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As we head into autumn, with its changing colours and cooler days, it's a good time to reflect on how we can continue to care for God's Creation in our churches and communities. In this edition, we celebrate the winners of the Churchyard Conservation Awards, look ahead to preparing our church buildings for winter, and invite you to join us to celebrate the commissioning of our Eco Chaplains. There's also good news to share from across the Diocese, along with a look back at our recent Creation Care Eco Retreat and the inspiration it brought. Read on for stories, resources and opportunities to help us work together.
Do please encourage people from your local community to subscribe to this newsletter: www.DofN.org/econews Thank you for all you continue to do in your locality to ensure that we strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.
| | Churchyard Conservation conference and award winners | | |
All Saints Church in Hemblington has been awarded the first-ever Norfolk Conservation Churchyard Award at the Sacred Spaces afternoon conference focused on biodiversity, conservation, and best practice in Norfolk churchyards, on Saturday 10 October 2026.
The Norfolk Churches Trust, celebrating their 50th Anniversary, launched the award in partnership with the Diocese of Norwich and Norfolk Wildlife Trust, to highlight the natural and spiritual heritage of Norfolk’s churchyards.
The Sacred Spaces: churchyards for nature afternoon of talks and stalls focused on biodiversity, conservation, and best practice in Norfolk & Waveney churchyards was attended by over 100 people. They keynote speech was made by the Rt Revd Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich and lead bishop on environment for the Church of England, and other talks were given by representatives from the Norfolk & Suffolk Local Nature Recovery Strategy, Norfolk Wildlife Trust and the Diocese of Norwich. You can view the video recording of all the speeches HERE. For the full story and more photos, follow THIS LINK
It is planned to run the Conservation Award annually from now on, and applications will open again on Saturday 31 October – more information HERE
| | | NEW: Support to plant Eco Missional Communities | | |
Join us at the launch of an exciting new partnership between the Diocese of Norwich and Hazelnut Community — supporting churches to explore creating Christian eco-communities that deepen worship, welcome local people, and care for creation.
📅 Tuesday 3 November
🕐 1.00pm – 3.00pm
📍 St Francis Church 98 Rider Haggard Road, Norwich, NR7 9UQ
Whether your church has a patch of land, a garden, or simply a desire to connect more deeply with your local community and creation, come along and explore what's possible with John from Hazelnut. There'll be plenty of space for questions, sharing ideas, and discovering practical first steps your church could take, wherever you're starting from.
🥣Soup lunch provided
Booking essential To reserve your place, please email: eco@dioceseofnorwich.org
| | Winter Warmth, Lower Carbon: preparing churches for winter | | |
As winter approaches, now is a good time to review your church's heating arrangement and explore practical ways to reduce energy use and carbon emissions.
Three things to consider this autumn:
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Check your heating controls: make sure timers, thermostats and heating zones reflect when your church is in use.
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Plan ahead: if your heating system is ageing or unreliable, start exploring low-carbon alternatives before an emergency replacement is needed.
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Record your energy use: Keep bills and meter readings up to date in preparation for the next Energy Footprint Tool reporting period.
For guidance, visit the Church of England heating guidance and Practical Guide to Net Zero Carbon for Churches.
Need advice? Contact Rosalind, your Net Zero Carbon Adviser, to discuss heating improvements and the support available.
| | New Eco Chaplains' commissioning - all welcome | | |
Seven new Eco Chaplains will be commissioned by the Bishop of Lynn, the Rt Revd Dr Jane Steen, during Evensong in Norwich Cathedral on Monday 19 October at 5:30pm.
Abigail Leach, Michelle Goulding, Revd Hannah Morris, Amanda Hart, Revd Liz Dawes, Canon Martin Greenland, and Richard Wales have been trained to help parishes embed creation care in their mission and ministry, through worship, witness, teaching, pastoral care, discipleship, witness, buildings and land across the diocese.
Please come along to support our new Eco Chaplains at their commissioning and please pray for them as they take up their ministry.
Contact eco@dioceseofnorwich.org for more information.
| | Request for Information on Fuel Allotment and Poor Charity Land | | |
The Norfolk Rural Chaplain (NRC) would be grateful to hear from clergy colleagues who, as ex-officio trustees, are aware of any land holdings belonging to ancient Fuel Allotment or Poor charities, however small.
We are seeking to compile a diocesan register of these holdings and, in due course, provide information on opportunities to access environmental funding schemes. These may include grants and income relating to carbon sequestration, biodiversity enhancement, and water purification.
