The event, aimed at bringing together local educators, students, environmentalists and members of the community, included a range of eco-focused activities designed to promote biodiversity, sustainability and care of Creation, all core values of Columban Mission.
The day began with a session for teachers and educators led by James Trewby, Columban Justice, Peace and Ecology Co-ordinator focusing on the Columban’s Tree Growing Project taking place in the Philippines. After this, the wider group, including students from St. Peter’s School in Solihull, members of local group, Solihull Tree Wardens and Natalie Walker, an ecologist from the local council, gathered together in the great hall for a captivating ecological talk led by Columban Director in Britain Fr. John Boles. Together they explored environmental stewardship and what it means to care for God’s Creation. The Columbans were officially welcomed by A Rocha as a ‘Partner in Action’ and Fr. John Boles was presented a plaque by a representative of A Rocha, Felicite Dodd.
What is A Rocha UK Partners in Action?
A Rocha is a Christian conservation organisation that works to protect and restore the natural environment through community-based projects focused on biodiversity, education, and sustainable living. Founded in 1983, A Rocha integrates faith and environmental action, encouraging communities to care for God’s creation. Their ‘Partners in Action’ scheme is a network of organisations committed to conserving and enhancing the biodiversity of their land, supporting the recovery of declining species and habitats and promoting sustainability.
Following the presentation of the plaque, Fr. Bernie McDermott, Columban Vice Director in Britain led a beautiful liturgy which included time for prayer and reflection.
After lunch, participants had the opportunity to engage in a number of different activities. Besides the chance to build swift boxes, participants could join local ecologist, Natalie on a nature walk, exploring the importance of biodiversity and how it supports the whole intricate tangle of the natural ecosystem.
Sheila Vanhouse led a very enlightening talk on the bees she keeps in the Columban garden, explaining the role of bees in the pollination of flowering plants, essential for food production.
Hidden away from the dreary rain, participants could engage in campaigning activities, either writing to their local MP asking them to support the Climate and Nature Bill or preparing a letter of solidarity to send to people affected by the climate crisis with whom the Columban Missionaries are proud to accompany.
The tremendous day concluded with a very special blessing from Fr. John Boles in Spanish, involving a jug of water and a branch of evergreen tree from the garden! He drew upon his time on mission in Peru, explaining that water remains a potent symbol of life in many of the Andean countries and that it is common for celebrations or liturgies to end with a water blessing.
This rewilding event invited participants to join in our mission by reconnecting with nature through practical action. It is hoped that the event inspired individuals to take personal responsibility for nurturing their local environments, understanding that small, community-driven efforts contribute to the global movement to heal our world.
How the Columban Missionaries promote biodiversity
The Columban Missionaries in Britain promote biodiversity through a variety of practical and community-driven initiatives rooted in their commitment to promote justice, peace and ecology. One of their key efforts is the creation of wildlife-friendly habitats at their headquarters in Solihull, where they have implemented a three-year plan to plant trees alongside a wildflower garden and an apiary to support the local bee population. These efforts are part of their broader ecological mission, which includes running eco-retreats and education days that encourage educators and young people to engage with nature and understand the importance of biodiversity.
How to promote biodiversity in local communities
Local people can promote biodiversity in their own communities by taking a variety of small but impactful actions. They can plant native trees, wildflowers and shrubs in their gardens to provide food and habitats for wildlife, especially pollinators like bees and butterflies. Creating insect hotels or bird nesting boxes can encourage species to thrive in urban environments. Community efforts to reduce the use of pesticides and chemicals can also protect local ecosystems. Organising or joining local conservation projects, such as tree planting or litter-picking initiatives, helps maintain biodiversity in public green spaces too. Lastly, educating others and advocating for environmental policies that protect local habitats is essential to long-term biodiversity preservation.
What is the Season of Creation?
The Season of Creation is an annual Christian celebration that takes place from the 1st of September, the World Day of Prayer for Creation, to the 4th of October, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology. During this time, Christians around the world unite to pray, reflect, and take action to care for God’s creation. The Season emphasises ecological conversion, encouraging individuals and communities to promote environmental justice, protect biodiversity, and address the global climate crisis. It is rooted in Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ and aligns with the broader Christian call to be stewards of the Earth.