A living Christmas tree complete with decorations deep in a forest between Sally Gap and Laragh in Co Wicklow has been standing so for several years, according to Declan Cunningham, public relations officer with the Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team.

“Personally I quite like the little surprise of seeing the odd tree with some decoration on it,” he said, “but from a (rescue team) point of view, we certainly wouldn’t be condoning this.

“We have had 66 call-outs this year and for us, from a safety point of view, we would far rather that people brought what they needed when they go walking in the mountains.”

The tree is one of three Mr Cunningham has seen in the Wicklow Mountains area. Another is at Tibradden Ridge, near Fairy Castle, and the third is near the Glencap Commons car park.

“I suppose it’s littering, but it’s really sporadic and rare,” said Robert Farrelly, public relations officer with the Glen of Imaal Red Cross Mountain Rescue Team.

It is not known who dressed the trees. “I’d imagine it’s locals, but I couldn’t really comment,” said Mr Farrelly. “There’s every chance it was the fairies.”