Christmas tree recycling has proved to be a big success at Upton Country Park this year, with Poole residents more than doubling the number of trees recycled last year.
More than 1,400 trees were collected between 27 December and 11 January in a dedicated area of the car park at Upton Country Park. This compares to more than 600 trees collected over the festive season last year. The service was open for an additional week this year.
Trees were chipped by council staff and will be used for mulching in the flower beds around Upton Country Park. By recycling the trees on site, the costs and environmental impact of transporting the trees have been significantly reduced.
Cllr Xena Dion, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for a Prosperous and Sustainable Poole, Borough of Poole, said: “We have had a terrific response from residents to our appeal for Christmas trees and really appreciate efforts people make in order to get their tree to us. Extending the opening time by an additional week has proven to be extremely beneficial.
“All trees are being put to good use at Upton Country Park. It is gratifying to see the trees reconstituted as mulch and still working for the natural environment.
“This is a win-win scheme as not only does the park benefit from the recycled Christmas trees but the council’s carbon footprint is reduced as well, especially as people would have dropped off their tree whilst coming to the Park to enjoy its full range of amenities.”
