St Oswald’s Methley has recently won an award from the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust for their work creating a wildlife-friendly Quiet Garden and churchyard.
The church applied to the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust in 2023 for their Wildlife Gardening Award, sharing the story of their garden and the work on the churchyard.
The church set up their Quiet Garden five years ago, with the aim of making a reflective space for prayer and activities that could bring in local folk.
The garden was put together with members of the church and other local people, with benches and plants donated to the project.
Jackie Davis, member of St Oswald’s’ environment group, said: “The garden is run organically and we have bird feeders, bird baths and planting to encourage insects.
“In 2021 we extended the garden to introduce a bog garden, extra planters and seating near the new cremation plot.”
The churchyard is also being run in the same way, with a no-mow regime and a new compost bin providing natural compost for the churchyard.
Jackie said: “We have gained Eco Church Bronze and Silver award and plan to go for the Gold Award in 2024.
“The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust took all this into account and saw that we are doing everything possible to help and encourage wildlife in the garden and churchyard.
“We plan to grow more herbs and vegetables this year.
“The land is managed by volunteers and this award is testament to all their hard work throughout the year, ensuring that the garden and churchyard are a beautiful place to be in and that we are caring for God’s creation.
“Particularly rewarding is that we have children involved at our regular Saturday morning churchyard group!”