Forget Me Not expands popular Christmas tree collection to Tameside

A much-loved festive recycling scheme is coming to Tameside for the first time, as Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice extends its long-running Christmas tree collection service to the borough and all OL postcodes.

The hospice, which cares for local children with life-shortening conditions and supports their families, has been running the volunteer-led service across West Yorkshire since 2019. Last year alone, the charity collected and recycled more than 2,500 real Christmas trees, raising over £32,000 to help fund its vital work.

This January, residents across Tameside will be able to book a collection between 6th and 18th January 2026 for a minimum donation of £12. The scheme offers a hassle-free way to dispose of real Christmas trees while supporting a good cause.

Georgia Lane, Forget Me Not’s fundraising manager, encouraged local people to plan ahead: “Everyone has a lot to think about at Christmas, so we’re urging people to get one job done nice and early this year and book their Christmas tree recycling service with us now. All you have to do is place your order online and then you can relax, knowing it’s taken care of. And every penny raised will help us support local children and families.”

Georgia also stressed how crucial initiatives like this are to the charity’s survival.

“Fundraising activities like this are so important for Forget Me Not. It costs us £6.5 million just to keep the doors open and we have to find 80% of that ourselves.

“We’ve been collecting Christmas trees in West Yorkshire since 2019, but we know we have a lot of supporters in OL postcodes. Our team helps children and families from this area and, of course, our shop in Royton has been superbly supported by the community there.”

Recycled trees will be chipped and reused in natural landscaping projects, with some heading to Ogden Water to help create natural barriers.

Residents in Tameside and surrounding OL postcode areas can book their collection before 7th January by visiting the charity’s website and following the simple instructions.