The congregation has come together to plant native species trees on Bhaktivedanta Manor’s grounds in honour of Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and to contribute to the UK’s vision of being carbon neutral by 2030.

Narahari Rupa Das, Head Gardener at Bhaktivedanta Manor, enthusiastically led a group of keen nature lovers to plant native species such as Silver Birch, English Oak, Hawthorn, Hazel and Rowan around the newly constructed perimeter path around the lake.  A mighty 70 trees were planted in just two hours to mark the Queen’s impressive 70-year reign which is part of her Green Canopy Project to benefit future generations.

Temple President, Visakha Dasi, planted the first tree and spoke about the importance of trees in the Vedic culture:

 “In the Srimad Bhagavatam, Lord Krishna glorifies the birth of trees as being successful for their selfless nature in maintaining every living entity- ‘even while tolerating the wind, rain, heat and snow, they protect us from these elements’ with their’ leaves, flowers and fruits, their shade, roots, bark and wood…’  As Vaishnavas we recognise the importance of trees in the ecology of the planet and so we respect and protect them in an attitude of service reciprocation.”

A local congregation member and an environmentalist in campaigns and policy, Sheila Chauhan, arranged the donation of the trees to Bhaktivedanta Manor and delivered a talk on the benefit of trees for clean air, fighting climate change, for increasing biodiversity and for our bhakti, health and well-being.

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Recently Sheila was on the BBC Hindu Reflections programme and spoke about the core principles of Hinduism that has helped to deepen her relationship with the natural world.  You can listen to the talk here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0bq9hrp

If you would like to join a group of environmentally individuals from all over the UK, please email the Eco Bhakti Team on info@ecobhakti.org.uk