York Christmas Trees crowned Britain's Best Christmas Tree Grower
They'll donate a tree to stand outside 10 Downing Street in December.
Last updated 28th Oct 2020
York Christmas Trees has been crowned Champion Christmas Tree Grower of the Year and will now have the prestige of providing the Christmas tree outside 10 Downing Street in December.
Organised by the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA), the annual competition has been running since 1999 but this is the first time it has been judged by celebrities as due to Covid19 restrictions all the growers could not get together as usual.
Yorkshire Shepherdess Amanda Owen, star of Channel 5’s ‘Our Yorkshire Farm' joined Peter Wright from Channel 5’s ‘The Yorkshire Vet’ were special judges alongside head judge Stuart Kirkup of Dartmoor Christmas Trees, in Devon, who won last year. And the wreaths were judged by the celebrities and Toby Ryley of Friezeland Farm, Leics headed up the wreath judging, as last year’s winner.
Oliver Combe of York Christmas Trees said: “We are a small local family business who have been growing trees for over 20 years. We are overwhelmed to have won the title of champion grower for 2020, it is a huge accolade!
“We are hugely greatful to our family and those who work with us, as they have made this possible by all their hard work over the years. 2020 has been a tough year but we are determined that this year “Christmas is coming home”!!
Heather Parry, Managing Agent for BCTGA, said: “We were delighted by the number of entries, particularly as competitors couldn’t attend in person, we have certainly set solid foundations for it to be an even bigger next year. The quality and the amazing scent of the trees on display was incredible; this is truly the Oscars for Christmas trees. It was heartening to hear also that many growers are selling more trees than normal, as consumers plan ahead to have a real Christmas tree as the centrepiece of their home this year”.
Stuart Kirkup of Dartmoor Christmas Trees, in Devon said: “The standards have been very high and I am stunned by how many people have sent them in. I am really impressed. The competition is a big part of the growers’ annual calendar and to get that final prize and recognition for eight to 10 years of your life putting into that tree is something fantastic.”
Christmas tree growers have also adapted how they will sell to consumers this year to ensure everyone’s safety; introducing social distancing measures, sanitisers, one-way systems, payment by card only, so consumers can still enjoy the experience of choosing their own tree. Some growers have also introduced online orders and deliveries and click and collect services.
Already, early orders for UK trees from garden centres and farm shops are significantly ahead of 2019 and this year’s sunny weather means Christmas trees are in the best condition possible.
The BCTGA, which was formed 30 years ago, is now being managed by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society (YAS).
The British Christmas Tree Growers Association, (BCTGA) has 320 members nationally who sell approximately 8 to 10 million trees a year.