One of the UK’s favourite native evergreens, holly trees are a delight to visit all year round, but there is something truly enchanting about spotting the blood-red berries against a winter backdrop of frost and mist.
Holly has become synonymous with the Holidays due to its long-standing popularity across Northern Europe. A holly bough or wreath placed on a door would protect from malevolent spirits that were believed to visit during the Holiday period. These days it is more commonly found in festive songs, or adorning the top of a plump Christmas pudding.
Located north of the striking and hugely popular Stiperstones ridge, visitors rarely venture off the path and enter the scattered grove of hollies. But for those curious few that do, the sight is spellbinding. These wizened, gnarled trees have stood strong against the elements for centuries, remnants of a time long before us. As you weave between the twisted trunks of some of Britain’s oldest holly trees, you can only wonder in amazement at the history they have witnessed.
If you look closely, you may notice the bizarre sight of a tree growing within a tree and in some instance, whole holly trees being split in half by the roots of an uninvited guest. This phenomenon, often referred to as a ‘cuckoo tree’, is because of wintering thrushes, such as redwings and fieldfares. These birds will often perch in holly trees after feasting on rowan berries. If their droppings catch in the bark, then the accompanying seed will germinate, creating a tree of differing parts akin to Frankenstein’s creature.
The Hollies nature reserve is a mystical illustration of the perseverance of nature. Each tree presents a unique and intriguing character, their bark dry as driftwood and riddled with beetle burrows. They are stubborn and enduring, with new growth sprouting from the bare skeleton of a tree.
This piece was published in the Winter issue of Shropshire Wildlife Trust members' magazine. If you would like to read similar content, then become a member today and receive our magazine three times a year.
