The festivities have come to an end, and Christmas trees up and down the country are taken down

Across the country, millions of real Christmas trees are purchased over the festive period, with many ending up in landfill or being fly tipped.

Luckily, the Countryside Alliance has put together a list of environmentally friendly options for what to do with your Christmas tree.

Sarah Lee of the Countryside Alliance said: “It’s often a bit gloomy having to part ways with your Christmas tree, but there are so many beneficial and environmentally friendly options available that make the experience much more positive.

"Gone should be the days of seeing Christmas trees left out in the street or dumped in the countryside, causing a blight up and down the country.”

One method is to simply replant the tree in your garden. If you have the space, find a spot that won’t expose the tree to too much wind, but that which leaves it open to sunlight.

Dig a hole wide enough to fit the tree in and then some. Place the tree into the hole, removing any coverings to the root ball. Then place the excavated soil back into the hole, covering each layer. Then add some mulch and cover the tree with a suitable shield. Keep it watered, regularly, all year round.

If you don't have enough space to replant your tree, tree reusing it instead. You will need to keep the tree potted outside (leaving enough room for it to grow either side), watered all year round and protected.

Alternatively, you could chop the tree up to make mulch or compost, or use the wood to make some Christmas decorations for next year.

The pine needles can be used to prevent the spread of weeds in your garden, or add them to warm water and use the solution to prevent smelly feet.

Some local garden centres can chip the tree down for you, which they can then use for mulch or compost.

There are also charities that will collect and recycle your tree for you, for a donation. One of these is the Weldmar Hospicecare 'treecycle' scheme.

Head to https://www.weld-hospice.org.uk/become-involved/trees/ for more information.