The John Ray Initiative
@johnrayinitiative.bsky.social
JRI is an educational charity bringing together scientific and Christian understandings of the environment to enable communication leading to effective action.
How do we communicate climate change effectively? Are different approaches better for different groups of people? Check out our new blog on "Britain Talks Climate and Nature 2025", a resource to help those working on environmental issues communicate more effectively. jri.org.uk/telling-a-be...
Telling a better climate story
Photo by Tobias - Unsplash
How we talk about climate and nature matters. Taking the a familiar message and framing it differently can make a huge difference to how it is received. Finding ways to t...
jri.org.uk
October 13, 2025 at 4:56 PM
How do we communicate climate change effectively? Are different approaches better for different groups of people? Check out our new blog on "Britain Talks Climate and Nature 2025", a resource to help those working on environmental issues communicate more effectively. jri.org.uk/telling-a-be...
Just one week to go to our webinar "Divine Windows" with Dr Dave Gregory - sign up below (you need to add a free ticket to the cart before hitting get tickets). jri.org.uk/book_events/...
Divine Windows - Webinar with Dr Dave Gregory
In recent years advances in high definition filming and photography have enabled science and nature documentaries (think of Brian Cox and David Attenborough) to bring truly stunning imagery into our h...
jri.org.uk
September 24, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Just one week to go to our webinar "Divine Windows" with Dr Dave Gregory - sign up below (you need to add a free ticket to the cart before hitting get tickets). jri.org.uk/book_events/...
Check out our new blog from Rev Rich Clarkson. Rich is in the Solomon Islands learning about the impact of climate change and what the Anglican Church are doing in response - read on to find out about Green Disciples and the inspiring work that is happening. jri.org.uk/caring-for-c...
Caring for Creation in the Solomon Islands.
Catechist George and Freda Fataka at Red Beach
I am currently in the Solomon Islands, where I have been spending a fortnight visiting the Anglican Church of Melanesia on behalf of my own Diocese of...
jri.org.uk
September 21, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Check out our new blog from Rev Rich Clarkson. Rich is in the Solomon Islands learning about the impact of climate change and what the Anglican Church are doing in response - read on to find out about Green Disciples and the inspiring work that is happening. jri.org.uk/caring-for-c...
Our next JRI book club is on Monday 8th September looking at Abi Dare's Climate Fiction prize winner "And so I roar." That book and three more are covered in this climate fiction round up. time to start planning your summer reading. jri.org.uk/climate-fict...
Climate fiction round-up
Shelly Dennison rounds up four more climate fiction reads:
As regular readers will know, this year I’ve been exploring the Climate Fiction Prize Longlist which has been introducing me to new autho...
jri.org.uk
July 9, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Our next JRI book club is on Monday 8th September looking at Abi Dare's Climate Fiction prize winner "And so I roar." That book and three more are covered in this climate fiction round up. time to start planning your summer reading. jri.org.uk/climate-fict...
Just over a week to go to our next webinar (June 26th). This promises to be a great talk and discussion. We already have a lot of sign-ups but it's not too late to join us. Follow this link here for your free place. jri.org.uk/book_events/...
Replacement or Renewal of creation? It’s not the end of the world!
Webinar with Dr Grace Milton
Sadly, for some Christians their eschatology creates a barrier to any interest in caring for this world, but it does not have to be this way. This promises to be a fa...
jri.org.uk
June 17, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Just over a week to go to our next webinar (June 26th). This promises to be a great talk and discussion. We already have a lot of sign-ups but it's not too late to join us. Follow this link here for your free place. jri.org.uk/book_events/...
Check out our latest blog post as Rev'd Rich Clarkson reflects on our place in a big and ancient world. jri.org.uk/ancient-hills/
Ancient Hills
Standing stone Clent Hills - photo credit Rich Clarkson
As I write this I am sat in the woods on top of Clent Hills. Just behind me are four standing stones – whether they are ancient or not I do ...
jri.org.uk
June 15, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Check out our latest blog post as Rev'd Rich Clarkson reflects on our place in a big and ancient world. jri.org.uk/ancient-hills/
Keep up to date with all the latest JRI and CRES course news by signing up to our newsletter: bit.ly/JRINews You can also check out the June newsletter with information on our exciting webinar with Dr Grace Milton on eschatology and environmental care here: jri.org.uk/wp-content/u...
