Home-grown, FSC certified Christmas trees are increasingly available in the UK. FSC trees are grown as part of a well-managed forest, minimising the use of pesticides and protecting forest plants and animals. Real trees also have the huge advantage of being recyclable, unlike their plastic counterparts.
Norway Spruce trees (Yorkshire-grown) from the Forestry Commission (FC) are FSC certified, and will be available at FC sales centres across England and Scotland and via their online shop (click here for more information). FSC trees are also available from The Crown Estate (Windsor) and Glasfryn Fencing & Sawmill (Pwlleli, Wales). Every year the Windsor Estate supplies Christmas trees to Windsor Castle, the Royal Palaces and St Paul's Cathedral, so you’ll be in good company with your sustainable tree.
If you can’t get an FSC tree, you could try to source one that is organically grown or locally-sourced, which can provide benefits in terms of pesticide/carbon footprint reduction. Make for a truly FSC-tastic Christmas by opting for FSC certified cards and wrap. You can even use FSC paper-craft to keep little fingers occupied, and decorate the tree with simple-but-effective paper chains.
FSC cards and wrap are available from many high-street retailers including Co-op, Marks and Spencer, John Lewis and Sainsbury's.