All Saints Church in Fawley has a large churchyard brimming with plants and wildlife, but just a few years ago it was overgrown and in need of care. A new volunteer group was set up, formed of around 16 people both from the church and the community, who hold monthly working parties.
Last June when the church had a flower festival, a nature trail was put together with points of interest and tasks for the children. It was fun and informative but now the churchyard volunteers have decided to do ‘something a bit deeper’.
Spearheaded by Alistair McNaught, a wellbeing and nature trail has been produced, giving information on the different species in the churchyard and encouraging a time of thought and reflection. It’s aimed especially at people from outside the church and those visiting the churchyard, in the hope of bringing a sense of wellbeing and a journey into Christian faith.
Alistair now wants to share his tips with other churches around the Diocese of Winchester in the hope that they can do the same. He has created an online resource with guidance for other churches to copy! Follow this link to find out more >>>
Alastair said, “I used to help run a local forest church group, so I’ve got a lot of sympathy for the awe and wonder approach to faith, to help people unpack the miracles from the everyday world that perhaps we don’t always appreciate. I have this mantra that worship is only one step away from wonder and if we can get people wondering, that might take them a little bit further along that path to faith.”
There are eight stops on the All Saints trail such as the Yew, the Holly and the Fern and more could be added in the future. Using a QR code on their phone, walkers can access information about the species, its links to the natural world and its uses, as well as its connections to culture, history or folklore. There’s a quote or poem from literature, then a short reflection (does the yew make you consider your strengths and weaknesses or the holly remind you to forgive occasional spikiness), and then there’s a prayer.
Alistair continues, “I am aware that mental wellbeing is important these days and I am aware of research that shows the importance of being out in nature and spending time there. It gives people a chance to slow down, reflect on their own lives, reflect on what they’re seeing. We know from experience that this is often a special time. That leads ultimately to the prayer, which some people won’t feel ready for yet but others absolutely will.”
Alistair has a background in conservation and online skills which he has used to create this trail. He added, “The key thing I hope with this trail is for there to be a sense of well-being and to remember the interesting story or funny little legend. If you develop those responses where people are having good associations with churchyards, I think that helps break down some of the barriers people have. I’m hoping that for many people this will be a safe route back into a place or a faith, that isn’t threatening and that gives them a reason to engage. Come and enjoy the exercise, enjoy the camaraderie, and maybe this is part of a pilgrimage.”
Alison Bennett, Rector of All Saints, hopes the trail will help the churchyard to become an asset to the local community. She said, “Most areas face challenges of social isolation and loss of habitat. We feel that the churchyard, and perhaps especially the Wellbeing Trail, can help with both, providing a resource for the community and a refuge for nature. So this trail is our invitation to the local community to come into the churchyard, learn something new and take time to reflect in a sacred space. The way that Alistair has created the trail means that other churches can build on our work and quickly create their own versions using the individual link species we provide. My hope is that churchyards can continue to be a welcoming space for people of all ages.”
The leaflet, which accompanies the trail, also contains information about the Café Lite service at All Saints on the first Sunday of the month, and the churchyard volunteers and a welcome for people to come along and find out more.
