Eco-Corner: Small Changes, Big Connections at Clifton Methodist Church

Clifton Methodist Church in the Rotherham and Dearne Valley Circuit is launching an Eco-Corner, designed to make planet care practical, welcoming and achievable. Running alongside the church’s popular coffee mornings, Eco-Corner will offer simple seasonal activities that help local people take small steps towards an eco-friendlier way of living.

The idea has grown from Clifton Methodist Church’s existing community life. The church already hosts a busy programme including a Community Café, youth activities, prayer and Bible study groups, Clifton pre-school and charity coffee mornings.

The church is working towards its Silver Eco Church Award, so members began looking for a way to build on what was already happening, without over-stretching volunteers or the building.

Each month, Eco-Corner will take over a corner of the church hall during coffee morning, inviting visitors to try hands-on activities linked to environmental care. Ideas include seed saving and swapping, reusable wax wraps, recycled candles, litter picking, bug hotels, natural handmade Christmas decorations and projects connected with national campaigns such as Plastic Free July, the Big Garden Birdwatch and the Big Butterfly Count.

A recent trial showed the potential of the project. As part of Plastic Free July, members of the church’s Morsbag team (https://morsbags.org/) brought sewing machines, fabric and information to a coffee morning, making and giving away reusable bags. Visitors were able to have a go themselves, and some took fabric and instructions home to continue the activity. The trial helped raise awareness and reached people who might not normally become involved in church activities.

Rev. Louise Makin, who is leading the project with Climate Champion Karen Dunn and members of the congregation said: “Many local people are concerned about climate change and care for the planet, but practical action can sometimes feel overwhelming. The Eco-Corner is intended to make those first steps feel possible. We also hope that conversations sparked by Eco-Corner will deepen relationships and encourage people to explore faith, creation and discipleship in accessible ways.”

The district has awarded the church a £500 New Beginnings grant to support Eco-Corner and a further £250 will be available after the first year. To find out more and how to apply visit https://www.sheffieldmethodist.org/what-we-do/finance-fundraising/new-beginnings.html