Rowcroft hospice Christmas tree collection scheme returns

Rowcroft Hospice has announced the return of its Christmas Tree Collection Service, offering South Devon residents a way to dispose of their Christmas trees after the festive season while raising funds to support local people living with life-limiting illnesses.

Residents in selected South Devon postcodes can register to have their tree collected in return for a small, suggested donation of £10. A team of Rowcroft volunteers will collect trees within the Torbay boundary area (postcodes TQ1–TQ5), as well as in Totnes (TQ9), Newton Abbot (TQ12 only) and Teignmouth (TQ14), between Tuesday 6 January and Friday 9 January 2026.

Lisa Whitaker, Rowcroft’s Corporate Fundraiser, said: “We’re so grateful to everyone who makes our Christmas Tree Collection Service possible, from the incredible volunteers to the generous supporters, we couldn’t bring it back each year without you. We’re also delighted to have the support of our partners, Torbay Clearance Services, who are helping make this year’s scheme possible. The collection not only helps your local hospice provide specialist care for patients and families facing the toughest of times, but it also takes the hassle out of disposing of your Christmas tree after the festivities.”

Rowcroft supports more than 2,500 patients and their loved ones each year, with 80% receiving care in their own homes, covering an area from Dartmouth to Dawlish and up onto Dartmoor.

The hospice said that, as organisations across the UK face rising costs, low levels of government funding, reduced charitable donations and increasing demand for end-of-life care, community support remains vital to ensure services can continue.

All trees collected through the scheme will be chipped and recycled into mulch by Devon Tree Services, which will be used to enhance the hospice gardens.

Funds raised through the collection will go towards providing specialist end-of-life care, helping to sustain Rowcroft’s services. The hospice said donations could contribute to practical support such as fuel for nurses travelling to patients’ homes, complementary therapy materials, or care for patients with complex needs in its inpatient unit.

Registrations close at 11.59pm on Sunday 4 January 2026, and residents are asked to ensure all decorations are removed before collection. Further information and booking details are available at www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk/christmas-tree.