Hundreds of volunteers will gather on St Annes beach from Tuesday to Thursday, February 10 to 12, to plant thousands of donated Christmas trees as part of vital work to protect coastal communities from flooding.

The annual planting event will see more than 2,000 trees collected from residents at car parks in St Annes and Kirkham earlier this year strategically placed in front of the existing dunes.

As coastal winds blow through the branches, sand becomes trapped and gradually builds new dunes, creating a natural sea defence that protects local homes and businesses.

The Fylde Sand Dunes Project, funded by the Environment Agency, aims to restore and conserve these precious habitats.

The dunes, designated as a Biological Heritage Site, have declined by more than 80 per cet over the past 150 years due to coastal development.

Fylde Council leads on the practical management of the project in partnership with Lancashire Wildlife Trust and Blackpool Council.

Trees collected by Trinity Hospice through their festive collection service also contribute to the planting, with their efforts raising over £37,000 for the charity this year.

Coun Tommy Threlfall, Fylde Council’s lead member for Environment, said: “Every Christmas tree donated by our residents becomes part of something truly special.

"This project began over 10 years ago, and I’m really pleased to see it going strong today. Thanks to the generosity of Fylde families, we're not just recycling trees, we're building natural defences that will protect our coastal communities for generations to come.

"Seeing 90 metres of new dunes created last year shows exactly what we can achieve when our community comes together.”

Amy Pennington, Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s Fylde Sand Dunes Project Senior Engagement Officer, added: “The sand dunes along the Fylde Coast are home to a diverse and specialised ecosystem, hosting a variety of unique plants and animals. A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), they 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 per cent 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.

“Christmas 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 2,000 trees, and thanks to your generosity, we've witnessed an impressive 90-metre increase in the width of the Fylde Sand Dune system.”

More than 500 people will be involved over the three days of planting – and demand has been such that a waiting list has been set up

"It has been an incredible response and we are so grateful,” added Amy.

"This will be our 13th year of planting in the dunes and this is the best response yet. The corporate places by the likes of Beaverbrooks and BAE Systems were taken up before Christmas and all the other available spots were also quickly spoken for.The number of people wanting to be involved just gets bigger every year. ”