'God's gift to the estate' 29 October 2011
Camberwell Farmers' Garden Launch
A Rocha's Will Campbell-Clause who organised the garden project writes: The
day could not have been more perfect. The sun shone strongly all day and it was
a wond... (read more)
Improving habitats at St Madoc's 28 October 2011
The St Madoc Centre has been busy building nest boxes the last few weeks. We
received funding from Keep Wales Tidy and B&Q to create new habitats for
wildlife. We have been making bird boxes for bl... (read more)
Engaging with creation in Cornwall 10 October 2011
On 24 September 2011 at the Lizard, in Cornwall the forecast was for rain but
15 intrepid volunteers met up on the morning of September 24th to do
some scrub clearing on the Lizard peninsula. Fortu... (read more)
A Little Night Music 3 October 2011
"We will have to do this again - we don't do this programme enough." -
pianist Mark Troop
Fifty people, including the Deputy Mayor of Ealing, gathered to celebrate the
'Harmony of Creation, Unity ... (read more)
A Rocha at 'eco-dance' festival 1 October 2011
The Waveform ‘eco-dance’ festival from 1-5 September had a Christian presence
for the first time this year as A Rocha and Speak worked in partnership doing
morning Taize meditations, afternoon envi... (read more)
More Momentum needed on creation care 1 October 2011
A Rocha was at Momentum, the Christian Festival for young adults, in August
with the message of creation care. The team had some encouraging interactions
with the constant flow of twenty-thirty-som... (read more)
Southall family fun day 30 September 2011
'When can we have another event?' asked happy youngsters at the end of of the
family fun day organised by A Rocha UK in partnership with Southall Community
Alliance at Bixley field in September. Th... (read more)
Southall canal clean-up 30 September 2011
In September A Rocha UK joined the Thames21 environmental charity in a first
joint venture – the Southall Canal Clean-up event. Another opportunity for A
Rocha UK volunteers to roll up their sleeve... (read more)
Sandbach bat evening 30 September 2011
Sandbach A Rocha group met at Brereton Heath Country Park near Sandbach on 17
September for a bat walk. Conditions were unsettled but still about 30 came
including 6 children and 7 teens. A torrent... (read more)
Help accelerate GCSE pack 30 September 2011
Since beginning work with A Rocha in January National Education Coordinator
Glenys Hulme has been busy promoting the GCSE RE pack 'Whose World is it
Anyway?' along with others in the team. It's bee... (read more)
Four reptile species found in St Madoc's survey 27 September 2011
The St Madoc Centre had a second successful weekend of wildlife surveying in
Wales earlier this year. Over 40 people were recording species found on the
centre's 76 acre site in the Gower Area of O... (read more)
Environmental Ethics and Isaiah 21 September 2011
The Rev. Margot Hodson is a board member of A Rocha and an author. Her most
recent publication is the latest in the Grove Ethics series of booklets and is
entitled: "Uncovering Isaiah's Environment... (read more)
Big Picnic September 2011 11 September 2011
With forecasts of torrential rain and howling winds we really weren't sure if
this was going to happen - but the day came with a calm sky and warm sunshine
and a great turnout of local people. Appl... (read more)
Greenbelt 2011: abide here, at home 31 August 2011
Faith, art, justice and creation collided at the A Rocha worship sessions at
Greenbelt 2011. Over one hundred people joined together to reflect and respond
to God's creation in the Abide worship ve... (read more)
Team Challenge 2011: update 30 August 2011
As summer has turned to autumn, the Team Challengers have hung up their
boots, put their feet up by the fire and take a much-deserved rest after their
respective challenges. We caught up with the C... (read more)
Southall community clean up 29 August 2011
In the Park
Litter conscious faith communities were out in force on Saturday 30 July to
clean up Southall Spikebridge Park and the surrounding areas. The event was
organised by A Rocha UK in conju... (read more)
Bushcraft Days August 2011 22 August 2011
38 children and young
people enjoyed bushcraft days at the Steyning Downland Scheme this summer.
Making shelters always features highly on the favourite activities, along with
making lovely puff pa... (read more)
Butterfly Walks 6 August 2011
Butterfly Conservation ran two walks this year, with 50 - 60 people attending
each. Our Brown hairstreak area is amazing at 11.00 on a sunny day - they turn
up right on cue! Neil Hulme is alway... (read more)
Owls star at Dronfield Going Wild 29 July 2011
Owls captivated visitors to the Lea Brook Valley Festival in Dronfield one
sunny Saturday afternoon in July. The raptor display was just one of many
attractions and activities at the festival whi... (read more)
Streetbank: sharing in your neighbourhood 29 July 2011
A Rocha's Will and Pip Campbell-Clause have been members of
Streetbank for over a year now. They
are big fans of it and encourage other A Rocha friends to join up. It's a
brilliant way to get to kn... (read more)
The hills are alive with the sound of learning! 29 July 2011
A partnership between the Steyning Downland Scheme and Steyning Grammar
School led to the Discovery Days for year 7 students. They spent three days
finding out what was special about the Steyning D... (read more)
Garden celebration 'happiest day' 28 July 2011
The celebration at Southall community garden, home of the A Rocha UK food
growing project, was a blast!
Dedicated local volunteers along with A Rocha UK organised the event on 3
July at Willowbr... (read more)
Experiencing the Downs through Art 26 July 2011
14 people gathered, from beginners to experienced artists, for a day painting
on the Downs at the end of July. This is what they said about the 2011 SDS Art
Day:
“Thank you both again for making t... (read more)
Mothly Breakfast 22 July 2011
At
11.30pm two wonderful volunteers from the Sussex Moth Group drove their
equipment to the Old Rifle Range on the Steyning Downland Scheme, and enticed
the moths to dance until 1.30am. 70 species... (read more)
Buy. Sell. Give. 1 July 2011
in the last year, over £200 have been donated to A Rocha UK by Friends and
supporters through their buying and selling on eBay. Thank you!
