Christmas tree collections in St Albans and the surrounding area have raised £32,000 for a local hospice.

Overall, £112,000 has been raised over six years of tree collections for The Hospice of St Francis, in Berkhamsted.

READ MORE

A total of 1,800 trees were recycled into compost, saving over six tonnes of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent).

According to ecological solutions company Veolia, this is the equal to taking 4,000 cars off the road.

Volunteer collection groups included the Harpenden Lions, St Albans Lions, Hemel Hempstead Rotary, Seven Dwarves Rugby 7s and Culverhouse Gardens Ltd, JDR Tree Care and Nick Rogers, Veolia and St Albans District Council.

Nikki Mills, Veolia’s St Albans contract manager, said: "Thank you once again to all of the residents whose generosity has helped to support this wonderful tradition.

Herts Advertiser: 1,800 trees were collected.1,800 trees were collected. (Image: Veolia)

"We are proud of the efforts from all of the volunteers who came together for the collections this year.

"All of the collected trees have been recycled which helps keep up our proud tradition of maintaining one of the highest recycling rates in England.”

St Albans City and District Council's lead councillor for recycling, Allison Wren, added: “I am delighted that we have supported this great cause once again and that a record sum has been raised.

“My heartfelt thanks go to the volunteers involved in collecting the trees and the many residents who made a donation.

“The collection service has not only contributed a substantial amount of money to the Hospice of St Francis, it has also promoted our efforts to maintain the District’s very high recycling rate.

"It is very pleasing that the trees have been made into compost rather than being burned or left to rot.”

Lastly, Hannah Greenshields, community fundraiser at The Hospice of St Francis, commented: "A hospice is a gift a community gives to itself and we have been blown away by the enormous amount of support for our Christmas Tree Collection.

"It’s a vital fundraiser, helping our free care continue for local families. A massive thank you to all of our wonderful supporters for registering their trees, and to our team of 82 volunteers who gave up their precious time!

"A special shout out to the incredible local groups alongside the amazing Veolia. We couldn't do it without you all.”