Christmas Tree Collections Can Help Lancashire Hospices and Coastal Sand Dunes

Christmas Trees: A Dual Purpose Gift for Lancashire

As the festive season draws to a close, Lancashire residents have the opportunity to contribute to a dual-purpose initiative that benefits local charities while also aiding coastal conservation efforts. This year, old Christmas trees are being collected across the county in various ways, offering households a chance to do their part for both hospices and environmental projects.

Hospice Donations: Raising Funds through Recycling

Local hospices such as St John’s Hospice in Lancaster and Trinity Hospice in Fylde are among those leveraging the discarded Christmas trees. Households can donate old trees to these institutions, which will then use the donations for vital funding. In 2024, Trinity Hospice successfully recycled over 2,000 trees, raising a significant sum of £24,000 for hospice care.

For those wishing to participate in this charity drive, it’s important to book collections well in advance.

For example, St John’s Hospice in Lancaster requires bookings by 12 midnight on Sunday, January 4, with tree collection days set between January 8 and 10. Trees should be ready for collection from 7 am on Thursday, January 8.

While the service is free, a suggested donation of £10 will help support the hospice’s work. Bookings can also be made online via their website, ensuring that donations are efficiently managed and utilized.

Environmental Recycling: Protecting Coastal Sand Dunes

In addition to supporting local charities, old Christmas trees are being repurposed for environmental conservation efforts on the Fylde coast. The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester, and North Merseyside is involved in a project that uses recycled trees to protect coastal sand dunes and regenerate natural flood defences.

Residents can drop off their old trees at designated locations such as North Beach Car Park in St Annes or William Segar Hodson Park in Kirkham between January 2 and 12. This initiative, supported by Fylde and Blackpool councils and the Environment Agency, aims to make a tangible difference to local ecosystems.

Collaboration Among Local Groups

The tree collection efforts are not limited to hospices and environmental projects; various community groups and councils across Lancashire are also involved. For instance, the Rotary Club of Longridge and North Preston is collecting and recycling trees in Preston on January 10, while Pendleside Hospice in the Pendle and Burnley areas is offering a collection service for donations towards its work.

Bookings for these services can be made through respective websites or by contacting the clubs directly. This collaborative approach ensures that old Christmas trees are not only contributing to local charities but also playing a role in safeguarding the environment.

Additional Collection Services

Beyond the dedicated tree collection drives, councils across Lancashire may offer other recycling services for households. For example, Rossendale Council provides a Christmas tree collection service costing £5 per tree until January 24. Trees will be shredded and recycled for further uses.

Residents can also take their old trees to any Lancashire County Council household waste recycling centres located in various parts of the county, such as Altham, Barnoldswick, Burnley, and more.

These centers are operational throughout January except on New Year’s Day.

In summary, Christmas tree collections in Lancashire offer a meaningful way for residents to support local charities while also contributing to environmental conservation efforts. Whether through hospice donations or coastal sand dune protection, old trees can make a significant impact.