A unique coastal defense strategy is underway in Lancashire, where discarded Christmas trees are being used to combat rising sea levels and rebuild lost sand dunes. Hundreds of volunteers are burying tens of thousands of trees along the coastline south of Blackpool, transforming them into natural barriers.
A Festive Frontline Against Climate Change
The project, which began over three decades ago and has expanded in recent years, addresses a critical issue: the Lancashire coast has lost an estimated 80% of its sand dunes since the mid-1800s due to coastal development. Amy Pennington of Lancashire Wildlife Trust explained, “Sand dunes used to extend for miles and miles inland but we’ve colonised and built the towns so now they’re a very thin fragment of what they used to be.”
Volunteers haul the tinsel-free trees into shallow trenches, allowing them to grab root and trap sand, gradually forming dunes. These dunes serve as a vital defense against storm surges and rising tides, protecting homes and infrastructure. The UK has lost approximately 30% of its sand dunes since 1900, with two-thirds of that loss occurring in the last 30 years and sea levels have risen roughly 19.5cm during that period.
A Habitat Restored
Beyond coastal protection, the project is also proving beneficial for wildlife. Sand lizards, absent from the area for about 60 years, were reintroduced in 2020 and are now breeding successfully within the newly formed dunes. Andy Singleton-Mills, area conservation manager for Fylde council, noted that while elusive, the lizards are thriving.
Last week, 650 volunteers buried approximately 2,000 Christmas trees donated from across Lancashire on Lytham beach. The trees, along with existing marran grass with roots that can grow up to 100 metres long, are intended to create dunes up to 3 metres (10ft) high.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of burying Christmas trees on Lancashire beaches?
The primary purpose is to create sand dunes that act as a natural defense against rising sea levels and storm surges, protecting homes and infrastructure.
How much of the Lancashire coastline’s sand dunes have been lost?
Since the mid-1800s, the Lancashire coast is believed to have lost approximately 80% of its sand dunes.
What other benefits does this project provide?
The project also provides a vital habitat for wildlife, including sand lizards that were reintroduced to the area in 2020 after being absent for about 60 years.
As sea levels continue to rise, will this approach remain effective?
