the importance of trees and gave an update on Hart church’s environmental progress. As an Eco church we used this event to introduce recyclable cups, plates, etc, the supper menu now included a vegetarian option. The next event was a Christmas fair, which included a recycling stall, a Bake and Share stall, a book exchange, and Homemade Crafts. This fair was an opportunity for charities to raise funds for their own causes, local hospice, animal charity, and leprosy mission. During this time we had become a fair Trade Church, and through Tear Fund provided a toilet in Malawi We were delighted to hear from A Rocha in February 2021 that we had achieved the Silver Award. The Future;- Our next project is to be the development of a Community Heritage Garden, the eco team has greatly increased in size and brought people together who have the enthusiasm and a shared interest This project is an opportunity for all ages to work together. Praying and talking together has moved us on an exciting path. Luke Mason an Eco team

leader has a special interest in the carbon footprint of Hart church, and his research in this area is ongoing. On Friday 5th. August 2022 we were delighted to welcome, Rose Gosling, from Birdsall North Yorkshire, an external assessor from A Rocha. Hilary took Rose on an extensive tour of our land and church building. Later that afternoon Sara Kandiah of A Rocha chaired a 2-hour zoom meeting with Rose and the eco team. Tuesday 9th August Sara sent Hilary the fantastic news that Hart church had received the gold Award. We are the 29th church in England and Wales to receive this award.

Hope you have enjoyed reading this on the eco page of our church website or news sheet.

Hilary and Luke Eco Team Coordinators.

OUR JOURNEY SO FAR (June 2022)

Background Information

Saint Mary Magdalene is a Grade One listed building; with Saxon origins dating from the early Saxon period. The Church has been extended over the centuries reflecting different styles of architecture and religious worship.

In 2014 the first part of the new building programme was to upgrade the lighting system in order to use energy-efficient bulbs. The programme also included loft insulation in the tower roof. Plexiglass was fitted externally to all windows; asbestos was removed following correct procedures from the boiler house. 

In 2018 funds were made available for a new toilet/servery area to be installed. The flexible space enabled us to undertake more activities involving young families. God’s Creation is a central part of our mission within the community. We became interested in conservation and ways our Church community could become involved. We heard of the Eco awards through a directive from Bishop Paul of Durham. I had an interest in the above scheme and made a presentation to the PCC and Church congregation. 

The desire of the Church/village community was that an audit of the Churchyard would be undertaken. I was delighted that one of the younger Church members was eager to come abroad. Luke and myself decided to start the application for a Bronze Eco award, we gained this award in November 2020.

Using land as a starting point Luke and I started to explore the Churchyard. Our audit of the area established our plan of action. We installed bird boxes, a bat box, hedgehog houses a feeding station, and recently a beautiful stone bird bath. Much of the above has been kindly donated, some in memory of loved ones. 

Lighting: – We have also installed solar lighting in the trees and a powerful solar light has been placed near the Church door. Access to the Church is now much safer, especially in the winter months. 

In the summer months our “living Churchyard” is regularly used for worship. Especially enjoyed by the young families in our 3@4 family service. We have had for e.g. Teddy Bears Picnics, BBQ Quizzes, Seed Planting, Sports Days, and of course Rogation services. All the above services are led by Our Mission to Families Team, which include Luke and myself. 

Seating is provided in our garden area. It is a peaceful place for quiet meditation and contemplation. The birdsong is delightful and we have lots of homes for them!!

WE HOPE YOU HAVE ENJOYED OUR JOURNEY SO FAR, FURTHER UPDATES WILL FOLLOW SOON. 

Thank You. 

Hilary and Luke Eco Team Leaders