Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: A Natural History of Christmas

Have you ever wondered why turkeys don't come from Turkey? This short course will explore the natural history of Christmas and some of the traditions associated with the wild plants and animals of the British countryside. Find out about the tiny moth that lives in the leaves of mistletoe and why we kiss under this parasitic plant. The secrets of Holly and Ivy and where Christmas trees originally came from. This special time of the year has associations with many species of plants and some familiar animals. Discover what reindeer eat and how they find their food in the middle of winter; when it is buried under a blanket of snow, and investigate the secret life of the Robin, recently voted the nations favourite bird and the one most likely to follow us around in the garden. And don’t forget the rare but wonderful red squirrel and how the spruce trees are so vital to their habitat. We will look at the influence these animals and plants have had on some of our traditions past and present. So, join tutor, Stephen Parker on this fascinating look at a natural history of Christmas.