What does climate change mean for nature? Can conservation and farming work together? And where can we find hope when environmental challenges feel overwhelming?
In the latest episode of Common Ground, Bishop Mary spoke with Mike Morecroft, Deputy Director for Climate Change Science at Natural England and a Licensed Lay Minister in Hungerford.
Drawing on both his scientific expertise and his Christian faith, Mike shared insights into the changing natural world and the practical steps that can help nature and people flourish together.
Here are three things we learned from the conversation.
Listen to the full episode: Working with the grain of nature with Dr Mike Morecroft
Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcasts
1. Caring for nature means looking forward, not backward
When people talk about restoring nature, it can be tempting to imagine returning to an earlier, more natural version of England. But Mike explained that climate change means conservation cannot simply recreate the past.
As temperatures change, many species are already moving to new areas where conditions suit them better. That means conservation efforts need to focus on helping wildlife thrive in the future, rather than trying to preserve a snapshot of the past.
"We can't turn back the clock to a time before people were the dominant influence on our countryside."
Instead, conservation increasingly involves helping habitats become more resilient, creating larger areas for wildlife, improving connections between habitats and adapting to changes such as rising sea levels and shifting weather patterns. Whether through traditional conservation methods or newer approaches such as rewilding, the goal is the same: creating the conditions in which nature can flourish.
2. Small actions can make a real difference
The environmental challenges facing the world can sometimes feel overwhelming. Yet Mike believes local action still matters.
"We should never be put off by the fact that what we can do is small. If everybody does something small, it adds up."
Mike pointed to community tree planting projects, wildlife-friendly gardening, reducing the use of pesticides and making thoughtful choices about how we use resources. Churches can play an important role too, bringing people together around practical action and care for creation.
Mike was also keen to emphasise the importance of simply spending time outdoors and paying attention to the natural world around us.
From noticing wildflowers appearing in a lawn to spotting birds, insects or trees in a local park, developing a deeper appreciation of nature can help strengthen our sense of responsibility towards it.
As Bishop Mary reflected during the conversation, caring for nature is not only good for the environment. Research increasingly shows that time spent among green spaces can also benefit our wellbeing and mental health.
3. There are genuine reasons for hope
Although Mike is clear-eyed about the challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss, he remains hopeful. Part of that hope comes from his Christian faith, but it also comes from seeing examples of nature's ability to recover when given the opportunity.
One of his favourite examples is the red kite. Once extinct across much of England, the bird was reintroduced to the Chilterns around 30 years ago. Today, it has become a familiar sight across much of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.
"Nature can recover," Mike said.
He also pointed to advances in technology, from cleaner heating systems to electric vehicles, as evidence that solutions can emerge more quickly than we sometimes expect.
As the conversation drew to a close, both Mike and Bishop Mary reflected on the importance of noticing the natural world around us - whether that is the unfolding of spring leaves, the flash of a kingfisher by a canal, or a red kite circling overhead.
In a world often dominated by worrying headlines, these moments can remind us that creation is resilient, valuable and worthy of our care.
Listen to the full episode of Common Ground with Mike Morecroft wherever you get your podcasts.