TO help take the stress out of the post-Christmas clean up, St Margaret’s Hospice have teamed up with Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) for their annual ‘treecycle’ service.

The service will commence in January and offers a charitable, eco-friendly alternative to wrestling a tree into the car or queuing at the tip.

All trees will be recycled responsibly and chipped down for use in local farms, allotments, and gardens.

In return, the hospices invite households to make a donation.

Every pound raised helps St Margaret’s and Children’s Hospice South West continue providing their specialist end-of-life care for patients and families when they need it most.

Steph Cox, head of engagement at St Margaret’s Hospice, said: “We are really excited to bring back our Christmas Tree Collection for 2026, our fifth year running. Let your Christmas tree do one last good deed before it heads out the door. It’s hassle free, eco-friendly, and a brilliant way to start the new year. Every tree recycled helps cut carbon emissions too, definitely something to celebrate.

“But the real magic happens with your donations. Every single pound helps us continue providing compassionate, free care for people living with a life limiting illness in our local community. This event brings out the very best of Somerset’s community spirit, and we’re so grateful for everyone who gets involved; those who donate to have their tree collected, and our incredible army of volunteers, without whom we really couldn’t do this without.”

St Margaret’s Hospice will be collecting trees from kerbsides across Somerset from January 9 to 11.

The deadline for booking is Monday, January 5, at midnight.

Last year St Margaret’s supported 4,833 people across Somerset.

The majority of who were cared for in their own homes by one of five community nursing teams.

Debbie Birtwisle, Children’s Hospice South West fundraiser, said: “We are so pleased to be working alongside St Margaret’s Hospice Care once again to bring this easy, green and charitable way to recycle your real Christmas tree, while raising vital funds for two local charities who do such vital work here in the South West. The money raised from collecting and recycling trees will help make a huge difference for people at their most difficult times, so don’t wait – book your collection in today.

“Thank you so much to JustHelping, Biffa and Ringway who are generously donating their time and vehicles to help us collect the Christmas trees. We are so grateful for their support.”

Donations for trees collected in the Taunton area (TA1, TA2, and TA3) will be split between Children’s Hospice South West and St Margaret’s Hospice, reflecting their shared commitment to compassionate local care.

Volunteers for CHSW will be collecting trees from January 9 to 13.

To book a Christmas tree collection with St Margaret’s Hospice, visit: www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/event/christmas-tree-collection

To book a Christmas tree collection with Children’s Hospice South West, visit: www.chsw.org.uk/christmastree