8:00am Thursday 17th December 2009
By Stephen Bailey
THE demand for Christmas trees has been so high the Forestry Commission has run out of them.
Stocks have run out at Moors Valley Country Park, near Ringwood, and at New Park in Brockenhurst.
Families will now have added difficulty in finding a last minute tree, as these were two of the most popular spots for people seeking the real thing.
The Forestry Commission said it sold 3,000 from the two sites by Tuesday, five days ahead of the final day of sales, December 20.
Last year, there were 3,800 trees available at three sites and customers could buy one until the final day.
The commission said the demand had caused it a “bit of a headache” and put the sales down to increased environmental awareness.
Head ranger Andrew Norris said: “All our trees are sustainability grown, and this year more of our customers have told us that is important.
“We know this early sell out will be a disappointment for many of our regular customers.
“We can only apologise to them for a situation which is entirely beyond our control. We understand that other local suppliers are experiencing similar difficulties.”
The commission said predicting tree sales was difficult and that it would be reviewing stock levels next year.
Mr Norris added: “I’d like to thank everybody who has already bought their tree from us and apologise again to those who have been disappointed.”
Nationally, a shortage of some imported trees has been blamed on the exchange rate between the euro and the pound.
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