Havens for Nature - Supporting Biodiversity in Faith Grounds

Havens for Nature is a practical guide produced by the Heritage Council to help faith communities across Ireland support biodiversity on the land they manage. It explains why biodiversity matters—ecologically, socially, and spiritually—and highlights the strong alignment between care for creation and faith traditions. The guide shows how churchyards, burial grounds, buildings, gardens, and open spaces can become refuges for wildlife while respecting cultural, architectural, and archaeological heritage. It provides clear, low‑cost, evidence‑based actions, from reducing mowing and pesticides to planting native trees, managing meadows and hedgerows, improving lighting, and supporting birds, bats, and pollinators. Central to the approach is creating a site‑specific “Plan for Wildlife” that coordinates actions sensitively and safely. Illustrated case studies from different faith traditions demonstrate what is achievable. Overall, the guide empowers communities to take realistic steps that benefit nature, heritage, and people together.

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