Volunteers can take home a free mini-Christmas tree for helping chop down some big ones on Esher Commons.

The festive scheme, organised by Elmbridge Council’s countryside team, has been set up in a bid to encourage the re-growth of heather and other native plants on Esher Commons.

Volunteers will get to take home their very own eco-friendly Christmas tree after a hard-day’s work pulling pines on Saturday, December 14.

The team plan to keep helpers warm with a fire.

For those who would rather stay inside, rather than face the bitter winter chill on the Commons, the Thames Ditton Cub Hut hosts free festive workshops where people can make their own Christmas decorations or a wreath.

Councillor Jane Fuller said there would also be an eco-friendly aspect to this alternative activity.

She says: “You will use natural materials sourced from the local countryside and your own creativity to produce something really unique.

“There’s no better way of getting in a celebratory mood for Christmas.”

Mini Christmas tree; Copsem Lane Car Park, Esher; December 14, 1pm to 3.30pm; participants advised to bring gloves.

Christmas decorations workshop; Thames Ditton Cub Hut, Willowbank, off Claygate Lane; December 14, 9.30am to 11.30am; booking essential; call 01372 474575.