Dear friends,

Over the past few months, the clatter of conversation and debate around the successive heatwaves and drought conditions has matched the increasingly dramatic scenes of raging wildfires, derailed trains, and bone-dry public parks.  But beneath the noise there is a quieter drama unfolding. With water sources drying up, worms and grubs locked under rock-hard ground, and fewer insects available, life for many of the more-than-humans with whom we share our home has become fiercely challenging. Over the coming months the effect of this summer will continue to impact finely timed natural processes, with many struggles and losses still to come. These losses will not be loud: they’ll be noticed only as absence and quiet where there should be life and raucous song.

The importance of hedgerows and small woodlands in these changing conditions can’t be overstated. They provide cooler, shady spaces for shelter during heat, attract a concentration of insects, and produce an abundance of fruit, nectar and berries. They also hold water deeper in the ground for longer and protect the soil from wind erosion and drying, as well as slowing flooding.

Come and join our programme Lifelines to plant more hedgerows this year. We are recruiting volunteers for our fifth year. In the short time since the programme started, we have planted over 60,000 trees: around 12km of hedgerows and several hectares of woodland. We plant during residential weekends through the winter, and every tree is planted with prayer and a sense of community by groups of people who want to learn from one another across different faiths and backgrounds. We are hosted by farmers and landowners across the UK who are passionate about food-growing, woodland, wildlife, different models of land-use and ownership, and what connects us all together. If you have a few free weekends this winter, are involved with a community of faith, place or identity, and would like to make a real contribution while sharing an inspiring weekend together, there’s still time to apply – the deadline for applications is 7th September. No previous planting experience is needed, and all costs are covered.

Watch our Lifelines video here.

Autumn will be busy at St Ethelburga’s. On 15th September, we are delighted to be hosting the architect of our Bedouin Tent, Jon Allen, for a Meet the Architect session at Open House Festival. We will be opening our doors for a special day celebrating 20 years of the Bedouin Tent. Drop-in visits are welcome throughout the day, with guided tours available to book in advance. Book your free ticket now.

Join us for Contemplative Practice on 8 September, Depolarisation Training on 25 September, and Towards a Radical Centre: What does it mean to be together now? on 30 September. In October, our programme continues with Facilitation Training, Embodied Peace: Working with Grief in Communities, Non-Violent Communication & Conflict Transformation. In November, we will host our three-day Holding a Radical Centre depolarisation intensive, followed by Conflict Coaching, which is also available online.  

Looking forward to seeing you at one of our events soon.

With all good wishes,

Tarot and the St Ethelburga’s team