Once the mince pies have lost their appeal and the turkey is gone the one thing left to remind you of a good Christmas is your real tree. But what to do with it once the festive period is over and the needles are starting to drop? Have no fear as you can recycle your Christmas tree at Ogden Water. Each year Calderdale Countryside Services receive thousands of trees, some that have their roots cut off and others potted. No matter what the state of your tree they can use it.
Trees can be left outside the visitor centre/classroom and then a hardy bunch of volunteers work the trees, removing branches down one side and placing the cut trees into a brash layer surrounding the reservoir. This thick layer adds a dash of colour during January, but has a number of other advantages. The layer prevents anyone from accessing the water – helping to keep people safe while still enjoying the site. It also creates a habitat that is used by birds, mammals insects and plants to breed, grow and develop over the coming year.
Any trees that are donated with roots on are planted around the estate in areas that would benefit from wind protection or in need of thickening up with firs & pines. Trees can be dropped off until the end of January and there are a number of days planned for people to help put the trees out around the reservoir, for more details please email chris.sutcliffe@calderdale.gov.uk