Christmas in London 2010: Christmas Trees

The most important ingredient to a perfect Christmas is getting the right Christmas
tree. While some people prefer fake plastic trees which don't drop needles all over the
sitting room floor, it has to be said that nothing quite beats the smell and the sight of
an authentic Spruce or Fir. And you needn't drive out into the countryside to get your
hands on the ideal tree here in London because there are places all over the capital
selling all types and sizes of trees, whether you're after a small sapling or a 12ft giant.
So, read our definitive guide to find the best and nearest places for you to buy trees,
wreathes, holly and mistletoe...

Camden Garden Centre

Camden Garden Centre, NW1 0JW
25th November 2010 - 24th December 2010
With a client list including No. 11 Downing Street, the London Dungeon and Tower
Bridge, Camden Garden Centre must be doing something right in the Christmas tree
stakes. Whether you want a simple tabletop sapling or a five-metre giant, this North
London spot is definitely the place to visit. Expert staff are on hand to answer your
Christmas tree-related queries while all the specimens are nicely displayed and can
be trimmed and netted to facilitate transportation back to your home. Types of tree
include the traditional Norway Spruce, the guaranteed needle-holding Nordmann
and Noble Firs, and the new compact Fraser Fir variety. Pot-grown trees are also
available, as is a delivery service throughout London. While you're at it, make it a
clean Christmas sweep with the wide selection of wreaths, holly and mistletoe on
offer. Open from the end of November - but don't leave it too late because trees often
run out well before Christmas Eve.
Venue: Camden Garden Centre
Address: 2 Barker Drive, St Pancras Way, NW1 0JW
Phone: 020 7387 7080
Date: 25th November 2010 - 24th December 2010
Time: Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm; Wed & Thurs Until 7pm; Sun 11am-5pm
Website: www.camdengardencentre.co.uk
Nearest Station: Camden Town Tube / Rail

Christmas Trees: Camden Garden Centre - Information

London Wetland Centre

WWT London Wetland Centre, SW13 9WT
3rd December 2010 - 21st December 2010
For an eighth successive year, Christmas Fir is selling Christmas trees in the car park
of the London Wetland Centre in Barnes. Noble and Nordmann Firs - both needlefast
species - will be available in a range of sizes (between 3.5 to 10ft) as well as some
smaller, pot-grown sizes. All the trees are from eco-friendly sustainable sources and
£1 per tree is donated to the Wetland Centre. Deliveries are not possible but helpers
will net your trees and help carry them to your car. Prices are not available until the
last week of November. Wreaths, stands and some decorations are also on sale.
Venue: WWT London Wetland Centre
Address: Queen Elizabeth Walk, SW13 9WT
Phone: 020 8409 4400
Date: 3rd December 2010 - 21st December 2010
Time: 9am-4.30pm
Website: www.wwt.org.uk/london
Nearest Station: Barnes Rail
Christmas Trees: London Wetland Centre - Information

