We are working with and supporting organisations and initiatives across the city and beyond such as Transition Chichester, Chichester District and City Councils, Christian Aid, Treezilla, Earth Hour, Toilet Twinning, and the Fairtrade Foundation to raise awareness and play our part in helping local, national and global initiatives to reduce the impact of climate change.
Eco Church
Having secured the Bronze Eco Church Award in 2018, the Cathedral is currently progressing towards the coveted Gold status. The Eco Church scheme evaluates five areas of church life: worship and teaching, management of church buildings, management of church land, community and global engagement, and lifestyle. Under this framework, the Cathedral is embedding changes across our organisation to align with our commitment to caring for God’s creation.
Rogation and Harvest are key moments in the Cathedral’s liturgical calendar when we will be focusing worship and supporting events led by the congregation on caring for creation. Orders of Service and printed materials, including leaflets, are printed on recycled paper – a sustainable product made without harsh bleach and harmful optical brightening agents. Where possible we also use vegetable inks too.
In spring 2023 we planted a border for pollinators by the West Door and across the Estate we have implemented wildlife friendly initiatives which you can explore on our sustainability map.
Those travelling to the Cathedral are encouraged to travel by public transport, by foot (including pilgrimages) and by bike. We form part of the Cathedral Cycle Route, linking all 42 Church of England cathedrals in an initiative to promote greener travel and mental and physical wellbeing.
Ecology
The land of the Cathedral’s historic quarter serves many functions. It is the setting for the historic buildings of the Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace. It is also a burial ground and archaeological site as well as a green space for public use in the heart of the city. Our green spaces are also for nature and in January 2024 the Cathedral published a Land Management Plan as a framework of principles to continually work to improve its green spaces so that people and nature can thrive together. As we develop new projects signage will be placed to share our progress.