Tree-cycling success for Demelza

Last weekend saw the return of Demelza’s popular tree-cycling project. In exchange for a donation, residents in select postcodes across Tunbridge Wells, Medway, Swale and Bromley were able to sign up to have their wilted Christmas trees collected from their doorstep and recycled.

The Christmas tree collections took place over three days, from 6 – 8 January, raising over £20,000 and was made possible by a team of 80 staff and volunteers who took to the streets visiting 1,250 households and collecting 1,400 trees throughout the three locations.

Volunteers load up a Axis truck with Christmas trees.

Head of Community and Events, Kat Cordrey, said: “We were thrilled to be able to offer our tree-cycling service to more postcodes this year and hope to continue expanding in the years to come. We simply couldn’t have done it without our amazing team of volunteers who supported us as tree collectors, van drivers and more last weekend.”

The Christmas trees have since been recycled into wood chippings, with some being used in the gardens at our Kent hospice. Demelza’s Head Gardener, Sam, shares his plans: “The chippings will be used for topping up bark pathways, mulching underneath trees and hedges, and some will be mixed in with our compost heaps, all going back into the soil.”

Thank you

A special thank you to Alsford Timber for sponsoring our Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge postcodes and to the Chislehurst Rotary Club for sponsoring our Bromley postcodes.

Thank you to our dedicated corporate supporters and local businesses for supporting with volunteers and vehicles: Tunbridge Wells Garden Centre, Vizards at The Judd School, Ruxley Garden Centre, Swale Heating, Millwall FC, Balfour Beatty, Medway Norse, Deva Yoga, Theo & Gilbert, Rose Removals and TONE Scaffolding.

Thank you to our amazing team of wood chippers: Bartlett Tree Experts, RWE Rural Services, Invicta Tree Care, Panacea Gardens, and Kent Tree Care.

Thank you to 121 Systems who provided the routes for the event.