Nature spotting on cold and frosty December days can prove the perfect antidote to rising stress levels during the holiday season. However, there’s no reason why that shouldn’t have a festive edge to it too. Discover a little more about some of the species and spectacles that take centre stage at this time of year.

Robin

As well as gracing many a greeting card, the Robin is one of our nation’s most beloved birds. A fiercely territorial bird, it can be found in gardens, parks, scrub and woodland, marking its territory with a loud territorial song. At this time of year, both sexes have their own territories and it is only during the breeding season that the female is allowed into the male’s territory to set up a nest. Many myths surround the Robin about how it has come to be so closely associated with the festive season – a popular one is that the bird’s red breast bore similarities to the red uniforms of Victorian postmen who delivered the Christmas cards!

Mistletoe

Mistletoe is our only native, white-berried plant and although it’s widespread in Europe, it is a rarer sight in the UK, existing at the northernmost limits of its range. The plant is hemi-parasitic, with green leaves capturing light and a network of haustorium gathering water and minerals from a host tree. Mistletoe doesn’t colonise new areas well – it has occupied strongholds in the traditional orchards found in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, with established clumps persisting in certain locations for more than a century – but, in recent years, it has become easier to find locally. We have seen an explosion in our gardens and parks, where host species have been planted. Cassiobury Park in Watford is a good place to look for it, and whilst you are there, check out the charming nature reserve that the Trust manages in partnership with Veolia Environmental Services and Watford Borough Council.

Mistle Thrush

The largest of our native thrushes, this songbird’s common name is very likely derived from its love of Mistletoe berries. The Mistle Thrush also plays an active role in dispersing the plant’s seeds both through its droppings and by way of wiping its beak clean of the plant’s sticky residue against the bark of trees, thus unwittingly planting its seeds. Look out for the Mistle Thrush in gardens, parks, woodland and scrub.

Partridges

Two species of partridge can be seen in the UK, although it would be extremely rare to see either in a pear tree! Whether looking for the native Grey Partridge or the Red-Legged Partridge (an introduced gamebird), farmland is their favoured habitat. Spot them scurrying across fields and along the bottom of hedgerows – they prefer running to flying! Partridges are ground-nesting birds and often congregate in a small group known as a covey.

Frost

Frost can be a common and picturesque sight in December, creating wonderful patterns on our windows, and transforming the details of seedheads and cobwebs into spectacular, natural works of art. Gardens, grass verges and outdoor spaces become magical wonderlands! Enjoy taking the time to study nature’s artistry at close range, or pull out your smartphone to pick up the intricate features that Jack Frost has kindly left behind.

Why not extend your appreciation of the natural world this festive season by taking part in our annual festive challenge, 12 Days Wild? Do one wild thing a day from the 25 December to the 5 January, and discover more of the winter wildlife and natural sights around you. Find out more here.