Bird and bat boxes to encourage biodiversity at Mayo church grounds

PRACTICAL action is being taken to care for God's world at churches in Mayo.

Westport Eco Congregation has supported Aughavale Parishes - Holy Trinity Church, Westport, Christ Church, Castlebar, Turlough Parish and St. Thomas Dugort in Achill - in their efforts to encourage biodiversity on church grounds.

Eco Congregation Ireland (ECI) launched a small grant scheme to assist parishes to improve biodiversity and energy in parishes. Westport was successful in receiving a small grant which enabled them to purchase bird and bat boxes.

The boxes were crafted by Patsy Fahy, a member of Westport Country Markets.

Andrew Orr, chair of ECI said: “We are delighted to receive generous sponsorship from RPD and Logos Publications, and we are looking forward to helping congregations north and south to put the care of God’s world into practical action.”

Tom Clements, CEO of RPD Ltd. and Logos Publications, said: “We are very grateful for the support we have received from Irish churches over the last 50 years and we are delighted to be able to give something back by helping support the mission of Eco-Congregation Ireland.”

Pictured is Patsy Fahy (second right), Westport Country Markets, presenting a set of the bird and bat boxes to Rev. Suzanne Cousins, Holy Trinity Church, and Fr, John Kenny, Adm., St. Mary's Church, with Mary Manning, Kathleen Murphy and Brid Mc Auley, representing the Westport Eco Congregation, at the Country Markets in the James Street car park, Westport. Photo: Frank Dolan