CAPTION: It's been a bumper year for apples in the St Michael's churchyard
‘Messy Church goes Wild’ inspires journey to Silver Eco Church in Devon
In 2023 St Michael’s in West Hill (part of the Otter Vale Mission Community) started it’s Eco Church journey. Rosemary the Messy Church Leader at St Michael’s said about their achievement:
“This was mainly through working with the children using ‘Messy Church Goes Wild’ and developing the churchyard as a haven for wildlife and wild flowers. They made a bug hotel and we’ve created log piles and a wildlife pond (out of an old tractor tyre), which already has resident newts!”
There have also been native berry/blossom trees planted in the churchyard sponsored by families in memory of loved ones or, in one case, as a celebration of family life. The trees are now well-established and complement the crab apple and eating apple trees.
As well as the work done through messy church the recycling bins have been organised making them easier to access for all users and St. Michael’s have also made the most of the Net Zero pilot grant schemes:
“In 2025, through the ‘Give to Go Green’ grant and a successful fundraising campaign, we have been able to instal LED lighting throughout the building plus upgrade the insulation and double glazing in the Narthex. These measures should reduce our heating and lighting expenses for the coming winter. The great news is that St Michael’s has recently achieved an Eco Church Silver Award. Our eco-journey continues….”
It is wonderful to see a church being inspired by some of the littlest church members to make change and to care better for God’s creation.
