Hospice Christmas tree recycling scheme returns this year

This initiative aims to raise funds to support individuals with life-limiting illnesses in Somerset.

The scheme, which was also run last year, raised more than £20,000 from 1,600 recycled Christmas trees - with the hospices hoping to raise these numbers this year.

A donation will be given for each tree collected, which in the Taunton area (TA1, TA2, and TA3) will be divided between St Margaret's Hospice and CHSW.

The project is sponsored by Buses of Somerset, with St Margaret's Hospice staff and volunteers set to collect trees from kerbsides across the county on January 11 and 12, 2025.

Kerry Baillie, community partnerships manager at St Margaret's Hospice, said: "We are thrilled to be teaming up with Children's Hospice South West again this year to collect trees across the county.

"This amazing initiative is a wonderful way to make a difference in your local community and raise money to help us continue to support patients and their families through one of the most difficult times in their lives."

The initiative also presents an opportunity for individuals to volunteer and help with the collection process.

Ms Baillie added: "If you don’t have a real tree to recycle but you want to do something to support your local hospice you can join our Christmas Tree Collection Crew to help ensure this countywide operation runs smoothly.

"There are lots of volunteering roles available from collecting trees to coordinating our drop-off sites, so if you can spare a few hours to help out please visit our st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/christmas-tree-volunteer."

CHSW volunteers will carry out their tree collections from January 13 to 15, 2025.

The last date for booking tree collections is January 7, 2025.

Debbie Birtwisle, CHSW area fundraiser, said: "We are so pleased to be working alongside St Margaret’s Hospice Care once again to bring this easy, green and charitable way to recycle your real Christmas tree, while raising vital funds for 2 local charities who do such vital work here in the South West.

"The money raised from collecting and recycling trees will help make a huge difference for people at their most difficult times, so don’t wait – book your collection in today."

Both hospices extended their gratitude to Biffa for donating their time and vehicles to help with the collection.

To book a Christmas tree collection with St Margaret’s Hospice, visit st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/christmas-tree-collection.

To book a collection with Children’s Hospice South West, visit chsw.org.uk/christmastree.