Environment

Environmental Policy

Lavant Churches is committed to serving the 5th Mark of Mission:‘To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth'.

With that in mind, an environmental policy was introduced in 2022. 

Click here to download a PDF of the policy. 

Lavant Environment Team at St. Nic’s Churchyard

The Lavant Environment Team (LET) began with a conservation project at St Nic’s in 2019. Now a closed churchyard, it represents a precious island of downland meadow within the built-up area of Mid Lavant.

The idea for LET arose from Lavant History Project, which mapped, identified and recorded all the graves in St Nic’s. It is a collaborative initiative between Parish Council and 

The program has included planting a hedgerow along the western boundary, with whips supplied by South Downs National Park (SDNP). At the hedgerow’s southern end, rubble from the churchyard was used to create a hibernaculum, a winter shelter for reptiles, amphibians and other small creatures. Smooth newts have also been identified on site.

Areas of meadow to the north of the church and along the southern wall have been raked back and seeded with yellow rattle, which helps to suppress grass growth, thereby allowing other downland species to flourish. In late summer 2024, SDNP, District Council and LET volunteers worked together to harvest the meadow.

Engagement with the local community has always been at the heart of the group.

Paul Stevens Ecological Services has supported the group, running a moth evening and bat walks, and Paul inspired a member of the congregation to record bat populations in the village.

A recent moth survey at the churchyard showed 13 varieties, despite low temperatures and a blustery night. Results were shared at The Brunch Cafe the next morning. The churchyard meadow was swept with a net and 21 different insect species were found – a significant number, reflecting the biodiversity of the grassland habitat where more than 80 plant varieties have been recorded.

The Rectory Garden and Pond

The rectory garden also represents an environmentally significant site. Its pond hosts great crested newts, and forms part of the linear pathway of ponds throughout the village. These have been verified and recorded.

St Mary’s churchyard

Still in use, the graveyard is managed by Grave Concern. Its meadow hosts a wide range of downland species, and the trees, including yew and walnut, are a precious habitat and offer cover for local barn owls that nest nearby.

Recycling

Collections of postage stamps and writing implements take place in the church for the local primary school. Tearfund benefit from the points collected from the writing implements.

The River Lavant

The condition of the River Lavant is a matter of great concern within the village and the wider area. A rare chalk stream, it suffers greatly from sewage pollution. LET is working with Western Sussex Rivers Trust on water sampling and recording the river life.

Children and Young People

Lavant CE primary school boasts a Fairtrade Award and is involved in Messy Church and The Youth Group. Junior Church has featured themes such as recycling, and LET is looking to develop further links with The Youth Group.