The Christmas Forest

Richmond, Putney, Islington, Stoke Newington, Dulwich, Kensal Green, Ealing,
Brook Green
1st December 2010 - 24th December 2010
Offering an urban forest on eight farm-style sites around London, the Christmas
Forest is London's largest independent "treetailer" ensuring that Londoners can
enjoy their tree-browsing experience with their conscience appeased. For every tree
that is sold, a donation is made to Tree Aid to plant and care for a new tree in their
Forests for Food project in Ethiopia. The Christmas Forest is also saving on 'tree
miles' by sourcing home-grown firs from special farms and sustainable plantations in
the UK rather than flying them all the way from Scandinavia. Four different varieties
are available, including the traditional aromatic Norway Spruce (from £9.50 for 3ft to
£100 for 12ft) and the non-drop Nordmann, Fraser and Noble Firs (from £20 for 3ft
to £130 for 12ft). The Christmas Forest brings the magic of visiting a country farm to
the city and, once you've chosen the right tree, you can add a few more homely festive
touches by shopping for wreaths, lights, mistletoe, holly, stands, logs for the fire and
even special entwined reindeer sculptures.
Where: Richmond
Address: Pools on the Park, Old Deer Park, A316, Richmond, TW9 2SF
Phone: 07816 382573
Open: 1st - 24th December, 10am to 8pm
Where: Putney
Address: Putney Leisure Centre, Upper Richmond Road, A205, Putney, SW15 1BL
Phone: 07816 382651
Open: 1st - 24th December, 10am to 8pm
Where: Islington
Address: The Alwyne Pub, jct. of St Paul's & Highbury Grove, Islington, N1 2LY
Phone: 07816 382256
Open: 1st - 24th December, 10am to 8pm
Where: Stoke Newington
Address: St Paul's Church, Stoke Newington Road (corner of Amhurst Road), W
Hackney, N16 7UE
Phone: 07929 255232
Open: 1st - 24th December, 10am to 8pm
Where: Dulwich
Address: Streatham and Marlborough Cricket Club, Jct of Dulwich Common (A205
South Circular) and Lordship Lane, Dulwich, London, SE21 7EX
Phone: 07870 533230
Open: 1st - 24th December, 10am to 8pm
Where: Kensal Green
Address: St John's Church, Kilburn Lane, W10 4AA (corner of Harrow Rd)
Phone: 07816 382625
Open: 1st - 24th December, 8am to 10pm
Where: Ealing
Address: Ealing Common, Hanger Lane (Opposite Ramada Hotel) W5 3HN
Phone: 07816 382641
Open: 1st - 24th December, 8am to 10pm
Where: Brook Green
Address: Opposite Tesco, Shepherds Bush Road, W6 7NL
Phone: 07779 801422
Open: 1st - 24th December, 8am to 10pm
Head office: 020 7348 9080
Website: www.christmasforest.co.uk

Clifton Nurseries
Clifton Nurseries, Maida Vale, W9 2PH
22nd November 2010 - 24th December 2010
For those who like to do Christmas with a touch of class, a visit to Clifton Nurseries
(or merely to their online shop) is a real festive treat. The Warwick Avenue garden
centre is open seven days a week and will be selling Christmas Trees of all shapes and
sizes from 22 November through to Christmas Eve (although supplies usually run out
well before, so head early to avoid disappointment). For an extra cost, the Nurseries
will adorn your tree with their own special balls, lights and decoration - you can even
get the tree delivered and installed for you. But if you're after a basic package (ie. a
tree tout simple) then prices start from around £25. The trees of up to five metres, it
goes without saying, are renowned for their freshness and quality. Available again
this year is the 'Edible Wreath' made with an assortment of fresh herbs, topped with
ginger, chillies and whole bulbs of garlic: a visual and aromatic treat.
Venue: Clifton Nurseries
Address: 5A Clifton Villas, W9 2PH
Phone: 01296 651 287
Date: 22nd November 2010 - 24th December 2010
Time: Mon-Sat 8.30am-5.30pm, Sun 10.30am-4.30pm
Website: www.clifton.co.uk
Nearest Station: Warwick Avenue Tube

Christmas Trees: Clifton Nurseries - Information

Fulham Palace Garden Centre

Fulham Palace Garden Centre, SW6 6EE
25th November 2010 - 24th December 2010
Located in the superb riverside stretch of greenery that is Bishops Park, Fulham
Palace Garden Centre is a popular destination for Christmas tree hunters because it
can be combined with a nice stroll by the Thames. Trees are in store from the last
weekend in November (potted Blue Spruces a little earlier) until they run out, so early
birds catch the right Yuletide worm, so to speak. There's a huge choice in all varieties
(Nordman, Spruce, Noble) and size (1.2m to 3m), with potted trees starting at £15.95
and cut trees from £35 upwards (profits go to a London youth charity called
Fairbridge). The centre also stocks a huge supply of festive decorations, wreaths,
candles, present ideas and gourmet food such as chutneys and mince - so it's
definitely worth a visit even if you're not in the market for a strapping six-foot Nordic
Fir.
Venue: Fulham Palace Garden Centre
Address: Bishops Avenue, SW6 6EE
Phone: 020 7736 2640 / 9820
Date: 25th November 2010 - 24th December 2010
Time: Mon-Thurs 9.30am-5.30pm, Fri & Sat 9.30am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm
Website: www.fulhamgardencentre.com
Nearest Station: Putney Bridge Tube
Christmas Trees: Fulham Palace Garden Centre - Information