The John Ray Initiative
The John Ray Initiative Email Forms
bit.ly
June 8, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Keep up to date with all the latest JRI and CRES course news by signing up to our newsletter: bit.ly/JRINews You can also check out the June newsletter with information on our exciting webinar with Dr Grace Milton on eschatology and environmental care here: jri.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Now is a good time to consider registering for CRES (Christian Rural and Environmental Studies). This distance learning course is jointly run by JRI and A Rocha UK. Check out our Admissions page for details.
cres.org.uk/cres-admissi...
cres.org.uk/cres-admissi...
CRES Admissions 2025 – CRES
cres.org.uk
May 29, 2025 at 10:19 PM
Now is a good time to consider registering for CRES (Christian Rural and Environmental Studies). This distance learning course is jointly run by JRI and A Rocha UK. Check out our Admissions page for details.
cres.org.uk/cres-admissi...
cres.org.uk/cres-admissi...
Reposted by The John Ray Initiative
My latest book review for @johnrayinitiative.bsky.social is The Cuckoo Calls The Year by Pete Stroh. It's a lovely read and a real call to get to know the nature on your doorstep.
jri.org.uk/book-review-...
#NatureWriting
jri.org.uk/book-review-...
#NatureWriting
May 27, 2025 at 10:02 AM
My latest book review for @johnrayinitiative.bsky.social is The Cuckoo Calls The Year by Pete Stroh. It's a lovely read and a real call to get to know the nature on your doorstep.
jri.org.uk/book-review-...
#NatureWriting
jri.org.uk/book-review-...
#NatureWriting
Check out a new book review from @dennisonshelly.bsky.social In this immensely engaging book, professional botanist Pete Stroh introduces us to the nature and landscapes on his doorstep in rural Northamptonshire .https://jri.org.uk/book-review-the-cuckoo-calls-the-year-by-pete-stroh/
Book review – The Cuckoo Calls the Year by Pete Stroh
The Cuckoo Calls the Year front cover
In this immensely engaging book, professional botanist Pete Stroh introduces us to the nature and landscapes on his doorstep. The premise is a straightforward ...
jri.org.uk
May 27, 2025 at 7:38 AM
Check out a new book review from @dennisonshelly.bsky.social In this immensely engaging book, professional botanist Pete Stroh introduces us to the nature and landscapes on his doorstep in rural Northamptonshire .https://jri.org.uk/book-review-the-cuckoo-calls-the-year-by-pete-stroh/
Reposted by The John Ray Initiative
For 20 years, I have been Principal Tutor for CRES (Christian Rural and Environmental Studies). Now is a good time to consider registering for this distance learning course that is jointly run by JRI @johnrayinitiative.bsky.social and A Rocha UK. 1/2
May 22, 2025 at 11:04 AM
For 20 years, I have been Principal Tutor for CRES (Christian Rural and Environmental Studies). Now is a good time to consider registering for this distance learning course that is jointly run by JRI @johnrayinitiative.bsky.social and A Rocha UK. 1/2
Our next JRI book club read is the winner of the Climate Fiction Prize - Abi Daré's "And so I Roar." We'll meet in September to share our thoughts. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... Sign up for our newsletter for updates on JRI meetings like webinars and the book club: bit.ly/4iGkklf
Wolverhampton graduate, Abi Daré, wins first Climate Fiction Prize
Author Abi Daré has been awarded the £10,000 prize for her second novel, And So I Roar.
www.bbc.co.uk
May 16, 2025 at 7:48 AM
Our next JRI book club read is the winner of the Climate Fiction Prize - Abi Daré's "And so I Roar." We'll meet in September to share our thoughts. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... Sign up for our newsletter for updates on JRI meetings like webinars and the book club: bit.ly/4iGkklf
There's still time to sign up - this promises to be a great day.
Caring for Creation: From Passion to Action- CRES Day 24th May 2025. Our next CRES day is on Sat 24 May (10 to 4) at Ripon College Cuddesdon nr Oxford. Speakers Rev Dr Mike Perry (A Rocha UK) & Dr Elizabeth Perry (Programmes Director for the Anglican Alliance). Details:
cres.org.uk/caring-for-c...
cres.org.uk/caring-for-c...
Caring for Creation: From Passion to Action – CRES
cres.org.uk
May 10, 2025 at 2:41 PM
There's still time to sign up - this promises to be a great day.
