Counting on Nature 7th June 2024 - Report
Plants, birds and minibeasts observed in St Matthew’s Church Surbiton’s Grounds, St Matthew’s Avenue, Surbiton KT6 6JQ TQ 184664 between 10.00am and 12.00 noon on Wednesday 7th June 2023 recorded by Brenda Tyrrell.
Encouragingly the annual nature count has now been submitted and the 2024 list recorded 151 different plants identified which is 10 more than last year! Great News!!
Plants
Alkanet Alkanet azurea
Alkanet green Pentaglottis sempervirens
Bamboo Phyllostachys nigra
Bergenia Bergenia
Bindweed Convolvulus arvensis
Bitter dock Rumex obtusifolius
Bittersweet nightshade Solanumdulcamara
Black medick Medicago lupilina
Bluebell Spanish Hyacinthoides Hispanic
Blue echeveria Echeveria secunda
Blue hens and chicks Echiveria glauca
Brome slender false Brachypodium sylvatcum
Buttercup Ranunculus
Cat mint Nepeta faassenii
Cape marguerite Osteospermum eckionis
Campanula Campanulaceae
Clover red Trifolium pratense
Clover white Trifolium repens
Common daisy Bellis perennis
Common columbine Aquilegia vulgaris
Common groundsel Senecio vulgaris
Common knapweed Centaurea nigra
Common nipplewort Lapsana communis
Common selfheal Prunella vulgaris
Common sowthistle Sonchus
Common speedwell Veronica arvensis
Cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris
Creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens
Creeping cinquefoil Potentilla persicifolia
Curry plant Helichrysum italicum
Cyclamen Cyclamen coum
Daisy oxeye Leucanthemum vulgare
Daisy shasta Leucanthemum superbum
Dandelion Taraxacum officinale
Dog rose Rosa Canina
Dove-foot crane’s-bill Geranium molle
Drooping sedge Carex pendula
Feverfew Tanacetum parthenium
Forget-me-noy Myosotis
Geranium endres’ Geranium endressi
Geranium small Geranium pusilum
Geranium-various colours Pelargonium
Hart’s tongue fern Aspemlium scolopendrium
Hellebore Helleborus
Hellebore stinking Helleborus foetidus
Herb-Robert Geranium robertianum
Hollyhock Alcea
Honesty Lunaria annua
Honeysuckle European Lonicera periclymenum
House Leek Semoervivum
Ivy Hedera helix
Japanese meadowsweet Spiraea japonica
Lavender English Lavandula angustifolia
Lesser knapweed Centaurai nigra
Male fern Dryopteris filix-mas
Little barley Hordeum pulsillum
Marigold Tagetes
Meadow Crane’s-bill Geramnium pratense
Mexican fleabane Erigeron karvinskianus
Montbretia copper tips Crocosmia
Mouse barley Hordeum murinum
Mouse eared chickweed Cerastium fontanum
Peach-leaved bellflower Campanula persicifolia
Peony Paeonia
Pink-sorrel Oxalis articulata
Plantain Plantago major
Poppy oriental Papaver orientale
Pot marigold Calendula officinalis
Primrose Primula vulgaris
Privet Ligustrum
Purple toadflax Linaria purpurea
Pyramidal orchid Anacamptis pyramidalis
Ragwort Jacobaea vulgaris
Red fescue Festuca rubra
Red hot poker Kniphofia uvaria
Ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata
Rose evergreen Rosa sempervirens
Roses-various Rosa
Rose campion Silene coronaria
Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
Sage baby Salviamicrophylla
Sage common Salvia officinalis
Sage purple Salvia officinalis purpurascens
Sage Russian Salvia yangii
Sage woodland Salvia nemorosa
Showy stonecrop Hlotelephium specabile
Smooth car’s ear Hypochaeris glabra
Sorrel Rumex acetosa
Spiny bear’s breech Acanthus spinosis
Spurge petty Euphorbia peplus
Spurge sweet Euphorbia dulcis
Stinking iris Iris foetidissma
Speedwell Veronica beccabunga
Vetch common Vicia sativa
Violet Viola odorata
Violet dog-violet Viola riviniana
Violet early dog Viola reichenbachiana
Wallflower Erysinum cheiri
Wild carrot Daucus carota
Wild geranium Geranium maculatum
Wood avens Geum urbanumShrubs
Beauty Bush Kolkwitzia amabilis
Black bamboo Phyllostachys nigra
Blackberry Himalayan Rubus armeniacus
Blackberry North American Rubus ursinus
Buddleia Buddleja
Choisya Mexican orange Choisya
Common myrtle Myrtus communis
Cotoneaster Cotoneaster coriaceus
Cotoneaster willow Cotoneaster salicifolius
Daisy bush Olearia phlogopapa
Daphne Daphne odora
Dogwood common Cornus sanguinea
Elder Sambucus nigra
Forsythia Forsythia suspensa
Fuzzy pride-of-Rochester Deutzia scabra
