The Steyning Downland Scheme has a governing document which sets out the purposes of the charity. These include a commitment to work in a manner which demonstrates Christian stewardship of the environment. This reflects the Goring family’s commitment to manage all of the Wiston Estate in line with Christian principles.
We continue to explore what Christian stewardship of the land means in practice. In 2018 we developed seven values which we hope everyone involved can aspire to. Part of this is building community, working to ensure everyone who enjoys using the land is able to do so, as well as being supportive of the needs of others and the wildlife that lives there.
There’s certainly no need to be a Christian to volunteer with us and we welcome the active participation of people with all faiths and none.
We are working to make a difference at the very local scale, by involving the whole community in management of the countryside. If you are interested in learning more about Christianity and the natural environment, or would like to help us, do please get in contact. You’d also be very welcome at our prayer meetings.
“But ask the animals what they think—let them teach you;
let the birds tell you what’s going on.
Put your ear to the earth—learn the basics.
Listen—the fish in the ocean will tell you their stories.
Isn’t it clear that they all know and agree
that God is sovereign, that he holds all things in his hand—
Every living soul, yes,
every breathing creature?“
Job 12: 7-10, The Bible (The Message translation).