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Trees woods and wildlife
Mistletoe
Romantic, parasitic and poisonous, mistletoe loves broadleaf trees and provides an important habitat for woodland wildlife. Its leathery green leaves offer welcome colour among bare winter branches when much else is dormant.
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Blog
Where does mistletoe grow?
Mistletoe is a familiar Christmas staple, associated with folklore and midwinter tradition. But where does it grow and how can you find it in the wild?
Amy Lewis • 12 Dec 2018
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Trees woods and wildlife
Mistle thrush
Britain’s largest songbird. Renowned for defending its food supply. Named for its love of mistletoe berries.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Orchards
Buzzing with life and fruitful harvests. Orchards are both useful for food, but also for a huge range of wildlife. Though many have been lost, there is hope for the orchard!
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Blog
Christmas nature quiz
Test your knowledge of the plants and animals connected with our festive traditions.
Charlie Mellor • 11 Dec 2024
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Blog
How to make a holly wreath
Read our tips and step by step guide on how to make your own festive wreath from holly and other natural foraged materials.
Kate Lewthwaite • 24 Nov 2020
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Blog
Outdoor Christmas activities for families
Get out into nature this Christmas and enjoy some festive activities with your family on a woodland walk.
Danielle Wesley • 13 Dec 2021
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Trees woods and wildlife
Oak, sessile
Less famous than English oak, but no less loved, the sessile oak towers in the woods. Squirrels, jays and badgers love their acorns and caterpillars flock to eat their leaves, in fact 326 species of wildlife are found only on oak.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Blackcap
Named after the male’s signature black cap, this little bird arrives in the UK each spring, bringing with it the sweet sound of its beautiful song.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Oak, English
The ruling majesty of the woods, the wise old English oak holds a special place in our culture, history, and hearts. It supports more life than any other native tree species in the UK; even its fallen leaves support biodiversity.
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Blog
Foraging for natural Christmas decorations
Transform your home into a woodland wonderland this Christmas with our easy ideas for festive, foraged home decor.
Helen Keating • 05 Dec 2022
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Trees woods and wildlife
Crab apple
A symbol of fertility and a forager's delight. Crab apple trees are associated with love and marriage and its small, hard fruits make an exquisite, jewel-coloured jelly.
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Blog
9 carnivorous plants to spot in the UK
Did you know there are carnivorous plants in the UK? Take a look at some of the predatory and parasitic plants you could spot in our woods and wetlands.
Charlotte Varela • 28 Jun 2023