December invites us to slow down, wrap up warm and enjoy the small moments of magic that nature still offers in the darkest days of the year. While much of the natural world lies quiet, there’s plenty of colour, life and seasonal charm to be found across Hertfordshire and Middlesex. This month, we’re celebrating five species with a festive focus: Holly, Ivy, Turkeytail fungus, Robins and Sweet Chestnut.

Whether you’re walking through a frosty woodland, exploring your local nature reserve or simply noticing what’s growing closer to home, these winter wonders bring brightness to the season.

Holly - a timeless winter symbol

With its glossy, deep-green leaves and bright red berries, Holly is one of the most iconic plants of the festive season. Female trees carry clusters of berries that provide a vital winter food source for birds such as Redwings, Fieldfares and Mistle Thrushes, which will boldly guard their chosen bush from berry-thieving rivals.

Holly has long featured in winter folklore. The Celts believed the evergreen Holly King ruled the woods through the darkest months, its vibrant leaves symbolising resilience and protection. Look closely as you pass a Holly tree: the lower leaves are spikier - an adaptation to deter hungry deer - while the higher leaves become smoother and rounder.

Ivy - a winter lifeline

Ivy isn’t a parasite but a clever climber using trees, walls and old buildings simply for support. Its evergreen leaves help brighten even the bleakest winter day, while its late-season yellow-green flowers provide crucial nectar for autumn insects such as Honeybees, and Red Admiral butterflies.

Ivy also offers shelter for roosting bats and birds, and a snug winter home for hibernating insects. For centuries, sprigs of Ivy were brought indoors to ward off winter’s “evil spirits,” a tradition echoed in today’s festive greenery.

Turkeytail fungus - nature’s winter decoration

Arguably one of the most flamboyant winter finds, the Turkeytail fungus grows in layered tiers along dead wood - usually hardwood like beech and oak. Its circular, patterned caps resemble the fanned tail of a turkey, giving it both its name and its distinctive festive charm.

Though it grows year-round, Turkeytail is at its best in autumn and early winter, displaying bands of blues, creams, browns and rusts. Once so admired for its beauty, Turkeytail was even used to decorate hats and table displays!

Robin - our cheerful winter companion

No December wildlife list would be complete without the Robin. These charismatic birds are a familiar sight across gardens, parks and woodlands, their red breasts glowing warmly against winter’s greys.

Robins sing throughout the cold months, each bird fiercely defending its territory. Despite their festive image, they’re surprisingly bold and will readily appear while you’re gardening or walking, hoping to snatch an easy meal.

Their association with Christmas stretches back to Victorian times, when postmen in red waistcoats - nicknamed “robin red-breasts” - inspired artists to illustrate Robins on Christmas Cards.

Sweet Chestnut - a seasonal treat

Famous for its glossy brown nuts wrapped in spiky green casings, the Sweet Chestnut is a true winter favourite. Introduced by the Romans, these trees now have become naturalised across South East England. Their twisting trunks and arching branches can be found in many woodlands in Hertfordshire and Middlesex.

Roasted chestnuts have become part of Christmas tradition, enjoyed at festive markets or as part of winter dinners. Look for the fallen, empty husks beneath mature trees - a sure sign that squirrels and other wildlife have beaten you to the season’s snacks!

Winter may seem to be the quietest season, but it can offer some of the most meaningful moments in nature. Spotting a Robin on a frosty fence post, noticing the glossy glow of Holly berries or finding a cluster of Turkeytail fungus on an old stump can bring a much-needed sense of calm and connection.

This December, we’re inviting everyone to embrace the season by taking part in 12 Days Wild - simple, uplifting acts that help you experience nature throughout the festive period. From mindful winter walks to wildlife-friendly activities, it’s a wonderful way to bring a little wildness into your celebrations.

Sign up today and make this winter wonderfully wild: https://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/12-days-wild-0