Branching Out - Setting Our Sights on the Biggest Christmas Tree-cycling Year Yet
26th Dec 2025
We are proud to announce the return of its hugely popular Christmas tree recycling initiative, now entering its sixth year. We're gearing up for 2026 to be the most impactful yet. In partnership with St Peter’s Hospice and North Somerset Council, we are aiming to recycle a record 4,000 Christmas trees with the help of Glendale Services, transforming them into enrichment, mulch, and compost to benefit both animals and the environment.
The recycled trees play an important role across the Zoo. Chippings are used in the Andean Adventure habitat, where spectacled bears Madidi, Rasu, Tuichi and Beni enjoy foraging and exploring the fresh scents and textures. Larger branches are offered to the herd of African bull elephants - Shaka, Janu, Uli and Sutton - as browse, while meerkats, capybaras and other species benefit from mulch that encourages natural digging and scent-tracking behaviours.
Larry Bush, Director here at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm commented, “Each January, this campaign remains our favourite way 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.”
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.”
Members of the public can drop off their real and undressed Christmas trees at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm between 27 December and 25 January 2026, from 10:30am to 4:00pm.
The scheme is open to individual households wishing to recycle their trees responsibly after the festive season.
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