Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Launches Sustainable Christmas Tree Pilot Scheme

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is pleased to launch the first ever Sustainable Christmas Tree Pilot Programme across the district.

The scheme, which has been supported by local community organisations that have worked with Council in order to plant Christmas trees, envisages that the sustainable trees will become the central point for Christmas celebrations for the communities taking part.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin said, “We are delighted to promote this new approach to Christmas which will see a long term positive impact on the environment and for the local communities. I would like to thank all of the community organisations and volunteers that have supported and assisted in launching this pilot initiative. It is only through their good will and co-operation that the Council has been able to pilot this scheme across the district.

“Christmas is a time for communities to come together and nurture friendships. In this spirit, the Council hopes that we can nurture and grow the sustainable Christmas trees, so they can be a focal point in our communities that will be enjoyed for years to come.”

Seven sites are included in the pilot, two of which utilise existing trees. The trees will initially be 4 to 4.5 metres tall and will be Abies Nordmanniana (Nordman fir) conifers, one of the most popular Christmas firs. The Council acknowledges it may take a number of years for the trees to reach their full potential, but the long term environmental and financial benefits will be felt by local communities.

Included in the pilot scheme is a ‘starter kit’ for those communities taking part. This pack includes the sustainable tree, illuminations that can be used for future years, on site tutorials on tree maintenance and a commitment from the Council to maintain the tree into the future.

The initiative will be monitored closely and all feedback from this year’s pilot will be considered in next year’s approach to the provision of trees. It is hoped however, that the sustainable tree scheme will be rolled out to other areas across the district on an annual basis.