Archbishop Ian Ernest (The Archbishop of Canterbury ‘s personal representative to the Holy See & Director, Anglican Centre in Rome) Celebrated & Preached at St Mary’s, Rufford’s Patronal Festival on Sunday, August 18th.
Nature is being nurtured for future generations at Rufford church!
St Mary’s has launched a bio-diversity scheme which aims to make the churchyard not only a pleasant place to visit, but a haven for wildlife too.
And one of the first plans is to introduce bug ‘hotels’ and bird-boxes to the site.
Young people from the church and school have made the wooden boxes, which were last week dedicated at a special service attended by Archbishop Ian.
Rector Father Mark Soady said: “We believe the bird-boxes will stop the serious decline of many of our familiar garden bird species.
“We all value nature, and having a churchyard which is thriving with nature means that it can be a space where those who live in the community can delight in what they see, what they smell and what they hear.
“A key part of the project is to help with people’s wellbeing and mental health.”
The long-term programme is being run in conjunction with National Trust Rufford Old Hall, the Canal Trust, Rufford CE School and Ormskirk Army Cadet Force.
