Local Church Environment Projects
If your Church is in the Diocese of Durham and has set up or is involved in an environmental project, please let us know and provide us with some information and photos if possible for the website. Please send information to environment@durham.anglican.org
All Saints' Preston on Tees and Community Action for Energy Eaglescliffe (CAfEE)
Community Action for Energy Eaglescliffe (CAfEE) is a group from the church and the community around which wants to encourage local people to use less energy, save carbon production and save money into the bargain. It believes that the church should take the lead in the community in these matters and its biblical base can be found in Genesis.
The group organises energy saving events several times a year and hopes by doing so to bring people into contact with the church who would not normally get in touch. As part of this effort the group decided towards the end of November 2008 that a solar electricity installation on the church centre roof would be a flagship project to interest the community and signal that the church is serious about saving energy and doing its bit in preserving God’s creation for generations to come.
After a successful fundraising effort, the group has recently launched the solar electricity installation on the church centre roof.
For more information on the project click here or contact John Doherty, Project Co-ordinator on 01642 652 650 or at actionforenergy@gmail.com
Shildon Mustard Seed Project
The Shildon Mustard Seed Project was launched by St John's Church, Shildon in September 2007. It's aim is to do small environmental projects with people living in Shildon. Partners include the Jubilee Fields Community Centre, Shildon Town Council, S&D Training, Groundwork North East and Faith in the Community.
So far the project has planted crocus bulbs around the Jubilee Fields Community Centre, planted sunflowers with children in the town and plants with the adults. Planting sessions showing people how to grow vegetables in pots have also been held.
The project has now joined forces with Groundwork North East and Shildon Town Council to launch a community garden/allotment. The plot is huge and the project are looking for volunteers to help run it. It is situated at Furness Pit which is off Byerley Road opposite the Surestart Centre and Timothy Hackworth Primary.
Funding for the project so far has come from The Big Lottery Fund (via Groundwork), Neighbourhood Learning in Deprived Communities (NLDC), The Church Urban Fund and SCYPAN.
There is still a lot of work to do, laying chippings for the paths, planting and most of all getting people involved. This is a great social event brining kids and adults together in a fun and worthy activity. The project plans to have formal links with local schools and for them to takeover a patch of the garden.
For more information on the project or to get involve visit http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=319190157263