Christmas tree shortage fears: Growers urge Brits 'buy local' in festive season supply chain crunch

Christmas tree growers tell ITV Regional News reporter Amrit Birdi why Britain's festive plans could be hit by supply problems this season

If you prefer a real Christmas tree - there are concerns you may struggle to get your hands on one this festive season.

The growing industry is among many affected by the current labour and supply chain difficulties.

Christmas tree buyers are being warned the pressures are likely to push up prices this winter, as Britain grapples with energy price rises and a lorry driver shortage. 

But despite concerns about a lack of imports from Europe this festive season, the British Christmas Tree Growers' Association (BCTGA) is urging people not to panic.

The growers are urging people across the UK to "buy local" this year to avoid disappointment.

With sustainability an increasing concern for many consumers, it is expected more will choose to buy their "real" Christmas tree within the UK and be selective with their purchases.

Joanna Bailey grows Christmas trees in Northampton and has seen demand steadily rise, with last season one of her company's busiest.

She is expecting that trend to continue as more people become aware of the importance of shopping locally for more products.

"We had a great season last year with people recognising the value of British grown trees," she told ITV News.

The BCTGA says it has worked hard to get the right labour and haulage in place for this year so supply is not affected.

But it says there are some factors are likely to affect the supply of trees to households this Christmas.

Olly Combe, of the BCGTA, said: "The elements we can control I'm comfortable that we've got well planned for.

"But as you see elsewhere in the world there are factors outside of our control that are influencing supply chains.

But other festive season suppliers were worried about how a shortage of workers could affect its stocks this year. 

The European Forest Nursery Association says it only has two-thirds of the staff it would normally employ at this time of year.

The industry body is considering cutting back production levels if it does not have enough labour.

Tom Barwick, who runs a Christmas tree farm in Norfolk, said whatever happened, this year looked set to be busy once again.

He said 2020 had proven a unique year for Christmas tree sales in the UK.

"Last year may have been a slight anomaly with everybody being out of lockdown and being very excited to go out and do anything they can," he said.

Jamie Dewhurst, president of the European Forest Nursery Association, added that he hoped no trees would go to waste.

He explained: "The most expensive tree we ever produce is the one that we can't sell."