Faith and nature walk hand in hand at Knock Shrine
Showcasing the Church Return Nature Project at Knock Shrine were, from left: Declan Elwood (Knock Shrine horticultural team), John Conroy (Knock Shrine), Karina Dingerkus (ecologist), Sheila Murphy (Mayo Biodiversity Officer), Fr. Richard Gibbons (Knock P.P.) and Dylan Prendergast (Knock Shrine horticultural team).
Knock Shrine is leading the way in the Church Return to Nature project, championing habitat creation and actions for biodiversity.
In 2015, Pope Francis called for environmental stewardship and for individuals, communities, and nations to work together to preserve the rich diversity of life on Earth.
By way of response, the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference aims to return 30% of church lands to nature by 2030.
The Church Return Nature Project originated in Co. Clare and in recent months, Knock Shrine, in collaboration with Mayo County Council’s biodiversity office, have taken on the project. They have developed a suite of actions for nature and pollinators on the grounds. Pollinator-friendly zones have been created, native orchards planted, and bird and bat boxes have been installed, while mowing has been reduced to allow wildflowers and grasses to flourish.
In addition, a Biodiversity Action Plan for the grounds has been developed to help guide the Shrine in positive actions for nature such as bulb planting, meadow mowing regimes and native hedge planting.
“Our native species are under significant threat, we are losing our pollinator species such as bumblebees at a rapid rate, and many of our migratory bird populations are struggling. By creating habitats, a food source and nesting opportunities for species we can create change and collectively have a positive impact,” explained Mayo Co Council’s biodiversity officer Sheila Murphy.
Knock Shrine is a significant visitor attraction, with estimated visitor numbers of approximately a million per year. The visual display of actions for nature to the public can have a real impact and take-home message.
It is hoped to further develop this project in 2026, with increased engagement with parishes across the county and other faith communities. The Church Return to Nature project project is funded through the National Parks and Wildlife Service Local Biodiversity Action Fund.
