Initiative to transform Leitrim church grounds, graveyards, and retreat spaces into 'Havens for nature'
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.
A project (Return to Nature) aimed at creating wildlife-friendly spaces in churchyards, graveyards, parish centres and other faith-owned lands saw four communities from - Ballinamore, Drumkeeran, Glenfarne, and Carrigallen- take part last year.
Inspired by 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 and communities are being encouraged to protect and enhance areas that support biodiversity, such as pollinator-friendly gardens, tree nurseries, and natural habitats.
Carmel Travers is a member of the Care for Creation group and a key volunteer from Glenfarne.
She explained that taking part in the Return to Nature project has transformed how they care for their parish grounds and described how the group received expert guidance on developing sustainable mowing schedules, reducing, and avoiding pesticide use, and selecting trees, plants, and shrubs that support pollinators and local biodiversity.
In addition, the community was provided with spring-flowering bulbs, field identification guides, and a range of informative signage to help raise awareness and engagement.
Carmel continues “Our first year working with the Return to Nature project has been highly successful. With the support and expertise provided, we have achieved a great deal and look forward to building on this progress in the years ahead”.
Highlights of the project included:
Ecological Appraisals: Each site received a visit from an ecologist and a tailored ecological report with recommendations for biodiversity protection and enhancement.
Habitat Creation: Communities established wildflower meadows, planted native hedgerows, and introduced pollinator-friendly planting schemes.
Biodiversity Support: Communities were provided with biodiversity resources e.g. swift boxes, bird boxes, heritage apple trees, native hedgerows, booklets and signage.
Community Engagement: Practical workshops and community events brought together the participants from all involved parishes, reinforcing the shared commitment to nature.
A new booklet 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 statement to the Leitrim Observer said: “By adopting the 30% by 2030 target, faith communities in Leitrim can make a meaningful contribution to local biodiversity while also creating more welcoming, peaceful spaces for people. The Return to Nature Project is open for 2026 and expressions of interest are invited from all faith communities in Leitrim.”
To express your interest and to find out more about the project; please send an email with details of your faith community and your contact details to [email protected]
Deadline for Expressions of Interest is Friday 17th July 2026.
This project is funded through the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF) and Leitrim County Council.
Leitrim County Council link: https://www.leitrim.ie/council/services/biodiversity/biodiversity-projects/return-to-nature/
Leitrim Return to Nature Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSaen7_yRHI
Kilmore diocese link: