Bringing nature to the climate conversation We were delighted to be part of some thought-provoking festival panels this summer. At New Wine, Hannah Eves, our Policy Officer, was part of the ‘It’s a Climate Emergency! What now?’ panel alongside Tearfund and Christian Climate Action where she shared why and how Christians should engage with the climate and nature crises. Andy Atkins, our CEO, spoke on ‘Church Land and the Climate Crisis’ with Operation Noah and the Anglican Alliance at Greenbelt. By sharing practical examples, from Eco Churches and our Partners in Action, of restoring habitat and ‘carbon sinks’, Andy encouraged festival-goers to make a difference in their own communities. Our volunteer speaker team have also been faithfully sharing the creation care message, and are gearing up for more speaking engagements during a busy ‘Season of Creation’ period, which starts on 1 September. A big thank you to them! Why not use ideas in our ‘Step Outside’ resource to explore caring for God’s creation in your own church?

Forthcoming events A key way that we can increase public understanding of, and commitment to, protecting nature and addressing climate change is to talk openly and non-judgmentally about our concerns and passions with those close to us. We hope these events will give you an opportunity to do so. - Act for Nature events at two of our Partners in Action, A Rocha UK’s Wolf Fields Nature Reserve (16 September) and Nettle Hill (14 October). Continuing our Act for Nature series, come along and invite your church family to take part in practical conservation work, learn about - and do some - campaigning, and meet other A Rocha UK supporters, staff and trustees. Register for the Wolf Fields event in West London here and for the Nettle Hill event in Warwickshire here. - Nature 2030: Campaign Takeaway (19 September, 7.30-8.30pm). Time is running out for nature. Without urgent action we are at risk of losing more and more precious habitats and wildlife, with huge implications for meeting our climate commitments and human health and wellbeing. Join our next Campaign Takeaway event to hear more about the campaign calling for the UK’s political parties to put nature at the heart of their manifestos at the next General Election. We’ll be joined by our special guest Richard Benwell, CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link, the national network of conservation charities which is convening the campaign. Come along and invite others to take action together, register here. - Eco Church online prayer forum (21 September, 12-1pm). Connect, reflect and share with the wider Eco Church community over your lunch break. Find out more information and register here. - Open air service at A Rocha UK’s Foxearth Meadows Nature Reserve (24 September, 3pm). Another fantastic opportunity to experience praising God in the beauty of his creation. The Foxearth Meadows team will be joined by a special guest speaker, the Rev. Mike Perry, Chair of our Trustees. All are welcome. Please register here.

A Rocha UK Vacancy: PA/Office Manager  We are looking for a full-time PA/Office Manager to support the Chief Executive, ensure that the office runs smoothly and manage the relationship with our external IT provider. The position will be based in our Brentford (West London) office and is a one-year contract initially. Please forward this email and share this opportunity with anyone you know who would be a suitable candidate. Deadline to apply: 15 September.

CRES (Christian Rural & Environmental Studies) - open for admissions

Are you interested in studying rural and environmental issues from a Christian viewpoint? CRES is a two-year distance learning course that we run jointly with the John Ray Initiative. If you would like to join the course, or know someone else who might, please see more details below.

Eco Tip - Donate, reuse, rewear and restyle during #SecondHandSeptember. Reduce the demand for new clothes and the damage to our planet by taking part in this Oxfam initiative. Find out here how what we buy - or don’t buy - can make a big difference.

For more practical eco-tips, sign up to Wild Christian.