BAUBLES and bows on decorated Christmas trees could prove to be a major fundraiser for a St Albans-based wildlife conservation charity. The Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust (HMWT) is holding its first-ever Festival of the Trees in St Albans Town Hall ne

BAUBLES and bows on decorated Christmas trees could prove to be a major fundraiser for a St Albans-based wildlife conservation charity.

The Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust (HMWT) is holding its first-ever Festival of the Trees in St Albans Town Hall next month.

The December 5 and 6 weekend opening to the public will be preceded by a black-tie gala event on Monday, November 30, and a special day for community groups on Wednesday, December 2.

HMWT is looking for any community groups in Herts who would like to promote their charity or group by decorating a Christmas tree in a style appropriate to their cause.

In total, 50 trees will be on display and each participating group can use their tree to showcase their cause.

During the weekend opening younger visitors will be able to meet the HMWT badger in his sett and have a picture taken as well as voting for their favourite tree which will receive a special People's Tree Award.

Local schools and musicians will entertain throughout the weekend and on the last day, Sunday, December 6, there will be a big tree sell off at 4pm when people can buy any of the trees to take away for their home or business.

It is hoped that more than 6,000 people will visit the festival between 10am and 4pm at the weekend to look at the trees and raise money for wildlife at the same time.

HMWT marketing and fundraising manager Danielle Porteous said: "This is a great opportunity for community groups, clubs and schools to highlight their work by decorating a tree or performing at the Festival.

"We'll be supplying the trees, stands and the light and a description of the group - all they have to do is have fun decorating their own tree. We really hope that lots of groups will want to take part and join our drive to protect wildlife at the same time."

All the money raised will go towards the trust's work for wildlife including helping to protect water voles, meadows, bitterns, wetland havens, butterflies, dragonflies, orchids and more.

Tickets for the fundraising gala are �30 which includes canap�s and champagne while the special community group view, which is open to elderly care and residential homes as well as special needs day care centres and homes, is by appointment and costs �2 per person.

Entry for the weekend opening is also �2 per person. Anyone wishing to book tickets for the gala or arrange a time slot for the special opening should contact HMWT on 01727 858901 or email Danielle.porteous@hmwt.org to register.