The value of British-grown Christmas trees

Using homegrown, real Christmas trees for seasonal displays is the sustainable way to celebrate festive season, says the British Christmas Trees Growers Association

“By buying a British-grown Christmas tree, customers are not only reducing their tree miles and supporting local businesses but are also supporting native wildlife and eco systems,” said Russell Parkins, chair of the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA).

“A beautiful decorated real Christmas tree will not only create the perfect focal point to seasonal activities but help play a vital role in supporting biodiversity and rural ecosystems all year round.”

Sustainability

Far from being merely decorative, Christmas tree plantations are an important part of the UK’s rural landscape.

A biodiversity study, commissioned by BCTGA, showed that real Christmas trees provide a rich and diverse habitat for wildlife in the UK.

The study showed, Christmas tree plantations are providing important spaces for birds and mammals, with the average 6ft Christmas tree taking 10 years to grow and attracting a wealth of wildlife including bird species on the endangered Red or Amber listings, as well as vital invertebrates which sustain songbird and migratory populations.

Not only are they a great habitat for wildlife, as a slow growing crop with a typical eight-to-ten-year growth cycle, each Christmas tree acts as a CO2 sink while supporting oxygen release and soil health.

Being planted as part of a managed cycle, seedlings replace each harvested tree, means these crops are truly sustainable.

With these strong credentials, the BCTGA said it is keen to encourage local authorities and public bodies to support this sustainable crop and buy real homegrown Christmas trees for their seasonal displays.

Availability

With a nationwide network of more than 300 growers, offering bulk purchase, to provide an easy buying experience, the BCTGA has created its annual Wholesale List.

Published on August 1, so there is plenty of time for selection and purchase, the BCTGA Wholesale List provides the definitive guide to sourcing British-grown cut and pot grown Christmas trees, festive wreaths, foliage and accessories from across the UK.

Key features of the list include a full directory of growers which is searchable by species and location, a clear indication of suppliers offering large display trees which are ideal for public installations and easy navigation to find the right region or tree type.

“Whether you’re organising a town centre display, a Christmas trail, lamp-post decorations or looking to retail Christmas trees this year,  the Wholesale List helps planners connect with trusted, local suppliers who understand both quality and scale,” said Russell.

With a number of different species to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which will be the right fit for your display, but, Russell said, growers are more than happy to give advice on which tree will be the right fit for any display, feature or planting.

Creativity

Growers like BCTGA member Charlie Spurway of Country Business, Scotland, known for supplying Norway Spruces from the 1000-acre Harburn Estate. Charlie champions inventive installation ideas which he said draw in the crowds and advocates re-using trees for summer planting.

“I’d encourage councils to use Norway Spruce for outdoor displays and use them creatively. Don’t just think of ground level, think also of putting them over shops.

“Use Christmas trees like bedding plants in the summer, these areas can be used for Christmas trees in the winter. It doesn’t have to be expensive.”

Charlie said they have also supplied trees for Christmas mazes in town centres.

“Some of the best ideas are creative and they will bring the visitors in. Such creative approaches have helped transform village high streets and town centres, attracting families and boosting footfall at Christmas,” he said.

The draw of a real Christmas tree is hard to resist, as evidenced by one of the most photographed Christmas trees in the country.

The 18ft Christmas Tree which stands outside one of the most famous addresses in London – 10 Downing Street – is provided by the Champion Grower of the Year, chosen at the BCTGA National Grower’s Championship, a tradition which began in 1982.

The prestigious award is judged by industry experts and fellow growers at the annual competition day hosted in 2024 at Temple Court Farm, Herefordshire.

2024 Champion Grower, Steven Reynolds, owner of Evergreen Christmas Trees, based on the Welsh-English border said it was a “tremendous honour” to supply the Downing Street tree.

“Knowing our tree will be admired outside this iconic landmark by so many, we’ve taken great care in selecting the perfect tree for this special occasion.”

Once in place, the Christmas tree is ceremonially lit by the Prime Minister and their spouse during a live television broadcast.

With rising demand for sustainable and locally sourced products, real British-grown Christmas trees have never been more relevant, said the BCTGA.

By choosing a BCTGA supplier, councils can align festive planning with environmental goals, economic resilience, and community spirit.

bctga.co.uk/wholesale