The award makes Christ Church the first in Swindon to achieve gold status, only the third in the Diocese of Bristol, and the 111th church nationwide.
Assessors described the church as “a beacon Christian community, inspiring other churches to make a similar journey in their own context.”
The success is the result of years of effort by the church’s dedicated Eco Team, led by Anne Grainger, working alongside local eco and wildlife partners. The award celebrates a wide range of initiatives, from supporting biodiversity in the church grounds to encouraging sustainable choices in the community.
Revd Canon Simon Stevenette, Vicar of Christ Church, said the award reflects a long-term commitment:
“This is an important milestone, but also a reminder of the work still to do. We want to care for God’s creation in a way that inspires others and protects the earth for future generations.”
