We're currently celebrating Love Your Burial Ground Week (7–14 June 2025) — a nationwide initiative that invites everyone to care for churchyards, chapel yards, and cemeteries in whatever way they can.
As part of this eco-friendly campaign, Jill Elston, Diocesan Environment Adviser, paid a visit to St Thomas's Church in Stockton Heath to film and highlight some of the inspiring activities they're undertaking in support of the initiative.
St Thomas' Church in Stockton Heath is blooming with life - thanks to the inspiring efforts of the local community! With the enthusiastic support of Wild About Stockton Heath (W.A.S.H.), the Walton Lea Project, and the local Brownies, the church has transformed its churchyard into a vibrant haven for wildlife.
Their dedication to caring for the environment has been recognized with a well-deserved Silver Eco Church Award, celebrating their commitment to using church land to promote biodiversity.
St Thomas’ welcomes the whole community—families, children, and nature lovers alike—to join in the fun each year during Love Your Burial Ground Week and Churches Count on Nature Week. It’s a beautiful example of faith, community, and nature coming together to make a lasting difference.
Jill Elston says: “It’s truly inspiring to see St Thomas’ Church deepening its connections within the community through its thoughtful and creative Eco Church land activities. By caring for their burial ground in such a mindful and sustainable way, they’re not only nurturing local biodiversity but also creating a welcoming, reflective space for people. It’s a beautiful example of how environmental stewardship can go hand in hand with community engagement and spiritual care.”
For more information on Love Your burial Ground Week or Eco Church visit