A Rocha UK is a partner of MissionFish, eBay's charitable... (read more)
Seals and sea birds make a special day 1 July 2011
Spectacular Rathlin Island off the north coast of Northern Island, home to
seals and sea birds, was the destination of a recent A Rocha Friends' trip. A
group of 48 made the ferry crossing to Churc... (read more)
Food, Glorious Food 30 June 2011
Question - What links a song from
Oliver Twist and Solas, a Scottish Christian arts festival?
Answer - A workshop centred on "Food,Glorious Food"!
This was just one of the songs that was played a... (read more)
Bats, Beasties and Buried Treasure 13 June 2011
Revealing the history, wildlife and fun of Possilpark!
The rain didn't keep people away as pond dipping, mountain biking, fishing,
kayaking, archaeological digging and looking for beasties proved ... (read more)
Environment Weekend in Chinnor 12 June 2011
We were delighted to have Andy Lester (A Rocha’s conservation director) here
again this year – kicking off the weekend with an assembly at St. Andrew’s
primary school on Creation care, when he was ... (read more)
Summer in Southall- 2011 24 May 2011
Playschemes 2011
Photos from past play schemes
We are running two playschemes this year, one on The West London Floating
Classroom see here, and one at Minet
Country Park. They are both for Prim... (read more)
Resources for Children's Groups 11 May 2011
Dig the Earth - God's Amazing World
A new series of four children’s group sessions looking at God’s creation.
Each session has a session plan and handout for the children, and looks at a
different... (read more)
Just Food? 2011 Environment Resource Pack available now 4 May 2011
Food
is God’s gift in creation, but today it’s often either cheap junk, grabbed
on-the-run, or an ethical nightmare and a cause of injustice and suffering. This
year’s A Rocha UK Environment Resou... (read more)
Building Bridges at the Steyning Downland Scheme 29 April 2011
Our rather unique string of ponds has been made much easier to enjoy by a new
bridge, ably built by the Wiston Estate’s forester, funded by the South Downs
Joint Committee. Year 7’s from the loca... (read more)
A Rocha New Forest launch 29 April 2011
The
new A Rocha New Forest supporters group was launched in March at the Countryside
Education Trust’s Treehouse Study Centre in Beaulieu. The meeting began with a
short act of worship, based on C... (read more)
A Rocha in the North West blog 28 April 2011
You
can now follow news of A Rocha UK in the North West region on David Beattie's
blog. David is A Rocha UK North West
regional coordinator.
Recent posts cover the visit of two A Rocha UK conserva... (read more)
The Big Climate Reconnection 26 April 2011
Get Involved in the Big Climate Reconnection!
People across England and Wales are lobbying their MPs this Spring to make
sure their Climate Concerns are represented and the that the UK delivers on... (read more)
Faith and Food: Making the connections conference 25 April 2011
The wide ranging A Rocha UK Faith and Food conference in
Southall on 26 March explored the theme of justice in the food system and sought
to promote reflection and greater understanding of the part... (read more)
Spring education at Living Waterways 21 April 2011
Education for Living Waterways is getting off to a great start this spring,
with over 70 children at our Easter Egg Hunt at Minet Country Park. Ably led by
David Melville our new Education Officer... (read more)
Faith Goes Wild 14 April 2011
On Sunday 27th March 2011 the arrival of Spring was heralded by an all age
event at Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve. Faith Goes Wild, a
Christian-focused, self-guided walk and open air servi... (read more)
'Planet Earth from God's perspective' 29 March 2011
David Beattie, NW Regional Coordinator was able to use material from the new
A Rocha UK GCSE education pack 'Whose World is it Anyway?' when he met with year
10 at St Christopher's CE High School i... (read more)
Help stop illegal timber entering the UK 26 March 2011
A Rocha UK is encouraging Friends to support the WWF
'What Wood You Choose' campaign. WWF highlight that currently up to 20% of
timber imported into the UK is from illegal sources. This wood is th... (read more)
Good news for the World 23 March 2011
Soul Survivor has just published
an article
entitled 'Good News for the World' by Will Campbell-Clause
about creation care in their latest magazine, going out to thousands of young
people across th... (read more)
Ruth Valerio Story 22 March 2011
Ruth recently featured as guest in the St. Mary’s Church ‘Sunday’s at Seven’
series of interviews with Christians who have a story to tell.
To see what she had to say about the glasses we see thro... (read more)
Join us for Earth Hour 2011: Saturday 26 March 21 March 2011
This Saturday 26 March marks Earth Hour 2011!
At 8:30pm (local time), people around the world will be switching off their
lights as part of a call to climate action. It’s a reminder to us all that... (read more)
Beyond Fairtrade Fortnight... 18 March 2011
A Rocha UK launches new fair trade shop!
A Rocha UK has partnered up with ethicTrade to provide a new and exciting
online shop that will
generate funds to support our ministry, as well as helping ... (read more)
Could you encourage Cameron and Clegg to accept the Comittee on Climate Change's recommendations? 14 March 2011
If you have a moment, please send a Stop Climate Chaos e-action to our
leaders by just going on the SCC website
http://e-activist.com/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=789&ea.campaign.id... (read more)
Do you have a secondary school near you? 7 March 2011
We need your help to let schools know about our brand new education pack! We
have a wonderful new teaching resource pack which focuses on faith and the
environment and we really want schools to hea... (read more)
The Mountains to the North 28 February 2011
A Rocha UK National Conference report
How
do you describe the journey of the first ten years of A Rocha UK – and the
challenges for the next ten? Friends at the tenth anniversary conference in
No... (read more)
Changes at Minet 28 February 2011
The London Borough of Hillingdon have advised us that for financial reasons
they will not be extending our Service Level Agreement with them beyond the end
of June. This agreement provided for A Ro... (read more)
Blashford Lakes Reserve: Take Two 28 February 2011
Sticking to the 'don't-change-a-winning-formula' maxim, the Dorset & West
Hants Friends in Action group returned in January for their second visit to a
nature reserve near Ringwood: a morning work-... (read more)
A Date With Nature 28 February 2011
RSPB's A Date With
Nature scheme is about showing people wildlife all around the country. Staff
and volunteers are there to show visitors what to look out for.
A Rocha East of England coordinator... (read more)
Cod and Chips 28 February 2011
Should I go down to the local chippy and eat cod and chips? This was the
question posed by Bob Sluka to the KS2 assembly at St. Andrews School Chinnor.
The classes were divided into "pro" and "con"... (read more)
Talk with Beavers 16 February 2011
Is cutting down trees bad? YES!!! YES!!! But what about the animal beavers?
Are beavers bad?
Bob Sluka of the Chiltern Gateway Project led a very interesting discussion
of environmental issues wit... (read more)
Chinnor Hill work day 13 February 2011
A small band of intrepid conservationists spent time working in the Chinnor
Hill Nature Reserve. Our team has committed to partnering with BBWOT on their
monthly work parties twice a year, currentl... (read more)
New GCSE Pack: Whose World is it Anyway? 2 February 2011
A Rocha is very proud to announce that we have produced a wonderful new
teaching resource pack which focuses on faith and the environment. Entitled
'Whose World Is It Anyway?', the pack includes a ... (read more)
Climate Week: Meat-free, car-free or gadget-free? 1 February 2011
Climate Week, a high-profile
national climate change campaign, is from 21-27 March this year, involving
thousands of businesses, charities, schools and councils across the country.
During this week... (read more)
Reaching Future Leaders 28 January 2011
A Rocha UK works hard to get the message of caring for God’s world into
theological and Bible colleges and courses around the UK. We see it as strategic
to focus our work on those who are currently... (read more)
2011 Holidays and Retreats 25 January 2011
This spring and summer you will find A Rocha speakers at holidays and events
in some of the most beautiful parts of Britain. These events are wonderful
opportunities to learn more about God's world... (read more)
Down to Earth drama 25 January 2011
During the Autumn term Scene Change Theatre and A Rocha UK have been working
in partnership to deliver a day of environmental themed drama. Pippa
Campbell-Clause A Rocha UK’s arts and campaigns coo... (read more)
Signs of Growth In Perth 4 January 2011
Tulloch NET is a
charity which offers practical help and spiritual support to an area in Perth.
During 2010 it has shown considerable progress particularly in its improvement
of the Lade, a waterwa... (read more)
Blooming Beautiful on the Steyning Downs 1 January 2011
A busy 2010 at the Steyning Downland Scheme - and new plans for 2011
Volunteer botany surveyors have spent some happy days at A Rocha Associated
Project the
Steyning
Downland Scheme in 2010 findin... (read more)
Ecocongregation awards 31 December 2010
2010 ended with a flurry of activity for Ecocongregation. The last award of
the year was a first of its kind for the diocesan office of Ripon & Leeds
Diocese, the first move towards eventuallly bec... (read more)
Snowy Lea Brook Valley 21 December 2010
As many of you would probably have experienced this winter, the Lea Brook
Valley had their fair share of snow in December.
... (read more)
The Bishop Reflects at Christmas 16 December 2010
Living Lightly Christmas Guest
Article
We are delighted to welcome James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool, as feature
writer for our Living Lightly Christmas Guest Article. The bishop, well known
for hi... (read more)
Ecofriendly Power Raises Funds For A Rocha 1 December 2010
Sign up to a greener form of energy today and help the environment whilst
raising funds for A Rocha.
Ecotricity
We are delighted to announce that A Rocha UK has become an official
Ecotricity Part... (read more)
God always provides - even fresh water ecologists 1 December 2010
Earlier this year Marion Smith read Dave Bookless' book
Planetwise and was challenged about her commitment
to God’s creation, as a scientist working on ponds and rivers she felt she
should be doing... (read more)
Christian living that doesn't cost the earth in Dorset 28 November 2010
Ruth Valerio was the featured speaker at two A Rocha-linked joint-church
events in Dorset during November as 'Living lightly: Christian living that
doesn't cost the earth' went 'on the road': first... (read more)
Stories, Smoothies, Songs and Snow! 27 November 2010
... (read more)
New Garden Club launched on Camberwell estate 2 November 2010
A Rocha Young Adults Coordinator Will Campbell-Clause helped launching a
Garden Club at the
Camberwell Farmers'
Garden on 27 October. Will has been working with residents to arrange a
partnership w... (read more)
Potato digging day at Southall community garden 1 November 2010
Our second harvest event 'potato digging day' was held on 9 October at
Southall community garden. Over 40 people, young and old, came together in a
festive spirit to celebrate the fruits of their l... (read more)
Engaging with tough issues at regional conferences 29 October 2010
At each of our A Rocha 'Partners in Caring for God's World' regional
conferences in October there was some deep engagement with the tough issues of
getting whole Churches on board with caring for c... (read more)
God's 'big picture' at NW regional conference 28 October 2010
Around 50 delegates from Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Wirral and
Merseyside attended the A Rocha 'Partners in Caring for God's World' regional
conference at St Luke’s church Crosby on ... (read more)
Nagoya Biodiversity Conference starts today 18 October 2010
The World Conference on Biodiversity at Nagoya, Japan begins today (18
October) and runs to 29 October. Around 192 countries are taking part. In 2002,
governments adopted the goal of significantly ... (read more)
Advocacy for people and places in Uganda 10 October 2010
In his second report from A
Rocha Uganda Mark Barker tells of how Sara Kaweesa and her team use advocacy
in two very different aspects of their work. Mark visited the A Rocha Uganda
Initiative in J... (read more)
Dorset & West Hants group go ‘Wet and Wild’ 5 October 2010
‘I’ve caught a slug, Mummy. I’m so excited!’
