Silver Eco Cathedral Award for Southwell Minster
Southwell Minster is delighted to have achieved the Silver Eco Cathedral with ARocha, the Christian environmental charity.
The Minster has held ‘Bronze’ status since 2020 but it now joins Southwell’s Holy Trinity and Jubilee House, as well as many other churches across the county in formally demonstrating a higher level of engagement. Not only does this reflect emphasis upon care for the environment in regular worship, wild-flowering sections of the Minster grounds, efficient boilers, and secondary double glazing where possible, it also reflects more down to earth considerations such as environmentally responsible cleaning materials and toilet paper.
Southwell Minster is also a Partner in Action with A Rocha. The Partners in Action are some fifty Christian organisations across the United Kingdom who are actively conserving endangered species and promoting biodiversity. As the landowner, the Minster is ultimately responsible for Potwell Dyke Grasslands, historically uncultivated remnants of the Archbishop of York’s deer park and hunting ground, now designated a Site of Importance to Nature Conservation. Its perhaps better-known environs and palace garden are being managed in an increasingly sustainable way, and along with others the Minster has contributed to installing some fifty swift nesting boxes around the town and in nearby villages. We wait to see whether this offer of accommodation will be taken up by 2024’s arrivals.
It’s great to celebrate the brilliant work that’s happening across our diocese. Use the link below to find tips and ideas on how your church can become an eco church.