Our New Community Driven Conservation Themed Art Installation made of Recycled Christmas Trees

We are proud to announce the return of our  hugely popular Christmas tree recycling initiative, now entering its sixth year. We are prepared for 2026 to be the most impactful yet. In partnership with St Peter’s Hospice, Weston Hospice and North Somerset Council, the Zoo and conservation charity in North Somerset is aiming to recycle a record 4,000 Christmas trees, transforming them into enrichment, mulch, and compost to benefit both animals and the environment.

New for 2026,alongside our project partners, we have used recycled trees to create a large-scale art installation on the Zoo’s Pumpkin Patch field. Made entirely from whole trees and chippings, the community focussed art installation features the outline of a bear and cub, raising awareness of conservation initiatives and showcasing the creative ways natural materials can be repurposed.

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, our Managing Director explained, “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. 

Larry continued, “This year, we’re also excited to share our brand-new art installation created entirely from recycled Christmas trees. Our team has crafted a life-sized Andean bear and cub mosaic made out of recycled festive materials to shine a spotlight on this vulnerable species and the conservation work taking place to protect them. It’s a meaningful way to turn discarded trees into something inspiring, raising awareness for a species that urgently needs our help.”

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.”

Caitlin Logan, events fundraising manager at St Peter’s Hospice, said, “The Christmas Tree collection is such a wonderful initiative to be involved in and benefits so many organisations in different ways.

“The money raised through donations for the scheme goes towards helping us support patients and their families when they need it the most. It’s a great way to kick off the new year so thank you to all involved.”

You can drop off your 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.