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A tree-mendous recycling idea

Christmas tree recycling

Christmas is over, and although the decorations might be up for a while longer, many will be thinking about how to get rid of the Christmas tree. 

In the UK approximately 250 tonnes of Christmas trees that could have been recycled are simply thrown out after Christmas. At Ogden Water nature reserve, outside Halifax, they are offering a free Christmas tree recycling service, which is the perfect way to get rid of your tree. 

Staff and volunteers on site are happy to take unwanted trees off your hands, and any trees donated will help with onsite management. Those with roots will be planted up in various sections of the woodland to add to the diverse range of trees present and those that do not have roots will be used to create a wildlife hedgerow/safety barrier around the reservoir side.  

Calderdale Council’s Area Countryside Officer, Chris Sutcliffe, said: 

“Ogden Water was a pioneer in using Christmas trees in this way, and the trees that we receive are greatly appreciated. We have previously had over 2000 donated – around £70,000 worth of Christmas trees – but each year we still need more.  

“They are laid around the edge of the reservoir, and give the whole place a boost of colour in our coldest and dullest months. As the seasons move on, the hedgerows provide a home for birds, insects, mammals and fungi, as nettles and brambles grow through the trees, creating a perfect habitat for wildlife.” 

Once the trees are collected, there will be two community days on Tuesday 13 and Tuesday 20 January, where volunteers can help staff to prepare the trees and lay them around the reservoir side. If anyone would like to join in with these sessions then please get in touch with Chris Sutcliffe on 07769 954956. 

Christmas trees can be dropped off outside the classroom, opposite the visitor centre until the end of January. Trees can also be recycled at any of the local Household Waste Recycling Centres in Calderdale.

 

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