Why are Christmas trees being planted on the beach?

With 2026 in full swing, Christmas feels like a distant memory, especially if you've put your decorations away.

So what happens to real Christmas trees once they've been taken down?

Well along the Fylde coast thousands of trees are being given a second lease of life by being planted into sand dunes to help boost natural sea defences.

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust said it received more than 2,000 Christmas trees last year.

But how does planting them on the beach help the local area? Keep reading to find out.

So how do the trees help the natural sea defences?

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust says the areas has lost more than 80% of its dunes over the past 150 years because of the expansion of coastal towns.

The donated trees are half-buried into the sand which leaves the branches poking out.

The branches will trap sand as the wind blows and eventually make new sand dunes which will grow towards the sea over time.

Sand dunes act as a natural barrier against storms and tides.

Amy Pennington runs the project. She said: "The sand dunes along the Fylde Coast are home to a diverse and specialised ecosystem, hosting a variety of unique plants and animals.

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