Inspired by the Laudato Sí and agreements made at the UN Conference on Biodiversity (COP15), in March 2023 the Irish Bishops Conference agreed that parishes would return 30% of church grounds to nature by 2030.
Churchyards, graveyards, parish centres and other faith-owned lands can support pollinators, birds, wildflowers and other wildlife with relatively small changes in how they are managed. The Return to Nature project encourages parishes to transform grounds into areas that support biodiversity, such as pollinator-friendly gardens, tree nurseries, and natural habitats.
The project, led by the Biodiversity Officer of Leitrim County Council, in partnership with local faith communities focused on practical, community-driven actions to create wildlife-friendly spaces. Over the course of 2025, four key communities; Ballinamore, Drumkeeran, Glenfarne, and Carrigallen; took part in the pilot project in Co. Leitrim.
Highlights of the project included:
- Ecological Appraisals: Each site received a visit from an ecologist and a tailored ecological report with recommendations for biodiversity enhancement.
- Habitat Creation: Communities introduced wildflower meadows, native hedgerows, and pollinator-friendly planting schemes.
- Species Support: Installation of swift boxes, bird boxes and planting of heritage apple trees, and other biodiversity resources.
- Community Engagement: A celebratory event in November 2025 brought together the participants from all involved parishes, reinforcing the shared commitment to nature. Read more about the event in the Kilmore Diocese Newsletter
A new booklet, Havens for Nature, commissioned by the Heritage Council in collaboration with Local Authority Biodiversity and Heritage Officers was published in February 2026. The booklet outlines practical steps for identifying areas suitable for nature, managing land sensitively, involving volunteers, and communicating biodiversity actions with local communities. Reflecting the diversity of faith life in Ireland, the booklet includes examples from Catholic, Church of Ireland, Sikh and Buddhist communities, demonstrating how different types of faith-owned land can contribute to biodiversity recovery. A copy of the booklet can be downloaded at Havens for Nature
The Return to Nature Project is open to all faith communities in 2026. If your faith community is interested in taking part in the project - please send an email to the Biodiversity Officer, Leitrim County Council with details of your faith community and your contact details.
email: leitrimbiodiversity@leitrimcoco.ie
For more information on the Return to Nature project, you can watch the video of participants from 2025
The project is funded through the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF) and Leitrim County Council.