Trees help dunes protection project

Trunks used to shore up shifting sands

Fifers are being offered an environmentally friendly solution to the problem of what to do with that Christmas tree once its 12 days are up.

The Fife Coast and Countryside Trust is urging East Neuk residents to recycle their real trees to help shore up shifting sands.

The group will use the tired old timber to prevent crater erosion on the sand dunes along St Andrews’ West Sands.

Members are hoping to build on the success of last year’s campaign when more than 400 trees were donated.

Supporters can drop off their used Christmas trees at the designated fenced-off area near the West Sands Cafe.

Members of the public will be able to leave their cast-offs from December 28 until the second week in January when the collected trees will be taken to the dune site earmarked for improvements.

Fife Coast and Countryside Trust Ranger Ranald Strachan said the scheme was a green double whammy – protecting the sands from erosion while saving trees from going to landfill.

He is hoping increasing awareness of environmental issues will result in an even more enthusiastic response than last year.

“The new dunes for old trees project has now been in place for four years,” he said.

“The scheme was a huge success and the trees helped prevent further erosion of the craters from high winds, which are such a frequent occurrence along the Fife coastline.”

Those wanting to donate their unwanted trees to the project can do so until January 11.

“The new dunes for old trees project has now been in place for four years. RANALD STRACHAN