Caring for Creation: From Passion to Action- CRES Day 24th May 2025. Our next CRES day is on Sat 24 May (10 to 4) at Ripon College Cuddesdon nr Oxford. Speakers Rev Dr Mike Perry (A Rocha UK) & Dr Elizabeth Perry (Programmes Director for the Anglican Alliance). Details:
cres.org.uk/caring-for-c...
cres.org.uk/caring-for-c...
Caring for Creation: From Passion to Action – CRES
cres.org.uk
May 7, 2025 at 6:55 AM
Caring for Creation: From Passion to Action- CRES Day 24th May 2025. Our next CRES day is on Sat 24 May (10 to 4) at Ripon College Cuddesdon nr Oxford. Speakers Rev Dr Mike Perry (A Rocha UK) & Dr Elizabeth Perry (Programmes Director for the Anglican Alliance). Details:
cres.org.uk/caring-for-c...
cres.org.uk/caring-for-c...
It's nearly time for our next JRI newsletter with blogs, updates on our work and upcoming events including webinars and book clubs. You can sign up to receive our updates here: bit.ly/JRINews or read our April Newsletter here: jri.org.uk/wp-content/u...
The John Ray Initiative
The John Ray Initiative Email Forms
jri.us1.list-manage.com
May 5, 2025 at 8:33 AM
It's nearly time for our next JRI newsletter with blogs, updates on our work and upcoming events including webinars and book clubs. You can sign up to receive our updates here: bit.ly/JRINews or read our April Newsletter here: jri.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Just under three weeks to our next JRI book club. I started reading it yesterday and I'm already nearly a third of the way through, it's a great and easy read. Still time to get the book and join us on 12th May. jri.org.uk/book_events/...
Diary of a Young Naturalist - Dara McAnulty
JRI Book Club
Evocative, raw and lyrical, this startling debut explores the natural world through the eyes of Dara McAnulty, an autistic teenager coping with the uprooting of home, school, and his...
jri.org.uk
April 21, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Just under three weeks to our next JRI book club. I started reading it yesterday and I'm already nearly a third of the way through, it's a great and easy read. Still time to get the book and join us on 12th May. jri.org.uk/book_events/...
Theological Colleges Environment Network (TCEN).
"Christian leadership in an environmentally challenging world." (interactive webinar for students, staff (teaching & non-teaching) & trustees of theological colleges). Speakers Bishop Graham Usher & Dr Martin Hodson. Booking: tinyurl.com/5e6m5za3
"Christian leadership in an environmentally challenging world." (interactive webinar for students, staff (teaching & non-teaching) & trustees of theological colleges). Speakers Bishop Graham Usher & Dr Martin Hodson. Booking: tinyurl.com/5e6m5za3
TCEN Online Gathering
Leadership in an Environmentally Challenging World
Keynote speakers: Bishop Graham Usher, Dr Martin Hodson
How do Christian leaders and communities respond to environmental challenges? This ...
tinyurl.com
April 3, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Theological Colleges Environment Network (TCEN).
"Christian leadership in an environmentally challenging world." (interactive webinar for students, staff (teaching & non-teaching) & trustees of theological colleges). Speakers Bishop Graham Usher & Dr Martin Hodson. Booking: tinyurl.com/5e6m5za3
"Christian leadership in an environmentally challenging world." (interactive webinar for students, staff (teaching & non-teaching) & trustees of theological colleges). Speakers Bishop Graham Usher & Dr Martin Hodson. Booking: tinyurl.com/5e6m5za3
Climate fiction offers a creative way to reflect on some of the issues caused by climate change. Check out this new review by @dennisonshelly.bsky.social of The Mars House - longlisted for the climate fiction prize. jri.org.uk/book-review-...
Book review – The Mars House by Natasha Pulley
The Mars House by Natasha Pulley
Shelly Dennison continues her reviews of the Climate Fiction Prize longlist:
One of the positives of taking on a challenge like reading through the Climate Ficti...
jri.org.uk
March 29, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Climate fiction offers a creative way to reflect on some of the issues caused by climate change. Check out this new review by @dennisonshelly.bsky.social of The Mars House - longlisted for the climate fiction prize. jri.org.uk/book-review-...
