Flying Farmer?!
Ever wondered if farmers fly??!!
In this video, Rees and Kate talk about Rees’s Microlight Aircraft and how he plans to use it this year in the world championships near Corby.
👇 For a little more about Microlighting, take a look below 👇
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We sell around 1200-1400 Christmas Trees each year at Over Farm.
Over the years, we have had to change where we sell them, from right outside the farm shop leaning against the walls, to next to the goats (where some got eaten 🤭) to the current location today inside the Roundhouse at the farm park.
In this video, Rees, Kate and the family guide you around the Roundhouse and take a behind the scenes look at Sue’s wreaths.
Life on Over Farm is anything but ordinary.
From dawn till dusk, we’re knee-deep in a myriad of activities, working tirelessly to make our slice of the Gloucestershire countryside a profitable and thriving place. And I’ll tell you what, the life of a farmer is no easy feat. But it’s a life we love, and there’s always something exciting happening, whether it’s feeding greedy goats, moving giant pumpkins, tending to asparagus – or helping make international level cricket bats!
Now you might be scratching your head, wondering how a farm could really be so diverse as to be involved in the world of cricket. Well, here’s the little secret – some of the pristine bats you saw during the ODI Cricket World Cup may have been crafted from trees we’ve nurtured right here on Over Farm.
Despite England’s disappointing performance, it was a great feeling to know the balls flying around the pitch could have come into contact with a bat born from our very own soil.
That’s because we plant and grow trees for the world’s largest and oldest willow suppliers for cricket bats!
The bats tend to be made from the – imaginatively named – Cricket Bat Willows. These cool trees are scientifically known as salix alba caerulea, and they produce a type of wood that’s sought after by professional cricketers for its unique combination of strength and flexibility.
It takes a lot of love and labour to raise a cricket bat willow!
As you can imagine, to ensure our Cricket Bat Willows reach their full potential, we have to pamper them with just as much care and attention as we do the goats, pumpkins and asparagus!
The soil must be just right, with the perfect mix of nutrients to encourage healthy growth. Pruning is an art form, carefully sculpting the trees to produce straight, knot-free wood suitable for crafting top-tier cricket bats. As with lots of areas of farming, patience is key too – it takes years for these trees to mature and develop the qualities that make them cricket bat-worthy.
While you might not get your hands on our willows, we do have something just as enchanting that’ll bring about bigger smiles anyway.
Local trees that you can enjoy this Christmas (it’s not just professional cricketers who get our trees!)
While you can’t get your hands on our exclusive Cricket Bat Willows, we do have something equally enchanting that brings a smile to many faces every year. Of course, I’m talking about our home-grown Christmas trees.
As the holiday season approaches, the roundhouse on our farm transforms into a bit of a winter wonderland, with rows of vibrant evergreens ready to put some festive joy into homes all around Gloucester.
Whether it’s crafting cricket bats or providing the centrepiece for your Christmas celebrations, life on the farm really is a constant whirlwind of activity. From the cricket pitch to your living room, our trees have stories to tell and smiles to share. The roundhouse will be open for tree collection from November 25th. Why not come and enjoy a piece of our farm in your home too (and nab all the satisfaction of supporting a small local business too!)?
Click below to find out more about your loveliest local Gloucester-grown Christmas trees and order yours for collection now.
Our festive opening times are below.
We will close at 1600 on New Year Eve and closed on New Years Day.
December is finally here, which means it’s time to get your Christmas tree up!
Real trees are not only the best option for the environment as they provide a home for wildlife and absorb CO2 but they also fill your home with that classic Christmas scent. Plus, coming to choose your tree at the farm is an experience in itself! It’s festive fun for the whole family and can be made even better with a warm hot chocolate or coffee from our horsebox.
Getting a real tree for the first time can be a daunting task which is why we’ve put together this handy guide to help you choose the tree that’s right for you, give you some inspiration for the decorations, and dispose of it in an eco-friendly way.
Trees are available for click or collect or come along and select your own if you’d prefer.
Real vs Fake
The ultimate Christmas dilemma is whether to go for a real or fake tree. With sustainability at the forefront of all our minds, it’s important to consider it even at Christmas time! We’ve busted the common misconception that fake is better for the environment in this blog post.
