THE Archbishop of York has had a flight of fancy to help schools and churches help look after the environment.

Each church and church school across the York diocese is to receive a bird nesting box in the effort to encourage people to help people celebrate 2011 as the Year of the Environment.

Spearheading the scheme, Dr John Sentamu, said: “The natural world is a gift from God to enjoy; but we are also called to join with God in sustaining and caring for it.

“In 2011 we will be focusing on how we as the people of God are fulfilling that call of God to be stewards of all the good things He has given to us.

“I want every Christian in the Diocese of York to pledge to make a difference to the environment in 2011. Everything you do will make a difference to our world and how we care for it.”

It is hoped churches and schools in York and North and East Yorkshire will be taking part in the scheme.

One such box has already arrived at Pocklington CE Infant School, whose head teacher, Gill Campbell, said: “I think the bird-box project is a great way to kick off the celebrations and we’re looking forward to seeing what birds will nest in our box.

“We have a very strong gardening gang at this school, and we are currently fundraising very hard to enable us to have a sensory garden in the school grounds.”

The Rev Nigel Strafford, who is vicar of six churches around Holme and Seaton Ross, near Market Weighton, said: “We were delighted to receive the bird boxes for our churches. The natural nest sites on which many of our birds depend on are fast disappearing, so a project like this is great to help our bird populations.”

There will be events and celebrations throughout 2011 and churches across the diocese will be studying a Lent course before Easter, looking at issues of faith and the environment through the story of a loaf of bread.

On Saturday, May 28, Dr Sentamu will be launching a day of drama, prayer and exhibitions on environmental themes at York Minster.