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Christmas trees replanted to boost sea defences

Richard BakerNorth West
News imageLancashire Wildlife Trust A group of hi-visibility wearing workers carry christmas trees along the beach, ready to be planted into the beach to create sand dunes. Lancashire Wildlife Trust
The donated Christmas trees are being planted along the Fylde Coast in Lancashire

Thousands of Christmas trees taken down after the festive season are to be given a second lease of life and planted into sand dunes to boost natural sea defences.

The trees, donated from residents and planted by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, will boost land along the Fylde Coast which has eroded over the last century.

Once half-buried into the sand, the branches of the trees will trap sand as the wind blows, eventually creating new sand dunes which grow seaward over time, creating a first line of defence from the tide.

Members of the public are being encouraged to drop off more trees at several areas across the county, with three dates already pencilled in for the plantings.

News imageLancashire Wildlife Trust Several Christmas trees lay on the beach, resting on a wooden fence, ready to be planted.Lancashire Wildlife Trust
Last year, Lancashire Wildlife Trust received more than 2,000 Christmas trees

Amy Pennington, who is leading the project, which has run since 2013, said the trees were "strategically placed" in front of existing dunes.

"The sand dunes along the Fylde Coast are home to a diverse and specialised ecosystem, hosting a variety of unique plants and animals," she said.

"They provide habitat for flora and fauna of international and national importance and serve as an effective soft sea defence for our local community."

Ms Pennington said the area had lost 80% of its sand dunes due to nearby urban expansion over the last 150 years and hopes the scheme, building on year's previous plantings, will improve the efficiency of the dunes as a sea defence.

Those wishing to take part in tree plantings from10-12 February are encouraged to get in contact with the Wildlife Trust.

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