lent

Eco-system Restoration

Year of the Tree 2023 / /

“The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the desert and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.” Isaiah 43:20-21 What exactly is an ecosystem and how do you restore one? An eco-system is part of the web of life, made up of plants, animals and other organisms, together with the landscape (rivers, mountains, etc) around them.Ecosystems can be large, like a forest, or small, like a pond. Many are crucial to human societies, providing people with water, food, building materials and a host of other essentials. They also provide planet-wide benefits like climate protection and biodiversity conservation.But in recent decades, humanity’s hunger for resources has pushed many ecosystems to the breaking point. Here are some examples of eco-systems and what can be done to restore them. FarmlandsOver-intensive use, soil erosion, excess fertilizer and pesticides are exhausting many farmlands. Ways to restore them include reducing tillage, using more natural fertilizer and pest control, and growing more diverse crops, including trees. ForestsForests and trees are being cleared to feed humanity’s hunger for land and resources. Logging, firewood cutting, pollution, invasive pests and wildfires are damaging what remains. Restoring forest ecosystems means replanting and reducing the pressure on forests so that trees re-grow naturally. Food systems are a major driver of forest loss. Reconsidering the way people grow and consume food can help reduce the pressure on forests. Degraded and disused farmland can be ideal for forest restoration, which can also mean nurturing patches of forest and woodland in landscapes that include busy farms and villages. Lakes and riversFreshwater ecosystems have been degraded by pollution, overfishing and infrastructure as well as the extraction of more and more water for irrigation, industry and homes. Restoration means halting pollution, reducing and treating waste, managing demand for water and fish, and reviving vegetation above and below the surface. Grasslands and savannahsShrublands, grasslands and savannahs are being overgrazed and eroded, converted to agriculture and invaded by alien species. Humans can help them rebound by clearing woody vegetation and re-seeding native grasses. Lost plants and animals can be re-introduced and protected until they are established. Find out about other eco-systems and how they might be restored at: https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/beginners-guide-ecosystem-restoration

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Celebratory Trees

Year of the Tree 2023 / /

Each of them will sit under their vine and under their fig tree,with no one to make them afraid, Micah 4:4 Across the Anglican Communion a growing number of churches are integrating tree growing into their spirituality. This might be confirmation, baptism, memorial, wedding trees, etc. If you church is not yet doing this, do some research to find out examples either of other churches in your area or another Diocese that are doing this. Find out what are the successes and challenges. A few things you need to think about: Cost: Does the candidate pay for the tree or can you source donations from government or business? Logistics: How are the trees brought to church and how do the candidates take them home. Education: Everyone who plants a tree needs to learn how to plant it and look after it – who and how will this be done? Watering: A tree needs to be moist for two years – who will water and how? Liturgy: What prayers are said – these can be distributed with the trees – a little leaflet or bookmark Photographs: Who will take photographs and share to social media to inspire/encourage others? Does your church have trees for confirmation baptism , patronal etc?Have a look at some of the inspiring stories being highlighted on the Communion Forest website www.communionforest.org

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Tree Planting 101

Year of the Tree 2023 / /

They are  like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that they do, they prosper Psalm 1:3 It is important to plant a tree properly otherwise you may stunt its growth, the roots will not be strong and it may be uprooted in strong wind or gush of water. Which tree? A native tree is happiest. You can visit a local nursery, use google or ask an environmental student about which trees are best for your area. When? Plant most tree species in the autumn or early spring. Cool weather is the best time for planting since the trees are dormant during that time. Planting a tree in late spring or summer, when the roots are actively growing, puts too much stress on the tree and it may not survive. Plant just before the rainy season. Where? Pick an open, flat area away from buildings, powerlines, and utilities. Make sure there’s plenty of room for the tree to grow to maturity. Make sure you are not digging into underground cables or pipes! Sun or shade? Make sure your chosen location gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Light needs vary depending on the tree species, so you’ll want to check your specs. How to prepare? Water the soil on planting day before you dig the hole. Give the planting location a good hose down to moisten the soil and make it easier to turn. Moist soil is also more hospitable and minimizes root stress for a newly transplanted tree How to dig? Dig a hole 2-3 times the width of the root ball (Often people dont do this – remember the roots need lots of space to grow sideways, not just down. Dig the hole down to the same depth as the root ball. If you plant too deep, the roots will struggle to get oxygen and eventually smother. Water may also pool around the base of the tree, Planting – nestle the root ball in the hole and refill with the soil you dug out. Pack it down gently Watering – water deeply now . You will need to keep the tree moist for the next two years so make sure you have a watering plan!!. Form a little dam around the tree so the water seeps in , and mulch to keep the tree moist. Enjoy!Reference: https://www.wikihow.com/Plant-a-Tree

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Grow Fruit Trees

Year of the Tree 2023 / /

God said, “See, I give you every seed-bearing plant that is upon all the earth, and every tree that has seed-bearing fruit; they shall be yours for food. Genesis 1: 29 Save pits and seeds for planting Avocados: This is a fun activity for kids to watch the avo pit grow. Do quite a few as not all will survive. https://www.homestolove.com.au/grow-an-avocado-from-seed-10585 Nectarines/peaches: these are also very fun to watch grow!https://www.attainable-sustainable.net/nectarine/Papayas: what a delicious fruit!https://myplantin.com/blog/how-to-grow-papaya-tree-from-seed Google (use ecosia) to find out other fruits from your area and how to grow themhave fun!

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Find out more about the Communion Forest

Year of the Tree 2023 / /

The Communion Forest – To plant is to hope; to restore is to heal; to protect is to love. The Communion Forest is an exciting new initiative of the Anglican Communion, which has the potential to become one of the most diverse and geographically widespread environmental projects in the world. The initiative comprises local activities of tree growing, forest protection, and ecosystem conservation and restoration undertaken by parishes, dioceses and provinces across the Anglican Communion. It was launched during the Lambeth Conference last August, as one of the legacies of the Conference and a shared expression of the Communion’s commitment to the Anglican Fifth Mark of Mission: Strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth. The Communion Forest is a practical, spiritual and symbolic response to the environmental crisis, and an act of Christian hope for the well-being of humanity and all God’s creation. The aim of the Communion Forest initiative is to significantly increase Anglican tree growing and ecosystem conservation and restoration around the world. The activities will be determined locally, so that they are geographically and environmentally appropriate. The vision is also for the initiative to be woven into the spiritual and liturgical life of churches, to deepen care for creation within the Church and its members. Please join our community by subscribing to our newsletter on communionforest.org and following us on our social media platforms. The website is also available in French, Spanish and Portuguese.

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