Local Grower’s Wreath to Adorn 10 Downing Street This Christmas

A Christmas wreath crafted by local grower Strawson Woodland will grace the iconic door of 10 Downing Street during this festive season. The company, based in Little Cawthorpe near Louth, has been awarded the title of Champion Festive Wreath of the Year 2025 after competing in a prestigious contest organized by the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA).

This year marks a significant achievement for Strawson Woodland, as they are first-time entrants in the wreath competition. Previously, they had participated in the Christmas tree category without securing a win. The competition culminated in a vote among members of the BCTGA, who evaluated entries anonymously. The wreath was designed by Poppy Dales, a member of the Strawson team, who previously placed as runner-up in the Best Natural Wreath category before clinching the overall title.

Strawson Woodland is currently cultivating approximately 360,000 trees across various stages of growth, ranging from 1 foot to 25 feet tall. While the primary varieties available include Norway spruce and Nordmann fir, the grower also supplies Noble fir foliage for florists and the general public. Rod Strawson, the owner, expressed his delight at the recognition, noting the high competition level and the hard work that led to their success.

“The quality of entries continues to improve year after year as the industry strives to produce a better product for consumers,” said Oliver Coombe, vice-chair of the BCTGA. He emphasized that the winners’ contributions serve as a reminder of the importance of purchasing local and real Christmas trees.

Strawson Woodland has a rich history, with Rod’s father, Peter Strawson, founding the business in 1976 and being one of the original members of the BCTGA. Rod mentioned how the recognition allows his team to “shout out a bit to the nation and the world” through their wreath’s display at such a recognizable venue.

The wreath, a replica of Poppy’s original design, will be made from fresh materials, including their own moss and foliage, ensuring it meets the high standards expected for 10 Downing Street. With their newfound title, Strawson Woodland will not compete in the tree category next year, but they plan to explore other tree types for future entries.

Starting at the end of November, visitors can select their own Christmas trees directly from the Strawson Woodland site or purchase a ready-cut specimen from the barn. Additionally, the business offers trees for sale at their East Ravendale Farm, located near Grimsby. For more information, interested individuals can explore the Strawson Woodland website or connect through their social media channels.