St Lawrence’s Church, Hungerford, has been shortlisted for the SMK Best Community Climate and Nature Action Award, recognising a long-running local tree-planting initiative that brings together churches, schools, farmers and community groups.
Since 2019, volunteers connected with the church have planted more than 9,100 native trees across the Hungerford area, working alongside organisations including the Woodland Trust, Greenham Trust and Hungerford Environmental Action Team (HEAT).
The Bishop of Reading described the news as 'wonderful' and sent her warm congratulations to the team.
What began as a project to plant a tree for every child at a local primary school has grown into wider work with farmers and landowners, including hedgerow planting, agroforestry and habitat creation to support wildlife and biodiversity.
The Revd Mike Saunders, Vicar of St Lawrence’s Church Hungerford, said:
"“Being shortlisted for the Best Community Climate & Nature Action Award is a wonderful celebration of the achievements of our community of tree-planters in Hungerford and everyone who has supported our work. We’re also pleased for the opportunity to inspire more groups who could undertake similar projects and deliver more of the action for climate and nature which is urgently needed.”
Looking ahead, the team hopes to continue planting trees through its existing partnerships while encouraging other churches across the country to replicate the model. SMK said:
"As a case study for wider action, they serve as an example to parishes across the Church of England and other denominations. With over 8,000 parishes across the Church of England, the potential impact, if replicated widely, could be huge."
Read the full SMK release at SMK website.
If you're inspired by the volunteers at St Lawrence, register your church as an Eco Church and take a look at our parish resource pack - easy-to-follow advice on how to improve sustainability, reduce energy consumption and save money for your church, no matter your tradition or location in the diocese.