Green's Trees
26-30 Buckhold Road, Wandsworth, SW18 4WW
1st December 2010 - 23th December 2010
Based in Wandsworth, Green's Trees specialises in premier Nordman Firs, a type of
tree which is renowned for its needle-retention - which means you won't be spending
the whole of the festive season vacuuming your sitting room floor! The long and soft
needles are not as spiky as those on a Norway Spruce tree and are ideal for dangling
decorations from. Green's Trees also stock special cast iron tree stands with an inbuilt
water reservoir - an ideal piece of equipment for Christmas every year. Prices start at
£20.95 for a small 2-3ft sapling and rise to £55.95 for a 7-8ft giant. Trees bigger than
8ft are available so do enquire. Stands range from £19.95 to £24.95 depending on the
size of your tree. For a fee you can get your tree delivered to your door (within a two-
mile radius) any day of the week. Also available: bunches of mistletoe (£5.99 -
£12.99) and a range of wreaths (£27.99 - £64.99).
Address: 26-30 Buckhold Road, Wandsworth, SW18 4WW
Phone: 0207 622 0495
Date: 1st December 2009 - 23rd December 2009
Timing: Mon-Sun 9am-6pm
Website: www.greenstrees.co.uk
Nearest Station: Wandsworth Town Rail

Christmas Trees: Green's Trees - Information

Pines and Needles

11 sites in and around London
20th November 2010 - 24th December 2010
A rose-nosed reindeer walks into a bar and the elf barman says: "Why the long face?"
Rudolf duly replies: "I've got pines and needles". Yes, yes... it's a shocker - but it's
presumably the inspiration behind this London-based premier Christmas tree
service. Pines and Needles was set up by brothers Josh and Sam Lyle 12 years ago
when the pair were still studying for their GCSEs. Now it's a veritable festive topiary
giant, with 11 outlets all over London, including new stalls at Westfield, Fulham and
Brick Lane. The Brothers Lyle believe in sustainable forestry and all their trees come
from a site in Scotland where a triple-fold re-planting policy is in force. What's more,
10% of all profits go to the Great Ormond Street Hospital - and the boys will even
come collect your tree after Christmas for recycling. It's an astoundingly
accommodating service and they have a long loyal list of customers who faithfully
return to them every year. And hats off must go to the friendly and ever-helpful staff,
all of whom wear kilts even on the most freezing of days. Traditional Norway Spruces
range from £21.95 for 3ft to £109.95 for 12ft; non-drop Nordmann Fir are £24.95 for
3ft to £134.95 for 12ft. Potted Fraser Fir are available from £34.95 and there is a huge
selection of stands, lights, decorations, wreaths, holly, mistletoe, and garlands. The
flagship stall is in Maida Vale where the Lyles started selling trees outside their older
brother's laundrette. Same-day delivery (£15) if you live in the local area.
Address: Maida Vale, 123 Shirland Road, W9 2EW
Phone: 0845 458 2788
Date: 20th November - 24th December
Time: 9am-9pm
Same-day delivery if you live in the local area (£15)
Address: Battersea Park, Chelsea Car Park, Carriage Drive North, Battersea Park,
SW11 4HJ
Phone: 0845 458 2788
Date: 20th & 21st Nov, 27th & 28th Nov, 1st-24th Dec
Time: 9am-8pm
Same-day delivery if you live in the local area (£15)
Address: Ealing, Christ the Saviour Church, Ealing Broadway, W5 5DX
Phone: 0845 458 2788
Date: 20th November - 24th December
Time: 9am-7pm
Same-day delivery if you live within 5 minutes drive (£10).

