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Since this festive scheme began, it is estimated that around 10,000 Christmas trees have been recycled and repurposed at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm. Following the record-breaking 3,500 trees recycled last Christmas, the Council and zoo team are aiming for an ambitious 4,000 trees this season.
A proportion of the trees will be used to enrich animal habitats, with many of the zoo’s residents enjoying the seasonal scents and textures as a form of sensory enrichment.
The remaining trees will be chipped and mulched for land regeneration across the zoo site, ensuring every tree is fully repurposed. The council and its contractor Glendale Services are proud to provide a team on-site to help facilitate the tree-recycling.
The project directly supports North Somerset Council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan, which commits the authority to cutting carbon emissions and reducing waste. This initiative:
- Reduces methane-producing organic waste
- Cuts transport and disposal emissions
- Promotes reuse and natural recycling
- Supports sustainable land management
Alongside the zoo partnership, the council continues to support the annual charity Christmas tree collections run by Weston Hospicecare and St Peter’s Hospice, which together have raised more than £64,000 since the initiative began.
Cllr Annemieke Waite, Cabinet Member for Planning and Environment at North Somerset Council said: “This project shows what can be achieved when public, private and charitable organisations work together. Recycling and repurposing real Christmas trees not only reduces waste and carbon impact, but also supports animal welfare, land regeneration and vital hospice services across our communities.”
Larry Bush, Director of Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, commented: “Each January, this campaign remains one of our favourite ways to begin the year - it’s a great initiative that benefits our animals, our local community, and the environment. Thanks to North Somerset Council and the incredible generosity of our visitors, we’re on track for our biggest and most impactful year yet with the recycling program.”
Residents can either drop their tree off at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm between 27 December to 25 January, or book a collection through one of the charities:
- Weston Hospicecare - bookings open from now to the 6th January, with collections on the 10th January. Booking link and postcode collection information Here.
- St Peter’s Hospice - bookings open from now to the 4th January, with collections from 9-11 January. Booking link and postcode collection information Here.
Residents who are signed up to the Council's garden waste service can have their Christmas Tree collected on their first scheduled Garden Waste collection in January so can leave their tree out ready for collection. For alternative options for Christmas Tree disposal check out the council's website here - Christmas recycling and waste information | North Somerset Council