Strawberry Fields For Christmas

A third-generation New Forest family business that sells Christmas trees is marking its 45th consecutive season by giving away free hot drinks to customers at weekends.

Strawberry Fields Christmas Tree Farm in Lymington near Boldre has teamed up with Green Bean Coffee which provides barista coffee and deluxe hot chocolate from its converted horse box.

The festive tree business was launched by Albert and Henry Cooper in 1979, with 1980 being its first festive season.

It is now run by Albert’s grandsons Billy and Charlie Cooper who have turned the site into a Christmas wonderland.

Billy said:

“When my grandfather and his brother set up the business they grew their own trees, but soon demand was too much. We are now supplied by two British sustainable farms and this year we have the Nordmann Fir, the Norway Spruce and the Fraser Fir."

“The Fraser Fir is quite new to us and has great needle retention, sturdy branches for holding ornaments and a wonderful smell."

“This year to mark our 45th Christmas we decided to give hot drinks away at weekends as a thankyou to our customers, many of whose families have been buying from us since we started."

“Green Bean Coffee serves from a converted horse box in our marquee and uses Bad Hand Coffee, which is a Bournemouth-based company."

“We also offer to cut tree trunks down to size and we can deliver locally. Customers can also buy wreaths, tree stands and stock up on kiln-dried logs and kindling from Lymington Firewood."

“It’s our belief that for many families buying a Christmas tree is a tradition - it’s not just a purchase, it’s an experience. And we want to make it the best experience we can."

“Our father Michael is still very much involved with the business and we have customers who visit us on the Brockenhurst to Lymington Road just to chat to him.”

The Christmas Tree Farm is open from 9am and 5pm seven days a week.

Photo:  Charlie Cooper (left) and Billy Cooper (right)