News

Comment: Too Hot to Handle

This summer, the UK has been hit with yet another heatwave—this one drawing comparisons with the notorious drought of 1976—and as global average temperatures rise, we’re told that events like this will become much more common. But what are the implications for nature?

Some species such as crickets and butterflies, which don’t lay eggs in water, are likely to do well—at least in the short term. Trees, with their extensive root systems, tend to cope better with drought conditions. Many others, however, are adapted to a more ‘normal’ British climate with much more rain than we’ve seen so far this summer. Many birds will need to find supplies of fresh water. House martins, which build their nests out of mud, need extra water to make repairs when the mud dries out and cracks. Amphibians are struggling as ponds and streams dry up and ... Read more...

Wolf Fields Open Day 2018

Over two hundred people braved the hot weather to visit our Wolf Fields Open Day event on Saturday 21st July. Southall MP Virendra Sharma, Mayor of Ealing Tejinder Dhami, members of the public, friends of Wolf Fields and A Rocha UK staff joined in with a packed day of activities showcasing the urban reserve.

Activities included a drum workshop, a beehive demonstration from the Twickenham Bee Association, a nature trail quiz and creative activities including willow craft and wooden badge making. St Anselm’s Church Youth Group wowed the crowd with a dance routine and a street drama piece about the environment. We were regaled with some traditional songs lead by members of our local Sikh Gurdwara. Four children from Norwood Green Junior School also impressed with their storytelling on topics related to nature, making fantastic use of props and face paint to tell ... Read more...

Comment: Mammals under threat

A recent report suggested that a fifth of Britain’s mammal species are at risk of extinction. The wildlife that surrounded so many of us in years gone by is becoming increasingly rare—hedgehogs, red squirrels and several species of bat are in dramatic decline. Faced with statistics such as these it is easy to lose hope. But hope is still to be found.

The reasons for the decline in mammals are numerous. The demand for housebuilding increases pressure on local authorities to build across green corridors. People live ever closer to wildlife and, when it comes to conflict, the people generally come off better. Wildlife is feeling the effects of climate change, too, with food harder to find and hibernation patterns disrupted.

HOPE SPRINGS

But particular species in certain areas are bouncing back. Improvements in river water quality alongside reintroduction programmes have led ... Read more...

Brunel Manor, Our latest Partner In Action

Brunel Manor is Christian holiday and conference centre in Torquay, providing accommodation and conference facilities for church groups and retreats and holidays for individuals and their families. The site includes 13 acres of grounds including formal gardens, ponds and a woodland.

We will be working closely with the Brunel Manor team to help them manage their land in an environmentally friendly way. They’re working towards a zero waste policy and plan to join in with our Target Ten project restoring the populations of threatened species on their land.

Rachel Oates, Head of Estate and Buildings also has particular responsibility for environmental coordination “we already compost our kitchen waste and ensure that we buy as much locally produced food as we can – we hope to increase this over time and are excited by the prospect of engaging our guests with the wonder of ... Read more...

Green Communion 2018

Following the success of Green Communion last year, we’re getting ready to run it again! We’re adding to the resources available so there’ll be something for everyone, from high church to low and from contemplative to charismatic!

We’re hoping that it can form part of your celebration of ‘Creation Time’ in September—the month when churches all around the world will unite to recognise both the wonder and the fragility of the planet we live on.

To get involved in Green Communion, pick a date in September—ideally a Sunday that you’d normally hold a communion service. We’ll be releasing our updated materials next month!