Good Shepherd - good stewards!

The Church of the Good Shepherd in Parkstone is celebrating after achieving a Silver Eco Church Award from A Rocha UK.

Situated in a densely populated parish of around 16,500 people alongside a busy main road, the church is demonstrating that caring for God's creation is possible in any setting.

The grounds now include a bug hotel – already home to stag beetles – areas of wild planting for bees and other wildlife and a chemical-free vegetable garden growing tomatoes, potatoes, broad beans, lettuce, onions and more.

Revd Michelle Cobley said: “It just goes to show what is possible with a bit of lateral thinking and effort. Who would expect us to have a bug hotel, areas left wild for the bees, or a vegetable plot where everything is grown without chemicals?”

The church is rightly “chuffed” with its achievement. By making caring for creation a regular part of its worship and life together, it shows how even churches in busy urban settings can make a real difference for people and the planet.