Residents across Lincolnshire are being offered a simple, eco-friendly way to dispose of their real Christmas trees this January, while directly supporting vital local hospice care. St Barnabas Hospice has launched its annual Tree-cycle fundraising initiative, which collects and sustainably recycles trees in return for a charitable donation.
How The Tree-Cycle Initiative Works
The scheme asks for a suggested donation of £22, which the hospice states could cover the cost of a staff nurse for one hour. In return, a team of volunteers and corporate supporters will collect pre-registered trees from homes and businesses. The collection period is set for Wednesday, January 7 to Monday, January 12, 2026.
To guarantee collection, trees must be left in a clearly visible location, such as at the end of a drive. The hospice team is unable to enter properties, back gardens, or sheds. They accept trees up to 6ft in height; larger trees must be trimmed to fit in the collection vehicles.
Registrations are now open and will close on Monday, January 5, or when bookings reach capacity. Households, businesses, and hotels can register multiple trees for collection.
From Tree to Sustainable Resource
Once collected, the trees are given a new lease of life. They are chipped at locations across the county, with potted trees being replanted locally. The resulting chippings are then put to good use in several eco-friendly ways:
- Fuel for biomass boilers.
- Bedding for farmyard animals.
- Material for agricultural fertilisers.
- Mulch for local gardens.
Funding Crucial Care for People Like Angela
The funds raised are described as critical for St Barnabas Hospice, which is facing significant financial challenges. The money supports its Hospice at Home service, providing end-of-life care and support 365 days a year across Lincolnshire, from Lincoln and Louth to Gainsborough and Skegness.
The initiative directly benefits patients like Angela, who is living with liver cancer and receiving support at home from the hospice's team. "It's like coming out of the wilderness and into a safe place, in my own home," Angela said, praising her support worker, Sonya.
Sonya, a Health and Rehabilitation Support Worker and Spiritual Champion, explained her role: "I'm there to listen, to support, and to help and guide her with whatever she needs." A larger donation of £42.50 could fund a full hour of a community nurse visit, bringing personalised care directly to a patient's home.
Eleanor Fellows, Fundraising Officer at St Barnabas, expressed gratitude: "We want to say a huge thank you to all our volunteers and for the support we're receiving from local businesses and communities. Donations will play a crucial role in supporting our hospice during an increasingly challenging financial time."
For more information on the Hospice at Home service, call 0300 020 0694. To check postcode coverage and book your tree collection, visit the dedicated website: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/tree-cycle.
