How are Christmas trees being used on the Fylde Coast?

Christmas trees are being planted in sand dunes to help trap sand and build natural sea defenses.

Why is the Fylde Coast losing its sand dunes?

The Fylde Coast has lost 80% of its sand dunes due to urban expansion over the last 150 years.

Who is organizing the Christmas tree planting project?

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust is leading the project to use Christmas trees for coastal defense.

Home / Environment / Christmas Trees Reborn as Sea Defence

Christmas Trees Reborn as Sea Defence

6 Jan

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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.