Until recently, many smaller land holdings have been unable to participate in such schemes. However, a Norfolk charitable organisation is exploring ways to provide the support needed to enable smaller charities to benefit.
Land situated alongside watercourses—which is often the case with Fuel Allotment land—may be particularly well placed to take advantage of emerging opportunities in water quality improvement and biodiversity projects.
If you are aware of any such land holdings in your parish or benefice, please contact: tim.weatherstone@rnaa.org.uk
| | Eco Church awards and new joiners | | |
Welcome to our newly registered churches and congratulations to those who've received awards in the past few months!
Newly registered:
All Saints Church, Necton, St Catherine's Church, Mile Cross, Norwich, All Saints Church, Woodton, St Edmund's Church, Taverham, St Mary's Church, Shelton, St Margaret's Church, Hardwick, and St Margaret's Church, Topcroft
Bronze Awards:
St Cuthbert's Church, Sprowston, St Mary & St Margaret's Church, Sprowston, St Andrew & St Peter Church, Blofield, Mulbarton Parish Church (see photo, right!), and St George the Martyr Church, Hindolveston
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Norfolk pupils celebrated for leading environmental change
Eighteen Norfolk schools have been recognised for their commitment to environmental action and creation care after achieving Keep Britain Tidy Green Flag Awards through the Diocese of Norwich’s Eco Schools programme.
Pupils, teachers and partner organisations gathered at St Agnes Church, Cawston, on 10 September to celebrate a year of achievement that has seen schools complete Environmental Reviews, deliver sustainability projects and embed environmental responsibility into everyday school life. READ full article HERE
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St Nicholas Priory Primary cut gas consumption by 44%
St Nicholas Priory CE VA Primary School has cut its gas consumption by an impressive 44%, saving £9,800 and reducing carbon emissions by 30 tonnes of CO₂ in just 12 months. By joining Energy Sparks and setting up an eco-team, the school was able to use energy data to uncover a surprising source of waste: 76% of its gas was being used when pupils were not in school, including at weekends.
The school reviewed its heating controls, reduced heating hours and temperatures, switched heating off at weekends and introduced a remote-control system to manage the boiler more effectively. These relatively simple changes demonstrate how understanding energy use can deliver significant financial and environmental benefits, while engaging staff and pupils in caring for creation.Read more HERE
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All Things Made New: Eco Retreat
Little Massingham offered a wonderful setting for a day of reflection, fellowship and renewed hope as people from across the Diocese gathered for an Eco-Retreat centred on our Christian calling to care for creation.
Surrounded by the countryside of rural West Norfolk, the day invited us to think carefully about the relationship between faith, climate, wildlife and the places we call home. Richard Beach and Revd Joshua Whitnall offered reflections during the day, while worship was led by members of the Eco-Chaplain team, creating space for prayer, stillness and encouragement.
A particular highlight was a tour of some of the nature recovery work taking place on the Little Massingham Estate, giving everyone the opportunity to see how careful stewardship of the land can help wildlife and biodiversity to flourish. A shared lunch brought people together for conversation, fellowship and the exchange of ideas.
Warm thanks are due to the Eco-Chaplains for all their work in making such a thoughtful and uplifting day possible.
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Churchyard family fun in Forncett
In August, the Friends of St Peter’s and the Norfolk Wildlife Trust ran three very successful family sessions in the churchyard. The first session ‘Tracks and Trails’ focussed on what signs to look for to find out what wildlife might be found in a churchyard. Signs included tracks, droppings, owl pellets and bones. The second ‘Minibeast Hunting’ involved looking for and recording minibeasts which involved shaking trees and trawling through grass and weeds. The final session ‘Wild Art’ gave participants a chance to create art from or inspired by nature through making and drawing using clay and natural materials.
The sessions were a great success as can be seen by some of the quotes from those taking part:
• “The kids absolutely loved it and got really involved.”
• “You don't realise how much nature is around you until you take the time to look.”
• “Excellent fun & learning for adults & children.”
Later this year we will be launching our Nature and History Trails which will allow people to explore the rich nature and history that we are lucky to have in the Forncetts.
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"Eco Roadshow" at Deanery Synod
Rosalind and Barbara took the ‘Eco Roadshow’ to the Blofield Deanery Synod at the end of July. Despite the heat, everyone joined in the carbon footprint game with gusto and they were excited to see more Diocese of Norwich churches engaging with Creation Care.
