We are delighted to announce that our chapel in Hathersage has recently been awarded Silver Eco Church status.
Church members in Hathersage have long been involved in local conservation work and wildlife initiatives. In more recent years they have become increasingly concerned about the climate crisis. Conversations between church members and with other local churches led them to decide to sign up to the EcoChurch scheme as a way of getting some new ideas giving focus to their efforts, and involving the wider community in this journey.
This holistic approach to environmental action has been reflected in Hathersage Methodist Church’s journey so far. Some of the church’s actions have been about the church buildings and land: for example, changing all the light fittings to LED bulbs, and creating havens for wildlife on church land through birdboxes, bug-hotels and re-wilding. Other initiatives have been about engaging the community, such as hosting a regular Repair Café in the church hall, or launching a volunteer group to maintain the woodland garden next to the church. On the campaigning side the church helped to organise a local rally to coincide with the COP26 summit in Glasgow. The church has also been trying out ways to include care for creation in its worship, such as holding more services outdoors and including prayers for the environment in each Sunday service.
Not resting on their laurels, the church are exploring how to generate some of their own energy through solar panels or heat pumps.