The Englefield Estate has been spreading some Christmas cheer this month by providing trees to local schools and churches.
The Douglas firs, although not traditional Christmas trees, make for a perfect alternative with their triangular shape and green needles.
Silchester Primary School came to choose theirs in person, with the reception class accompanied by parents heading to an Englefield woodland to pick their tree, whilst learning about woodland management. As a small Christmas gift, they each took home a sapling to plant and learnt how they should look after it.
Richard Edwards, Forestry Manager for Englefield Estate, said: “We’re not Christmas tree suppliers, but we are more than happy to give one of our Douglas firs to community groups, schools and churches. It’s very special to be able to help the local community get into the festive spirit.
“We believe it’s important to educate children about managing the woodland responsibly and looking after their environment, so when Silchester came to visit the Estate for their Christmas tree, we knew it would be a great opportunity to do so.”
As well as Silchester School, St Mark’s Church, Ufton Nervet Parish Council, Sulhamstead and Ufton Nervet School, Burghfield Santas, and Burghfield St Mary the Virgin Church all received a tree from the Estate to help with their festivities. Trees ranged from six feet tall to an impressive 15-foot tree.
The Englefield Estate owns and manages over 3,500 acres of woodland, with a dedicated team working hard to ensure it will thrive in the years ahead for the benefit of current and future generations.
All the Estate’s woodlands are managed under a long-term plan which ensures that a sustainable timber crop is harvested. You can find out more about Englefield Estate forestry at www.englefieldestate.co.uk/the-estate/forestry.
If you’re looking for a Christmas tree for 2019, contact Richard Edwards on richard.edwards@englefield.co.uk. Please note, Englefield Estate can only offer a limited number of trees so may not be able to help with every request.