Hazelnut Community Farm Launches New Network of Eco-Congregations

First published 8th May 2024

The Diocese of Bristol is pleased to share the news that on 8th May 2024, Bristol-based Hazelnut Community are launching the Hazelnut Community Network: a national web of Christian eco-congregations. 

Hazelnut Community Farm is a church that meets in a community garden in Bristol; growing food and flowers, meeting round the fire, and opening their garden to the community. Over the last five years they’ve attracted a diverse community of people around the common joy of faith, land and friendship.

In a time of accelerating climate breakdown, eco-congregations are an accessible and achievable way of re-forming the bond between people and land, connecting with the wider community, and forming a better relationship with creation and Creator. They are also welcoming spaces for creative expressions of worship in nature. 

The Hazelnut Community Network will support eco-congregations across the UK and beyond by providing resources, training, support, and input. The Hazelnut Network is aimed at Christian communities of all sizes, whether big congregations in church yards, or small gatherings of friends in a garden or in a local wild-space. 

Dr Ruth Valerio, Global Advocacy and Influencing Director at Tearfund said: “It's been a joy to watch the pioneering work of Hazelnut grow through the years. I recommend the work they are doing to connect churches and communities with their land and I look forward to seeing it continue to develop and flourish.”

More about Hazelnut Community Network:

  • Hazelnut Community Network is a subscription-based scheme, available on a sliding scale of cost depending on the size of the community.

  • Communities gain access to resources and plans for land-based gatherings, alongside online training events.

  • The Network is suitable for any Christian tradition or denomination with a desire to connect with creation.

  • Resources are flexible and full of ideas, enabling communities to shape their own unique culture.

  • Members of the network will gain access to world-class speakers and find space to ask questions and explore the best way forward for their own communities.

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