Pine trees cleared from local heathland are a cheap alternative to commercially grown Christmas trees.
Dorset County Council’s ranger service is restoring Blackdown Heath that surrounds Hardy’s monument.
Gorse and scots pine are being removed from the site to make way for grazing animals that will help maintain the heathland habitat, which is essential for many local species.
Jill Exton, senior ranger for Blackdown Heath, said:
“The trees would normally be burnt, but Scots pines make a good alternative to traditional Christmas trees and we are offering them with a suggested donation of £5. Any money raised will go towards fencing the area and providing a water supply for the animals.”
Trees can be collected from the rangers between 10am and 3:30pm on Friday 5 December at the old council depot, west of Hardy’s Monument, follow the signs on site.
