THE Diocese of Salisbury is the first diocese in the UK to be granted Eco Diocese Status.

It was awarded as part of the Eco Church Scheme, which is a nationally developed web-based survey and award scheme run by A Rocha UK.

The award looks at a Diocese or Parish’s green ‘credentials’ in five areas: Worship and Teaching; Buildings; Land; community Engagement and Lifestyle.

Andy Atkins, CEO of A Rocha UK the Christian based environmental charity, said: “Salisbury is the first diocese to be awarded Eco Diocese status and it's our very great pleasure to do so.

“When we launched Eco Church in 2016 we had high hopes and expectations. To have got this far so quickly is humbling, exciting and such a huge encouragement that so many churches in a diocese are working together to care for God's earth should be an encouragement to us all.”

Its success in achieving this national green award was announced at Diocesan Synod on Saturday, November 3 at St Francis' Church in Salisbury.

The Bishop of Salisbury, Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam, said: “I am delighted and very encouraged that the Diocese of Salisbury is the first to win this award. As the lead bishop on the environment for the Church of England I am delighted my own diocese is first and I also hope that others will be close behind us.

“Our target to become an Eco Diocese was to have 50 churches registered and now have 70 with Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. And we have more churches still working towards getting their own award.

“It shows that as a Diocese we recognise that the care for God’s creation is at the heart of ministry and mission. The recent IPCC report on climate change and the WWF report on the destruction of biodiversity means the care of God’s earth is urgent. I hope that becoming an Eco Diocese will encourage us to do more and better.”

In recognition of its achievement the Salisbury Cathedral Spire was lit green.