Fake news! The guide to going green this Christmas.

Christmas is a time for giving, and this year Cotley Christmas Tree Farm are on a mission to give back to the planet by converting fans of plastic trees to real ones.

Based in the rolling Whimple countryside, owners of the farm, Helen and Lester Bowker, have been growing Christmas trees at their 25-acre site for the past 16 years.

Owner, Helen, said: “A real tree has been part of Christmas tradition for centuries, but in recent years, more and more people have been turning to plastic ones. The production of a single artificial tree contributes to over 40kg of greenhouse gases and the average family only uses it for between six to nine years before throwing it away — where it will remain in a landfill for centuries.”

With over 80% of artificial trees produced in China, getting them to the UK also contributes to millions of air, sea and land miles before making it into a home.

Helen and Lester sell hundreds of trees every Christmas, replanting the same number (and more) each year. This highly sustainable method means the tree growing duo produce far less Co2 emissions than the plastic alternative.

“Our trees are completely hand-grown at our farm just outside of Exeter. Real trees help protect the environment by providing a rich habitat for birds and wildlife, and they also absorb and break down most air pollutants helping produce clean air,” says Helen.

Lester adds: “I feel a great sense of pride as I nurture the acres of Christmas trees that we have here at Cotley Farm knowing that these trees are hand-grown by myself and Helen, each one is individual and different to the next - and there really is nothing like the smell of fresh pine! ”

As well as selecting the perfect Christmas tree, Cotley Christmas Tree Farm is a winter wonderland waiting to be discovered. With a herd of reindeer, Christmas shop filled with decorations, tasty local produce and Christmas cafe serving a selection of festive snacks and drinks to warm you up, Cotley Farm really do have Christmas covered.

For more information, visit our website at www.cotleychristmas.co.uk