Mercy Grove celebrates 10 years
Ten years ago, the Blackwood Catholic Parish (now Holy Family Catholic Parish) set out to transform a disused area of Belair National Park behind the Upper Sturt Tennis Club.
The Parish became an Earth Care Parish and adopted the space now known as Mercy Grove in 2016. Supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, over the years Parish volunteers have replanted the site of the former old Eastern Gatehouse with indigenous vegetation.
In June this year groups of Year 6 students from five local primary schools planted 200 bee and bird-attracting shrubs at the site. The day was sponsored by Green Adelaide and plants funded by the Parish.
Volunteer Barbara Colla said over the years volunteers had contributed many hours watering, weeding and caring for seedlings.
“When we started there was nothing here but rubble,” she said. “Now the trees are becoming established; it is a beautiful place of peace and contemplation.”
Each spring the Grove hosts a Season of Creation service to mark a worldwide call to action to protect the environment.
This year’s service will be held on Sunday 4 October from 2pm to 4pm at Mercy Grove, 140 Upper Sturt Road (enter via bus stop 32).
Guest speaker will be environmental advocate Andrew Tidswell, founder of Blackwood Hills Sustainable Communities Group.