Residents across Swindon are being invited to give their Christmas tree a second life this January while helping support families facing the toughest of times.
Prospect Hospice has confirmed the return of its much-loved Christmas tree collection service, offering households a simple and responsible way to dispose of real trees after the festive season. The scheme once again forms part of The Big Christmas Tree-Cycle Appeal 2026, run in partnership with national charity Just Helping.
For a suggested donation of £20, teams of local volunteers will collect Christmas trees directly from homes and ensure they are recycled responsibly. Funds raised through the initiative go directly towards Prospect Hospice’s work, supporting patients and families living with life-limiting illness across the area.
The appeal has grown into a nationwide effort, with thousands of trees chipped and reused each year, keeping large volumes of waste out of landfill and reducing carbon impact in the process. At the same time, it brings together volunteers, charities and communities with a shared purpose.
Tree collections will take place across the SN1, SN2, SN3, SN4, SN5, SN6, SN25 and SN26 postcode areas.
Ben Lee, Head of Relationship Fundraising at Prospect Hospice, said the scheme offers a simple way for people to make a real difference once the decorations come down.
“Our Christmas tree collection is such a positive way for the community to give back after the festive season,” he said. “For many people it’s a small act, but it has a huge impact. Every donation helps us provide specialist care and support for local people at the end of their lives, and for their families too. It really is a case of turning trees into care.”
Alongside public bookings, the hospice is also appealing for volunteers and local businesses to help make the project possible. Support is needed from those able to offer a few hours of time, access to a van, or the loan of a vehicle during the collection period.
“We simply couldn’t run this without the support of volunteers and local companies,” Ben added. “If you can help in early January, we’d love to hear from you.”
Registration for collections is now open. Residents can book their tree collection, offer their time, or find out more by visiting just-helping.org.uk or emailing treecycling@prospect-hospice.net.
