St Mary’s Church Ferndown has achieved the Eco Church Bronze Award from a Christian charity.

Rocha UK (ARUK) works for the protection and restoration of the natural world and is committed to equipping Christians and churches in the UK to care for the environment.

This award is achieved by churches which can clearly demonstrate that they are caring for God’s Earth in five key areas of the life and work of their Church – worship and teaching, buildings, land, community engagement and lifestyle.

St Mary’s recently launched Life Groups including one on ‘Christianity and Climate Change’. The group attracted Christians who are concerned about global warming and its impact on the developing world and the poorest in society.

The group embarked on various projects to make the church grounds more attractive to wildlife, published weekly ‘Eco Tips’ to encourage the congregation to think about their lifestyle choices, and put on a display of Fairtrade foods during Fairtrade Fortnight in February, including free samples of chocolate.

The St Mary’s Eco Action group has now been formed to continue this work and move towards the Silver award.

The Rev Sarah Pix, rector of Ferndown and All Saints Hampreston said: “We are so delighted to have achieved this award, as it marks some significant steps in the right direction as we seek to address this global issue, beginning at home. I am really grateful to the Eco Action Group that have helped us to think about what it looks like to care for God’s gift of creation.”