This Christmas save an at risk native tree

An initiative has been launched in the Cairngorms National Park to save and restore one of Scotland's most important yet endangered native tree species.

The new partnership between Trees for Life and the Cairngorms National Park Authority, working with Cairngorms Aspen Group, aims to map, expand and connect aspen – an essential but now sadly rare feature of the Caledonian forest.

Aspen provides a habitat for a wide range of rare fungi, lichens, mosses, moths – but although once common, it has now largely disappeared from Scotland’s landscapes. Experts believe aspen has suffered more from deforestation than any other native tree in Scotland.

The new Cairngorms Aspen Network is bringing together experts, enthusiasts, and land managers to take action to identify and then restore aspen-rich habitats, and so boost wildlife and threatened species. It will also raise awareness about the importance of aspen.

A healthy, functional aspen network will help build resilience against climate change and biodiversity loss, says the Network.

“The new aspen network will offer much-needed hope for tackling the nature and climate emergencies by developing a restored, better-connected and healthier aspen network. By working together, we can improve the future of our aspen woodlands and the life they bring with them,” said Niamh Byrne, Aspen Project Officer at rewilding charity Trees for Life.

Aspen has been hit especially hard by deforestation and overgrazing, largely because it rarely flowers or sets seeds in Scotland, for reasons that remain unclear. This means once it is lost from an area, aspen is unlikely to return on its own.

The tree’s survival is threatened in the Highlands, where it now often only regenerates on rocky slopes or cliffs, out of the reach of grazing animals. Such small fragmented stands – sometimes a handful of old trees growing off the same root system – are geographically isolated and cannot provide a proper habitat for the many species that depend on them.

Fragmentation of native woodlands also reduce aspen’s chances of reproduction, while new growth by suckers from a parent plant is often grazed before it can flourish.

Characterised by shimmering foliage in summer and leaves which turn a stunning golden yellow in the autumn, and able to grow at elevations of up to 550 metres, aspen is extremely important for many reasons.

Aspen grows fast and dies young – meaning it efficiently locks away carbon. Aspen’s high rate of leaf fall and production of deadwood enriches soils, which creates optimum conditions for other plants and trees.

Over 60 insect species are known to feed on aspen foliage in Scotland. Young aspen shoots provide food for caterpillars of the rare dark-bordered beauty moth, while the endangered aspen hoverfly favours aspen deadwood. The tree is also highly valued by beavers.

Sarah Henshall, Head of Conservation for the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “Aspen is a priority species in Cairngorms National Park and hugely important resource for rare and threatened wildlife. Aspen also makes a significant contribution towards healthy and resilient nature networks in the National Park.”

The project’s first stage, being undertaken by Trees for Life, is mapping the location, condition and health of the Cairngorms National Park’s existing aspen, alongside key plants and animals that depend on the tree.

This mapping will help identify key sites and management priorities, including growing and planting plans for creating a thriving new network of aspen, and will create a blueprint for an effective approach to aspen conservation that could be rolled out across Scotland.

As the project develops, it is hoped there'll also be scope for local volunteers to get involved, including by gaining hands-on rewilding experience and receiving training for carrying out aspen surveys.

Trees for Life has been working to restore aspen to the Highlands since 1991, including by growing and planting thousands of young aspen trees annually.

Over recent years, Trees for Life has successfully encouraged aspens to produce seed under controlled conditions at its Dundreggan rewilding estate in Glenmoriston – producing new generations of aspen to support woodland restoration projects across the Highlands.

The Cairngorms Aspen Network Project is funded by a grant from the Cairngorms National Park Authority. For more details, see treesforlife.org.uk/cairngorms-aspen-network.

That's Christmas believes that this would be a wonderful opportunity for Christmas gifts in the names of environmentalists in your life.

The History of Christmas Traditions in the UK

Christmas in the UK is a time steeped in rich traditions, many of which have evolved over centuries. 

From the cosy glow of twinkling lights to the sounds of carollers singing festive tunes, the celebration of Christmas in Britain is a blend of ancient customs and more modern innovations. 

Let’s take a journey through some of the most cherished traditions, exploring how they have developed over time.

The Roots of British Christmas Celebrations

The celebration of Christmas in the UK, like in many parts of Europe, has its roots in both pagan and Christian traditions. Before Christianity, many winter festivals were centred around the winter solstice, marking the return of longer days. When Christianity spread across Britain, the celebration of Christ’s birth became entwined with these older festivals, resulting in a festive period that mixed religious observance with merrymaking.

The modern Christmas we recognise today began to take shape during the Victorian era, largely thanks to the influence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Albert, originally from Germany, is credited with popularising many of the customs we now consider quintessentially British, including the Christmas tree.

The Evolution of Christmas Carolling

Carolling, one of the most beloved Christmas traditions, has its origins in the medieval period. Initially, carols were not exclusively linked to Christmas, nor were they religious. 

They were simply songs of celebration, often accompanied by dancing. It wasn’t until the late Middle Ages that carols began to be associated specifically with the Nativity and sung during church services.

During the Victorian era, there was a revival of interest in Christmas carols. Many of the traditional carols that are still sung today, such as "Silent Night" and "O Come, All Ye Faithful," were either written or popularised during this period. Communities would gather to sing door-to-door, often in exchange for a warm drink or a sweet treat, spreading festive cheer throughout the streets.

