Restrictions put stop to animal trees scheme

PEOPLE have been told not to drop off their unwanted Christmas trees for animals at a Bristol zoo farm - because the trip there is not classed as an essential journey.

The scheme inviting people to take their festive firs to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in Wraxall has been ended as it is against Government ‘stay at home’ rules.

The zoo farm announced late last year that it was once again taking in trees which they use for animal enrichment and food for their animals.

Larry Bush, managing director of Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm said: “Due to the current situation with Covid-19 and the national lockdown restrictions, we are now closing down the scheme for this year and asking people not to drop off trees with us for recycling.

“The safety of everyone must come first and everyone must do their bit to stay at home to help reduce the spread of the virus. We hope to be back next year with a bigger and better scheme.”

North Somerset Council said people should now either put trees out as part of the green waste kerbside collection or take them to one of its recycling centres. It is also asking people to consider composting firs at home.

Restrictions are in operation at recycling centres.

Last year the North Somerset zoo farm was inundated with trees after Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary in Georgia, USA, appealed on social media for trees and people though it was the local farm.

This year the Wraxall zoo farm appealed or trees, and has already had around 1,000 trees dropped off ahead of the third lockdown.