THE Bishop of Winchester was this week presented with an ‘Eco Diocese’ award for the contribution his diocese is making to protect the environment.

One of four dioceses to achieve the award, Winchester is in the vanguard of a growing movement of churches seeking to care more effectively for the earth.

The award recognises the steps the diocese has taken to ‘go green’. As part of this, churches across Hampshire have made the decision to switch to using renewable energy and solar panels, going on regular litter picks, making bug hotels, as well as petitioning to number 10 for more action on climate change.

A Rocha UK, an ecumenical Christian charity, presents the Eco Church award to churches that are caring for God’s creation by making their churches more eco-friendly, campaigning for global changes to protect the environment, and encouraging local churchgoers to alter their lifestyles to better care for the world around them.

In order to achieve the award, changes to policy and practice were made across the Diocese of the Winchester. So far, 54 parish churches have registered with Eco Church – 15 have been awarded a bronze and three of these have already received a silver award for their committment to sustainability.

On Tuesday, Andy Atkins, chief executive of A Rocha UK, presented the Bishop of Winchester, the Right Reverend Tim Dakin,with a plaque commemorating the accomplishment.

Bishop Tim said: “As a diocese we have a collective responsibility to care for God’s creation. It is an integral part of loving our neighbours and following God faithfully. I am absolutely thrilled that we have been able to build cooperation and pave a way to achieving real change for our environment.”

Mr Atkins said: “With climate change, plastic pollution and the collapse of biodiversity around the world, there’s a huge need for churches to play a fuller part in turning around the current environmental crisis. We are therefore delighted to recognise the efforts made by those in the Diocese of Winchester and present them with the Eco Diocese award. Their valuable contributions will help protect and sustain our environment.”