Environment Agency - Home

Unwanted Christmas trees provide festive flood defences

28-Dec-2011

Placed along river banks, coniferous trees also reduce erosion and create the perfect habitat for fish. The tree trunks stabilise the river bank whilst the conifers act as a filter and catch silt from the water. This removes sediment which would otherwise smother fish eggs, preventing them from hatching.
 
Mike Farrell, Fisheries Officer at the Environment Agency, said: “This is the ultimate green gift for people and wildlife living along our rivers. Homes are being protected from flooding whilst new habitats are being created for mammals, fish and invertebrates.

“We hope this innovative use of Christmas trees will have great potential for reducing flood risk. One in six properties in England and Wales is at risk of flooding so we are urging everyone to find out if they are at risk by visiting the Environment Agency website.”

The tree trunks have been used as a ‘softer’ and greener alternative to using heavier engineering materials such as steel piling. Not only is this method more sustainable but it could also save tens of thousands of pounds.

The trees have already been used on the banks of the River Bollin in Cheshire which are particularly sandy and easily eroded. This technique has also been successfully trialled in the Rivers Derwent, Glenderamackin and Marron in Cumbria.

Rivers in England and Wales are at their healthiest for 20 years but the Environment Agency is doing even more to improve standards further.

The Christmas trees used on the River Bollin and Derwent were donated by the Forestry Commission and United Utilities. The trees are installed in the banks of the river by trained Environment Agency staff. Large spruce logs are secured at the base of the eroding river banks and the Christmas trees are attached to them.

Householders should contact their local authority to find out how best to dispose of or recycle unwanted trees after Christmas.

Images and Video