In the heart of Winson Green, something green and hopeful is sprouting. Lodge Road United Reformed Church is teaming up with the amazing organisation called Warm Earth, a thriving local eco initiative, to take practical action on climate change—while drawing neighbours together in friendship.
On a bright spring morning, volunteers of all ages gather around raised beds and potting tables. Ernie Holmes (82 years old) is the brains and energy behind Warm Earth. With his incredible knowledge and skill around hot composting, energy creation, and all things eco, Ernie has gathered community members from the neighbourhood to learn, compost and grow food alongside him. With laughter and muddy hands, we plant herbs and vegetables, swap seeds, and share gardening tips. Nothing is wasted and food waste from the school, and local community is turned into rich compost that is renewing the inner city urban degraded soil, and allowing bio-diversity to return. Local people have given furniture new life as planters and garden benches.
Tackling Climate Change Close to Home
The team at Warm Earth have assisted the church with our vertical garden and the church house with the upkeep of its lawns. Now, the kids club and Sunday afternoon congregation can enjoy a bit of green in this concrete jungle. By composting food waste, growing local produce, and upcycling furniture, the project cuts carbon emissions, reduces landfill waste, and builds a more sustainable neighbourhood. Fewer food miles mean less pollution! The compost enriches the soil without chemical fertilisers and reused furniture saves resources.
Growing Friendships as Well as Food
Friendships taking root are just as important! In an area where many people can feel isolated Warm Earth have created a place of gathering and we at Lodge Road Church are some of the beneficiaries of this. Enjoying God’s creation together and learning to repair some of the damage we have caused to our natural environment is very much part of the Lodge Road Church ethos. How can we be better local and global citizens and how can we create inclusion and welcome that goes beyond our traditions?
The friendship we have formed has led to a number of members of our church joining the Warm Earth team and it is now a very joined up project between us all; one of mutual and community benefit.
A Model of Community Renewal
For Lodge Road Church, partnering with Warm Earth is an expression of faith in action—caring for creation and for people. Together they are showing how a local church can respond to the climate crisis while helping residents to grow, eat, and live well—right where they are.
“This is about hope. Every seed planted and every piece of furniture we save from the skip is a small act of renewal for the planet and for our community.”
by Anji Barker