Six-year-old Lois was one of a large and enthusiastic group of children and
adults who enjoyed a varied and informative morning at Longham Lakes in
Fer... (read more)
Dave Bookless interview 'God doesn't do waste' 5 October 2010
On 3 October the Bookless family visited St. Mary’s Church in Upton on the
Wirral and on Sunday evening Dave Bookless was interviewed as part of a series
of interviews with Christians who have a st... (read more)
Experiencing Creation in Cornwall 2 October 2010
Saturday 26 June was a glorious summer day on The Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall.
Not a day to spend indoors, so 27 of us happily gathered for a local A Rocha Day
to explore a 19 acre woodland garden s... (read more)
Join the ladybird hunt! 2 October 2010
The latest on the A Rocha Ladybird Survey
The A Rocha ladybird survey, in partnership with Buglife, was launched in our
summer magazine. We asked you to record sightings of ladybirds across t... (read more)
Award winning produce 1 October 2010
The allotment is another area of the site where we are grateful for volunteer
support. Many of the children visiting the site come from urban areas and do not
have the opportunity to have their own... (read more)
New book: 'Ready, Steady... Slow. An advent calendar to unwind with' 30 September 2010
'Ready, Steady... Slow' the new advent book with
contributions from Dave Bookless, James Jones and many others is published
today, 30 September.
For every day of December up to Christmas Eve, here... (read more)
Getting Close 30 September 2010
On many occasions getting good views of our native wildlife is an exercise in
knowledge, skill and, most of all, patience. I’ve spent many hours waiting for
that special view of a fox, badger or ow... (read more)
Improving water and sanitation in Namungoona, Uganda 29 September 2010
In
June 2009 Mark Barker visited the
A Rocha Uganda Initiative
with a small party of Samaritans Purse UK staff and volunteers like himself. A
year later the Initiative is a full A Rocha National O... (read more)
Details confirmed for 10th Anniversary Conference 27 August 2010
The 2011 A Rocha UK National Conference will be the first opportunity to
celebrate the 10th anniversary of A Rocha UK.
The theme will be 'Celebrating the past, seeking the
future'. Peter Harris, c... (read more)
'Creation Calls' CDROM available now 26 August 2010
The CDROM ‘Creation Calls’ has been produced in memory of Keith Morris who
was a great friend of A Rocha
Czech. It includes the song ‘Creation Calls’ by Brian Doerkson (used with
permission) accomp... (read more)
A Southall harvest 26 August 2010
On 24
July it was time to do some harvesting in perfect weather at the Southall
community garden organised by A Rocha's Kailean Khongsai. It was the third open
day at the garden, this time with a ... (read more)
Lancashire Bioblitz spots 900 species 26 August 2010
The Lancashire Bioblitz was a mammoth 24 hour recording of all things natural
at Cuerden Valley Park in Central Lancashire on 7-8 August. The event was opened
by Bill Oddie who took the opportunity... (read more)
New Donations Wish List 23 August 2010
We greatly appreciate all donations that come to A Rocha UK, and they keep
all of our activities running. Now you have the chance to see exactly where your
donations go! Check out A Rocha UK's new ... (read more)
A Rocha at Solas 2010 4 August 2010
Over 300 people gathered in the hills of Lanarkshire, Scotland for the
first-ever Solas Festival. A Rocha Scottish Regional Coordinator Victoria
Deschampsneufs and National Fundraiser Lisa Ostenson... (read more)
Richard Bauckham to speak at September A Rocha conference 3 August 2010
Theologian Professor Richard Bauckham of Ridley Hall,
Cambridge is now confirmed as a main speaker at the A Rocha UK / Ecocongregation
'Growing Organically' conference in Birmingham next month. He ... (read more)
Sell on eBay. Donate to A Rocha! 3 August 2010
Do you eBay? If you sell stuff on eBay you can donate between 10 and 100% of
the proceeds to either
A Rocha
UK or
A Rocha
International. Either click on one of these links and choose to sell an ite... (read more)
Camberwell Big Lunch 3 August 2010
On
Sunday 18 July, the Big Lunch was
celebrated on the Brandon 3 Estate for the second year running! This year it
was organised by the brilliant Jess Seddon (a member of the Camberwell Farmers’
G... (read more)
Book launch: 'God doesn't do waste' 1 August 2010
Whether it’s physical rubbish or ‘senseless’ suffering, God’s ways
are often very different from ours. God doesn’t do waste.
