The Christmas tree recycling scheme in Cambridge run by Arthur Rank Hospice Charity (ARHC) is once again operating this month and, thanks to support from volunteers, the organisers are aiming to collect more trees than ever before.
In January 2024, some 3,500 trees were collected, and more than £60,000 was raised, and in January 2025 the hospice aims to collect a 4,500 trees.
The volunteers come from businesses of all sizes and sectors, as well local organisations.
Volunteers, supporters, sponsors and staff from ARHC prepare for Christmas tree collection at Scotsdales Garden Centre in Great Shelford. Picture: Keith Heppell
Businesses sending teams and donating vans to help on the day include HSBC, Barclays, The Welch Group, QAV Global, Enterprise, Alleycat, Springboard, Cooke Curtis & co, Pink Lamp, The Murphy Group, Kier, Huttie Group, Simpsons Nursery and CRL, together with organisations like The Rotary Club of Cambridge and RAF Marham.
Neil Hoskins, from HSBC, said: “We love to support the hospice with the Christmas tree collections and have done so for many years now.
“Not only is it a very worthy cause which aligns closely with HSBC’s own ambitions to support the communities we operate in, but it is also an opportunity to spend time with our Hospice will recycle your tree colleagues, outside of the normal office environment, working as a team which brings benefits to our business too.
“We all find it hugely rewarding and would encourage other businesses to consider taking part too.”
The 2025 collection is sponsored by Cambridge estate and letting agents, Cooke Curtis & co.
Jamie Curtis, director, said: “We are delighted to support Arthur Rank for the fifth consecutive year and to witness the scheme’s growth alongside increasing donations.
“This incredible initiative raises vital funds for the hospice, which does outstanding work providing compassionate end-of-life care to patients.”
Following all the trees being collected, a team of volunteer chippers take over, to chip the trees for recycling.
They give up their time on the day and bring along all the equipment necessary to chip the trees and recycle the chippings.
Local companies involved include Brookfields Contracting, ACS Tree Care, Acacia Tree Surgery and Covill Skips.
Arthur Rank Hospice Charity thanked Abington Saw Mill, Scotsdales Garden Centre, Cambridge Rugby Club, Morrisons, Rectory Farm and Shepreth Wildlife Park, which provide space for volunteers to drop off the trees.
Keeping all the volunteers well fed is also important, and Rapid Relief Team provides lunches for all the volunteers.
Gina Thomas, events and challenges manger at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, said: “This is one of our biggest fundraisers, and we’ve set ourselves our biggest target for 2025, so to have this phenomenal support from the community to make this possible is just fantastic.
“We are so grateful to each and every single person giving up their time, contributing by donating vans, providing lunches and to everyone who has helped us promote this scheme.
“It really will make a difference to the care we can provide to our patients across all of Cambridgeshire.”
Arthur Rank Hospice supports people in Cambridgeshire living with a life-limiting illness and those who need end-of-life care.
For more information on the tree recycling scheme, visit arhc.org.uk/fundraising/fundraise-your-way/community-initiatives/christmas-tree-recycling/.