In Bucharest, Romania, amidst the backdrop of communist-era buildings and Ceaușescu's grand architecture, the urban landscape faces challenges like traffic and air pollution. However, nestled between parks and a bustling boulevard, the Anglican Church of the Resurrection is seeking to strike a balance. 

Partnering with Asociața Parcul Natural Văcărești,  "Natura dintre Blocuri" (Nature between the Blocks), is a project by the chaplaincy to promote urban biodiversity. 

It includes creating a wild garden with local wildflower seeds to attract moths and bees and installing bat and bird boxes to welcome pipistrelles, pine martins, bluetits, and sparrows. The chaplaincy roof will house bee hotels for solitary bees and an informative sign on the railings will describe the project.  

This initiative marks Bucharest's first chaplaincy-led biodiversity project, with hopes of inspiring other chaplaincies and organisations. Already, they've seen an increase in plant and insect species in the area. A citizen science survey using the iNaturalist app will document species diversity, both at the project's start and after nesting boxes and wildflowers take root, aiming to raise awareness of the area's biodiversity potential. 

Fr Nevsky, Chaplain, Church of the Resurrection said: "We are hugely excited to take this step towards promoting urban biodiversity and establishing lasting partnerships with other enthusiasts and community groups."