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On February 18th last, the Wexford Parish Care for the Earth Group and Wexford County Council Environment Department Staff, Cliona Connolly and Claire Goodwin met with Bishop Ger Nash and Diocesan Priests to discuss a ‘Returning to Nature’ Project for County Wexford Parishes.
Published to world-wide acclaim, Pope Francis’ Encyclical, Laudato Si’ On Care for Our Common Home issued in 2015 was a compelling call to all people of good will "to care for the environment of which they are part”. In response, the Irish Bishops’ Conference in 2023 agreed that parishes would return 30% of church grounds to nature by 2030. They stated “Parishes are asked to expand their circles of solidarity, to protect and care for biodiversity and creation on 30% of their grounds, and to care for this as a haven for pollinators and biodiversity, that can be enjoyed by the whole community.”
Following a successful meeting, Wexford County Council is coming together with the Parishes of County Wexford and the Wexford Parish Care for the Earth Group to commence a pilot project in Wexford with six parishes invited to partake in biodiversity schemes on church grounds in 2025. Support given will include expert advice from a biodiversity specialist and funding to get projects off the ground. The aim is to allow room for nature to flourish and to manage sites to support wildlife.
Some examples of projects for biodiversity might be:
- reducing mowing frequency to allow flowers to bloom and provide food for our endangered pollinators.
- planting of heritage fruit trees.
- hedgerow maintenance or planting.
- erecting barn owl or swift boxes for endangered birds.
- providing nesting habitat for solitary bees.
Several parishes have already expressed interest in taking part. The project will continue in 2026 and beyond subject to demand.
This project is open to groups of all faiths. To find out more or to apply to be involved please see the Wexford County Council website or contact biodiversity@wexfordcoco.ie
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