Agenda and minutes

4pm to 4.20pm: Eco church programme – aims, achievements and overview

• An update from the Winchester Diocese about ECO church, including the recent changes to the programme, how churches can sign up and available support, including grants.
• Gave examples of how churches can support access to green space, provide a space to host community groups, increase biodiversity and advocate for nature.
• Spoke about the commitment by the Church of England and the diocese to reach net zero by 2030 with respect to scope one and two emissions.

4.20pm to 4.40pm: St Mary’s Church, Overton – its journey so far with the eco church programme

• Presentation on the church’s progress in the ECO church programme as it works towards the ‘silver’ award.
• Discussed the church’s upcoming carbon fast programme for Lent and agreed to share it with the group.

4.40pm to 5pm: Round table with attendees

• Natural Basingstoke keen to work with local churches on biodiversity initiatives.
• Ashmansworth Parish Council interested in options for sustainable travel.
• Borough council’s Green Team set to run ‘Power in Numbers’ in Silchester as a pilot project to help people living in the village use less energy at home, saving money and cutting carbon.