11.09.2026
‘The first thing to do is do something’ – Supporting Biodiversity in Church Grounds
The Rector of Zion Parish in Dublin, the Revd David White, was among the speakers at a recent webinar aimed at encouraging parishes and faith communities to take action to support biodiversity in their church grounds.
The ‘Havens for Nature’ webinar was organised by the Heritage Council as a follow up to their ‘Havens for Nature: Supporting Biodiversity in Faith Grounds’ booklet which was published earlier this year.
The webinar, which brought together a range of expert speakers to give practical tips on why action is so important, how to get started, and the biodiversity measures that can make a real difference, is available to watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/CVb-3AsgHzU?si=iATDdw2j6qTTNXAF
The Revd David White highlighted the Green Zion Project which is a collaboration between Zion School and the parish. He said they had received useful support from the National Pollinator Plan as well as from Eco–Congregation Ireland.
The Zion project has seen them implement a pollinator plan and grow food in raised beds which raises consciousness around where food comes from and the impact of our food choices. A new project will also involve a community garden learning hub at Zion which will include a repair hub to raise consciousness around fast fashion.
“If we want to bring about real lasting change, and lots of us talk about conversion of heart and mind leading to conversion of behaviour and choices, then we need to begin local and personal,” he said explaining that he published a book which encourages people to look at their garden spaces differently to increase their connection to nature. “What I always say to parishes and groups, the first thing to do is to do something. Start small because when we start small a certain amount of energy grows around our efforts and it’s easier to continue then.”
The Heritage Council is encouraging parishes and faith communities to explore practical actions to support biodiversity in church yards. Their ‘Havens for Nature: Supporting Biodiversity in Faith Grounds’ guide outlines simple actions for biodiversity on their grounds. You can read the guide at: www.heritagecouncil.ie/publications.
Other speakers at the online event include: Meadhbh Bolger, Biodiversity Officer, The Heritage Council; Kate Chandler, NBDC; Jennie Drysdale, Chairperson of Doonbeg Tidy Towns / Doonbeg Church Return to Nature; Jane Mellett, Trócaire and Laudato Si’ Working Group; Satwinder Singh, EcoSikh Ireland Chairperson; and Paul McNamee, Sunyata Buddhist Centre.