Our flower-rich meadows, which once painted the British countryside in vibrant hues, have dwindled by a staggering 97% since the 1930s. This tragic loss has deprived crucial pollinators like bees and butterflies of their vital food sources, threatening the delicate balance of our ecosystems. However, amidst this environmental crisis, an unlikely hero emerges – your humble lawn.

In the United Kingdom, where gardens have long been a source of pride and joy, a well-maintained lawn with areas of longer grass and wildflowers can play a pivotal role in reversing this alarming trend. These small pockets of greenery not only provide a haven for wildlife but also combat pollution and sequester carbon underground, contributing to the nation's efforts to mitigate climate change.

With over 20 million gardens dotting the landscape across the UK, even the smallest grassy patches can collectively contribute a significant proportion of our land area. If managed responsibly, these green spaces can deliver tremendous benefits for nature, communities, and the climate. Imagine a nation where the melodic buzz of bees and the flutter of butterflies once again become a familiar sight, where children can marvel at the beauty of wildflowers and learn about the importance of preserving our natural heritage.

By embracing sustainable gardening practices and embracing the potential of our lawns, we can transform our urban and suburban landscapes into thriving ecosystems, fostering biodiversity and creating a greener, healthier future for generations to come.

"So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?"

Creator God, we marvel at your ingenuity in designing Earth and planning the community of all living things whose home you made it. Thank you that even as we must choose a loving relationship with you to flourish, we must likewise nurture our interdependence with all creatures, including land, oceans and atmosphere, if we are to grow and not diminish. As we live in love towards our non-human neighbours, may we learn from them secrets of living well – care for the weak, patience, the wisdom of elders, living in the moment, listening carefully, symbiotic cooperation, taking only what is needed, and many other life-principles – that we and they might achieve the potential you seeded, for your eternal glory. Amen.