The EcoCongregation programme aims to encourage churches and their members to consider environmental issues within a Christian context, and to enable local churches to make positive contributions in their life and mission. -http://www.encams.org/ecocongregation/ Christchurch first received this award in 2002 in recognition of our work to: • incorporate care for God’s creation into the worship and spiritual life of our church • practise what we preach by taking practical action in our church • link with/share our concerns and action through our local community. Some examples of the ways in which we gained this award are :- Spiritual: - Bible Study programme on "God's Green World", Away-day involving worship on a creation theme Practical: - Growing trees from acorns, and planting oak and ash trees at Conkers in the National Forest Running a weekly Traidcraft stall at church where fairly traded products are sold Local community: - Involvement of groups meeting on our premises in our recycling projects