Choosing the right tree
Overwhelmed with the huge variety of Christmas trees? Don’t know the difference between a Nordmann Fir or Norway Spruce? Our quick guide can help you choose the right Over Farm Christmas Tree for your home this year.
Decorating your tree
After spending valuable time deliberating over which tree to buy, you’ll want to make the most out of it and decorate it beautifully. From traditional red and green to a minimalistic or rustic style, there are so many great ideas. Take a look through our guide to get some inspiration for your festive décor this season.
Caring for your tree
Take a look at the video above or read our blog post to get all our tips for keeping your Christmas tree green and healthy!
Disposal
We’re taking part in Treecycle 2022! Once you’re done with your tree bring it to Over Farm and put it in the designated bin to be collected by Tewkesbury Borough Council and turned into compost.
Please only put real trees in the bin and remove all decorations. This easy method of disposal is great for the environment, just drop your tree off as you’re passing.
Our trees
The roundhouse is full of real Christmas trees, you can come along and pick your own or click and collect to beat the rush. Alternatively, take advantage of our delivery service (fee applies). To browse our selection or order yours and get prices, visit our Real Christmas Tree page.
We look forward to seeing you all when you come along to get your trees and wreaths this festive period.
Trees are available for click or collect or come along and select your own if you’d prefer.
It’s that time of year again. Christmas songs are on the radio, children are writing letters to Santa and you’ve probably already wrapped your first present. The festive season is well and truly upon us which means it’s time to start thinking about your Christmas tree.
It’s a yearly dilemma for a lot of people, do you go real or artificial? While each has its pros and cons in terms of cost and ease, there is something else that we should all be considering this year. The environmental impact.
There has been a surge of artificial tree sales this year and experts are putting the increase down to people assuming a faux tree is a better ecological choice than chopping down a beautiful real one.
Unfortunately, this isn’t case, especially when you buy your real tree locally.
Christmas trees are planted on Over Farm as a crop, so we’re not cutting one from a natural woodland or forest, and every tree that is cut will be replanted with another for you to enjoy in another 8-12 years.
Throughout its life on the farm, the tree is using up carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen to benefit us all.
The tree plantation is also a great cover for wildlife and birds, who often nest in them. The dense cover provides shelter for the little mammals and insects in the cold winter.
Whereas, you would need to use a fake Christmas tree for at least 10 years to have lower carbon emissions than its real counterpart.
The Carbon Trust estimates the carbon footprint of a two-metre artificial tree to be around 40kg CO2. That’s more than double that of a real tree that goes to landfill, and more than ten times that of real trees that are burnt.
The major environmental con to artificial Christmas trees is that they’re plastic. This means they’ve probably been made thousands of miles away and shipped around the world.
Unlike artificial trees real Christmas trees are recyclable. When Christmas is over, rather than ending up in landfill sites, real trees can be recycled or chipped and incorporated into the soil as compost to benefit future plants.
Even though a plastic tree is less hassle and can last for many years, eventually it will get tired and faded and end up in landfill, taking hundreds of years to degrade.
So, why not take advantage of our no contact click and collect Christmas trees, whilst also knowing you’re making the right choice for the environment.
Worried about taking care of a real Christmas tree? Take a look at our Christmas Tree Care Guide.
Having spent time choosing the perfect Christmas tree for your home, we know you’ll want to make sure it stays looking its best throughout the holidays. The only way to make sure is to care for it properly, after all, no one wants a sad, bare Christmas tree.
Tips for keeping a real Christmas tree healthy and green
Step 1
Take your tree out of its netting as soon as you get home. This will prevent fungus and mold from growing on damp branches.
Step 2
It should be kept outside in a cool shaded place, preferably standing in water, until it is required indoors.
Step 3
Before bringing the tree indoors it’s advised to cut off half an inch from the butt in order to open up the pores of the tree.
Step 4
Mount it in a water-holding stand (sold at the sales area at the Round House) or wedge it in a bucket with pebbles, small stones, or screwed up newspaper.
Step 5
Place it away from direct heat, such as radiators.
Step 6
Keep the container topped up with water every day; you will be surprised how much it needs.
We’ve also put all these steps in a quick video for you.
