Jim Hume MSP, Liberal Democrat Environment spokesperson, has called on everyone to recycle their Christmas trees and cards while warning that real Christmas trees will be a thing of the past if the Scottish Government press on with plans to sell off Scotland's forests.

Jim Hume MSPOn the 12th day of Christmas when traditionally all decorations are taken down, Mr Hume commented:

"It is estimated that over one billion Christmas cards are sent each year with the majority of those ending up in rubbish bins. Last year only around 7% of Christmas cards were recycled. This year I want everyone to recycle their cards so that we can help protect Scotland's forests from further unnecessary erosion.

"The Woodland Trust has teamed up with commercial partners so recycling our Christmas cards couldn't be easier."

Mr Hume went on to warn of threat to Scotland's forests in 2009:

"I hope that every Scottish family who bought a real tree enjoyed it this Christmas. If the Scottish Government press on with plans to sell of Scotland's forests it may well be the last Christmas that we can buy a sustainably grown, Scottish tree.

"The threat faced by Scotland's forests in the coming year is substantial. People can do two things to help protect Scottish forests; recycle their Christmas tree and sign our online petition to stop the Scottish Government selling off our woodland areas."