A TREE in Denmead has been “bombed” to highlight a change in legislation.

It doesn’t sound particularly green, but Rebecca Wills has been commissioned by Winchester City Council (WCC) to wrap trees around the district in plastic bags.

But there is method to the madness as the plastic bags have been recycled and turned into yarn to highlight waste, excessive consumption and the piles of carrier bags we hoard at home.

The “yarn-bombing” scheme is part of WCC’s Great Waste campaign and has been launched in conjunction with Hat Fair and Winchester Action on Climate Change.

It also coincides with a change in legislation as a 5p charge for a single-use carrier bag in larger retailers was introduced in England on October 5.

Trees in Wickham and Twyford have also been bombed and the council is keen to hear from other community groups that would like the “artistic installation” in their village.

“We don’t need plastic carrier bags as there are alternatives,” said Cllr Frank Pearson, WCC portfolio holder for environment, health and wellbeing.

“This new law is an important step forward in caring for our environment, and we are drawing attention to this in a colourful and light-hearted way thanks to the Hat Fair team.”

Groups in the Winchester district who would like Rebecca and her “Knit for Nature” installation to visit their community should e-mail Carol Hussey at: [email protected]