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An Eco Church workshop was held at St Mary’s Church, Embsay with Eastby on Sunday 12 May. 

The event was designed to encourage and support other churches who are trying to become more environmentally aware and active.  St Mary’s Church, Embsay with Eastby, gained the Gold Eco Church award in May 2023, a scheme which is administered by A Rocha. 

The workshop included a carousel of discussion groups on different Eco Church topics, including the 5 areas of the Award (Worship, Land, Buildings, Community & Global Engagement and Lifestyle) as well as the Net Carbon Zero target of the Church of England.

It was attended by 23 people from 18 parishes from across the Diocese of Leeds. 

There were lots of opportunities to discuss problems encountered – and possible solutions – with other participants.  One participant said that the day had been a ‘seed swap’ of ideas which they were looking forward to planting and nurturing in their own church.