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Christmas Tree Planting 2022

Christmas Tree Planting 2024

'Tis the season to give back to nature! 🎄

It's that tree-mendous time of the year when we ask you to bring your old Christmas trees to the Fylde coast so we can use them to help grow and stabilise our dunes! 

Why do we bury Christmas trees?

The sand dunes along the Fylde Coast are home to a diverse and specialised ecosystem, hosting a variety of unique plants and animals. These dunes, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), play a crucial role in providing habitat for flora and fauna of international and national importance. Additionally, they serve as an effective soft sea defence for our local community.

Sadly, over the past 150 years, we've lost more than 80% of our dunes due to coastal town expansion. The Fylde Sand Dunes Project, funded by the Environment Agency, aims to restore and conserve these dunes by growing them seawards to enhance their effectiveness as a natural sea defence.

Here's where your old Christmas trees come in! These trees, donated by you, are strategically placed in front of our existing dunes. As the wind blows, the branches of the trees trap sand, gradually creating new dunes. Last year, we received over 2500 trees, and thanks to your generosity, we've witnessed an impressive 90-metre increase in the width of the Fylde Sand Dune system.

2024 Christmas Tree Planting

How Can You Get Involved?

Ready to spread some post-holiday cheer? You can get involved in a number of different ways:

  1. Donate your Christmas tree to be recycled in the sand dunes
  2. Volunteer to help bury the Christmas trees during our annual Christmas tree planting event

Please expand the tabs below for more information:

Donate your Christmas tree to be recycled in the sand dunes

Here's how you can get involved:

  1. Drop-Off Locations Across Fylde: Bring your Christmas trees to any of our convenient satellite sites across the Fylde between 3rd - 14th January 2024. The drop off locations this year include North Beach Car Park in St Annes or William Segar Hodgson Park in Kirkham. For more information on Fylde Council's drop-off sites, please click the link here🔗

  2. Doorstep Collection for Fylde Residents: Fylde residents (all FY post codes and the PR4 post code) can enjoy the convenience of a doorstep collection from a local charity. This not only benefits the environment but also supports the charity. Volunteers will be collecting real Christmas trees on 12th, 13th & 14th January 2024 from households in exchange for a donation to Trinity Hospice. Register your tree with Trinity Hospice for a doorstep collection. All the details can be found here🔗

  3. Doorstep Collection for Preston, Leyland & Chorley Residents: If you're a resident (in the PR5, PR6, PR7, PR25 and PR26 area), you can arrange a doorstep collection between 11th - 14th January 2024 by volunteers from Derian House Children’s Hospice. For a suggested donation of £15, Derian house will recycle your Christmas tree and drop it off at North Beach Car Park for us to recycle on the sand dunes. All proceeds will go to help the children and families of Derian House Children’s Hospice. Register for a collection by Derian House using the link here 🔗

Feeling more hands-on? Join us in our annual Christmas tree planting event! Details below.

Volunteer to help bury the Christmas trees during our annual Christmas tree planting event

Join the Fun: Transforming Trees into Dunes! 🌲🏖️

Get ready for a tree-mendous adventure as we turn your old Christmas trees into brand new sand dunes!

Event Details:

  • Date: Monday 5th & Tuesday 6th February 2024
  • Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Location: North Beach, St Anne’s (FY8 2TR)

How It Works: Your donated trees aren't just recycled; they're strategically placed in front of existing dunes. As the wind dances through, the branches work their magic, trapping sand and creating stunning new dunes along our coast.

Our Christmas tree planting event is a blast! There's a role for everyone, no matter your skills or strength. Check out the exciting tasks you can dive into:

1. Christmas Tree Planting:

  • Gently place a Christmas tree in a pre-dug trench – teamwork makes the dream work!
  • Ensure the tree strikes a cool 45-degree angle with the top facing the sea.
  • Backfill the trench around the tree like a pro using a spade.
  • Double-check the tree's stability; if it's feeling wobbly, add more sand for extra security.
  • Flatten the sand with your feet or a rake – the finishing touch for our sandy masterpiece!

2. Thatching:

  • Carefully chop branches off a Christmas tree with loppers – precision is key!
  • Now, here's where the creativity kicks in:
  1. Option A: Weave those branches into the old fencing, creating a barrier.
  2. Option B: Find a bare sandy spot, dig a hole, and stick the woody end of the branch into the sand.
  • Secure the branches in place, and voila – you've just contributed to growing our dunes!

This isn't just about recycling trees; it's about creating a better coastal defence and habitats. So, roll up your sleeves and let's make coastal magic together!

Book your place here:

Monday 5th February Tuesday 6th February

If you're representing a group from your organisation, business, department, project, or school, or you're part of a large group (of more than 10 people), please don't book online, instead, email us with a list of attendee names/numbers and your preferred dates: apennington@lancswt.org.uk.

Note: Your booking can be amended at any time, but having an idea of attendance in advance helps us manage the event more effectively.

Your support is invaluable in building a more resilient Fylde Coast. Let's make a positive impact together!

Thank you for being a part of this meaningful initiative!

Christmas Tree Planting Map 2024