A project is underway to map, measure and monitor the trees across Chichester’s historic Cathedral Quarter.
On Wednesday 24th April the second recording session took place where trees across the Cathedral’s green spaces, including mature yews, a Ginko Bilboa and a fruiting Mulberry tree, were added to the online mapping site, Treezilla.
Treezilla aims to encourage members of the public, local authorities, business, local groups and other organisations to collaborate in logging trees across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. Treezilla’s mission is to improve public understanding of trees and their benefits by bringing people and organisations together. So far over 1 million trees have been registered.
The sessions in Chichester are supported by volunteers, and organised by the Cathedral’s Estates Co-ordinator Vicky Sutton, who said:
“Our Cathedral community are committed to a sustainable future, and central to this ambition is to maintain and protect the local ecology here in Chichester. Trees are blessings in our natural and urban landscapes, offering homes for wildlife, purifying our air – as well as enhancing our environment's beauty. Understanding the species, quantity, and health of our trees, some which are incredibly historic, empowers us to nurture them effectively."
This April and May the Cathedral has been exploring the season of Rogationtide, historically a time to ask God to grant a fruitful harvest. Present day, the Rogation season has acquired renewed importance as a time to pray for the protection of the natural world.
Rogation Sunday service
On Rogation Sunday (5th May 2024) the Cathedral will welcome the Archdeacon of Brighton and Lewes, The Venerable Martin Lloyd Williams, encouraging others to think about some of wider effects of climate change and ways in which we can help to mitigate them.
Clothing Swap Shop
On Saturday 4th May the Cathedral is working with Transition Chichester to host a Clothing Swap Shop (Vicars’ Hall, 9.00am - 12.00pm). Simply bring a few items from your own wardrobe, and trade them in for some wonderful new items to take back home. There will be a Fairtrade Café offering tea, coffee and cake too.