Skip to main contentEnter
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Christmas trees to help bears at Jimmy's Farm in hospice recycling scheme

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Used Christmas trees from across Suffolk will be turned into woodchip for bears at Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park, thanks to an initiative by two local hospices. The 'Tree-cycling' scheme brings together volunteers from major companies to support vital hospice care in the region.

Why it matters: The partnership between St Elizabeth Hospice and East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) offers residents an environmentally friendly way to dispose of their Christmas trees while supporting essential care services in the community.

The big picture: This is the fourth year of the initiative, which:

  • Covers 19 postcode areas across Suffolk, including the whole of Ipswich

  • Uses volunteer teams from Amazon, Cadent Gas, Jackson Civil and Medequip

  • Turns discarded festive trees into practical materials for local wildlife

  • Raises funds for two hospices providing critical care services

Staff and volunteers at tree-cycling in 2023
Staff and volunteers at tree-cycling last yearSt Elizabeth Hospice

What they're saying: "It's an amazing thing to be part of, and the money we raise is a phenomenal amount – funds that go such a long way to helping us continue our vital care and support," said EACH's Community Fundraising Manager, Tina Burdett.

Kelly Nekrews, community fundraiser at St Elizabeth Hospice, added: "Please do join our 'tree-cycling' scheme this year and turn your festive clean-up into a gift that gives back to two important charities in your local area."

How it works:

  • Registration is open from 15 November to 5 January 2025

  • Collections take place on 9 and 10 January

  • Available to homes in postcode areas IP1-18 and CO11

  • Donations are encouraged to support both hospices

The bottom line: Residents can register their trees for collection at www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/be-a-star/fundraising/treecycling/

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

Ipswich's only free and independent news publication

Support our journalism

We can't do this without you! Unlike the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich.co.uk has no banner advertising and no wealthy US corporate owners.

So, if you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for a better Ipswich, please consider contributing just £24 per year.

Every penny matters and allows us to keep producing good quality local journalism that respects your time, attention and privacy.

Become a supporter

Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Load next article