Hardy blue flowered leadwort Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
Hawthorn Crataegus
Hebe Plantaginaceae
Hedge veronica Veronica franciscana
Himalayan honeysuckle Leycesteria Formosa
Japanese rose Kerria japonica
Jasmine common Jasminium officinale
Laurustinus Viburnum tinus
Laurel Laurus
Lilac Syringa
Red flowering current Ribes sanguineum
Rose of Sharon Hypericum calycinum
Pittosporum Pittosporum tenuifolium
Privet California Ligustrum olivalifolium
Privet Chinese Ligustrum lucidum
Spirea Spirea aureus
Strawberry tree Arbutus unedo
Thorny olive Elaeagnas pangus
Thorny olive Elaeagnus pungens
Wineberry Rubus phoenicolasius
Trees
Ash Fraxinus
Bat laurel Laurus nobilis
Cherry tree Prunus
Cherry laurel Prunus laurocerasus
Deodar cedar Cedrus deodara
Elder
Golden chain tree Laburnum anagyroides
Hazel common Corylus hazel
Holm oak Quercus ilex
Holly Ilex
Oak Quercus robur
Olive Oleaceae
Mountain Ash Sorbus aucuparia
Witch hazel Hamamelis
Yew Taxux baccata
Minibeasts
Black fly
Bumble bee
Snails
Bird
Sparrow
Robin
Delayed Entry from June
Surbiton High School - Helping Hands - Soul in the Community
Volunteers from Surbiton High School, and their wonderful teachers, miraculously transformed the bramble-infested wasteland behind the church on 27 and 28 June. The Eco Church team plan to make a community garden in this lovely space, where neighbours without gardens can grow food plants.
I'm sure that you'll be impressed with the results!
BEFORE AFTER
Wed 21 June
A bit of an update . . .
In May a
Dame Deborah James rose was planted in the church garden in memory of our much loved Sarah Rowe. It has already flowered and is a joy to behold.
As part of our
'Bursting the Bubble' sermon series (looking at issues which we wish we didn't have to face but we do and looking at our Christian response) we had a fantastic talk from Elliot Newton, RBK's bio-diversity officer. He gave us a great insight into environmental threats and successes both around the globe but much closer to home too.
For those 'with ears to hear', the implicit message of God working in all of creation shone out along with our responsibility, as his stewards, to care for the planet in new and much more effective ways.
In that same Great Big Green Week we also conducted the
Count on Nature - a wildlife survey of our grounds.
The grand total of 153 different species of plant were identified which was an increase of 2 on the previous year. With the Mediterranean garden planted last summer we have helped to boost our bio -diversity!
Thanks to our counters and of course to our willing gardeners who work all year round to make our gardens flourish.
Tues 11 April
From the Friends of Berrylands Nature Reserve, in case you would like to volunteer:
Spring Green Space Volunteering in Berrylands
We've recently made the decision to switch our midweek volunteer sessions from Wednesdays to Tuesdays for the foreseeable future, to better match volunteer availability.
During some of our volunteer sessions over the last couple of months volunteers have been undertaking lots of maintenance around the nature reserve as well as tending to our community orchards.
All sessions run from 10:30-12:30(ish), meeting outside Berrylands Scout Hut on Stirling Walk.
Volunteer sessions for the next couple of months will be:
Tuesday 25th April
Tuesday 9th May
Saturday 13th May
Tuesday 23rd May
For more event info, or if you’d like to let us know you’re coming along to any of the sessions you can send us an email to berrylandsnr@gmail.com
Sat 1 April (but, sadly, not an April Fool!)
Join A Rocha UK for ‘The Big One’ on Friday 21st April
We are in the middle of a climate catastrophe. Yet the UK government is going against scientific advice and international commitments by licensing a whole new round of exploration for oil, gas and coal.
Supporters from
many other Christian organisations to pray, call on the UK government to invest in climate solutions, and declare that we have no faith in fossil fuels. Let us know you’ll be joining us from 11.15am, at St John’s Church, Waterloo. Register via Eventbrite
HERE.