Dave
Bookless' latest book 'God doesn't do waste' tells the story of
A... (read more)
St Madoc's gets Associated Projects off to a great start 1 July 2010
A Rocha UK's new Associated Projects (AP) programme provides a new way for
local projects that share A Rocha's values to connect with the wider A Rocha
family. These projects are run by and for loc... (read more)
Oil spill creates huge undersea 'dead zones' 30 June 2010
From A Rocha UK Conservation News May / June 2010
The world's most damaging oil spill is creating huge unseen "dead zones" in
the Gulf of Mexico, according to oceanologists and toxicologists. They... (read more)
Sun shines on community food open day 29 June 2010
The second Southall community food-growing project open day on 12 June 2010
was another great event. The weather was fine and there was a good turnout with
many new faces adding to the community sp... (read more)
The Living Room at Greenbelt 29 June 2010
This year A Rocha’s
Ecocongregation project is
organising a joint Christian environmental presence at the
Greenbelt festival held at Cheltenham
racecourse 27-30 August. Called the Living Room it in... (read more)
Minet pond makeover go-ahead 28 June 2010
Last winter, we asked for your support in a campaign for funding from
Bovril's Great Outdoor Revival to re-line the pond at Minet Country Park. There
was a great turnout of support and we made it t... (read more)
'What a Wildly Wonderful World': 2010 Environment Resource Pack 3 June 2010
Our new Environment Resource Pack will help your church to respond to God’s
world in worship, and be led on to respond in practical conservation and care
for creation. It can be used at any suitabl... (read more)
Bike power at Thou Art and Pentecost festival 1 June 2010
A Rocha's new bike-powered equipment was on the road in May. On the
16th our new Arts and Campaigns Coordinator, Pip Tennant, teamed up
with her fiancée Will Campbell-Clause, Young Adults Coordinat... (read more)
Ecodiocese Award Scheme 28 May 2010
Ecocongregation and the Church
of England’s
Shrinking the
Footprint programme are launching an Ecodiocese Award this month. It's based
on the same principles as the Ecocongregation Award and will r... (read more)
Community food growing in Southall 27 May 2010
A Rocha UK launched the Southall community food growing project with an open
day on 8 May which attracted over 70 local people from many faith and ethnic
backgrounds - Sikh, Muslim, Hindu, Christia... (read more)
Prayer Power at Southall 1 May 2010
Our first Prayer & Feasting event at Southall was held on the 26 April
and what an evening it was! 33 people met to share a meal, get to know each
other and to spend time supporting A Rocha's Livin... (read more)
Pond Developments 1 May 2010
The old woodland pond had been in a state of neglect for a long time and
recently a team of volunteers helped to dig out and re-line it. The pond area is
now completely enclosed, the water level re... (read more)
Living as Jesus' apprentices 27 April 2010
How do we live as apprentices of Jesus today? One of the questions posed by
this year’s Spring Harvest with its
theme of 'Different Eyes' and focus on ethics. A series of A Rocha led seminars
on ‘L... (read more)
Clearing the way for puffins 26 April 2010
Tree mallow is an invasive species from the Mediterranean which has been
colonising the islands on the Firth of Forth causing problems for nesting
puffins. So A Rocha has been helping the Scottish ... (read more)
Quarry transformation in Lancashire 25 April 2010
A Rocha has started a two year partnership with the Lancashire Wildlife Trust
transforming a former quarry next to M6 junction 31 at Brockholes. The result
will be a woodland and wetland reserve wh... (read more)
Ask the Climate Question 13 April 2010
With the general election looming Stop Climate Chaos is urging voters to ask
their candidates probing questions about their commitment to tackling climate
change. See the
Ask the
Climate Question w... (read more)
Updated Churches Booklet 26 March 2010
With the launch of the new Partner Churches scheme there is an updated
version of the booklet ‘Your Church and A Rocha’. This replaces the original
which is now out of date, and must not be used. ... (read more)
Mayor approves Gasworks development 26 March 2010
Mayor of London Boris Johnson has approved plans to redevelop the Gasworks
site in Southall adjacent to Minet Country Park, for 3,700 additional homes.
This means the loss of approximately six hect... (read more)
Hands on Conservation in Hampshire 24 March 2010
Hands-on
conservation, a sociable ‘working lunch’ and guided bird-watching was the mix on
offer at the Dorset/West Hants local group event at Blashford Lakes Reserve near
Ringwood in February. The... (read more)
Camberwell Bearing Fruit 23 March 2010
A
local community group have shown how an unsightly piece of derelict land on an
inner city estate can be transformed into an urban orchard. Will
Campbell-Clause, A Rocha Young Adult Coordinator, ... (read more)
Partner Churches go live 24 February 2010
A Rocha UK’s new Partner Churches Scheme was launched in the latest magazine
(download the
main
article and
example
churches). Alongside it, there is new information
for churches on this website wh... (read more)
Prince Charles presented with A Rocha’s jam! 23 February 2010
On
Friday 12 February, six of the A Rocha UK team had the privilege of meeting the
Prince of Wales and sharing A Rocha’s work with him. Prince Charles spent
several minutes with each of Dave Bookl... (read more)
Faith and Climate Change in Africa 23 February 2010
David Hughes, A Rocha's
Ecocongregation Coordinator has
recently returned from Abuja in Nigeria, where he was speaking to a Pan African
conference on Faith and Climate Change. The conference was a ... (read more)
Steyning Downland Scheme Volunteer Surveyors 22 February 2010
A Rocha UK associated project Steyning Downland Scheme in West
Sussex is looking for volunteer surveyors. If you might be able to help please
read on...
Overview
The Steyning Downland Scheme (SDS... (read more)
Making way in Dronfield 21 February 2010
In
February a full 222 metres of new pathway was laid providing a complete circuit
of the wetland area at Lea Brook Valley, Dronfield.
It's already proving an attraction for many of the locals. Th... (read more)
Do one new thing for conservation 3 February 2010
2010 is the International Year of
Biodiversity so the United Nations are encouraging everyone to do 'one new
thing for conservation' in 2010. Maybe that one new thing could be to support
the scient... (read more)
Vote for Minet - rescue the pond 2 February 2010
Vote for
Minet to receive funding to rescue the pond in the Bovril Great Outdoors
Revival. Here's why it's important...
Minet Country Park, established in 2003, is a vital green space on the edge
... (read more)
Cornish holiday accommodation offer 27 January 2010
The Watch House is on the
south coast of Cornwall, perched on a cliff 2½ miles east of Polruan and Fowey
Harbour. It is a remote and unspoilt part of the coast and this is the only
building on a se... (read more)
Into the lion's den - Dreaming God's dreams 15 January 2010
A Rocha Friend Cathy Tillotson writes about her work breeding
endangered species as an animal keeper at the Wildlife Heritage Foundation
in darkest Kent.
My
alarm goes off at 6.15 am and I start a... (read more)
National and professional 31 December 2009
Steve Hughes, A Rocha UK CEO reflects on 2009
Regular readers of A Rocha news will be aware of how much has happened over
the past 12 months within the ongoing work of A Rocha UK (ARUK). It is alw... (read more)
Inspired for Action: East of England Conference 30 December 2009
The 6th Regional Conference of 2009 was held in the East of England at the
University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield in late November and provided an
interesting mix of the wider A Rocha picture and... (read more)
Peaceful action in Copenhagen 29 December 2009
Will Campbell-Clause, A Rocha UK Young Adults Coordinator writes of
his personal experience campaigning in Copenhagen during the UN Climate
conference in December.
