Bail out Britain’s nature

A Rocha UK plans to help head off a crisis for Britain’s ‘green and pleasant land’ – and urges churches to join the rescue bid.

‘Nature in the UK is in big trouble – that’s backed up by the latest data,’ said CEO Andy Atkins, as he launched the charity’s new strategy. ‘A Rocha UK’s vision is to see Christians and churches make a major contribution to turning this around.’

LOVE NATURE

Alongside its ongoing conservation work, A Rocha UK will spearhead action in three areas:

– inspire individuals and homes to enjoy, nurture and defend nature with a new suite of activities, and double the number of individuals contributing to conservation by using A Rocha UK’s resources;

– equip churches to practically love nature in obedience to God, through the Eco Church award scheme and by supporting theological colleges in their teaching. Eco Church now boasts 350 registered churches, and aims for 2,000 by 2020;

– empower Christian land managers to use their land for nature, focusing particularly on Christian conference, retreat and activity centres. A Rocha UK plans to expand its Partners In Action network from seven members to at least 15.

The charity’s own nature reserves – the urban Wolf Fields in West London (pictured) and the rural Foxearth on the Essex/Suffolk border – will not only protect nature but also act as open-air classrooms for people to learn about nature and how to conserve it.

RESTORE NATURE

‘Loving nature means enjoying, nurturing and protecting it,’ said Andy. ‘With the UK’s natural environment under threat, our new strategy will focus on giving more people more experience of nature – and the tools to love it.’

Said Chair of Trustees Steve Hughes, ‘Working with our supporters, Partners In Action, and churches, we’re determined to help Christians countrywide to play a much bigger role in protecting and restoring nature – locally and nationally’.