When church has no walls - natures Nave
Sometimes, church has no walls. No pews. No organ. Just moss underfoot, birdsong overhead, and the hush of the trees all around.
Ask people where they feel closest to God, and many won’t name a building, they’ll say nature. And I get it. There’s something deeply spiritual about being outside, away from the noise of daily life. I often feel more connected to God in a quiet field or watching bees land on wildflowers, than I do pouring tea after a service (though both have their place!).
But now and then, I find somewhere that stops me in my tracks, a place so awe-inspiring, so rich in beauty and life, that it feels undeniably sacred. Most recently that place was Puzzlewood, a wonderful place tucked deep in the Forest of Dean.
If you’ve never been, imagine a forest pulled from the pages of a fairytale. Moss carpets the ground. Gnarled tree roots twist like ancient sculptures. The light filters through the canopy in soft, golden streaks. It’s no surprise it’s been used as a filming location for everything from Star Wars to Merlin. it doesn’t feel real, It feels enchanted.
And yet, in that strange, beautiful woodland, what I felt most wasn’t fantasy, it was the presence of God.
Puzzlewood reminded me that creation isn’t just functional. It’s worshipful. When we pause to admire nature, we’re not just admiring beauty we’re glimpsing the fingerprints of the Creator.
One of the Church of England’s Five Marks of Mission calls us to “safeguard the integrity of creation.” That sounds big. But day to day, it looks like small things: picking up rubbish in the churchyard, not disturbing the birds nesting in the porch, planting with care. Sometimes, if I’m honest, those things feel more like chores than acts of love.
But standing in Puzzlewood, I remembered why it matters.
Caring for creation isn’t just about responsibility, it’s about reverence. The world around us is not ours to dominate or consume. It’s a gift. A sacred trust. When we look after it, we honour the Artist behind it all.
So the next time you find yourself outside, whether it’s a walk in the park, a moment in your garden, or a trip to a place like Puzzlewood, pause. Breathe it in. Listen. Look.
Because sometimes, church has no walls.
And sometimes, that’s exactly where we meet God.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
— Psalm 19:1
A Question to Reflect On:
Where in nature do you most feel God’s presence?
A Short Prayer:
Creator God,
Thank you for the beauty of the earth and the wonder of your creation.
Help me to slow down, to notice, and to care.
Teach me to honour your handiwork, not just in awe, but through action.
May my love for your creation reflect my love for you.
Amen.
This article was written by Sarah Newton and reflects her opinion on this matter. Other opinions within the church and the wider Church of England may differ.