I
joined in the peaceful march a... (read more)
Will Campbell-Clause talks about the environment on YouTube 15 December 2009
See Andrew Baughen, vicar of St James Clerkenwell, interview Will
Campbell-Clause, A Rocha UK Young Adults Coordinator on
YouTube. They talk
about how Will sees food as an important issue and his i... (read more)
A Rocha creating ripples at The Wave 9 December 2009
Friends
of A Rocha joined an estimated 50,000 people in London on 5th
December at ‘The Wave’ – Britain’s biggest ever environmental event, organised
by the Stop Climate Chaos coalition, of which A... (read more)
The Wave in pictures 8 December 2009
Many thanks to the A Rocha Friends who joined with thousands of others to
march and pray for climate justice on 5th December ahead of the UN Copenhagen
Conference. Read all about the event on
The W... (read more)
The Wave, Come Together to Stop Climate Chaos, 5 December 28 November 2009
Full programme for London and Glasgow.
With the Copenhagen summit just around the corner, it's not too late to get
ready for The Wave – the massive march to urge our politicians
to make bold c... (read more)
'Climate Change, Copenhagen and the United States' 27 November 2009
In a recent paper 'Climate Change, Copenhagen and the United States' A Rocha
UK Council of Reference members Sir John Houghton and Bishop James Jones issue
'an Urgent Call to Prayer and Action'. Th... (read more)
Pedal-powered Presentation 26 November 2009
Encouraging Christians in Edinburgh to become involved in 'The Wave' and
climate change was the purpose of the evening on the 25 November. Professor
Michael Northcott gave a thought-provoking... (read more)
Preserving Ancient Chalk Grassland at Steyning 25 November 2009
The Horseshoe and Rifle Range are two of Steyning’s best loved areas of
downland. They are now being managed under the Steyning Downland
Scheme (SDS), a project backed by the Wiston Estate, which... (read more)
What would Jesus say at the Copenhagen summit? 24 November 2009
It's
an important question and one which Sir John Houghton, guest speaker at a
climate justice event in November, tackled with enthusiasm. Sir John, renowned
climate scientist and member of the A ... (read more)
Worship in Wellies 23 November 2009
The tradition of wearing your best clothes to go to church was completely
overturned this month by the congregation of St John's, Hurst
Green. Instead, they turned up in wellies for the service and... (read more)
Glow Wild in the Dark 23 November 2009
It was a dark and, thankfully, not so stormy night that drew us to the
Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve. Natural England, with A
Rocha UK assisting, put on a fantastic event designed to let peo... (read more)
Battersea 350.org climate prayer and action 2 November 2009
On 24 October A Rocha Young Adults Coordinator Will Campbell-Clause and
friends from the environmental action group ‘Cactus’ organised a day of prayer
and workshops followed by a bike-powered disco... (read more)
What's On in November 2 November 2009
Greater London Regional Conference (Hayes), 7 November.
This conference will start with an optional visit to Minet Country
Park. Please email to confirm your booking to
elaine.brown@arocha.org as... (read more)
Lea Valley Project excellence award 30 October 2009
The
work of the Lea Valley Project in pulling together youth groups, churches,
councils, environment groups and species experts to care for their local
environment in Dronfield has been recognised... (read more)
November regional conferences in London and Hatfield 29 October 2009
Regional conferences give exciting opportunities to meet A Rocha Friends and
be inspired as you hear more about activities locally and nationally.
There are two conferences in November:
Greater... (read more)
Caerlaverock Wetland Weekend 28 October 2009
Friends
from Scotland and the North-West regions gathered in Dumfriesshire earlier this
month for a "Wetland Weekend". We enjoyed watching the flocks of Barnacle Geese
that gather on the wetlands ... (read more)
Southall 350.org Climate Change event ‘a great success’ 26 October 2009
On Saturday 24 October 2009, from 10.00-12.00 Southall Park saw an
awareness-raising event marking the ‘International Day of Climate Action’. This
was one of more than 5,200 events in 181 countries... (read more)
Books & More Books 26 October 2009
Dave Bookless’ “Planetwise” continues to sell
well. October 9th saw the publication of a Dutch translation with a symposium in
Amersfoort attended by nearly 300 people. Dave spoke at the symposium ... (read more)
Balaam’s ass speaks! 19 October 2009
In the latest
Living
Lightly guest article Ben Niblett, Head of Campaigns at Tearfund, reflects
on how the attitude of the media to climate change has, well, changed. Ben
writes...
'When I think a... (read more)
Treemendous! Come and plant your 'family tree', Saturday 28 November 2-4pm 1 October 2009
Come and plant your 'family tree' on Saturday 28 November 2–4pm at Aston
Rowant National Nature Reserve in Oxfordshire. Leave a legacy for the future by
planting a young juniper tree with your frie... (read more)
London and East regional conferences 1 October 2009
More A Rocha UK meetings in the regions
After four successful Regional Conferences earlier this year we are delighted
to extend the series, bringing more Friends the chance to meet together and
le... (read more)
What's On in October 1 October 2009
'Earth our Home' - a day of special activities , 2 October,
Lincoln Cathedral. From 2.30pm. Dave Bookless is preaching at Evensong at 5.40pm
followed by questions.
Climate Change Day of Prayer, 4 ... (read more)
Climate Change day of prayer, 4 October (suggested date) 30 September 2009
Churches are invited to set aside time to pray on this crucial issue in the
run up to the Copenhagen summit in December. The day is promoted by the
Environmental Issues Network, of which A Rocha UK... (read more)
Three ways to help Ecocongregation 2 September 2009
Ecocongregation
is currently one part-time co-ordinator, David Hughes and some helpful
volunteers who do the assessments. We could really use some help in almost every
area of work.