And let someone know in the Eco Team you are going along (Joan, Sheena, Brenda, Jason, Chika and Helen) perhaps we can go together.
Wed 21 March
No posts for a while but a big week this week as we saw the publication of the synthesis report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change summarising the key findings of scientists to give an assessment of the world’s situation now. It is devastating.
Carbon emissions are rising faster than ever, not falling, as governments (including our own) fail to keep their pledges, or ignore the crisis altogether. Our only hope of avoiding a catastrophic rise in temperatures above the target 1.5C
is to act now to give up fossil fuels through investment in renewable energy and other low-carbon
technologies, increase energy efficiency, rethink agriculture and restore forests and degraded natural
landscapes.
Around the world the poor are already suffering the effects of global heating; and in this country social injustice means that the poor are also those least able to protect the environment. As Christians, who are both stewards of God’s Creation and fighters for social justice, we have a special responsibility. We need to lobby our political leaders, and also think hard about how we manage our own lives and spending so as to reduce our individual carbon footprints and help those less fortunate than ourselves.
To find the report itself click
HERE
Tues 26 July
Many thanks also to volunteers from Lloyds bank who generously donated labour and plants to our new garden. We really enjoyed spending the day with them and they helped so much with some of the heavy gardening jobs.
This was it before:
This is how it looks today after lots of watering in the hot spell and even more weeding!
Sun 3 July
We have now compiled the results of our eco survey from last month. We increased our number of named wildlife by 83 on last year - that wild grass are must be working and wait until the bug hotel is fully occupied with guests!! Thanks to the wonderful girls from Year 9 at Surbiton High School who worked so hard last Friday to create that.
Thanks to the wonderful girls from Year 9 at Surbiton High School who worked so hard last Friday to create our new Bug Hotel - 5 Star accommodation, we reckon!
Sun 19 June
Ask your MP why so much money is being invested in roads rather than rail or tram or bus services? And question why it is cheaper to fly than go by train?
Sun 12 June
If you’re planning a summer holiday, consider going by car or train instead of flying, perhaps on a nature-focused holiday in the UK. Also the EU’s Ecolabel programme grades tourist accommodation according to how environmentally friendly it is.
Thu 9 June
We held our annual Wildlife Survey in the Church grounds yesterday. It was very interesting to discover the different plants and flowers which have grown up during the last year (and record some we missed in 2021!): we have certainly made strides in increasing bio-diversity in the garden. The phone apps for identifying different species were invaluable!
Amongst our favourites were the pink and yellow wood sorrel, meadow rue and the one fungus we found.
Many thanks to those who attended.
Sun 5 June
If you have a car, swap at least one journey for walking, cycling or public transport this week.
Wed 1 June
Here's a report of our Eco-School event in the Southwark Diocese newspaper 'The Bridge'.
Sun 29 May
We are delighted that our craft group SMArties have made the hassocks given in memory of Janet McWilliams an eco make-over. The beautiful variety of embroidered leaves decorates the front of the church in an eyecatching and creation affirming way - thank you!
Avoid putting oil or hazardous waste (including medicines) down your toilet or sink.
Sun 22 May
Keep a jug of tap water in your fridge so that you don’t have to run the tap to cool it down. When boiling a kettle, fill it only with the amount of water you need.
Mon 16 May
The Big Plastic Count starts today and is being run by Greenpeace from 16-22 May:
https://thebigplasticcount.com/ This will be the biggest ever investigation into household plastic so please join in.
Sun 15 May
Wash clothes less frequently – air them, and spot clean small marks instead of washing the whole garment. Buy a washing bag e.g. Guppyfriend to catch microfibres.
Thu 12 May
Eco-school event success!
We warmly welcomed five schools to Church today: Hollyfield, Tolworth Girls', Southborough, Shrewsbury House and St Matthew's Primary to present their eco-journeys to panellists Sir Ed Davey MP, Elliot Newton and Councillor Alison Holt from RBK and Jack Edwards from Southwark Diocese. There were so many good ideas and so much passion from the young people - it was inspiring to hear the young people's commitment to our planet!
The best eco-idea of the morning (from Hollyfield School), as voted for by the young people, was to put a plant in each classroom and teacher's office.
Southwark Diocese Environmental Officer, Jack Edwards, reminded us that everything from God is a blessing so shouldn't be wasted which was a simple but very accessible idea for the young people to take away. Tolworth Girls' school (pictured below) told us of their hopes for a fairer and more equal global society.
