ANIMALS at a Somerset zoo are once again set to use Christmas trees to liven up their home.

North Somerset Council and Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm are teaming up for the sixth year in a row to repurpose trees and cut back on seasonal waste.

Trees from households are used by animals at the zoo farm, who enjoy the seasonal scents and textures as a form of sensory enrichment.

Since the scheme began, an estimated 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.

Trees not used by animals will be chipped and mulched for land regeneration across the zoo site, ensuring every tree is fully repurposed.

The council and contractor Glendale Services provide a team on-site to help facilitate the tree-recycling.

The project supports the council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan, which commits the authority to cutting carbon emissions and reducing waste.

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The NSC and Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm 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 is also continuing support for charity Christmas tree collections by Weston Hospicecare and St Peter’s Hospice.

Cllr Annemieke Waite, Cabinet member for planning and environment at NSC, 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, added: “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 December 27 and January 25, or book a collection through Weston Hospicecare, with bookings open until January 6, with collections on January 10, or from St Peter’s Hospice, with bookings open until January 4, with collections from January 9 to 11.

Households signed up to the council’s garden waste service can have their Christmas tree collected on their first scheduled garden waste collection in January.