As Bluebell Wood’s eager elves prepare to recycle people’s real Christmas trees across the region, their expert partners are on hand with some handy tips to keep them in pristine condition until it’s time to take down the trimmings.

The charity will be lightening the load in the New Year by collecting real trees from people’s doors across South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and North Derbyshire in return for a £10 donation to support local families going through the toughest of times.

You can sign up to the service and cross one New Year’s task off the list here or by calling 01909 508103.

In the meantime, the team at Bluebell Wood want to make sure people get the most out of their trees.

Todwick’s Sunnybank Farm, one of many local businesses that are kindly supporting the scheme, have shared these top tips to help to keep trees fresh and fragrant over Christmas:

• When you buy your tree, cut one centimetre off the bottom off the base of the trunk and store outdoors in in a bucket of water until you’re ready to decorate it
• Before adding the trimmings, cut another centimetre off the bottom before placing it in a Christmas tree stand
• Make sure the water level in the stand is just above the base of the trunk, otherwise a seal will form over the stem.
• Keep it in the coolest part of the room, ideally away from a radiator, so it doesn’t dry out too quickly

Remember – trees are very thirsty! They can drink between half a litre to two litres of water a day so be sure to keep it topped up!

John Parker, from Sunnybank Farm, said: “We’ve sold more trees in November this year than ever before and it’s shaping up to be a record year for us.

“I think with everything that’s happened this year people really want to make the most of Christmas and get their trees up nice and early.

“So recycling the trees in an environmentally friendly manner is very important, and that’s why we’re very much looking forward to working with Bluebell Wood in the New Year."

“All the trees that come to us will be chipped and turned into mulch which we’ll be able to use across the farm and to help grow more trees.”

Sam Wood, Head of Fundraising at Bluebell Wood, said: “This year people have really pulled out the stops with their Christmas decorations, and who could blame them after the year we’ve all had!

“So we’re delighted to be able to make things that bit easier in the New Year for the part people don’t like quite as much, while giving them the peace of mind that their tree will be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.

“And the best part is - each and every tree we collect will help us make magical memories with local children and families at a time when they need our support more than ever.”

Bluebell Wood would like to thank XPO Logistics, Fletchers Waste Management, The Billingley Christmas Tree Farm, Envar Composting (North) Ltd, Brier Hills Recycling Ltd, Notcutts, Arrow Farm, Paul Day, Darfoulds , Bank Park, Gorsefield Farm and Sunnybank Farm for all their support with the Christmas Tree Recycling Service.