Denton Reserve – a place of hope
On Sunday 2nd February, Catherine Burrage shared with us about her involvement in the Denton Reserve Rewilding project. On this large estate in Yorkshire, the regeneration and recovery of nature is being prioritised. Catherine has been part of the team redesigning the way the grounds and house are managed, promoting responsible food production, diverse and beautiful habitat for wildlife (they have beavers!) and opportunities for people to reconnect with themselves and the natural environment.
‘Rewilding’ can be a buzz word but Catherine describes this project as a cause for genuine hope: When it comes to climate change, we’re presented with a picture of overwhelming doom and gloom but ecological projects are making significant impact, reversing damage done to the planet. Human intervention and cultivation of the environment are vital. Leaving nature to get on with it doesn’t increase biodiversity but humans learning to work with nature and harness its creative, regenerative force is vital for the preservation and healing of the planet and ecosystems.
Creation is involved in God’s plan, groaning and longing for freedom (Romans 8:19-22). Just as we are in between Earth and heaven, learning to walk in freedom, so is the planet. God’s plan is to liberate creation; God’s miraculous and transformative power is active in the natural world. We see it all around us when we look, and partner with God when we embrace it.
At its core, gardening is preserving nature. Everyone can contribute and even small contributions are significant. This is a way of walking with God instead of fighting against God. We ‘press in to where the blessing is’ by doing this work.
You can find out more about Denton Reserve here.