You may have read about the Chiltern Gateway in the January 2007 Sage Words. This page describes some of the elements of the project and forthcoming events. We hope there will be lots of opportunities to get involved. There is a project page on the A Rocha website.

Sage has been closely involved with the work of A Rocha for many years, and members of Sage are currently helping with its second UK project, which has just begun in Lewknor, South Oxfordshire. Local management is provided by the church, and led by the team vicar Simon Brignall. The project also involves the national nature organisation Natural England and the Chilterns Conservation Board, and is building on strong links with Lewknor C of E Primary School. Elements of the project include…

Plans have been drawn up for the installation of a kitchen facility and toilets at the back of St. Margaret's. Visitors can be welcomed and refreshed here, and also view display boards about the Aston Rowant reserve and the Chilterns in the South Aisle. We hope in due course to develop a Quiet Garden in the churchyard with space for relaxation, meditation and prayer.

An after school Nature club run with Natural England will start on 23rd April 2007 for a 6 week pilot, with plans to extend this into the Autumn. Activities planned include bug and creepy crawlie hunts, bird spotting, creative ways of learning about climate change and recycling, and a visit to the Aston Rowant reserve. We also plan to assist in an `eco-audit' of the school with the help of Ecocongregation, which we hope will involve all the pupils and contribute much to developing environmental education at the school.

We hope that our increased awareness of the environment through activities such as the nature club will nurture a sense of wonder and awe at God's creation, which can inspire our local worship. Monthly themed services are planned, and a special service will be celebrated on June 3rd, Environment Sunday, to mark the launch of the project. This is being planned with Sage and will include both open air and indoor worship, with tea and cakes in the churchyard and preaching from Dave Bookless of A Rocha. Full details to be posted on the Sage website soon.

A dedicated website is providing information for visitors, promote local businesses and concerns, and provide project updates. The website is hosted at www.chilterngateway.org.uk.

If you want to volunteer for practical conservation working parties at Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve overlooking Lewknor, contact Natural England: 01844 351833 or jenny.crook@naturalengland.org.uk

The project steering group comprises members of the Parish Council, the PCC, South Oxfordshire District Council, Lewknor C of E Primary School, Natural England, the Chilterns Conservation Board and A Rocha.