2019 Sustainable Christmas Tree Scheme Launched

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is pleased to launch an expanded sustainable Christmas tree programme across the district, following on from last year’s successful pilot.

The scheme has been supported by local community organisations, which will be working with the Council to plant Christmas trees. It is expected that these sustainable trees will become the central point for Christmas celebrations for decades to come and will have a long term positive impact on the environment and local communities.

The 15 locations, which will received the sustainable Christmas trees are Ballyhornan Community Centre, Killough; Ballykinlar, Dundrum, Annesborough, Drumaness villages; Cullyhanna; Forkhill; Bessbrook, Glen Gaelic Football Club, Newry; Mayobridge Community Centre; Attical; Ballyholland and Newry Hospice.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey said, “We are delighted that the 2018 pilot scheme, which saw seven sustainable trees planted, has been so successful that this year it will be expanded to a further 15 sites. 

“We realise that it may take a few years for these trees to reach their full potential, but we believe that the long term environmental and economic benefits will be felt by local communities for years to come.

“We would like to thank all the community organisations and volunteers who have supported this initiative and have assisted in launching this project. It is only through their good will and co-operation that the Council has been able to roll out this scheme across the district.”

The Council recently took delivery of the 15 trees, which arrived from Italy. The trees have been grown in pots and are approximately 4.5 metres tall. Over the next few weeks Council staff will be planting these trees in agreed locations across the district where they will be lit up with Christmas lights for the festive season.

In addition, the Council recently agreed to develop a tree strategy to protect and enhance the area’s tree cover for future generations, recognising the important role that trees play in mitigating the effects of climate change, flooding and pollution control.

These sustainable Christmas trees are a small but important step in this direction, as the Council moves increasingly away from cutting down trees for Christmas displays in local towns and villages and towards having living trees as a focus point for all community celebrations.