Here's how you can give your Christmas tree a second life and protect the Fylde coast
Fylde residents are being urged to donate their Christmas trees this year to help create new sand dunes and protect the coast from flooding.
After the festive season, your Christmas tree could do more than just clear up the living room - it could help protect the Fylde coastline.
The Fylde Sand Dunes Project is inviting locals to donate their real trees for their annual planting event, taking place from Tuesday 10 to Thursday, February, 12, 2026 at North Beach, St Annes.
The donated trees are planted in trenches along the beach, where they trap sand and encourage the formation of new dunes.
These natural barriers provide essential protection against coastal flooding for Blackpool, St Annes, and Lytham, while also creating habitats for local wildlife.
The project relies on volunteers of all ages, whether individuals or groups, who want to make a real impact on their local environment.
A spokesperson for the Fylde Sand Dunes Project said: “It’s a fantastic way to get outdoors, meet fellow volunteers, and contribute to a lasting environmental project.”
Trees can be dropped off at designated donation points across Preston and the Fylde after Christmas.
Donors are reminded to remove decorations and tinsel, and to avoid plastic or fibre optic trees.
A full list of drop-off locations is available at www.lancswt.org.uk/christmas-tree-planting-2026.
The initiative is a collaboration between Fylde Council, Blackpool Council, Lancashire Wildlife Trust, and the Environment Agency, and forms part of a wider effort to conserve the Fylde coast.
By volunteering or donating a tree, residents can play a hands-on role in protecting local communities from erosion and flooding while supporting biodiversity.
With booking for the planting event closing on Friday, December, 19, volunteers are encouraged to secure their spot early.