North Somerset zoo hoping for biggest ever Christmas tree-cycling scheme
The number of trees donated at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm has trebled since first launching in 2021
A North Somerset Zoo say they're gearing up for their biggest ever Christmas tree recycling scheme - as it returns for the fourth year running.
Noah's Ark Zoo Farm have been running the scheme since 2021 - and have seen the number of trees recycled treble from 1000 to 3000 last year.
The trees have been repurposed for use in the zoo - including as chippings for animals, and mulch that's used to bury food in for animals to forage.
The scheme also forms part of the zoo's sustainability work.
Jon Jutsum, Site Manager at Noah's Ark says "the scheme enables the public to dispose of their Christmas trees in a responsible and sustainable way, and also benefit from the knowledge that their tree will be repurposed for good.
The scheme is run in partnership with North Somerset Council, as part of its recycling scheme to raise money for local communities and charities.
The authority's executive member for climate, waste and sustainability, Councillor Annemieke Waite, said last year's collection raised over £37,350 for hospices in Weston-Super-Mare.
"Instead of becoming another waste item after the festive period," Cllr Waite said, "it’s positive to see the trees being repurposed and used again as a valuable resource.
"As this is all done locally, it helps cut down on transportation and carbon emissions, while supporting our commitment to tackle the climate emergency.”
People looking to donate their tree can do so between Wednesday 3rd and Sunday 21st January 2024.