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Christmas Trees Reborn as Sea Defence
6 Jan
Summary
- Discarded Christmas trees will reinforce coastal defenses.
- Trees are planted to trap sand and build new dunes.
- Fylde Coast lost 80% of dunes due to urban expansion.
Christmas trees are getting a second life as vital sea defenses on the Fylde Coast. Following the festive season, thousands of donated trees are being strategically planted into existing sand dunes. This project, ongoing since 2013, aims to bolster natural coastal defenses that have been significantly eroded over the past 150 years.
The initiative leverages the natural process of sand accumulation. As the wind blows, the branches of the buried trees trap airborne sand particles. Over time, this accumulation builds new, larger sand dunes that extend seaward, forming a crucial first line of defense against tidal erosion. This method is essential for protecting the specialized ecosystem that thrives within the dunes.
The Fylde Coast has experienced substantial loss of its sand dune systems, with up to 80% diminished due to nearby urban development. Project leader Amy Pennington highlighted the ecological importance of these dunes, which support unique flora and fauna. The project seeks to enhance the effectiveness of the remaining dunes, with public planting events scheduled for February 10-12.
