Here are a few of the questions we are usually asked about our events.
What is Magic of Foresters?
A family-run Christmas Tree nursery since the 1960s that prides itself on natural living and the love of trees. Our intention for the future is to celebrate each season at Magic of Foresters with outdoor gatherings for families of all ages.
This year (2023) we will only be open for bigger trees (approx. 10ft plus). Please call Julian on 07974 308 366 to arrange a time to visit. We won’t be opening the farm daily during this time.
These FAQ’s will be more helpful for you for Christmas 2024 when we reopen as normal :)
When will you open?
We will be open for Christmas Tree sales on Sunday 20th November until Thursday 22nd December from 9 am - 4 pm to help you find your perfect tree, reserve it for you, and leave it tagged, growing in the nursery until you're ready to collect it. Alternatively, we can cut it for you, so you can take it home and start the festive season!
Will it be safe for me to visit and purchase a tree?
At Magic of Foresters, we are fortunate to be able to offer you a very large and safe outdoor space. This allows you and your family to enjoy, explore and walk around our nursery, whilst finding your perfect tree.
We will, of course, be following any new government guidelines and safety measures - along with adding any additional measures we can so that you can enjoy the Magic of Foresters experience with complete peace of mind.
Can I purchase trees for my business?
Absolutely! Email contact@magicofforesters.com to discuss how we can help you. We are used to providing trees of all sizes to hotels, schools, offices, and even weddings.
What experiences will you offer this Christmas?
This year, we are currently offering every family who purchases a tree from our Christmas Tree Nursery the opportunity for an outdoor ‘Santa and Pudding the Elf’ experience in our magical forest: 'Magic of Winter’. Tickets are limited so please ensure you visit us early to avoid disappointment.
Do I need to book in advance to purchase a tree?
No.
What is the best smelling tree?
Each species of Christmas tree has its own unique smell. Julian’s mother’s favourite is Douglas Fir - which has a very strong scent. But you can’t go wrong with the traditional Norway Spruce which also gives off a beautiful smell.
When you’re here we’ll be more than happy to give you a tour of the different trees and their scents. Just ask us when you arrive. As all of our trees are fresh you can happily enjoy these scents - at the farm, in your car on the ride back and at your home :)
Do you sell foliage?
Yes, we have a whole range of different types of foliage which we sell in bunches. Perfect for wreaths, decorations or even eating! Check out these delicious recipes which use our Nordmann Fir pine needles.
Do you sell Mistletoe and Holly?
Yes we do!
Do I need to book in advance to see Father Christmas?
In order for us to keep you up to date with the latest news about the Magic of Winter 2022, please make sure if you are planning to attend this Christmas, you sign up to our newsletter. It will give you all the latest information updates about what you can expect during your visit.
Will it be the same Father Christmas and Pudding the Elf, that we have seen in past years?
We are blessed to be able to dedicate a large part of our popularity, to our much-loved Father Christmas and Pudding the Elf. Their very faces have appeared year on year since the Grotto launched and we are privileged to call them our extended family so you will definitely see some familiar faces.
What will happen if lockdown happens again?
In the event that lockdown will happen again, we will keep you updated as to the latest developments in regards to Magic of Winter.
Can babies attend the experiences?
Yes of course, but we do encourage you to bring an older child with you so you can get more out of your experience. However, please note that prams/buggies and car seats are not permitted in the nursery and babies should be carried in arms or in a sling.
Will there be photography this year?
This year once again we have decided we will not be doing photography at Magic of Foresters, instead we would LOVE and encourage everyone to take their own photos of their experience and share their wonderful moments using the hashtag #magicofforesters
I just want to see Father Christmas, why do I need to buy a Christmas tree?
Our primary business, passion and love has always been the trees and we are delighted to say this is our 47th year. Five years ago, we had our first child Sienna, and thought it would be lovely to add in a children’s experience and we introduced the Santa’s Grotto. We pride ourselves on all of the fantastic reviews, word of mouth and online recommendations that our customers have given us year on year. Thank you!
Over the last two years due to Covid-19, we committed to an alternative outdoor experience, so that our little one’s wouldn’t be disappointed, and their tender hearts still be filled with the Magic of Christmas and not burdened by the last couple of years.
