The ‘citizen science’ event – set to run between 4-12th June – will welcome people to churchyards and encourage them to record what animals and plants they see. That data will then be collated on the biological records hub, the National Biodiversity Network.
Last year more than 540 activities and events were organised by churches across the country. People submitted 17,232 recorded pieces of data on wildlife they saw, with more than 1,500 species recorded.
This year’s event will take place during the same week as Love Your Burial Ground Week (4-12th June).
Graham Usher, the Bishop of Norwich and lead Church of England bishop for the environment, encouraged churches to start preparing.
He said: “I’m encouraging every parish to get involved with this year’s Churches Count on Nature.
“Churchyards and gardens are an incredible home of biodiversity, making up thousands of acres of green oases in every community of the country. Last year, hundreds of parishes got their local community searching for insects and plants in their open spaces.
Churches and cathedrals are preparing for the annual Churches Count on Nature event. 🌳
As part of 'Love Your Burial Ground Week' the event will welcome people to churchyards, and encourage them to record what animals and plants they see.
Read more at https://t.co/fcKuvQslfB.
— The Church of England (@churchofengland) March 14, 2022