Biodiversity & Natural Heritage Officer - Churchyard Biodiversity & Heritage Project
Diocese of Coventry
Fixed term for 1 year initially for the Development Stage, with the aim of securing 5 years of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the 5-year Delivery Stage.
Are you an experienced and enthusiastic ecology specialist, inspired by the rich biodiversity found in our nation’s churchyards and excited by the opportunity to connect communities with these special spaces?
Could you play an important role in our exciting Churchyard Biodiversity & Heritage Project—an ambitious initiative made possible through nearly £200,000 of Development Stage funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund? Delivered in partnership with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and Caring for God’s Acre, this six-year project will:
- Empower Anglican churches by supporting church communities in Coventry and Warwickshire unlock their churchyards' potential for biodiversity, heritage, and well-being.
- Engage the wider community by inviting non-churchgoers to be part of the exciting journey of managing and enhancing churchyards
- Promote inclusivity and ensure that under-represented and less-able groups, along with people from all economic and social backgrounds, can access and enjoy these green spaces.
- Contribute to a greater cause by being part of the national dialogue on how local communities and small organisations can respond to the species and climate crisis.
This is a unique opportunity to shape a landmark project that enhances the ecological and historical value of churchyards across the Diocese of Coventry, while building lasting connections with the communities they serve.
The main responsibilities of the Biodiversity and Natural Heritage Officer are:
- To provide the lead on integrating biodiversity, habitat restoration and species protection into churchyards across the Diocese
- Coordinate biodiversity surveys, analyse data, and shape conservation priorities with local church groups and experts.
- Develop detailed management and activity plans, working closely with the Community Engagement Officer, appointed consultants and other national initiatives.
- Help to inspire community involvement and volunteer leadership in the care of our churchyards.
- Assist the Project Manager with progress reporting and data supporting the preparation of the Heritage Fund Delivery Phase application.
What we are looking for in a Biodiversity and Natural Heritage Officer:
- A passion for biodiversity with proven experience in habitat management, biodiversity conservation, and writing strategic conservation management plans.
- Skilled in inspiring and coordinating volunteers, with a passion for inclusive community involvement in environmental projects.
- Familiarity in delivering environmental projects for faith-based or voluntary organisations.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build relationships across church communities, partners, and stakeholders.
About Diocese of Coventry
The Diocese of Coventry, in partnership with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and Caring for God’s Acre, have been awarded nearly £200k by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop a Churchyard Biodiversity and Heritage Project within Coventry and Warwickshire. This project seeks to protect, enhance and share the treasured green spaces, wildlife and heritage of churchyards within the Diocese, and support local church councils in managing these special places with their local communities.
The aims of the Churchyard Biodiversity and Heritage Project are:
- To empower Anglican churches by supporting church communities in Coventry and Warwickshire unlock their churchyards' potential for biodiversity, heritage, well-being, and even food security.
- To engage the wider community by inviting non-churchgoers to be part of the exciting journey of managing and enhancing churchyards.
- To promote inclusivity and ensure that under-represented and less-able groups, along with people from all economic and social backgrounds, can access and enjoy these green spaces.
- To contribute to a greater cause by being part of the national dialogue on how local communities and small organisations can combat the species and climate crisis.
The Diocese of Coventry, in partnership with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and Caring for God’s Acre, have been awarded nearly £200k by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop a Churchyard Biodiversity and Heritage Project within Coventry and Warwickshire. This project seeks to protect, enhance and share the treasured green spaces, wildlife and heritage of churchyards within the Diocese, and support local church councils in managing these special places with their local communities. The aims of the Churchyard Biodiversity and Heritage Project are: To empower Anglican churches by supporting church communities in Coventry and Warwickshire unlock their churchyards' potential for biodiversity, heritage, well-being, and even food security.To engage the wider community by inviting non-churchgoers to be part of the exciting journey of managing and enhancing churchyards. To promote inclusivity and ensure that under-represented and less-able groups, along with people from all economic and social backgrounds, can access and enjoy these green spaces.To contribute to a greater cause by being part of the national dialogue on how local communities and small organisations can combat the species and climate crisis.
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