Earlier this month, a Plant Swap and Give Away was held in the grounds of the cottages at St Peter’s Church in Leckhampton, bringing together local residents, families and church groups around growing, sharing and supporting pollinators.

It was organised by St Peter’s Eco Group with support from St Philip and St James Church and a member of the Daisybank CIC group, with the aim of encouraging people to grow more pollinator-friendly plants at home and help create more space for wildlife locally.

The plant swap also tied into the church’s wider theme for the day, Spring Planting. Every member of the congregation was given a small pot containing a courgette seed to take home and nurture, while members of the church’s parent and toddler group, Little Pebbles, had previously planted beans especially for the swap.

The day before, children also took part in a separate planting-themed event where they planted sunflower seeds and spider plant babies to take home, alongside nature-inspired crafts including butterfly making and seed balls.

One of the loveliest parts of the event was the generosity of the local community. Members of the congregation donated plants to share, alongside a large selection of homemade cakes.

By the end of the morning there were very few plants – or cakes – left, but importantly there had been enough for everyone

Events like this may seem small, but they play an important role in helping people feel connected to nature and to each other. They also show how churches, community groups and local residents can create welcoming spaces where practical action for wildlife becomes part of everyday community life.

As conversations around pollinators, biodiversity and wildlife-friendly gardening continue to grow locally, it is encouraging to see community events helping more people take their first steps into growing and nature-friendly planting.