The Diocese of Hereford covers Herefordshire and south Shropshire with around 330 parishes — predominantly rural with a low population density. Hereford Cathedral is famous for its Mappa Mundi (the largest medieval map of the world to survive intact). Strong rural single-handed benefice estate with many medieval churches.
The Diocese of Hereford at a glance
- Bishop
- Bishop Richard Jackson
- Coverage
- Herefordshire and south Shropshire
- Parishes
- ~330 CofE parishes
- Net zero target
- 2030
- Chancellor (faculty)
- Howard Dellar
- Capital programme
- Hereford Diocese Environment Action Plan
- Maximum diocesan grant
- £18,000
Notable historic churches in the diocese
- Hereford Cathedral (home to the Mappa Mundi)
- Leominster Priory
- St Laurence Ludlow
- Ross-on-Wye St Mary's
- Kilpeck (Romanesque carvings)
Funding stack for Hereford parish solar
A typical parish solar project in the Diocese of Hereford combines multiple funding routes to achieve 80-100% capex cover:
| Grant source | Value range | Typical share of capex |
|---|---|---|
| Hereford Diocese Environment Action Plan | Up to £18,000 | 30-50% |
| Buildings for Mission (CofE national) | £10,000-£50,000 | 40-60% |
| Listed Places of Worship VAT Grant Scheme | 20% of capex | 20% |
| Herefordshire Council rural community grants | Variable | 5-10% |
Faculty jurisdiction in the Diocese of Hereford
For Church of England parishes in the Diocese of Hereford, any works to a consecrated building — including solar PV — require a faculty granted by the Chancellor, Howard Dellar, on the advice of the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC). For a well-prepared solar application, the typical timescale from PCC resolution to faculty grant is 10-18 weeks for non-listed and Grade II buildings, extending to 18-26 weeks for Grade II* and Grade I where Historic England consultation is required.
We have prepared faculty applications across the Diocese of Hereford and know the DAC office, diocesan architect, and Net Zero Officer personally. See our 2026 PCC guide to faculty jurisdiction for the full process, or our faculty application service page for our delivery approach.
Cities and towns covered in the Diocese of Hereford
We deliver across the Herefordshire and south Shropshire footprint, with particular activity in:
How we work with Diocese of Hereford parishes
- Free desk feasibility — system size, capex, grant routes specific to Hereford, PCC-ready report inside 7 working days
- On-site survey — structural and electrical engineers; engagement with diocesan architect
- Faculty application — Statement of Significance, Statement of Needs, DAC consultation, representation at chancery
- Grant applications — Hereford Diocese Environment Action Plan, Buildings for Mission, Listed Places of Worship VAT scheme
- Install and commission — typically 1-3 weeks on site, with full PCC training and monitoring active
- Post-commissioning — Eco Church credit logged, parish magazine feature, annual carbon report
Common questions — Diocese of Hereford parish solar
How many CofE parishes does the Diocese of Hereford have?
Approximately 330 parishes across Herefordshire and south Shropshire.
Who is the Chancellor of the Diocese of Hereford?
Howard Dellar grants faculties for solar installations on consecrated parish buildings.
What is the diocese's net zero target?
The Diocese of Hereford has committed to net zero by 2030, in line with (or ahead of) the Church of England's national 2030 General Synod commitment.
What grant funding is available for Hereford parish solar?
The principal route is the Hereford Diocese Environment Action Plan, with awards up to £18,000. This combines with national Buildings for Mission grants, the Listed Places of Worship VAT Grant Scheme, and charitable trust funding to typically cover 50-100% of capex.
How long does a faculty application take in the Diocese of Hereford?
For a well-prepared solar faculty application, 10-18 weeks for non-listed and Grade II buildings; longer for Grade II* and Grade I where Historic England consultation is required.
Related dioceses and resources
RELATED DIOCESES