Role models come in all varieties. In October we remember St. Francis of Assisi, a shining example to us all, both in the way that he lived and for his love of nature. In his Canticle of the Creatures, this patron saint of ecology, says:
‘Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Mother Earth who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with coloured flowers and herbs.’
Nature is more than a pretty view, birdsong or wild flowers swaying in the breeze. It is estimated, for example, that one in four of us will suffer from some form of severe stress or depression in our life time. Studies and our everyday experience have shown that time in nature can heal, improve our well-being and uplift our spirits. In these cost conscious times, it can also save the NHS and us money.
Nature, however, is in trouble. Did you know that…
- We have lost 97% of our wild flower meadows since the 1930’s
- 60% of our bird and wild life species have declined in the last 50 years
- We have lost half of our 27 bumble bee species in recent times and pollinators are responsible for one in three mouthfuls of food that we eat
- The RSPB has 200+ reserves in the UK (17 in Wales) that protect 80% of our bird and wildlife species yet this only covers an area enclosed by the M25
We ignore nature and God’s creation at our peril. In a time of tweeting, texting and technology is it any surprise that only 1 in 8 children in Wales, under-12 years old, has any real connection with nature?
We can make a difference, and follow St. Francis’ example, by recognising the central spiritual, emotional and physical role that nature plays in our lives. One way to do this is to vote on-line for Cardiff and a project called ‘Discover The Diff’, that has just been short-listed for a public vote to decide who will become the Kew Gardens Grow Wild Flagship project for Wales.
If successful, the project will involve: creating a bug and native flower rich boardwalk, adjacent to the Millennium Stadium, interspersed with community and graffiti–based artwork; a vibrant wild flower welcome at five gateways to Cardiff, and inspiring events in Bute Park, along the Boardwalk and in primary schools, for 1500 children, throughout the City – from wacky performance art in trees to the Big Draw and wild life safaris!
The heart of the project is to tell the story of nature in Cardiff – past, present and future – and the positive difference it makes to our lives. You can make this a reality and, like St. Francis, help to inspire a world richer in nature, by making a difference and voting for the project. Watch the video and vote at http://votewales.growwilduk.com/ #site/discoverthediff
Phil Burkhard,
Christ the King parish