If you can ju... (read more)
Is Scotland leading the pack in climate change? 31 July 2009
While UK targets agree an 80% cut by 2050, the Scottish Government
announced last month to start cutting greenhouse gas emissions immediately – 42%
by 2020, well ahead of its EU neighbours and the ... (read more)
Green Flag for Minet 28 July 2009
Minet
Country Park has matured and developed into a well-loved and highly valued
country park and this has now been recognised with a
Green Flag
Award! Green Flag is the national standard to recog... (read more)
‘Big Lunch’ in Camberwell to celebrate local food-growing initiative 28 July 2009
On Sunday 19 July Will Campbell-Clause, A Rocha UK's Young Adults
Coordinator, and the other members of his community on the Brandon Estate in
Camberwell organised a Big Lunch as a celebration of t... (read more)
Bike-powered climate change film 28 July 2009
On Friday 17 July Will Campbell-Clause (A Rocha’s Young Adults coordinator)
and his friends from the environmental action group, CACTUS, organised a
bike-powered screening of ‘The Age of Stupid’ at... (read more)
March and pray for climate justice, 5 December 28 July 2009
This December world leaders meet in
Copenhagen to make vital decisions on global action on climate change. A Rocha
UK is part of the Stop Climate
Chaos coalition calling for a fair climate change d... (read more)
What's On in August 28 July 2009
New Wine Cymru, Builth Wells, Wales, 2 & 3 August. Dave
Bookless will be leading seminars on 'Living more simply'. Details and day
tickets from newwinecymru.co.uk/
British Birdwatching Fair, Rutl... (read more)
Exploring nature in the Cotswolds 27 July 2009
What
do newts, bee orchids and home made cakes have in common? The answer is, all
could be enjoyed (in different ways) at Cotswold Farm near Cirencester in
Gloucestershire. Back in June about 45 A... (read more)
Cathedral wins Ecocongregation award 26 July 2009
Ecocongregation has continued to grow since becoming part of A Rocha. Last
month saw Chelmsford become the first English Cathedral to win the award - 145
awards have now been made in total. Evesham... (read more)
A “Blooming” good job done 25 July 2009
The Lea Brook Valley green team in Dronfield have done it again! They have
encouraged a flash of colour on the bank leading down from Gosforth Close.
Tony Marron was minister of Dronfield Baptist ... (read more)
Tree bee survey - latest 1 July 2009
A Rocha and the
Bumblebee Conservation Trust
are working together to try to discover how far the
Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum), has spread over recent years.
We would like everyone to go out and find... (read more)
Misprint in the Summer edition of A Rocha News 30 June 2009
The editorial team would like to apologise for the misprint on pages 12 and
13 of the current A Rocha Magazine. Due to a software problem at the printing
stage the questions in our interview with ... (read more)
What's On in July 30 June 2009
Lee Brook Valley work day, Dronfield, 4 July, 9.30am. Meet
at the recycling bins. Jobs for everyone!
'Care for God's World Together', Lee Abbey, Devon, 13-17
July. Dave Bookless will be helping pe... (read more)
Downland discoveries 23 June 2009
In June a group of Steyning residents went out onto the Downland Scheme ‘in
search of squinancywort’ in the company of a local expert. Sadly they didn't
find squinancywort but lots of examples of c... (read more)
Seven fat cows, seven thin cows 4 June 2009
At the final Hope for Planet Earth presentation on 30 May
climate scientist Sir John Houghton (pictured with Ruth Valerio) urged the
audience to heed the warnings of climate change. Sir John commen... (read more)
New Living Lightly website 4 June 2009
We’re excited to announce the launch of the new website for A Rocha’s
Living Lightly initiative.
Living Lightly comes from our belief that God loves this world and has given
us the privilege of lo... (read more)
What's On in June 2 June 2009
Breathing Spaces Dirty Weekend event Sat 6 June. Minet
Country Park, Springfield Road, Hayes, Middlesex.Green activities and meadow
creation in partnership with London Borough of Hillingdon. To boo... (read more)
Creation Time 2009 resources 29 May 2009
Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) is putting together a
programme of resources to encourage and assist churches to observe a Time for
Creation in 2009, between 1st September and 4th O... (read more)
Heaven in Devon, Sat 27 June 29 May 2009
On June 27th Exeter Diocese is celebrating its 1100th birthday with a day of
celebrations. Thousands of visitors are expected ... and A Rocha UK will be
there! Full details can be found at
http://w... (read more)
'Greensteps' at Lewknor Chiltern Gateway 29 May 2009
News from Lewknor CofE Primary School.
.
We continue to progress towards our Ecoschools Green Flag Award. With the
students we plan to organise a Toy Swap and a Cycle to School day in the coming
... (read more)
A great day in Scotland 29 May 2009
The
first Scottish A Rocha conference, held in Pitlochry on Saturday 9th May, was a
chance to meet other like-minded people and hear from some excellent speakers.
Caroline Spratt began the day wit... (read more)
Sounds Like Summer! Sat 25 July, 1-6pm 26 May 2009
A fun day out for all at Aston Rowant
National Nature Reserve. Even bigger and better than last year!
Only £1 for adults, CHILDREN GO FREE!
.
Plenty to do for all the family, including:
Gre... (read more)
Hilfield Project event: Ethics and Politics of Climate Change, 9-10 June 19 May 2009
Two days of lectures and discussion with Bishop George Browning, Leading
Anglican spokesman on environmental issues and climate change. He will address
the politics of climate change and recognise... (read more)
Conservation on your doorstep! 1 May 2009
Juniper planting at Aston Rowant
The sun shone and we were ready with spades and juniper saplings waiting to
be planted. Peter Woods, our juniper expert or ‘nut’ as he prefers to be called,
instru... (read more)
What's On in May 28 April 2009
Scotland Regional Conference, Pitlochry, 9 May -
details
.
Church of Ireland Council for Mission , Armagh, 9 May. Dave
Bookless speaking for A Rocha.
.
‘Hope for Planet Earth’ presentation at C... (read more)
Jam and Junipers, Lewknor, Sun 19 April 31 March 2009
Meet at St Margarets Church, Lewknor at 12 noon to join our juniper expert
Peter Woods and the Natural England team for an afternoon finding out about
juniper and planting 300 trees on the adjace... (read more)
East Midlands regional conference, Sat 25 April 31 March 2009
Connect Locally - A Rocha UK in the Regions
A Rocha East Midlands regional conference, Saturday 25 April, 9.45am - 4pm.