It was also good to welcome representatives from local environmental groups like Rob Eyre-Brook, Chair of Friends of Fishponds Park to encourage local networking. Following the event, Rob said: "Congratulations on a superbly organised and inspiring event. The passion and perceptiveness of the contributions from the students and panelists alike was really impressive".
We are so grateful to everyone who took part - teachers, pupils and panellists - and to our fabulous eco-team for helping to support the event on the day!
Sun 8 May
If you can, use natural washing and cleansing agents in refillable containers.
Tue 3 May
Eco-school event - prayers please!
On Thursday 12 May, our eco-Church team will be hosting local schools for a panel event with Sir Ed Davey, MP and representatives from Kingston Council and the Church of England. The event will bring together young people from different schools to showcase their eco-initiatives, be inspired and create new partnerships. The event is not open to the wider Church, but we would be very grateful for your prayers as we prepare to welcome schools, panellists, local environmental groups and media to Church.
Please pray that God's love and care for creation will be evident to all those attending.
Sun 1 May
Turn the tap off when you clean your teeth – and make sure your family does too!
Sun 24 April
Go for a walk in a green space, visit an outdoor centre or museum and give thanks for the beauty and diversity of God’s creation.
Sun 17 April
If you have a garden, consider installing a water butt or bug hotel.
Sun 10 April
Compost your food waste if possible, and, if gardening, always use peat-free compost and natural fertilisers and pesticides.
Sun 3 April
Plant bee and butterfly-friendly seeds and plants, either at home or in the church garden when invited. Support a local wildlife charity or community garden.
Sun 27 March
Try some eco-therapy: grow some herbs or vegetables on your windowsill or in the garden, and see how much better you feel even before you taste how delicious they are!
Sun 20 March
Get rid of disposable food wrap and store food in reusable containers. You might invest in eco-friendly wraps or just use a bowl with a plate on top instead. Take a homemade sandwich or leftovers to work for lunch to save money and packaging.
Sun 13 March
Try to eliminate food waste: make a meal plan, shop from a list, eat leftovers, use the freezer, and cook creatively with what is in your fridge or cupboards. Try to compost peelings or separate out food waste to be collected.
Sun 6 March
Consider giving up eating meat and/or dairy produce for Lent. This is the single biggest way to reduce your carbon footprint. If that’s a step too far, cut down. Try a new vegetarian or vegan meal and have at least two meat- and dairy-free days a week.
Sun 27 February
We had a good turnout for our showing of The True Cost documentary looking at the impact of the clothing industry on people and the environment. Church members joined together to watch the film and reflect afterwards on what they had seen and heard. We found out that the price of clothing has been decreasing for decades, while the human and environmental costs have grown dramatically, along with the number of clothes we all buy. Those attending reflected on the responsibility we all have in changing our habits and lobbying for safer working conditions for those who make our clothes, and better methods which are kinder to the environment.
Sun 27 February
Whenever you need to buy paper, check to see if there is a more eco-friendly alternative or ensure the paper is recycled. You can do this for kitchen towel, toilet paper, stationery, printing paper and envelopes.
Sun 20 February
Visit www.ethicalconsumer.org to find out how ethical the companies you use are and to seek alternatives.
Sun 13 February
See how much of your weekly shop can be LOAF: local, organic, animal-friendly and fairly traded. It will be easier to do this if you can walk or cycle to an organic or ‘refillables’ shop - Surbiton has at least two of these.
Sun 6 February
Think before you buy, don’t buy anything you know you’re going to throw away (including food, non-recyclable packaging, fast fashion, impulse buys, plastic novelties).
Wed 2 February
Friends of Berrylands Nature Reserve are continuing to run community conservation volunteer days every other Wednesday and on the second Saturday of each month.
All sessions 10:30-12:30(ish), meeting outside Berrylands Scout Hut on Stirling Walk.
Upcoming dates:
Saturday 12th February
Wednesday 16th February
Wednesday 2nd March
Saturday 12th March
Wednesday 16th March
Wednesday 30th March
Booking isn't necessary, but it might be helpful to drop an email to the team at berrylandsnr@gmail.com
Wed 2 February
We would love for as many of our Church family as possible to join the Friends of St Matthew's Primary School in the community litter pick on Saturday 12 March from 2-4pm. More details below, but please do save the date in your diary.
Sun 30 January
Wash lightly soiled clothes at 30° instead of higher temperatures using an eco-friendly washing agent, and air dry instead of using the tumble dryer.
Sun 23 January
Put on more layers of clothing and turn your central heating thermostat down by a degree or two. Consider what you might do to improve your home’s insulation, so you can turn the heat down even further.
