Article, News

Tree Planting with All Saints, Ascot

8 October 2024

By Clare Fussell, Bright Now Campaign Director 

One of the most positive things we can do for the climate is to grow more trees. Trees act as a carbon sink and provide shade, cooling and habitats for wildlife. 

This is why I was thrilled to join Operation Noah supporters at All Saints Ascot on Sunday to celebrate their Climate Sunday and Harvest Festival service – which included dedicating and planting a new crab apple tree in their churchyard in honour of Operation Noah’s 20 year anniversary. 

The atmosphere was moving and beautiful, as around 90 parishioners gathered in the Autumn sunshine listening to the junior choir sing a piece their director, Emily Blyth, had composed about the ‘seven generations rule’, which is the idea that the actions we take should consider the impact on future generations. Indeed, forestry is the most significant carbon sink in the UK, and if all churches were to take action to plant trees we could make a real difference in the amount of carbon dioxide removed from our atmosphere, further protecting our shared earth for generations to come.

Father Darrell Hannah then blessed the tree as it was placed in the ground, praying that the delicate branches may be a reminder of the fragility of the natural world, as well as calling to mind the tree of the cross and Jesus’ costly love for all creation. He also spoke words of jubilant hope, as together we looked ahead to that day when all the trees of the wood would shout for joy and clap their hands before the presence of God. 

Afterwards, as I was warmly welcomed over coffee by members of the church, who are currently working towards their Gold Eco Church award, I was struck by their passion, their practical action, and their exciting plans for the future – and I was humbled, not for the first time, by what a huge inspiration Operation Noah supporters are! 

This being our anniversary year, we hope that many more churches will join All Saints in celebrating the work of Operation Noah with the planting of and caring for a tree – or orchard, or copse (and first prize goes to any church who can surpass the tree planting zeal of St Lawrence’s Hungerford!) 

You don’t even need any land – why not approach a local school, council, cathedral or landowner to offer to plant some free trees to make the most of their spaces?

You may have heard the Chinese proverb, that the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago; the second best time is today. In the UK, the best time is between October and March, so there really is no better time than now, and we’ve produced a guide to help you – including prayers, bible verses and practical advice. 

Let us know if you’re planning to grow a tree/s with your church community, and share any photos on social media using the hashtag #NoahTreeInMotion

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