The Revd Skye Denno, Vicar of Old Marston and Elsfield, in Oxford, wanted the outside space at her vicarage to be somewhere for the whole community, so together with enthusiastic locals she opened the Giving Garage and from this grew the Marston Eco-Hub.
The Giving Garage started in 2020, a simple but effective concept where people in the community could borrow garden equipment and pick up plant pots for free in a quest to reduce waste and limit the need for unnecessary purchasing of new equipment.
The Marston Eco-Hub began to take shape in September 2020, when SESI refill was introduced to help the community to make small steps together to stop single-use plastic. Starting with five products, the SESI refill station is now stocked with a range of detergents, soaps, and cleaning products. All items are priced but there is the option to pay more or less to enable those who are struggling financially to make lifestyle changes to help the planet.
Other projects include a plant swap shop, eco market events, book swaps, crisp packet recycling, a community food larder, and a regular visit from a Bike Doctor. The community have helped with designing and producing the wooden display sign, promoting the hub online, and sourcing produce and volunteers.
Every first Sunday of the month, St Nicholas leads a Green Church service outdoors at the church. It includes a time of prayer and reflection, a practical activity such a litter pick or bulb planting, and a coffee and chat outside the eco-hub. Holy Ground is another service that has started at the eco-hub and during the year the church marks Celtic festivals with the community.
Skye describes her inspiration for the eco-hub and the difference it makes:
“Caring for God’s creation is one of our key priority points as a church at St Nicholas. We needed the help of our community, their skills and resources to make a difference in Marston, as well as involving them in our environment action and working together to be a voice that speaks out for our planet.
"I had this vision that the outdoor space could be used for a whole range of activities and somewhere that the church could be seen to be offering something practical for the community."
“It has made us as a church more known among local people and given people a way of getting involved in church life when they might not usually be part of it. The outdoor location means that it has been a space where people felt they could come to during the pandemic and still feel safe as well as meet their neighbours for a chat.”
Skye encourages other churches to consider what they could do with their space:
“The congregation, non-churchgoers and those of other faiths in the community are keen to be involved in different aspects of the eco-hub and many of these have been their own ideas for what would work in our local area."
“You don’t need to be an expert or know what you are doing. Start off small, offer the space to your community, get them involved and utilise their skills. Don’t be afraid to try something new.”
Eco markets are held at the vicarage several times a year featuring a range of local produce including upcycled furniture, handmade crafts and food goods. Upcoming dates are Sunday 15 May, Sunday 17 July and Sunday 18 September 2022.
A key priority
Responding to the climate crisis is a key priority for the Diocese of Oxford and one of the five focus areas of our common vision for a more Christ-like Church. Diocesan Synod declared a climate emergency in March 2020, and we completed divestment from fossil fuels last year.
The Diocesan Environment Task Group, led by Bishop Olivia, is working to help churches plan action, prayer and advocacy at every level to play their part in tackling climate change. Read more about the diocesan commitment and how your church can get involved on the environmental action page.