Saturday, 7th December 2013
Caversham Court ~ Christmas Tree Sale

The annual sale of Scots pine Christmas trees is an important event for us, making a signicant contribution to our finances as well as providing an opportunity to promote the group.

For the third year the trees were obtained from heathland used by the army for training. The trees are self-seeded and have grown naturally without the use of fertiliser or pesticide. Cutting the trees is an essentiial part of the heathland's management and is crucial for maintaining its biodiversity as the area would otherwise become a pine woodland and the heath along with the wildlife it supports would be lost.

Although scheduled to start at 10am, the first buyers arrived at least an hour earlier and within two hours most of the trees had been sold.

"Very happy with the tree I purchased - few other bits and bobs from the stalls and job done" - Tim

The local Wildlife Trust and RSPB also had stalls selling everything from Christmas decorations to a winter's feast for the birds in your garden. You could even make your own wreath or have one made to your own specifications.

Why stop at one?

Why indeed!

What ever the mode of transport, a properly secured load is essential.

Well, that should do the job!

Even with the benefit of a car, things can prove a little tricky.

Whether it's an impressive eight foot specimen or something a little more modest that you are seeking, we try to provide for all.

Time for a family photo - not everyone seems so sure that this this is a good idea.....

..... but when you've just bought your first Christmas tree you can't stop smiling for long.

Hey Dad, stop showing off and give me back my tree!

Our thanks to all who supported the event and to our volunteers who so generously gave their time to help with the cutting and selling of the trees.

Also thanks to Oonagh from The Conservation Volunteers and to the Reading International Solidarity Centre (RISC) for the promotion of the event at the Global Cafe and World Shop, 35 - 39 London Street, Reading.

Econet relies on income from events such as this together with the modest charges it makes for some of its work, to pay for the insurance and tools needed if we are to help care for and promote our local green spaces.

What the papers said:
getreading - Friday, 6th December 2013