Chris Woodcock from Hornton asks: “Would you like to help save the planet and save animals at the same time?

In Hornton, we’re a year into a pilot BARKS recycling scheme to raise much-needed cash to rescue and rehome local pets.

The appeal launched last autumn in the countdown to Christmas – a call for donations of unwanted old mobile phones, small gadgets, coins, jewellery and postage stamps.

Since then, Hornton has risen to the challenge and helped to raise over £1500 towards local animal rescue.

Now we’re re-promoting the scheme for Christmas 2021 – as people renew gadgets and clear out stuff. And BARKS will continue the eco-friendly fundraising campaign throughout 2022.

We’d love to expand this simple but effective ‘green and good’ scheme to other nearby villages. Like Horley. All it needs is one householder, couple or family in Horley to volunteer to promote the idea and act as the drop-off point for recycled or upcyclable goods. When you amass a clutch of stuff, you just give BARKS a call and the BARKS coordinator will do the rest – collecting, sorting and sending off sacks of recyclable items in return for cash. Upcyclable items are often resold at events and online.

In short, it’s all about recycling to give innocent pets a second chance. What’s not to like?

Details of what can be recycled are below. (Please note what is NOT recyclable – eg laptops and printers.)

If anyone is willing to take this on in Horley, please call BARKS team member, Chis Woodcock, in Hornton on 01295 670795. She can explain everything and would love to have you on the team.”