Following this decision, we communicated on the website our changes and shortly after this, many of the wonderful Grotto’s, that can only be described as a much-loved family tradition, had made the tough decision to close for Christmas. As much as this could have seemed a benefit to us, we have always prided ourselves on being a community that is about the greater good and that our small, conscious, heart-felt events, offered quality not quantity.
We were inundated with phone calls, emails and texts about what we are offering and people wanting to book. There is no way under the COVID restrictions and the parking we have available, that we could manage such numbers, whilst keeping within the beautiful experiences we pride ourselves on.
For this reason, we made the decision, to honour our customers, passionate about organic and naturally grown trees, with an outdoor experience, as a gift from us. We will do the same again this year for Christmas 2022.
If I buy a tree, will we be guaranteed that we will get to see Father Christmas with my family?
Golden tickets will be gifted on a first come first served basis, so please visit us to pick and choose your tree early to avoid disappointment.
What if I lose my Golden Ticket?
Unfortunately, we will not have a system that allows us to re-issue proof of purchase/golden tickets, so please make sure you keep it safe and bring it with you on the day. Entrance will not be permitted under any circumstances if your golden ticket is not presented on arrival. Please ensure you keep it safe.
Please note: we will not accept digital proof of purchase either - only physical evidence will be accepted.
Are all your trees grown organically? And, how long since you last used a spray?
We grow all our trees to organic standards, with annual inspections from the Soil Association. We are fully certified as 100% Organic from November 2021. We have been on this journey since Julian and Toni fully took over the running of the farm 7 years ago, but it took us a little time to find out how to do this as no-one else grows Christmas Trees organically in the UK! The full certification process takes 3 years, and we fully stopped using any types of spray 7 years ago.
Even before this, when Alan Hitch (Julian’s father) started growing the trees in 1960’s he focused on doing this as naturally as possible. No herbicides were ever used at Magic of Foresters, so we are very fortunate to have a long heritage of keeping the soils pure, natural and healthy. On the prevalent advice at the time, prior to 2016 the trees were only sprayed once a year with a pesticide. To put this in perspective, the normal spraying cycle of a Christmas Tree nursery is being 6 to 10 times a year - eek!
How much do your trees cost?
Our trees are priced according to their age and size. Christmas Trees are an extremely long-term business, often taking between 7-10 years to grow before they can be sold. Each tree required pruning, weeding and maintaining on a year-round basis - and 90% of the nursery can’t be sold each year. They are not just for Christmas for us!
Our margins are extremely low and our prices, therefore, reflect the true cost of growing a responsible, natural, and healthy Christmas tree. We charge less than £10 per year the tree has grown, with a 6ft tree costing approximately £60-£70. All people who work with us are also paid well above the Living Wage and we give up a significant amount of our time for free to help local communities and school. By buying a tree from us, you are also supporting our commitment to nature and the wider community.
What is the best time to come to Magic of Foresters?
Our busiest times are weekends. If you are able to, we would, therefore, recommend coming during week (Monday-Friday). At weekends we tend to be quietest in the first part of the morning (9am-10am).
Do you offer delivery?
Yes, at Magic of Foresters we really want you to enjoy the whole experience of choosing your perfect Christmas tree. We live and breathe trees all year round, so we want to share this passion with you - so you can see where your tree comes from and how it lives and grows. We’re here to help create a magical tradition for you and your family. So this year we are delighted to announce that we will be able to arrange delivery of your chosen tree.
We need everyone at the farm hands-on to help make that experience extra special. Our team of tree elves are experts at getting trees into cars - we once even got a 12ft tree in a mini! And if you're travelling by public transport we'll make sure the tree is netted in a way that makes it easy for you to carry home (quite a few of our friends have carried the tree by hand by bus train and underground - taking photos on the way!).
If you are looking for a bigger tree (10ft plus) and need delivery we will be able to help. Please contact us for more information.
How early should i buy my tree?
We would recommend coming early in the season to have your best pick of the trees, and not to miss out. As they are freshly cut they will easily last the season if you look after them well. We will officially open on Sunday 20th November through to Thursday 22nd December.
Can I reserve my tree and come back later to pick it up?
We are more than happy for you to come early, pay, and then pick it up at another time. We will tag and reserve the tree for you. In fact, we would recommend coming as early as possible to avoid missing out.
We look forward to making this a magical Christmas experience for you all.
Please contact us directly if you would prefer to discuss any details.
