The Church of England is committed to protecting and using wisely the earth's resources. So at St James we have installed a bicycle rack as encouragement to cycle to Church. We have a recycling box for paper, bins for glass, green waste, etc and these are collected fortnightly. We send the weekly pew leaflet and monthly diary to as many people as possible by e-mail, making a substantial reduction in printed copies. We have instatled screens in the St Barnabas Centre, reducing substantially paper required during services. We are being more prudent/realistic in reproduction runs for annual reports, quarterly magazine, etc. We use paper from sustainable sources/recycled materials in/by Office and have recently installed low energy light bulbs. This is just the beginning!
We have been liaising with the Diocesan Environmental Officer to participate in the Living Churchyard Scheme. Initial contact was made following her article in the July/August 2007 edition of See Round. Judith visited in February 2008 to discuss the compilation of a churchyard management scheme. Following her advice to proceed by gradual steps, we have this year devised an outline management plan. We have identified sections of the churchyard that would be managed by either mowing or strimming at varying time intervals. The two areas of ‘modern’ graves will receive regular attention and areas of older 19th century graves less attention. The central area of the churchyard has been designated a conservation area. This was mown before Easter and will only be cut in late August. By these arrangements we intend to increase the diversity of wildlife. Judith has arranged for the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust to conduct a survey. We have already been designated a Hertfordshire County Wildlife Site as we are home to a colony of Serotine bats.
A bat box is in place in the churchyard.
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