Carolling remains a somewhat popular activity in the UK, with groups often raising money for charity or simply bringing joy to their neighbours. Though modern carol services may be more polished and organised than their medieval predecessors, the heart of the tradition—bringing people together through music—remains unchanged.

The Story Behind Christmas Crackers

A staple of the British Christmas dinner table, the Christmas cracker is a relatively modern invention.

Crackers were first created in the 1840s by a London confectioner named Tom Smith. Inspired by the French bonbon (a sugared almond wrapped in paper), Smith wanted to create something more exciting for the British market. 

His innovation was to add a small strip of paper inside the wrapper that, when pulled, would make a "bang" sound. He then added small toys, jokes, and paper hats to create what we now recognise as the Christmas cracker.

Initially, crackers were marketed as festive novelties, but over time, they became an essential part of Christmas celebrations. Today, pulling crackers is a much-loved tradition at British Christmas meals. The paper crown inside, a nod to the Twelfth Night celebrations when people dressed as kings, adds an extra touch of fun to the proceedings. And of course, no Christmas dinner is complete without groaning at the cheesy joke hidden inside!

The Tradition of Sending Christmas Cards

Another key tradition with Victorian roots is the sending of Christmas cards. The very first Christmas card was sent in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole, who was looking for a way to promote the new postal service. Designed by artist John Callcott Horsley, the card depicted a family enjoying Christmas dinner and carried the simple message "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You."

The practice quickly caught on, and by the late 19th century, sending Christmas cards had become a widespread tradition. The cards of this period often featured sentimental Victorian scenes of snowy landscapes, family gatherings, or religious imagery. Today, while the rise of digital communication has changed the way people keep in touch, many still cherish the tradition of exchanging physical cards as a way of sharing festive greetings with loved ones.

Christmas Trees and Decorations

The Christmas tree, while often considered a British tradition, actually has its roots in Germany. As mentioned earlier, it was popularised in the UK by Prince Albert in the 19th century. The first documented Christmas tree in Britain was set up at Windsor Castle in 1841. It wasn’t long before homes across the country followed suit, decorating their trees with candles (later replaced by electric lights), baubles, and tinsel.

In addition to the tree, other decorations like mistletoe, holly, and ivy also have ancient origins. Mistletoe, for example, was considered sacred by the Druids and was believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. Today, it’s more commonly known for the custom of kissing underneath its boughs—another Victorian invention!

Modern Additions to British Christmas Traditions

While many British Christmas traditions have deep historical roots, there have been a few more recent additions to the festive season. The annual Christmas advert, for example, has become a much-anticipated event in the UK, with brands such as John Lewis and Marks & Spencer competing to create heartwarming, memorable commercials.

Another newer tradition is the focus on charitable giving during the holiday season. Many people choose to donate to food banks, volunteer at shelters, or participate in fundraising events like Christmas Jumper Day, where people wear festive jumpers to raise money for charity.

British Christmas traditions have evolved considerably over the years, blending ancient customs with modern innovations. From the joyful sounds of carollers in the streets to the festive crack of a Christmas cracker over dinner, these traditions continue to bring warmth and joy to the season. 

While the way we celebrate may change, the spirit of togetherness, generosity, and celebration that defines Christmas in the UK remains timeless.

Festival of Christmas trees - Francis House Children’s Hospice opens pop-up event

Francis House Children’s Hospice is bringing the magic of Christmas to a pop-up shop in Quayside MediaCityUK by filling it with 40 unique Christmas trees.

The Festival of Christmas trees opens on Saturday, October 28, and aims to encourage members of the public to place bids the unique trees, each packed with vouchers, signed football shirts, hampers, vouchers and handmade gifts.

The annual project involves businesses, community groups and individuals coming together in the decoration of a one-off Christmas tree which will be auctioned off to raise funds for the Greater Manchester hospice.

Based in Didsbury, Francis House provides respite care, homecare, end of life care and a range of other services to the families of children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.

Participants this year include JP Goldman, Cardinal Global Logistics, Beaverbrooks the Jewellers, Morrisons, Uplift Knitters, LIFT-Financial, Amaranth, DLA Piper and Lowbury Construction.

The event this year is sponsored by Towers Business Park and Quayside MediaCityUK.

Julie Williams, fundraising officer at Francis House said: "Anyone visiting the display is in for a real treat. With the help of our tree sponsors there is something to tempt everyone to place a bid and be in with the chance of taking a truly unique tree home for Christmas.

“We provide the tree and lights, and the rest is left up to the imagination of our fantastic sponsors. Cardinal Global Logistics have created a bright and beautiful Barbie tree and the Thomason family have put together two trees bursting with football, gaming and food and drink goodies.”

Bids can be placed on each tree for five weeks in the run up to Christmas, either in store or online at www.festivaloftrees.co.uk

A range of Christmas decorations, gifts and cards are also on sale in the shop along with the opportunity to win a raffle prize and take part in a lucky dip.

With some trees fetching hundreds of pounds each it is hoped the event this year will exceed the £25,000 in profit raised in 2022.

The shop can be found on the first floor of Quayside MediaCityUK, formerly the Lowry Outlet and runs from October 28 until December 3.

To view a gallery of the trees and to discover more visit www.festivaloftrees.co.uk