Sun 16 January
Unplug electrical appliances when you aren’t using them, or switch them off at the wall. Even turned off many appliances keep drawing power and you could be spending 5-25% of your energy on wasted power.
Sun 9 January
Turn off lights in all the rooms you are not using, and buy a stock of LED bulbs ready for when you need to replace a bulb.
Sun 2 January 2022
At the start of this new year, remember that individual actions really can save the world! If you have any spare/old electrical items, can you donate or recycle them rather than hoarding or throwing away?
Sun 19 December 2021
Source gifts that are ethically made or Fairtrade, or give a homemade or preloved gift. Visit charity shops (in person or online), and buy presents that benefit the makers or those in need. Another eco–tip is to send Christmas greetings to the congregation via the large Christmas Tree Christmas Card at the back of church. Donations are welcomed for Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness.
Sun 12 December
Give gifts that people actually want! Ask them what they would like, and buy things they will enjoy long term, rather than festive novelties; or agree to exchange ‘experiences’ instead.
Wed 8 December
Our eco-Church team were out in force at St Matthew's Primary School Christmas Fair last Saturday. The team encouraged children to write prayers on stars (made from recycled card) and bring them to Jesus' manger. Attendees were given tips on how to have an eco-friendly Christmas and encouraged to take a short quiz to calculate their carbon footprint:
https://footprint.wwf.org.uk/
Sun 5 December
Buy recyclable wrapping paper! Avoid shiny metallic or foiled paper. Remember to recycle the paper you’re given wherever possible – as a rough guide, if you scrunch paper and it doesn’t spring back, then it can be recycled.
Tue 30 November
Eco Therapy - calling all gardeners!
You might think the garden around St Matthew’s is small, but actually it is surprisingly large – especially when it comes to maintaining and developing it. We are looking at it through an Eco Lens now, as a chance to nurture a growing diversity of plants and creatures.
Can you join the gardening team? We are appealing for help with regular maintenance work to keep invasive weeds and brambles at bay and nurture the many beautiful plants and trees we already have. Weekly, fortnightly, monthly or ad hoc help - all would be hugely appreciated.
If you have limited time or are not able to carry out heavy physical work, we would love your advice or the gift of seeds or plants of wild and/or native species,
If you are interested, please contact Jen Houghton (07792 242 710). You could have a ‘taster’ session if you are new to gardening. No spade, fork or trowel? We will provide!
Remember, you might gain more than you give. Gardens are amazingly good for your mental and physical health, even if you just look at them. How much more so if you help create them!
Sun 28 November
Choose your Christmas tree carefully. If it is real, consider buying one that can be replanted. If it is artificial, treasure it and reuse it for as many years as you can. Wait until after dark to turn on your Christmas lights, and turn them off before you go to bed.
Send Christmas greetings to the congregation via one large Christmas card. The time and money you save you can put to a good cause, perhaps donate to Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness and phone someone who may be in need of a call to cheer them up.
Sun 21 November
Take an eco action at work – like turning off your computer at the end of the working day or bringing a reusable coffee cup. See how your colleagues react.
Mon 15 November
In case you are wondering who is in our Eco Church Team - here we are proudly displaying our new Silver Award! We are Mike Taylor Churchwarden, Sheena Evans, Brenda Tyrrell, Jen Houghton (Team lead holding the award), Chika Ripley, Rev Helen Hancock, Joan Scriven.
And if you want to join us and others on our WhatsApp Eco Church group for tips and ideas and all things Eco, please message Jen Houghton 07792 242710 to join the group.
Sun 14 November
Explore ways of telling others the truth about climate change. Talk about it with friends and family, observe how people react, visit websites such as theclimatecommsproject.org
Tues 9 November
We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded a Silver Eco Church Award - well done the Eco Church Team and everyone who has been a part of this award - you know who you are!
The challenge is to have even more of us do their bit . . .
Sun 7 November
Inform yourself about the climate emergency and ecological crisis by reading websites such as www.campaigncc.org. Pray for those at COP26 seeking global cooperation to combat climate change.
Thurs 28 October
COP26 is nearly upon us and as Christians we need to praying for the outcome:
Green Christian has a wide variety of ways into prayer and will have a daily online reflection and prayer meeting.
TearFund is offering a daily SMS feed that brings reports and prayer to your phone.
Christian Aid has created an array of liturgies and prayers, as well as creative and child-friendly approaches to prayer.
