A CHURCH in Hurstbourne Tarrant has held a ceremony for the planting and blessing of 21 native trees.

St Peter's Hurstbourne Tarrant last week marked the blessing and dedication of the trees by Reverend Canon Trevor Lewis.

The trees, which included wild cherry, bird cherry, hornbeam, white beam, copper beech, sweet chestnut and small leafed limes, were donated by those who live in the parish or have some connection, as part of a campaign to increase bio diversity.

The initiative forms part of a raft of local schemes across churches in the 11-strong Pastrow Benefice. Churches at Hurstbourne Tarrant, Hatherden and Charlton last year kicked off the scheme, achieving a Bronze Award in the nationwide A Rocha Eco Church Awards Scheme, which involved improving the energy efficiency of buildings, looking after the surrounding environment and wildlife and engaging in the local community.

Churches across Andover are considering events such as bug, bird, bat and hedgehog home creation; constructing wildlife feeding stations and, in time, tailored wildlife surveys which draw in the wider local community. They are also looking at the viability of 'toilet twinning', where money is raised via a fund raiser or donations to create a basic toilet in a much poorer country. Churches are also aiming for Fair Trade certification and a switch to environmentally friendly products.

SEE ALSO: Andover Trees United is calling on residents to support is anniversary gala as it aims to raise £8000 for conservation work

Reverend Canon Trevor Lewis said: "The beauty of trees reminds us of our responsibility to care for God's creation. Planting a tree is always about expressing hope in the future and is a gift to the rest of creation - as well as to future generations.

"Managing our churchyard in an ecological way is what God wants us to do for his creation, the earth we live on. As they mature, these beautiful native trees will absorb and store carbon and be enjoyed by people visiting the church and churchyard for generations to come.

"As we collectively face the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss it is heartening to work with the local Winchester Diocese and Church of England in responding to these enormous challenges within our community."

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