Are you looking for something to brighten up your place this Christmas? How about making your very own Christmas wreath?
In a couple of weeks time, we’ll be asking you to share photos of your wreaths, so why not get a get start by making yours this weekend?
What do I need?
Wreaths are a great way to bring some natural Christmas cheer to you house. Holly is the traditional favourite, but why not branch out? (no pun intended, honestly!) Try getting out into your garden and use cuttings of whatever trees, bushes and shrubs you’ve got. The more original the better I say!
Leylandii makes a great base, and then add some berries. Why not go for a pyracantha, if you don’t have a holly bush? Both these are great additions for any wildlife garden.
Berry good
Whilst some berries look great on your wreath, make sure that you leave some for the wildlife?
Berry-bearing bushes are an incredibly useful source of food at this time of year for birds like blackbirds and their exotic-looking Scandinavian cousins fieldfares and redwings. If you’re really, really lucky, they could even attract a waxwing. How cool would that be?
Pine cones
Add some pine cones too for the finishing touches. There’s bound to be some of these lying around in woodland or park near you.Whatever you add, let us know. It may give some of the rest of us some ideas!
Ps. If you live in or Dorset, we've got our own special wreath making event for this next weekend. Why not drop by?
For more on our science, check out the RSPB Centre for Conservation Science web pages.