An environmentally friendly programme offering live cedar trees for rent over the Christmas season has been launched for the second year by the Bermuda National Trust.

The trees, grown by Bermuda Green Thumb on Brighton Hill, are just under 4ft. Once returned to the trust in January, they will be replanted in nature reserves across the island.

Myles Darrell, BNT’s head of natural heritage, said: “The trust will plant your returned cedar in one of our 13 publicly accessible nature reserves across Bermuda.

“You will be able to visit your Christmas tree for years to come and watch it grow, knowing that you have also helped mitigate climate change. Why purchase a cut and imported Christmas tree this year, or a plastic one, when you can choose a real, sustainable local option?”

A spokesman for the Bank of Butterfield, which is sponsoring the event, added: “Butterfield is pleased to support the Bermuda National Trust again and provide a more sustainable holiday tree tradition in Bermuda.

“Last year, having sponsored the pilot programme, we took the opportunity to dedicate a Butterfield cedar tree in memory of Marcia Woolridge-Allwood and her contribution to the success of the island’s financial services industry.

“The tree was planted at the new Eve’s Pond Nature Reserve in Hamilton Parish with a special plaque and is a fitting example of how the programme can benefit the present and the future as a lasting tribute.”

The trust has 120 trees to rent at a cost of $125, of which $50 will be refunded when the tree is returned. Care instructions will be provided.

To reserve a tree and for further details, click here. Tree pick-up will be from the BNT headquarters on Pomander Road on Saturday, November 26.