Christmas trees for good causes

CHRISTMAS TREES WANTED FOR GOOD CAUSES

Hey everyone in North Somerset! We’re once again encouraging people to donate their real Christmas trees to benefit local organizations. This is the third year of the program, and it’s been a huge success. We’re asking people to donate their trees to Noah’s Ark Zoo and Farm in Wraxall, St. Peter’s Hospice in Long Ashton, or Weston Rotary in support of Weston Hospicecare.

Thanks for your support! Most of the trees are chipped for land regeneration and some are donated for animal enrichment within their habitat. Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is accepting trees between 2 and 23 January. Trees should be left in the main car park during zoo opening times (10.30am to 4pm). Weston Rotary Pines for Pounds will collect trees for Weston Hospicecare on Saturday 7 January in the BS22, BS23, BS24, BS25, BS26, BS27, BS29, BS40, BS49, TA8 and TA9 postcode areas. There are 1,200 slots available, which must be prebooked online at www. westonhospicecare.org.uk/event/pinesforpounds. St Peter’s Hospice will collect trees on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 January 2023 from selected postcodes across Clevedon, Nailsea, Portishead and Bristol: BS4, BS5, BS7, BS9, BS15, BS16, BS20, BS21, BS30, BS41 and BS48. Tree collection must be prebooked online at www.stpetershospice.org/treecollection.

Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member for community and neighbourhood services, said: "North Somerset Council is very happy to support these Christmas tree schemes again this year. They’re great ways in which people can support local communities and charities – last year's collections raised over £26,000 – while following a sustainable approach. “Instead of becoming another waste item after the festive period, 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. “I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank our contractor Glendale for donating their time and resource to helping complete the chipping.” Christmas trees can also be taken to recycling centres where they will be treated as garden waste.

Check the council’s website for advice and opening times www.n-somerset.gov.uk/recyclingcentres. Residents signed up to the garden waste collection service can also put their trees out for collection when the service resumes from Monday 17 January 2023. Trees can either be chopped up and put in green waste bins or left whole alongside the bin. They can be up to two metres in length and must have the pot and all decorations removed.