Leaf it to us!

DZG gardeners have been busy clearing truckloads of leaves from paths, steps and banks across our 40-acre site.

The team has used leaf blowers to gather leaves which then get collected up and either recycled into compost or some dry leaves get stored for our animals.

Head Gardener Carl Stevens said: “Leaf clearing is our big autumn job which begins at the end of September and takes us right through to Christmas.

“The clean-up is important as we need to make sure roadways and paths are clear for visitors and staff as wet leaves can be dangerously slippery.”

All dry and clean ash and sycamore leaves are stockpiled in airtight containers for winter feed for our giraffes, while the remaining leaves are composted for use across the gardens throughout the year.