For more info about our real Christmas trees visit our webpage or pop by the roundhouse at the farm and our staff will be more than happy to help.
So, you’ve got your real Christmas tree from Over Farm, now it’s time to decorate it! There are so many great ideas and we’ve gathered together a few of our favourite to give you some inspiration this festive season.
Go Traditional
Red and green are the colours we all associate with Christmas, a timeless theme that looks great year on year. Coloured string lights are great for evoking those nostalgic childhood memories. If you can get your hands on some vintage decorations, they can really help to achieve that authentic look. An antique train set under the tree adds something a little extra that children will love to watch! Don’t forget to add a classic angel or star topper.
Rustic and Effortless
If an understated neutral style is more your thing, why not opt for rustic tree décor by incorporating nods to the natural world?
There’s lots you can do with pinecones, dip the ends in fine glitter or use metallic paint around the edges. Dot them around the tree or add strings so they can hang off branches. Twine, clear glass and wooden baubles all work well. Subtly add white or metallic ornaments throughout the tree, reindeer or robins look beautiful. Finish with a rattan tree topper for that ultimate rustic touch.
All things bright and beautiful
Make a statement with a rainbow tree, decorate with a combination of different coloured baubles. You could arrange your decorations in colour order to create a gorgeous ombre effect. Pom Poms are a fun way to add in colour and move away from a traditional tree. Get the whole family involved and make your own to create personalised and unique decor. Wrap your presents in matching paper to carry the colour scheme through.
Switch up the tinsel
Tinsel is great, but it’s not for everyone. There are great alternatives that add subtle glamour to the tree. Ribbon works beautifully, we love the idea of emerald green velvet trimmed with golden thread if you’re going for a more traditional style. Strings of beads are another idea if you’re looking to maintain traditional elegance.
For a more modern, neutral style opt for torn strips of hessian. Classic paper chains are effective and match any colour scheme if you hand make them. It’s a fun way to get children involved in a Christmassy activity.
Totally Unique Ideas
There’s always the option to try something completely different this year. Dried citrus fruits can make understated, yet stunning decorations, they’re also really easy to make yourself.
A playful sweet treat theme is a less traditional take on decoration. Dot gingerbread people and houses around your tree and add real candy canes, they pair well with red and white baubles.
Going super minimalistic with a Scandinavian style is another idea we love. Forget the tinsel, add tiny decorations and small twinkling lights.
We’d love to see how you decorate your Over Farm Christmas tree this year, be sure to tag us in your beautiful pictures on Instagram or Facebook! Come down to the farm and select your Christmas tree or order on a click and collect or delivery basis.
Nothing beats the smell of a Christmas tree over the festive period, but which is the best tree to choose? This quick guide should help you make an informed decision about which variety is right for your space, family and taste.
Best for families with younger children and those who suffer from allergies
Nordmann Fir
Originally from eastern Europe, the Nordmann fir has grown in popularity since being introduced to the British market in the 90’s. Its popularity is owed to its excellent needle retention. The needles on this tree are large, dark green and soft to touch, making it ideal for youngsters. The Nordmann fir is also good choice if you suffer from allergies, as the needles have a thick waxy coating.
Best for smaller rooms
Silver Fir
Producing a tall slender tree, they suit a petit room with limited space but are equally at home in any room where they will tuck nicely in a corner! The needles are a lovely silver blue colour which aren’t too prickly and retain incredibly well! Rob the farmer kept one inside in a coolish (say 19C) room until February without it shedding needles. Rest assured, the decorations were taken down at the beginning of January!
Best for traditionalists and outdoor spaces
Norway Spruce
The traditional Christmas tree in the UK, the Norwary Spruce brings a lovely scent to a room during the festivities. The trees are generally dense with thin, prickly needles. As they tend to be more prone to dropping needles, they are best suited to cooler rooms or even as an outdoor tree!
Best for bedrooms and hallways
Potted trees
Potted trees make a wonderful addition to any household. They are generally a lot small than cut trees, so are more suited to hallways or a smaller front room. The added benefit is that you can plant them outdoors after the festivities have ended and watch them grow for the following year! Just be sure to treat them as living things and water them regularly when kept inside.
