A spruce among 150 million set for Westminster

A spruce among 150 million set for Westminster

A very special Northumbrian Christmas tree is about to set off on a 330-mile trip as it becomes one of the most iconic symbols of the festive season.

A striking Sitka spruce, standing at a height of 40 feet, has been chosen by experts from Forestry England from among the 150 million trees in Kielder Forest, Northumberland. This exceptional tree will stand at foot of Big Ben throughout the festive period.

Once the tree has been chosen, skilled foresters from Forestry England carefully cut it down, to ensure it doesn’t get damaged. It’s then wrapped and loaded and all set to be transported over 300 miles into the heart on London.

Richard Cooper, Beat Forester at Forestry England, said:

“I fell and plant a lot of trees every year, but this is always the most special – it’s got to be perfect! Kielder Forest has been supplying the tree to stand alongside Big Ben for over 20 years. It’s not just about how good it looks in the forest, it’s a real skill to bring it down safely and transport it all the way to London without causing any damage. So many people from all over the world will see it lit up and I’m really proud to see something from our corner of Northumberland take pride of place.”

The tree, planted about 40 years ago, makes up a total of 180 civic Christmas trees from Kielder set to travel across the UK, with specimens also chosen to bring Christmas cheer in Ipswich, Sheffield and Stockton on Tees.

To ensure a consistent supply of very tall, high quality trees, Kielder forest is also thinking ahead. New seedlings will be planted to restock the forest for future Christmas trees, as well as providing a significant supply of locally sourced timber.

Richard adds:

“It’ll be someone else’s job to choose the 2063 tree, but there’s something very special about planting a sapling with such a unique future ahead of it!”