Christmas trees chipped for local charities

Residents have recycled their Christmas trees with a local chipping project to help raise money for two charities.

The event, which took place in Tabernacle Car Park in Wotton-Under-Edge raised funds for Rory's Well and Wotton Area Climate and Nature Network.

Volunteers said they saw about 50 trees brought in for recycling.

Karen Binns from Rory's Well said all of the broken down material will be used in local gardening and outdoor projects.

"We've had an absolutely fantastic response. The community has all come together," she said.

"Chipping the trees is the most environmental way of disposing of them."

Resident Cathy Brent who drove her tree to the event said it "removes the guilt" of having a live Christmas tree.

"I know that bringing the tree up here and chipping it means the remains of the tree are going to be useful - used in paths probably," she said.

"Purchasing the tree from the charity I also know that I'm helping Rory's Well plant trees in Sierra Leone."

Local Becky Babbage said she disposes her Christmas tree every year with the charity.

"We buy it locally to be disposed of locally as well," she said.

"I think it's brilliant because it raises money for charity. It gets everybody out and everyone's happy at the end of the season."

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