Dean Venables sent us this update:
Increasingly, Carrigrohane Union of Parishes has been working intentionally towards being a sustainable congregation. The parish has long tried to been environmentally-conscious, whether through recycling, selection of cleaning products, installing bike stands, or in improving the energy performance of our buildings. Still, growing concerns about land management and energy use prompted parishioners to form an eco-management group in 2019.
The group has been busy over the past two years. It carried out an expert-led policy review of the parish lands, establishing an ecologically-sensitive approach to graveyard maintenance. In 2020, we planted over 600 native trees at St. Peter’s and Inniscarra churches. We reduced grass mowing frequency and the area being mown to allow wilderness and meadow-land type plant growth to develop and built insect hotels to boost biodiversity. This work has been linked to the national pollinator programme. At the same time, we strive to balance greater biodiversity with a tidy, cared-for appearance around our churches and the newer graves that parishioners and neighbours appreciate. We believe both are possible! In 2020, ecological plans were further developed as part of a heritage conservation project at the Church of the Resurrection, Blarney, which was partly funded through the Cork City Council Built Heritage funding. We have also had fun—combining litter pick-ups along the River Lee with environment and heritage themed talks. These events were well attended by parishioners and community members of all ages.
Communicating and explaining our work has been important. We installed signage highlighting the wildflower meadows, explained our mowing policy, and invited the public to enjoy the grounds. Some of our group also contributed to the organization of a lecture by prominent Christian climate communicator, Katharine Hayhoe, in March. The lecture was well-attended by numerous people from churches and other groups around Cork.
2021 promises to be full of activity: a summer time picnic and BBQ event at the new “Gárran Gail” woodland area near St Peter’s Church, work on the graveyard and an historical survey of the headstones. We’ll continue planting native trees, grasses and meadow species and replacing cherry laurel with holly and other native species. We’re considering planting a heritage fruit orchard near St Peters Church for the community to enjoy. We’re assessing installation of PV panels on parish property and at the rectory, and further deepening the integration of environmental stewardship into our communications, with a particular eye on involving our children in these activities. In all this work, we are mindful of God’s great blessings and find joy in caring for his handiwork.
