WORSHIPPERS at a Portsmouth church planted trees as one way of showing their commitment to care for God's creation.

The 14 saplings were planted outside Church of the Resurrection in Farlington, and included young birch, rowan, hazel and hawthorn trees. The idea is to increase biodiversity on church land and encourage birds and other wildlife to use the area outside the church building. 

The leader of Portsmouth City Council, Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, joined them to plant the first of the trees, alongside worshippers and members of the local community.

Both churches in Farlington parish - Church of the Resurrection and St Andrew's - have now received their bronze 'Eco-Church award from environmental charity A Rocha.

Miriam Sampson, who leads the Eco Church team in the parish, said: "Over the past year we have been working towards our bronze Eco Church award. We are trying to reduce our carbon emissions and improve the local environment. We have already created a wildflower area on our church land and as these trees grow they will help clean the air, lock up carbon and provide berries for birds to eat. We hope local residents will enjoy their blossom in the spring and the shade they provide in summer.”

Cllr Vernon-Jackson joined them to demonstrate the council’s commitment to support community groups working to improve the local environment.