Can Phytolith's Save the World? An accessible talk on how "plant stones" can play a role in locking away carbon. Less than two weeks to go to our fascinating webinar with Dr Felix Tombeur and @martinjhodson.bsky.social
Sign up for your free place here: jri.org.uk/book_events/...
Sign up for your free place here: jri.org.uk/book_events/...
March 20, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Can Phytolith's Save the World? An accessible talk on how "plant stones" can play a role in locking away carbon. Less than two weeks to go to our fascinating webinar with Dr Felix Tombeur and @martinjhodson.bsky.social
Sign up for your free place here: jri.org.uk/book_events/...
Sign up for your free place here: jri.org.uk/book_events/...
Can Phytolith's Save the World? Just one month to go to our fascinating webinar with Dr Felix Tombeur and Dr Martin Hodson @martinjhodson.bsky.social Hodson. Find out more and sign up for your free place here: jri.org.uk/book_events/...
March 2, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Can Phytolith's Save the World? Just one month to go to our fascinating webinar with Dr Felix Tombeur and Dr Martin Hodson @martinjhodson.bsky.social Hodson. Find out more and sign up for your free place here: jri.org.uk/book_events/...
Many of us find it easier to accept the reality of some feature of nature when we have a personal understanding of how it occurs. With this in mind, this paper shares a straightforward explanation of the increase in global temperature in an
accessible way. jri.org.uk/personally-u...
accessible way. jri.org.uk/personally-u...
Personally Understanding Earth's Recent Warming
Many of us find it easier to accept the reality of some feature of nature when we have a personal understanding of how it occurs. With this in mind, this briefing paper from Geoff Fishpool seeks to sh...
jri.org.uk
February 16, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Many of us find it easier to accept the reality of some feature of nature when we have a personal understanding of how it occurs. With this in mind, this paper shares a straightforward explanation of the increase in global temperature in an
accessible way. jri.org.uk/personally-u...
accessible way. jri.org.uk/personally-u...
Reposted by The John Ray Initiative
Bringing order to chaos part I - links to the book reviews I've written for @johnrayinitiative.bsky.social - the latest of which is Samantha Harvey's Orbital.
wp.me/pa6hjN-3k
wp.me/pa6hjN-3k
Book reviews for JRI
Orbital by Samantha Harvey (January 2025) Seeing Differently. Franciscans and Creation – Simon Cocksedge, Samuel Double & Nicholas Alan Worssam (October 2023) Refugia Faith. Seeking Hidde…
wp.me
January 31, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Bringing order to chaos part I - links to the book reviews I've written for @johnrayinitiative.bsky.social - the latest of which is Samantha Harvey's Orbital.
wp.me/pa6hjN-3k
wp.me/pa6hjN-3k
Passion for the environment? The Christian Rural and Environmental Studies course brings together an understanding of the environment and Christian Faith. Competitively priced, with no entry requirements, CRES is a distance learning course with optional in person days. bit.ly/CRESc
January 25, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Passion for the environment? The Christian Rural and Environmental Studies course brings together an understanding of the environment and Christian Faith. Competitively priced, with no entry requirements, CRES is a distance learning course with optional in person days. bit.ly/CRESc
Why should Christians value nature? Is its value intrinsic, or does it depend on its usefulness to humans. In this briefing paper CRES graduate Joanna Lawrence reflects on theologically on the value of the created order. jri.org.uk/briefings/
Briefings
These Briefing Papers are available as a free download but they are not free to produce so if you would like to contribute to the work of JRI when you download please go to the Giving to JRI page on t...
jri.org.uk
January 25, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Why should Christians value nature? Is its value intrinsic, or does it depend on its usefulness to humans. In this briefing paper CRES graduate Joanna Lawrence reflects on theologically on the value of the created order. jri.org.uk/briefings/
A little bit of environmental good news. If anyone is in any doubt about the plight of our insect populations I strongly recommend "Silent Planet" by Dave Goulson. (He's quoted in the article) www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Government overturns Tory measure and bans emergency use of bee-killing pesticide
Emergency use of Cruiser SB, a neonicotinoid pesticide highly toxic to bees, to be outlawed in UK in line with EU
www.theguardian.com
January 23, 2025 at 8:32 PM
A little bit of environmental good news. If anyone is in any doubt about the plight of our insect populations I strongly recommend "Silent Planet" by Dave Goulson. (He's quoted in the article) www.theguardian.com/environment/...