It is Christmas time; the shops are heaving with food and gifts, encouraging seasonal over-indulgence. Meanwhile, outdoors, our wildlife gets on with the business of surviving the coldest and darkest time of year. A walk in the countryside will reveal plenty to distract from the more commercial side of Christmas; indeed nature has played an important role in winter celebrations for centuries. Robin redbreast: The robin is one of our best-loved garden birds, and frequently appears in Christmas cards and decorations. One explanation for their seasonal fame dates back to Victorian times when postmen (who delivered the cards) wore red uniforms and were nicknamed ‘robin redbreasts’.

Another likely explanation is that robins are particularly visible at this time of year. Not only do their bright red breasts bring colour to drab surroundings, but males become fiercely territorial, making themselves known to passers-by.

Seasonal decor: The custom of decorating homes with evergreen branches dates back to pre-Christian times. Because they keep their leaves throughout the year, holly, ivy and mistletoe were thought to have magical powers, representing life continuing through the winter.

It was believed that bringing them inside would bestow new energy on the household and provide protection from evil spirits.

A European tradition states that whoever brings the first holly into the house at Christmas, husband or wife, will rule the house for the following year. So the race is on! But do not be too hasty — it is considered bad luck to bring such decorations in before Christmas Eve.

A Christmas kiss: The tradition of stealing a Christmas kiss under the mistletoe became common in England during the 18th century. Then it was the only place you could (in a proper fashion) secure a kiss outside marriage. Today, it continues to provide an excuse to publicly kiss someone you always wanted to! But remember, a berry should be picked and discarded after each kiss, and when all the berries have been used . . . no more kisses!

Hangover cure: Ivy was often prescribed by herbalists to help cope with heavy drinking or hangovers. In one such remedy, the effects of intoxication by wine are removed if a handful of ivy leaves are bruised and gently boiled in the wine and drunk.

However, as the leaves and berries contain toxins that cause vomiting, diarrhoea and nervous depression, this cure is certainly not advised! A safer option, once believed to prevent drunkenness from wine drinking, is to wear an ivy garland round the head. One to try at the next Christmas party perhaps?

Enjoy wildlife: There are plenty of spots to enjoy the bright red berries of holly or the melodious song of the robin, such as BBOWT’s Foxholes or Sydlings Copse nature reserves. So wrap up and head out — a brisk walk is a sure way to banish winter blues! Find out more at www.bbowt.org.uk or call 01865 775476.