Church Return to Nature Conference to take place at Knock

Mayo County Council’s Biodiversity Office and Knock Shrine will hold a special conference celebrating the Church Return to Nature Project. Those attending can explore how faith communities can play a leading role in restoring biodiversity on their grounds. The conference will take place on Saturday, August 29, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the St. John’s Rest and Care Centre at Knock Shrine.

The event will highlight the inspiring journey of Knock Shrine as a flagship participant in the Church Return to Nature Project, showcasing the significant achievements made in partnership with Mayo County Council’s Biodiversity Office.

In 2015, Pope Francis called for environmental stewardship, through the release of his encyclical letter Laudato Si’. Laudato Si' and 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. This led to the development of the Church Return to Nature Project in partnership with Local Authority Biodiversity Officers in Mayo, Clare, Wexford, Leitrim, Louth and Limerick.

Participants at the conference will hear how Knock has transformed areas of its grounds through the creation of pollinator-friendly habitats, native orchards, bird and bat box installations, reduced mowing regimes, and the development of a comprehensive Biodiversity Action Plan. These initiatives support the wider goal of returning 30% of church lands to nature by 2030, while demonstrating how faith, stewardship and environmental responsibility can work hand in hand.

With almost one million visitors annually, Knock offers a powerful example of how visible actions for nature can inspire communities across Ireland. The conference will celebrate achievements to date, share lessons learned, and explore opportunities for parishes and faith communities to become active partners in biodiversity conservation.

Come and discover how the Church Return to Nature Project is helping to create a richer, more resilient landscape for wildlife while deepening a shared commitment to caring for our common home.

There will be a range of engaging speakers on the day with free resources for groups to take home and put biodiversity into action in their communities. This a free event and open to all faith communities, Tidy Towns and community groups. Attendees can register here.