At St Lawrence Church, Heanor, Derbyshire.
The theme of the conference is '... (read more)
Scotland regional conference, Sat 9 May 30 March 2009
Connect Locally - A Rocha UK in the Regions
Come and be encouraged in caring for God’s creation at A
Rocha’s First Scottish Conference. It is being held in
Pitlochry, in Highland Perthshire, on Sa... (read more)
Wessex regional conference, Sat 16 May 29 March 2009
Connect Locally - A Rocha UK in the Regions
The Wessex conference will be held at St Luke’s Church Centre, Wells
Way, Bath, BA2 2BD on Saturday 16th May, from 10am to 4.30
pm. The cost will be £7,... (read more)
Lewknor school saves 10% 29 March 2009
At Lewknor C of E Primary School they are in the process of applying for the
Ecoschools Green Flag Award following their completion of the Bronze and Silver
awards. The kitchen garden is developing... (read more)
Trees houses in Hampshire and Kenya 28 March 2009
The
A Rocha Hampshire group normally meets in the east of the county but on 28th
March it ventured down to the New Forest at the invitation of David Bridges from
the Countryside Education Trust. T... (read more)
Hope for Planet Earth at the Pentecost Festival: Odeon West End, Leicester Square, Sat 30 May, 7.30pm 28 March 2009
Exploring the effects of climate change. Exploring the science,
exploring the justice aspect, looking at the human impact on the planet and the
moral imperative. This event will challenge everyone ... (read more)
Dawn chorus walk, Lewknor, Sat 6 June 27 March 2009
Join local wildlife experts for a dawn chorus treat!
Meeting at 6.00am on Saturday 6 June we will search for
newly arrived migrant birds from Africa - enjoy watching the June sun rise over
the Chi... (read more)
Engaging young people in Britain's newest national park 27 March 2009
A Rocha partner project the Steyning Downland Scheme is in the heart of the
South Downs – Britain's newest national park.
The
Downland Scheme is about learning to see well – to encourage local pe... (read more)
Environment Sunday 7th June - DVD resources for your church 26 March 2009
This year's them is Hope for Planet Earth. Resources for a special service
are available on the Hope for Planet Earth DVD. Order online
here, or by post from the
A Rocha UK office enclosing a chequ... (read more)
Top Conservation Project award for Norman Crowson 23 March 2009
Norman Crowson was awarded with the 2009 Top Conservation Project
award at the Challenged by Change conference.
On an annual basis A Rocha will be celebrating success. Projects that can
demonstrat... (read more)
Hope for Planet Earth now on DVD 23 March 2009
Do you need resources for Environment Sunday 2009 - June 7th? Did you miss
the ‘Hope for Planet Earth’ tour? Have you friends who have questions on Climate
Change that you can’t answer? If you can ... (read more)
What's On in April 22 March 2009
‘Called to Serve’ weekend at Monkton Combe School, Bath, 3 April. Dave
Bookless interview.
.
Easter sunrise service and simple breakfast at Minet Country Park , Hayes, 12
April, 6am. With A Rocha... (read more)
Relational Conservation: Challenged by Change Conference report 21 March 2009
A Rocha UK's Challenged by Change Conference on 21 March attracted over 70 A
Rocha friends who met to listen, discuss and debate some of the conservation
priorities and challenges facing those that... (read more)
North West conference report 21 March 2009
The first of A Rocha UK's regional conferences was held at Cuerden Valley
Park, Preston on 14th March. Steve Matthews reports.
Cuerden Valley Park near Preston was the attractive setting for the N... (read more)
Challenged by Change, Sat 21 March 2009. 20 March 2009
Conservation
Solutions in an Uncertain World.
You are warmly invited to this one day conference, for those either working
in the conservation field or with a keen interest in the subject.
Venue... (read more)
Tree Planting in the Lea Brook Valley, Dronfield 20 March 2009
Report: Becky Spackman; Photos: Rita Crowson.
On Saturday 7th March 2009 at 9:30am precisely sixteen people gathered
together in the Dronfield Civic Centre Car Park with a single aim in mind – tre... (read more)
Hope and challenge in Poole 19 March 2009
Hope for Planet Earth in Poole, Dorset, attracted close on
200 people for the evening presentation at the boys’ grammar school on 9 March.
They heard Dr Martin Hodson from The John Ray Initiative u... (read more)
Working holiday with A Rocha France 24 February 2009
Enjoy a pleasant and useful holiday in Provence
The A Rocha field centre of Les Tourades, next to Arles in the south of
France, is seeking a couple of volunteers to replace the centre caretakers o... (read more)
What's On in March 24 February 2009
Hope for Planet Earth tour, 2-6 and 9-13 March. For full
tour dates and booking information see
www.arocha.org/4489-DSY.html
.
‘Daffodil Day’ Celebration, 2 March, 2pm. Methodist Central
Hall... (read more)
March: People news 20 February 2009
David Hughes is the new Eco-congregation coordinator. David
set up Climate Stewards and will succeed Jo Rathbone in this position from 1st
April. Many thanks to Jo for all she has done and we wish... (read more)
Hope for Planet Earth: Feb 23rd - Mar 13th 17 February 2009
The Hope for Planet Earth national tour is fast approaching,
exploring the science behind climate change from a Christian perspective, and
the impact of climate change on people and the planet.
Le... (read more)
North West Regional Conference, Sat 14 March 13 February 2009
Connect Locally - A Rocha UK in the Regions
Our first 2009 regional conference is on Saturday 14 March is in the North
West Region entitled 'Creation in distress - is it real? Is there
hope?' The... (read more)
New web site for A Rocha UK 27 January 2009
The A Rocha UK web site has a new look.
This is part of our ongoing work at A Rocha to make our web site easier and
more pleasant to use, both for visitors and contributors.
Designed to help you
... (read more)
