ECO - A Double Eco Award for Lichfield Cathedral

Sunday 4 September saw Lichfield Cathedral celebrate Climate Sunday in a very special way, receiving two awards to mark its Eco journey. Andy Lester, A Rocha UK’s Director of Conservation was guest preacher and presented Lichfield Cathedral with its Silver Eco Church Award. Lichfield Cathedral won the Bronze Award in 2021 and is working hard to achieve the Gold Eco Church Award.

His colleague, Regina Ebner presented A Rocha UK’s Partner in Action Certificate in Environmental Excellence. This certificate acknowledges the Cathedral’s dedication to protecting and enhancing species and habitats, engaging the cathedral community in caring for the land, and developing a sustainable, low carbon approach to energy, food, and water use.

The Revd Canon Dr David Primrose said, “we are on a journey from Bronze to Gold. Tasks ahead include robust action plans to reduce our carbon footprint, and improved communications and engagement with others. There is a growing awareness of the connections between loss of biodiversity, the climate crisis, rising energy prices, and the cost of living. As a Healthy Healing Hub, we know the links between care for creation, the common good, and the wellbeing of those who are vulnerable.”

Canon David is Canon Treasurer at Lichfield Cathedral, his remit is to focus on the Cathedral’s work around Environment, Social Justice, and Community Outreach. Some may have seen Canon David on BBC’s Songs of Praise as the ‘Beekeeping Vicar’. As part of the service everyone received a mini jar of Canon David’s honey, along with a packet of the same wildflower seeds that Staffordshire Wildlife Trust are recommending Lichfield Cathedral plant amongst the grass on the south side of the cathedral.

The Dean of Lichfield, The Very Revd Adrian Dorber said: “I am delighted with the work we are doing to address the climate emergency, and the positive steps we are making. It truly is worth celebrating, especially considering the extra environmental challenges facing our vast, ancient Cathedrals.”

To find out the latest information on Lichfield Cathedral’s work for the Environment, Social Justice, and in the community visit: www.lichfield-cathedral.org/issues