An animal park in East Yorkshire is turning unwanted Christmas trees into nutritious treats for its alpacas and goats and is calling on the community for more donations.
Ings Park Alpacas, located near North Cave, is inviting people to bring their trees to the farm on Saturday and Sunday. So far, nearly 100 trees have been donated.
Owner Natalie Neadley explained that Christmas trees provide valuable nutrition and fibre for the animals. “They contain vitamin C, antioxidants, and act as a natural wormer,” she said. “It’s been amazing to see the community come together to support us.”
The trees are also used to feed sheep during the winter months and make fun, interactive additions to their pens.
In 2024, the park received around 300 donated trees, which lasted three months. Ms. Neadley emphasized the environmental benefits of repurposing Christmas trees: “Rather than sending them to the tip, this is a sustainable way to recycle them while supporting our animals.”
Visitors who donate trees can even feed them to the animals themselves, offering a hands-on experience with the alpacas, goats, and sheep.