RSPB says leave holly for birds

THE RSPB has called on people not to take too much holly from trees this Christmas.

Holly is a valuable source of food and shelter for many birds, mammals and insects throughout the year and, because it is a relatively slow-growing plant, the RSPB said it is crucial bushes are not over-trimmed during the festive season.

Thrushes, robins, dunnocks, finches and goldcrests use it for nesting as the prickly leaves provide excellent protection from predators.

Blackbirds, fieldfares, redwings and mistle and song thrushes, among others, eat the berries which stay fresh through the very cold weather.