Faith communities in Mayo urged to boost biodiversity with new national nature guide

Faith communities across Mayo are being encouraged to play a greater role in addressing biodiversity loss following the launch of a new national resource aimed at supporting nature on faith-owned lands.

'Havens for Nature: Supporting Biodiversity in Faith Grounds' is a booklet commissioned by the Heritage Council in collaboration with Local Authority Biodiversity and Heritage Officers. The project was developed with guidance from Jane Mellet, Church Outreach Manager at Trócaire and a member of the Laudato Si’ Working Group.

The booklet was launched in Kilkenny on January 29 by the Minister for Nature Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD. 

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Speaking at the event, the Minister highlighted the ecological value of religious grounds and graveyards, noting that many contain important habitats and historic landscapes that can support wildlife if managed sensitively.

“These places can host ancient seed banks that have been protected from re-seeding and spraying, and are just waiting for the opportunity to grow into a natural wild meadow.

“I’d like to commend the Local Authority Biodiversity Officers, Heritage Officers, the Heritage Council, and most of all the faith bodies on their work in coming together to create this booklet and their efforts to lead by example in the creation of wildlife-friendly spaces in communities across the country.”

The guide invites churches and faith groups to return at least 30 per cent of their grounds to nature by 2030, contributing to a nationwide network of wildlife-friendly spaces in towns, villages, and rural areas. Many faith-owned sites are already located at the heart of communities and have significant potential to support biodiversity.

The booklet outlines practical steps such as identifying areas suitable for nature restoration, reducing intensive mowing, managing land sensitively, involving volunteers, and communicating biodiversity actions locally. 

An example from Mayo is highlighted at St Patrick’s Church in Newport, where redesigned exterior lighting has improved conditions for bats and other nocturnal wildlife. The parish worked with dark-sky specialists to replace floodlights with LED fixtures that reduce glare and skyglow, while maintaining safe access for visitors and lowering energy use.

Sheila Murphy, Mayo Biodiversity Officer, said: “We’re available to support faith communities in enhancing biodiversity on their sites, by looking at practical ways to care for existing features such as mature trees, native hedgerows, and stone walls. 

“From there, simple, low-maintenance actions like reducing mowing, planting locally sourced native trees, and using more wildlife-friendly lighting can make a real difference for pollinators, birds, and bats, while still respecting built heritage.”

Virginia Teehan, Heritage Council CEO, said: “This guide comes out of real work already happening on the ground. It shows how faith communities can take practical, informed steps to help biodiversity within their own community and feel empowered to do so in ways that suit these sites.”

Photo caption: Launch of Havens for Nature in Kilkenny on January 29, 2026, with Minister of State Christopher O’Sullivan, Virginia Teehan and Meadhbh Bolger of the Heritage Council, Local Authority Biodiversity Officers from Clare, Wexford, Mayo and Kilkenny, author Áine Ní Fhlatharta, Bishop Martin Hayes, and members of the project steering group.