Hemblington Church and Reedham Church brought displays along to illustrate their Eco Church journey to inspire others. Great stuff!
Their next booking is at Loddon Deanery Synod in late February. If you’d like them to bring the Roadshow to your Deanery Synod - simply email - see contact details below!
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From Understanding to Action: Creating Change Together in Norwich
Sunday 18 October - 2-7pm
St Luke's Church, 61 Alysham Road, Norwich
A free, interactive workshop with Climate Fresk UK and Community Climate Action, exploring climate change and turning understanding into practical local action. Supported by the Diocese of Norwich.
Free to attend. Light buffet, snacks and hot drinks provided.
There are 28 places in total. Find out more and book your place on Eventbrite.
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People's Emergency Briefings screenings
Churches across Norfolk and Waveney are screening the 50-minute documentary that brings critical scientific evidence on the climate and nature crises. The next ones we're aware of are:
St Mark's Church, Oulton Broad, NR33 9JX
Saturday 17 October - 1:00pm
King's Lynn Minster, PE30 5DQ
Monday 26 October - 6:30pm
Matlaske Benefice, Corpusty & Saxthorpe Village Hall, NR11 6QQ
Sunday 29 October - 7:00pm
St Andrew's Church, Eaton, NR4 6NW
15 November - 3:00pm
Hempnall Group, Hempnall Village Hall, NR15 2NG
22 November - 3:00pm
St Francis Church, Heartsease, Norwich NR9 7UQ
Thursday 26 November - 6:30pm
The film explains the climate science and tipping points. It looks at the implications of these on everyday life and national resilience, including food security, health, the economy, national security and nature. It also looks at how we can respond and what gives grounds for hope, making it clear that this cannot be left to individuals alone; we need government, organisations and business to change. The events will include time for group discussions.
If you are hosting a screening, please let our Communications Team know so they can add it to the Diocesan Events listing page: news@dioceseofnorwich.org
All screenings are shown on a national map here: National Emergency Briefing
A dedicated Church Resource Pack has been developed to help you host a screening, whether for your local community or congregation. It includes practical guidance, ideas for facilitating discussion, and suggestions for follow-up activities.
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Community Naturescapes Norfolk Network
A free programme of networking and learning events for community-led nature groups across Norfolk.
Upcoming topics include trees, local nature recovery strategies, and sparrows, swifts and swallows.
Events are scheduled at Gressenhall, Downham Market and Whitlingham Country Park
Booking essential: Community Naturescapes Norfolk Network Event Programme | Norfolk Wildlife Trust
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Change in VAT for Churches to 0%
Did you know that from 1 October there was a change in VAT on electricity for 6 months? This change will result in churches going from 5% VAT to 0% - churches should qualify because of their charitable status.
Ecotricity has produced a FAQ all about the change, and you can access it here:
0% VAT on Business Electricity FAQs I Ecotricity
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Sustainable church flowers resource
The Diocese of Sodor and Man held a sustainable flower workshop as part of a celebration of the Season of Creation. They have kindly shared a booklet that they produced with some ideas and tips. You can download it here: Alternatives-to-Foam-1.pdf
And you can read the article that explains more here
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Norwich Churches - offer of free help and advice from Our Power
Free Energy Consultations: stay warm, save money and upgrade your home.
Our Power offers free, impartial advice on energy to households in the Norwich area. Whether you're worried about your bills, trying to sort out a draughty home, or looking at upgrades such as solar panels or a heat pump, their energy advisors can help.
They hold reguar drop-ins around Norwich: find your nearest one at https://ourpower.org.uk/energy-advice/, email energyhelp@ourpower.org.uk or call 01603 244 966. If you or someone you live with is over 60, they also offer a free 'Home Energy MOT' - a home visit where they can offer more detailed advice based on your needs and interests.
| | We are happy to come out to your deanery or benefice with our "Eco Roadshow" presentation - or answer any questions/offer support - just get in touch! | | You are receiving EcoNews because you either have an active role in the diocese (e.g. are an Eco Rep) or you have subscribed to receive it. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link below and you can read our Privacy Policy here. | | Norwich Diocesan Board of Finance Ltd is a limited company (no. 88175) and charity (no. 249318) registered in England and Wales. Registered office: Diocesan House, 109 Dereham Road, Easton, Norwich NR9 5ES. | | | | |