Our real Christmas trees and wreaths are now available in the roundhouse opposite the farm shop.
Opening hours are: 1100 – 1700 Monday to Friday and 9:30 – 1700 Saturday and Sunday.
We are also offering trees for reservation, click and collect and delivery online
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Stay Safe
Rees
It’s been a while now since I picked up the Over Farm reins and gave my mum and dad a chance to relax a little more – but Sue wasn’t giving up her favourite task of the year, not for anyone!
My lovely mum has been devotedly crafting Christmas wreaths for Gloucesterites for more than 20 years, and she’s showing no signs of stopping yet.
Saving trees from the burner
It all started a couple of decades back when Dad went to burn some of the smaller firs that weren’t fit for selling in the Roundhouse to heat the house.
Too small, too ugly, not enough needles – the rejects with growing problems that wouldn’t sell and were taking up precious space.
But my mum Sue’s always been one to back the underdog and she was having NONE of the burning solution, so she came up with a bright idea to fulfil the destiny of these hamstrung trees and save them from immediate obliteration.
Wreaths
How Sue makes the wreaths
By cutting the foliage away from the trees, Sue’s got everything she needs to make spectacular and extraordinarily full-looking Christmas wreaths.
She painstakingly selects the bushiest bits from those poor unwanted trees, then heads to a cosy nook in the Over Farm offices and sticks the radio on. (You really know Christmas is coming when those piney aromas start permeating the office!)
There, Sue grabs a wire frame and uses a machine to carefully press the tangs of the frame together to hold on the foliage. Only when she’s satisfied that the frame is entirely invisible and furnished with a handsome mane of thick fir does she move onto the decoration.
Throughout the year (way before the run-up to Christmas), Sue keeps her eyes open for the best ribbons and bows, storing up a stately stock of elegant and stylish decorations to add to her wreaths.
In more recent years she’s even branched into fairy lights!
Sizes, shapes and bespoke wreaths
Now Sue knows not everyone’s door is the same size and sometimes less is more, so she makes a wide range of wreaths, from 8 to 14 inches in diameter.
These days you can even get one in the shape of a Christmas tree! (Think I’ll be going for one of those this year, it’s nice to do something different every now and then.)
I’d call the decorations sophisticated and classic, a bit like Sue herself. But if you fancy something a little more out there, or you’ve got a particular look in mind, Sue’s all ears.
She loves a challenge and our customers’ individual requests have led to some of the most beautiful bespoke wreaths over the years.
If you’d like Sue to make you a bespoke wreath, give the tree line a buzz on 01452 341510 and we’ll relay what you’re after – she’ll get back to you with a price and let you know when you can expect your wreath to be ready at the farm.
Why buy a Gloucester wreath from Sue this Christmas?
If you’re after a showstopper wreath for your front door this year, look no further than Sue’s selection.
Come along to the Roundhouse at the farm and you’ll see a massive display of Sue’s wares, as well as endless Christmas trees, grown for your home at ours.
Sue’s wreaths will be available in the Roundhouse from 25th November this year. You’ll find us a mile outside Gloucester city centre, just off the A40 at GL2 8DB. Duck off at Over Farm Market, follow the Christmas tree signs and you’re in the right place.
We’re open 11am – 6pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am – 6pm at weekends too.
Save a sad little tree this Christmas. Buy a wreath from Sue.
Ever wondered which pumpkins you can eat? 🎃😋🤔
When the Halloween festivities have come to an end, don’t bid your pumpkins a hasty farewell. Think green, whip on your apron and get creative, transforming your jack-o’-lanterns into a culinary delight.
In this video, Rees and Kate look around the pumpkin patch to see which ones you can serve on a Sunday roast, and which is best left as a baby rattle!
We’d love to hear what you end up doing with your pumpkins after Halloween, so please feel free to share your pictures and ideas on our PYO Facebook page. Let’s turn pumpkin PYO into a celebration of delicious eats, sustainability and – of course – Halloween!
Take a tour around our amazing Pumpkin Patch with Rees and Kate 🎃🎃🎃
Follow them around as they show you pumpkins, squash, the mahoosive centre pumpkin and the bar, yes BAR!!!
If you want to know more, click on the links below to check out the main pages.