The Hazelnut Network is a global community of Eco-Communities, launched in May 2024 out of Hazelnut Community Farm, 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. Communities that are part of the Network have access to resources and plans for land-based gatherings, alongside regular online training events. The resources are flexible, full of ideas, and enable communities to shape their own unique culture. Members also have access to world-class speakers and space to ask questions to explore the best way forward for their communities.
What is the purpose of the Network?
The purpose of the Network is described by Revd John White, founder, as “helping churches across the Diocese and beyond explore what can happen when we bring Creator, creation and community together.” Its purpose isn’t about getting churches to start gardening projects; rather, it is asking how our care for creation can become part of our discipleship and mission.
Many churches have bits of land, gardens or outdoor spaces that are underused. The Network helps churches see those spaces differently. They can be places to grow food, care for nature, worship, eat together and build relationships with the wider community.
Churches in the Diocese of Bristol can become part of the Hazelnut Network and access its resources, support and Potting Shed training at a discounted subscription.
What has been the journey so far?
Hazelnut Community Farm started in 2019 during John’s curacy out of a sense that, in a time of climate emergency and ecological breakdown, the Church needs places where we can try new things, learn from them and then gift that learning back to the wider Church.
One of the questions John started with was: What would happen if we treated God’s creation as a member of our church? What if the changing seasons weren’t just happening around us, but actually shaped who we were as a worshipping community?
The Hazelnut community started experimenting with getting their hands in the soil, growing food, sharing meals and allowing the seasons and land to shape worship and community life.
As they started sharing what they were learning, the community realised there were lots of churches around the country asking similar questions. Connections with these churches was the beginning of what is now the Hazelnut Network.
As of summer 2026, the Network is made up of around 50 churches and communities, mostly across the UK and with some exciting connections in Sweden and several countries in Africa. In addition to this, nine dioceses have joined the partnership.
Speaking about the partnership with the Diocese of Bristol, John said: “What is exciting about the partnership is the possibility of doing things together across the entire Diocese. Churches don’t need to work it all out on their own. They can learn from one another and over time we can start to build a more connected approach.”
The impact for churches who have joined the Network
One of the biggest things John has noticed is that being part of the group has given people the confidence to start projects.
Often people have a dream about doing something with their church land or connecting more deeply with their community, but they aren’t quite sure how to get going. Being part of the Network gives them practical help, ideas, and, importantly, other people to walk alongside.
This looks different in every context. It might be growing vegetables, creating a community garden, outdoor worship, working with children and schools, or simply putting a table outside and eating together.
Churches are encouraged to look at their own patch and ask: who is here, what do we have, what does this place need, and what could we grow together? This is a large part of the Potting Shed training. It gives people space over six months to work some of this out alongside others who are trying to do the same thing.
Speaking about her experience of being part of Hazelnut, Aisling O’Shea, Children's worker and garden assistant at Hazelnut Community Farm, said:
“I don’t think the value of Hazelnut can be easily measured. The chance to slow down, belong and connect with the natural world has had an immeasurably positive impact on my own mental health. I love the simplicity of getting my hands in the soil, sharing food, making things, noticing the nature around us, having meaningful conversations and spending time with others.
"All of this is encompassed in the ethos of ‘come as you are’, which I think is authentically upheld throughout the community. People from all walks of life pass through Hazelnut, whether for a single event or as a regular part of the community, and there is something really special about having a place where people can simply come as they are.”
Churches do not need lots of land, money, or gardening knowledge to join the Network and are encouraged to simply start with what they have. A few pots, a patch of grass or sharing a meal can be enough. The important thing is beginning to pay attention to the place where you are and the people you share it with.
As the Hazelnut Network enters its next chapter, John hopes to see more communities, especially those which are small, join the group.
You can find information about how to join by clicking the button below