Knock Shrine leads the way in biodiversity project

Knock Shrine in collaboration with Mayo County Council Biodiversity Office is leading the way in the Church Return to Nature project, championing habitat creation and actions for biodiversity.

In 2015, Pope Francis called for environmental stewardship, through the release of his encyclical letter Laudato Si’. Laudato Si' serves as a call to action for individuals, communities, and nations to work together to preserve the rich diversity of life on Earth, our common home.

As a result of the letter and the on-going biodiversity crisis, the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference in response to Pope Francis’ call for environmental stewardship, aims to return 30% of church lands to nature by 2030.

The Church Return Nature Project, originated in Co. Clare, spearheaded through the Clare Biodiversity Officer, Barry O’Loughlin, engaged parishes to take action for biodiversity, with a successful pilot hosted in Diocese of Killaloe, Clare in 2024.

In recent months, Knock Shrine in collaboration with Mayo County Council Biodiversity Office, have taken on the project. They have developed a suite of actions for nature and pollinators on the grounds. Pollinator-friendly zones have been created, native orchards planted, and bird and bat boxes have been installed, while mowing has been reduced to allow wildflowers and grasses to flourish.

In addition to this, a Biodiversity Action Plan for the grounds has been developed to help guide the Shrine in positive actions for nature, such as bulb planting, meadow mowing regimes, and native hedge planting.

Mayo County Council Biodiversity officer Sheila Murphy said:

“Our native species are under significant threat, we are losing our pollinator species such as bumblebees at a rapid rate, and many of our migratory bird populations are struggling.

“By creating habitats, a food source and nesting opportunities for species we can create change and collectively have a positive impact.”

Knock Shrine has embraced this project with vision and commitment. It is a significant visitor attraction, with estimated visitor numbers of approximately a million per year. The visual display of actions for nature to the public can have a real impact and take-home message.

It is hoped to further develop this project in 2026, with increased engagement with parishes across the county and other faith communities. The Church Return to Nature project continues to grow, with Knock Shrine serving as a powerful example of how faith and environmental responsibility can walk hand in hand.

This project is funded through the National Parks and Wildlife Service Local Biodiversity Action Fund.