Climate Intercessors is a global network of people praying for the environment. They are sending daily emails from 31 October – 12 November with reports from Glasgow, and are inviting people to join them on Zoom to pray.
Also a a Diocesan event which may be of interest:
Climate change - the science that every churchgoer should know
As Christians our care for the environment is not just a pragmatic and ethical response to the biggest challenge to the earth of our time, but is rooted in our understanding of the Gospel and God’s love for all creation. Part of our response to this challenge is to make full use of the gift of science to understand what is going on so that we can make informed decisions about the best approaches.
Bishop Richard is joined in leading this seminar by Dr Nicholas Heavens, who is a research scientist at the Space Science Institute at Boulder, Colorado.
Monday 8 November, 7.30-9.00pm, Zoom, free
To book your place, email: ministryandtraining@southwark.anglican.org
Sun 24 October
Switch to an ethical phone and broadband provider.
Sun 17 October
Have a plastic-free bathroom! Replace shower gels and face washes with packaging-free bars of soap, shampoo and conditioner. Have you tried bamboo toothbrushes?
Volunteering at Berrylands Nature Reserve
Sessions are being held at Berrylands Nature Reserve for volunteers willing to lend a hand with maintaining and improving the area:
Wednesday 27th October
Wednesday 10th November
Saturday 13th November
Wednesday 24th November
Anyone can drop in on the day - just bring your own gardening gloves. Sessions run from 10:30-12:30, meeting outside of Berrylands Scout Hut on Stirling Walk. You can email berrylandsnr@gmail.com for more info.
Sun 10 October
Contact your pension provider and ask them to divest from fossil fuels (visit the charity shareaction.org for advice). Switch any other savings you may have to ethical ISAs or savings accounts.
Sun 3 October
Cleanse your personal finances from fossil fuels by switching your current account to ethical banking (e.g. Triodos, the Co-op Bank, Ecology Building Society, Nationwide Building Society).
Sun 26 September
Investigate current campaigns by charities like Tearfund, Christian Aid or Green Christian, and see whether you can support them, for instance by signing a petition or putting up a poster in Church.
Sun 19 September
Write an email to a local councillor, asking what environmental actions they are taking locally. For instance, are they supporting World Car Free Day on 22nd September?
Wed 15 September
Saturday 23 October
South Bank Churches & the Diocese of Southwark invite people of all faiths to a prayer vigil for the success of COP26, the international conference on climate change.
You are encouraged to make a pilgrimage from your place of worship – on foot, by bike, on public transport, or however you wish – to arrive at Southwark Cathedral between 2pm and 3pm.
Let Brenda Tyrrell know if you are thinking of going, perhaps a church party could go together but don't wait to book - limited tickets!
More details and to book
HERE
Sun 12 September
Sign up to the Climate Coalition mailing list to be informed about lobby days, petitions and marches: www.theclimatecoalition.org
Sun 5 September
Write an email to your MP, asking what actions they are personally taking to combat the climate emergency or to reduce pollution in the area, or another environmental priority.
Tues 31 August
Climate Sunday service from Glasgow Cathedral on 5 September
On Sunday 5 September 2021 at 4pm, Christians from across Britain and Ireland will gather in Glasgow Cathedral ahead of COP26. The service will be live-streamed from the cathedral, in the heart of the city where the UN climate talks will take place in November, and will feature contributions from Christian charities, including Operation Noah. More than 1,600 UK churches have already held a Climate Sunday service, and the Nations’ Climate Sunday service will celebrate this achievement, present churches’ pledges to work for change and call on the UK Government to do more on climate.
Click
HERE for the link
Sun 29 August
When ordering food, ask in advance to avoid receiving any unnecessary plastic utensils, straws, etc., buy ice cream in a cone instead of a cup, don't accept "free" promotional products and choose the product with the least amount of packaging.
Sun 22 August
If possible, buy loose fruit and vegetables (take your own bags) instead of pre-packaged. Check out local ‘zero waste’ shops and take your own packaging.
Sun 15 August
If you enjoy a holiday this month, keep up your recycling and waste reduction habits away from home. Pray for Christian Greenbelt Festival organisers who set new environmental targets every year and have eliminated single-use plastic, disposable cups and plastic wristbands.
Sun 8 August
Put a reusable shopping bag or ‘bag for life’ in the inner pocket of every handbag / rucksack /coat / jacket that you use, so that you’re never caught out without one.
Sun 1 August
Invest in a reusable water bottle and coffee cup and make a habit of carrying them everywhere you go.
Tues 27 June
Call for volunteer gardeners/plant donors!
