Old Christmas trees are being repurposed as sea defences in Lancashire, as they protect the sand dunes.
The Lancashire Wildlife Trust coordinate the project which saw over 2000 Christmas trees donated last year.
The project is a proven success, with a 90 metre increase in the width of the Fylde Sand Dune system since it began.
The Lancashire Wildlife Trust says it is more important than ever as the Flyde coast has lost more than 80% of its dunes due to coastal town expansion over the past 150 years.
The project is funded by the Environment Agency and hopes to protect the dunes which are classified as a site of specific scientific interest, due to the crucial role they play in providing habitat for flora and fauna of international importance.
The trees are placed strategically in front of the existing dunes, as the wind blows the branches of the trees trap sand, gradually creating new dunes.
This grows the dunes seawards and enhances their effectiveness as a natural sea defence.
Trees can be dropped off or collected to be recycled in the sand dunes across Fylde, Blackpool, Preston, Leyland, Chorley, the Ribble Valley and North Preston. You can donate your tree by:
Drop off your tree until 12 January in Fylde. It can be dropped off at North Beach Car Park in St Annes or William Segar Hodgson Park in Kirkham.
Bring your Christmas tree to the main car park at Blackpool zoo, before 8 January.
Register your tree for collection on the 6-8 January in PR5, PR6, PR7, PR25 and PR26 area. Arrange your collection with Derian House Children’s Hospice.
Register your tree for collection by the Rotary Club on 10 January if you live in the Ribble Valley and North Preston area.
All tree donation options and how to volunteer in the tree planting event on 10, 11, or 12 February are available here.
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