Choose Your Perfect Festive Centrepiece This Christmas

It’s become a festive tradition for many families throughout East Anglia every year, to choose their perfect Rougham Estate Christmas Tree from Blackthorpe Barn in Rougham just outside Bury St Edmunds. 

Known for their quality and longevity, there is no doubt that the Rougham Estate team, led by Estate Manager Simon Eddell, know how to nurture the very best Christmas Trees. The trees are cared for by the team throughout the year in plantations close to Blackthorpe Barn. Being members of The British Christmas Tree Growers Association means Rougham Estate must adhere to strict codes of practice to ensure the trees are grown to meet their environmental and sustainable guidelines.

From 19 November to 22 December, visitors can benefit from choosing from the freshest Christmas trees selections. Yet, to ensure absolutely perfection on the weekend 20-21 November visitors can book a slot to pick their own tree. Families can explore the plantations themselves and wander through the thousands of trees in all varieties, shapes and sizes until they find the perfect tree. Nearer to Christmas, the chosen tree is cut, brought to the barn, wrapped and prepared ready for collection on an agreed date.   

If not picking your own from the plantations, there are many other freshly cut and pot grown trees to choose from all with their own unique characteristics, plus miniature trees, perfect for windowsills and table displays.  Simon Eddell ensures the trees are in the best possible condition. The most popular is the Nordman Fir, from Scandinavia, it retains its needles better than most and therefore has greater longevity. The Norway Spruce is more traditional with a lovely scent and requires watering to stay fresh. Each tree comes with a handy care guide to ensure owners get the very best out of their tree over the festive period.

Simon Eddell adds, “It’s been a busy time for us, ensuring all the trees are in tip top condition ready for the festive season. We love welcoming families to come and explore the plantations, they enjoy the wonderful smell and the whole experience and excitement of finding their perfect festive centrepiece. Plus, our dedicated wrapping and drive-in tree collection area makes it even more convenient for everyone.”   

Blackthorpe Barn is just three miles east of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, off the A14 at junction 45 (Sat Nav IP30 9HZ). For more information and opening times for the various events see www.blackthorpebarn.com.