What’s the deal with all the Christmas trees?

The number one question we’ve been asked since we have started working on the dunes! They really draw the attention which is great- everyone has been so positive. Here are some pointers to clarify what they are all about:

No, they don’t have roots and we are not hoping that they will grow. We didn’t set out to install a Christmas tree farm on the dunes!

Their purpose is to help stabilise the areas of the dune that have been particularly susceptible to erosion and damage. The exposed sand, which has been left open to the elements and trampling, means native marram grass hasn't been able to establish itself there.

How does it work? Well, we have dug the trees in to the point where they are holding back the dune that is above them, but the idea is that they will also collect and hold up new sand that reaches them by the tides and wind.

Over time, the trees will degrade naturally. Their trunks and branches should last a good while, especially as there is not much organic matter in the sand to accelerate decomposition.

Eventually the locations where the trees have been planted will look more like a stable dune. Marram grass will both naturally encroach and we will be planting some in between the trees as well. The marram will then do the stabilising work instead of the trees.

They have been proven to work very effectively in other locations on the Cornish coast. (Check out Beach Guardian at Constantine Bay)

This year we had a small collection of trees- about 30. We could have had more had we advertised, but lockdown meant that managing more than this would be tricky.

Next year, we hope to have a big call out to the community to come and help plant their tree. The locals have been so supportive and we feel that this contribution will leave a little legacy for them in our beloved dunes.

Please don’t walk on, over or through the areas where the trees have been planted (or anywhere that is not an official path really… but one thing at a time!) as it will undo our hard work and damages the dunes.

Anything else you would like to know about the Christmas trees?

We have plenty more to share about the dunes- stay tuned!