Action
St Matthew’s Church is holding a maintenance morning on
Saturday, 14 August from 9am. We plan as part of this to make a start on planting out our new bee- and butterfly-friendly garden, replacing the old rose garden beside the St Matthew’s Avenue entrance to the church.
To begin with, we need one strong person with spade or fork to dig out the remaining roses and a bramble before the planting can start!
After that, we hope as many people as possible, as church members or simply as neighbours and well-wishers, will
i) bring along any plants they have from the list
HERE; and/or
ii) help with the planting, bringing their own tools for that purpose if they prefer.
Watering cans and water from the church rainwater butts will be provided.
Why stick to a list?
Two main reasons:
- to ensure that we are indeed pleasing the bees and butterflies
- to try so far as possible to plant native (or long-naturalised) English plants, so as to prioritise biodiversity and safeguard the natural environment.
- Plus a third, caused by the unwelcome discovery of honey fungus in the old rose garden:
for the time being (up to two years), to plant only what is immune or resistant to honey fungus. This means no shrubs or trees for now, since the fungus, which lives on wood, destroys their roots.
What’s in a name?
We haven’t named the new garden yet. Starters for ten are ‘Buzz and Flutter,’ ‘Colour and scent,’ or ‘See and smell,’ but all suggestions welcome!
Sun 25 July
Sort out your wardrobe and take any unwanted items to the charity shop.
Sat 24 June
We now have two local shops which offer zero waste shopping with plastic free, reusable and refillable items to purchase. You could try out Refillogic at 140 Ewell Road or Sage at 24 Brighton Road. Either will help you do your bit to Reduce Reuse and Recycle. (There are, of course, other providers available too! )
ALSO
Save the Day - Saturday 23 October
South Bank Churches & the Diocese of Southwark invite people of all faiths to a prayer vigil for the success of COP26, the international conference on climate change.
You are encouraged to make a pilgrimage from your place of worship – on foot, by bike, on public transport, or however you wish – to arrive at Southwark Cathedral between 2pm and 3pm.
More details and to book
HERE
Sun 18 July
See if you or a friend can use some of your unwanted items to help wildlife in the garden – perhaps turn a bowl or bucket into a mini-bog garden, or spare wood into a bug-house or compost bin.
Sun 11 July
Think three times before you buy something new. Do you really need it? If it is essential, could you make, borrow or buy it second-hand instead?
Sun 4 July
Eco Tip for this week
Over the next few months we will be offering an eco-tip each week – here is the one for this week:
Mend something that’s been sitting around, or that you might otherwise throw away.
Sew on a button or tighten that loose screw.
Mon 21 June
A few updates from the Eco- Church Team:
The
Wildlife survey was successfully completed - thanks to all who took part. Check out the results
HERE to find out what was found in the church garden.
Our very own Myles Perry attended the Bishop of Kingston's Young People's Forum on the environment - here he is in action:
Thanks for representing us Myles!
ALSO
If you would like to hear RBK's Biodiversity Officer, Elliot Newton, talks us through the most effective method of controlling the invasive species, Himalayan Balsam click
HERE. Check out the video above to find out more and for some top pulling tips!
It is an attractive but problematic plant that dominates our green spaces. You can help other flora to flourish by pulling out Himalayan Balsam on your daily walk (don’t forget your gloves). It’s important to time this technique so you don’t inadvertently spread more seeds - the best time to pull the plants is now through to early-July.
ALSO
Friends of Fishponds is inviting volunteers and members to a 'Thank You' to their brilliant team of volunteers and members, by inviting people to a guided nature walk followed by a picnic, on:
Saturday 10th July.
If you are really keen, you could even kick off the day with a bit of litter picking! However, do feel free to turn up after that bit's over.
Here's the plan:
10.00 Litter picking round the park
11.00 Coffee and homemade goodies!
11.15 Nature Walk
12.15 Picnic lunch (please bring your own)
So we have an idea of numbers, please let us know if you would like to come. Email fishpondssurb@gmail.com
We are planning our next community action day some time in August, by when the nesting season should be over and we can safely do a much wider range of activities. We'll fix the date nearer the time.
THAT'S ALL FOR NOW!
Sat 29 May
Wildlife Survey - Do you know your daffodils from your dahlias? Your violets from your vetch?
If so, we need you for our first 'Count on Nature' wildlife survey.
Join others in the grounds of the Church to identify plants and wildlife on Wed 9 June between 10am and 12pm. No expert knowledge required, just an enthusiasm for nature.