Address: Brent Cross Shopping Centre, Prince Charles Drive, Hendon, NW4 3FL
Phone: 0845 458 2788
Date: 20th November - 24th December
Time: 10am-8pm (Sun 12noon-6pm)

Address: Brick Lane, Ely's Yard Car Park, 15 Hanbury Street, E1 6QR
Phone: 0845 458 2788
Date: 22th November - 23rd December
Time: Mon-Wed 10am-8pm, Thurs-Sun 9am-8pm

Address: Bushy Park, KT8 9DD

Phone: 0845 458 2788
Date: 20th & 21st Nov, 27th & 28th Nov, 1st-24th Dec
Time: 9am-6.45pm

Address: Fulham Broadway, Fulham Methodist Church (next to tube), SW6 1BY
Phone: 0845 458 2788
Date: 20th November - 24th December (Closed Sundays and during Chelsea FC
home games)
Time: 9am-8pm

Address: Richmond Park, 142 Priory Lane, Wandsworth, SW15 5JR

Phone: 0845 458 2788
Date: 20th & 21st Nov, 27th & 28th Nov, 1st-24th Dec
Time: 8am-3.45pm

Address: Tom Dixon Christmas Fair, 344 Ladbroke Grove, W10 5BU
Phone: 0845 458 2788
Date: 16th-19th December
Time: 10am-8pm

Address: Westfield car park, Ariel Way, Shepherd's Bush, W12 7LS
Phone: 0845 458 2788
Date: 20th November - 24th December
Time: 10am-9pm (Sundays 12noon-6pm)

Address: Wimbledon Park, Wimbledon Park Road, SW19 7HX

Phone: 0845 458 2788
Date: 20th & 21st Nov, 27th Nov - 24th Dec
Time: 8am-8pm
Website: www.pinesandneedles.com
Roots and Shoots Tree Sale
Roots and Shoots, Lambeth, SE11 6DN
Sunday 6th December 2009
The annual Roots and Shoots Christmas Open Day and Tree Sale takes place on
Sunday 6th December so if you're around Kennington then why not drop in and pick
up some prickly festive bargains. Roots and Shoots is a charity aimed at supporting
troubled 16 to 19-year-old children from the inner city by giving them vocational
training outside on the one-acre site. It comprises of an eco-training centre, plant
nursery, shop, Wildlife Study Centre and Wild Garden. From 11am till 4pm trees will
be on sale from £25 to £40 - but your best bet is to call up in advance and make a
booking. Wreaths, mistletoe and holly are also on sale.
Venue: Roots and Shoots
Address: The Vauxhall Centre, Walnut Tree Walk, SE11 6DN
Phone: 020 7587 1131
Date: Sunday 6th December 2009
Time: 11am-4pm
Website: www.rootsandshoots.org.uk
Nearest Station: Lambeth North Tube

Christmas Trees: Roots and Shoots Tree Sale - Information

Deliver Me A Christmas Tree

The Kent Countryside
Ongoing
If you can't spare any time to get out and about in your hunt for the perfect Christmas
Tree then you can do worse than call Deliver Me A Christmas Tree or put in an order
online. The Kent-based company promotes sustainable growing practices and grows
fields of beautiful non-drop and traditional real Christmas trees in the heart of the
Kent countryside (where every freshly cut tree is replaced with two transplants).
Polite and punctual drivers will deliver to London and the Home counties and £1 of
every sale will be donated to Barnardo's. The three types available are Nordmann Firs
(from £27.95 for 4ft to £132.95 for 12ft), Norway Spruce (£24.95 for 4ft to £99.95 for
12ft) and Blue Spruce (£26.95 for 4ft to £42.95 for 7ft). You can also get a special
made-to-match stand delivered to your door as well.
Phone: 01732 522471 / 07530 185139
Website: www.delivermeachristmastree.com