More than 120 people working to look after the environment across the Church of England gathered at the headquarters of the British Antarctic Survey in Cambridge at the end of last month to share ideas and learnings.

A two-day Connect 2025 conference, sponsored by Ecclesiastical Insurance, part of the Benefact Group, was held to connect more than 120 people from all 42 dioceses plus other denominations to share expertise on climate change, net zero and the theology behind caring for God’s creation.

John Rodwell (Diocesan Environmental Officer), Dave Champness (Net Zero Senior Project Manager) and John Whitton (Regional Net Zero Fundraising Officer) attended the event. They said: “What a fantastic conference with great speakers and informative breakout sessions. The event was a great opportunity to meet so many colleagues from around the country with a shared passion for the fifth mark of mission: caring for creation and achieving net zero carbon. Lots of great ideas will now be worked through to add to our programme supporting our local parishes achieving Eco Church awards and reducing their carbon emissions."

Speakers included Bishop Graham Usher, the Church of England’s Lead Bishop for the Environment; Beatrix Schlarb-Ridley, Director of Innovation and Impact, British Antarctic Survey; Rev Preb Dr Isabelle Hamley, Principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge, Rev Canon Grace Thomas, Manchester Cathedral and Alex Randall from Climate Outreach.

• Photos taken by Brendan Foster Photography

Bishop Graham thanked parishes and staff for their ‘hard work and commitment’ towards net zero carbon by 2030 and their support for churchyards to become havens for biodiversity. Both aims have been backed by the General Synod.

Dave Champness, April 2025