For more info, contact Jen Houghton - but no need to book, just come along on the day.
Also we are now proud owners of some water butts - generously installed (and filled!) this week.
Thurs 13 May
As part of Eco church it would be great if as members of the church we get involved in local volunteering opportunities. We will post the ones we get to hear of here so do check back occasionally to see what is happening locally and how you might help:
Do you fancy having a go at the ancient art of scything? If so, now's your chance! Friends of Fishponds Park are planning to hand scythe the park's hay meadow as part of an action day from
10am-1pm on Saturday 22nd May and volunteers will be taught how. No prior experience is necessary.
If you don't fancy that, there will be a range of other activities - clearing brambles, improving paths and, of course, litter picking.
If you would like to join in, please email fishpondssurb@gmail.com ASAP and no later than Wednesday 19th May.
Tues 11 May
Members of our school community are doing a litter pick this Saturday - why not join them?
ALSO
The Friends of Berrylands Nature Reserve have launched a visitor survey to find out how people enjoy our local green spaces, and to invite suggestions for ways to improve them. You can complete the survey
HERE
The group are also resuming in-person volunteering which anyone can get involved in. Opportunities include clearing litter, planting new trees and improving paths. You can find out more and sign up to volunteer for a particular date
HERE
If you would like to be kept in the loop about other opportunities, please email berrylandsnr@gmail.com
Thurs 8 April
HERE is the feedback form for 40 Ways to Spring clean your Life. Please complete and return so we can learn lessons for next time.
Wed 31 March
If you have a bicycle in need of repair you can get a £50 voucher towards the cost. Check the government backed scheme
HERE.
Tues 30 March
40 Ways to Spring Clean your Life
If you have taken part in our Lent Challenge, we would be really interested to hear what you thought and how it went. Please complete this short survey and either email your completed form to admin@stmatthewskt6.org. or pop your printed form through Helen's letterbox
Feedback form
Mon 29 March
If you are looking for a creative project, do have a look
HERE at a local project run out of the library.
You are invited to join in a borough wide project to get you thinking about the environment whilst creating some wonderful art out of recycled materials.
You are welcome to upload your art work onto their Facebook group Reading Nature
https://www.facebook.com/groups/reading nature?
or to send it to Surbiton Library, Ewell Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 6AG
1) Think of a green pledge you will make and then create a leaf out of recycled materials and write your pledge on this. They can then be added to the tree in Kingston library so they can all be seen once they re-open.
2) Make a collage out of recycled materials relating to the environment such as an endangered animal - take a photo and post online (as above).
ENJOY!
Sat 27 March
We had a call this week with Councillor Hilary Gander, Surbiton Hill Ward, Portfolio Holder for Environment & Sustainable Transport and a neighbour.
She gave us some useful links and a paper about recycling in Kingston which works through the South London Waste Partnership (SLWP) which has increased its latest recycling percentage to 48% which remains among the highest in London. Read more
HERE.
She also advised the importance of making sure that all paper and card is dry for recycling.
The biggest gain we can all make is to use the food waste scheme.
RBK Recycling and Rubbish Collections Guide
RBK A-Z of Recycling - what you can recycle and lots more
Kingston Environment Forum FAQs
SLWP's What happens to your recycling
Sun 21 March
At our PCC meeting last week our new Draft Environmental Policy was considered. An amendment was requested and
HERE is the draft with that amendment included. As such it is not yet approved by the PCC but should be at our next meeting.
Wed 17 March
Win/Win - recycle and benefit charity!!
Margaret Thompson, member of St Paul's and Mayor of Kingston is collecting old mobile phones for secure recycling with all the proceeds raised going to one of her Mayor's charities for the year. Please look out any spare mobile phones you may have lurking at the back of a drawer somewhere and put it through the Vicarage letter box.
You'll be doing a good thing on many different levels - for the planet and others!
Sun 14 March
Marks & Spencer will recycle more plastics than some other venues and the plastic goes into making furniture. Here is what it takes:
Mon 1 March
A Kingston branch of Friends of the Earth is about to be launched with a first Zoom meeting on 11 March 2021 at 7pm. If you would like to attend register
HERE.
Sun 21 Feb 2021
St Matthew's launches Eco Church initiative
We are pleased to announce that we are launching our Eco Church initiative. We are actively seeking to obtain our Eco Church Bronze Award from
A Rocha which means that we are working across the different areas of worship and teaching, lifestyle, buildings, land, community and global engagement. To kick off this initiative, during Lent we encourage you to take part in our '
40 Ways to Spring Clean your Life'.