DOBBIES Shepton Mallet is calling on nurseries and schools to get in touch to request a free Christmas 'communitree'.

As part of Dobbies Community Christmas Trees, in partnership with sustainable tree grower Needlefresh, Dobbies is giving back to the local community by providing nurseries and schools with a real Christmas tree that the children can decorate for the festive season. 

Dobbies Christmas trees are sustainably grown in environmentally managed fields across Scotland, where a small growing team plant, prune and harvest each Christmas tree by hand.

Each tree also has a tag, with a special code, which means you can track exactly where it was grown.

Needlefresh managing director, George Hood, is pleased to be working with Dobbies’ Shepton Mallet store on this donation.

George said: “We hope that local schools and nurseries get in touch to apply for a real tree this Christmas, taking the opportunity to come together for decorating, making memories for pupils, teachers and parents alike.”

For more information about Dobbies Community Christmas Trees, visit https://www.dobbies.com/community-christmas-trees.

Nigel Lawton, Dobbies’ plant buyer, shares his top tips on picking the right Christmas tree for those who are successful with their application.

Nigel said: “Buying a Christmas tree is a cherished tradition that is at the heart of festive celebrations. There’s nothing quite like the scent of a real tree, and decorating really marks the start of the season.

“Preparation and care are key to getting the best out of your real tree Christmas. Measure your space before you come to Dobbies’ Shepton Mallet store and take the tape measure with you to make sure you aren’t buying a tree that will be too big for the space in question.

“It’s important to think about the tree shape you would like based on the space that you have. If you would like a classic Christmas tree then opt for a Nordmann Fir or if space is limited, the Nordman Fir ‘Slim’ could be the right choice for you. You can still have a 6-foot tree, but it takes up a much smaller footprint in your room.

“Make sure to find a spot that is away from a direct heat source as this can quickly dry your tree out. Get your freshly cut tree into a stand that holds water and make sure it is topped up regularly to keep the needles hydrated.”

Applications are now welcome and entries close at 5pm on Wednesday, November 7.

Successful applicants will be contacted in mid-November and invited to collect their tree at Dobbies Shepton Mallet Christmas Shopping Night on November 21, in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust.