Tree planting on the diocesan estate, as well as encouraging our parishioners to join in in their communities, is an important part of Portsmouth Diocese environmental strategy.  

Trees play an important role in both sequestering carbon and helping to provide resilience to climate change impacts; for example cooling, shading and flood alleviation. They also have proven benefits in tackling poor air quality by filtering out small particulates.

The Caritas team is  working with diocesan schools and parishes to identify locations where native hedgerows can be planted. Our projects will help groups source free or low cost supplies, provide information and guidance on selection of suitable species, on planting techniques and after care and maintenance. The young people and their parents and carers will be able to participate in a larger project but one that has local benefits.  And be able to learn about the role of native trees as habitat providers for many other species.

This work enables Portsmouth Diocese to join with with the local authority’s tree planting strategy, to create additional community forests as part of their  response to the climate emergency. At the same time these projects will promote a life long interest in and empathy for the natural world among our young people.