Local Grower Wins Right to Decorate 10 Downing Street for Christmas

A Christmas wreath from Strawson Woodland, a grower based in Little Cawthorpe near Louth, will adorn the iconic door of 10 Downing Street this festive season. The wreath was awarded the title of Champion Festive Wreath of the Year 2025 during a prestigious competition organized by the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA). This marks a significant achievement for the team, who previously only entered Christmas trees in the contest without success.

The competition saw numerous entries from growers across the UK, but it was Strawson Woodland’s wreath that stood out. The team, led by Rod Strawson, has been cultivating Christmas trees since 1976, when Rod’s father, Peter, founded the business and became a founding member of the BCTGA. This year’s wreath competition also recognized Cadeby Tree Trust from Leicestershire as the Champion Christmas Tree Grower of the Year, awarding them the right to supply the Christmas tree that will stand beside Number 10 throughout the festive period.

Strawson Woodland currently has approximately 360,000 trees at various stages of growth, ranging from 1 ft to 25 ft tall. The main varieties available are Norway spruce and Nordmann fir, with customers able to choose their own tree closer to Christmas. Additionally, the grower supplies Noble fir foliage for florists and the general public.

Rod Strawson expressed his delight at winning the wreath competition, highlighting the high standard of entries. “Everyone’s entry is entered anonymously,” he stated, explaining that all members present cast their votes. The wreath design was crafted by Poppy Dales, a member of their team, who won the Best Decorated Wreath and went on to clinch the overall title.

“It will be Poppy’s design that goes down to Downing Street, a replica of what she created for the BCTGA,” Rod added. “It was our foliage, our moss, and Poppy’s hard work and talent that won.” The competition has been held annually since 1999, attracting around 300 members of the BCTGA, with increasing quality of entries each year.

Oliver Coombe, vice-chair of the BCTGA, noted, “The quality of entries continues to improve year after year as the industry strives to produce a better product for consumers.” He emphasized that the winners would supply the tree and wreath for Downing Street, showcasing the importance of supporting local growers and choosing real trees.

Rod Strawson highlighted the significance of having their wreath displayed on such a prominent door. “We didn’t enter any trees this year, but winning the wreath competition means we can’t enter next year. We’ll probably look at some different types of Christmas trees to enter next year,” he said, looking ahead to future competitions with optimism.

From the end of November, visitors can head to the Little Cawthorpe site to select their own real Christmas tree from the field or purchase a ready-cut tree from the barn. Strawson Woodland also offers trees at its East Ravendale Farm near Grimsby. Those interested can find more information on the Strawson Woodland website or through their social media channels.