After the festive season comes to an end, several Christmas trees from the Cathedral grounds are carefully taken down, including the impressive Cathedral tree kindly funded by the Friends of Winchester Cathedral. This work is carried out by the Gardens Team, who ensure the process is managed thoughtfully and sustainably.
Felling the trees, snedding (removing the branches) and chipping the wood is a skilled task that takes a number of hours. Rather than being treated as waste, however, the trees are seen as a valuable resource that can be reused within the landscape.
In previous years, the resulting woodchip has been used to create and maintain garden paths, mulch around young trees and enrich compost heaps, where it gradually breaks down and returns nutrients to the soil. This approach supports healthier planting while reducing the need for additional materials.
This year, the woodchip has been spread around a veteran lime tree in the paddock. Mulching in this way helps retain moisture, suppress weeds and protect the soil, while also creating valuable habitat. As the woodchip settles and decomposes, it provides shelter for insects and small animals, contributing to greater biodiversity within the Cathedral grounds.
By reusing natural materials in this way, the Gardens Team continues a commitment to sustainable land management, ensuring that the festive season leaves a positive and lasting legacy for wildlife and the wider environment.
Interested in nature? You may like to buy tickets to the upcoming Wild! Festival of Flowers & Nature, taking place from 15th – 19th September 2026.
Wild! is a vibrant celebration of flowers and nature inspired by the beauty and diversity of our natural surroundings. Hundreds of local floral artists will transform this spectacular building creating an immersive experience inviting visitors to wander through breathtaking, large scale floral installations. But, more than just a feast for the eyes, this festival promises hands-on workshops, live botanical art, quirky performance elements and a sense of theatre – making it a truly exciting and unforgettable journey through the wonders of creativity inspired by the natural world. Tickets are now on sale, click here for more information.
