Winter Wonders at the Glade: Wreaths, Ribbons, and Ringing

​The winter chill hasn't slowed things down here at The Glade Trust. This past week has been a beautiful blend of community creativity and vital scientific conservation, proving that even in the "quiet" season, the reserve is teeming with life.

​Handcrafted Holidays: Family Wreath Making

​Our recent Family Christmas Wreath Making day was a resounding success! It was wonderful to see families exploring the reserve to gather natural treasures. Using a mix of foraged greenery—including glossy holly, ivy, and fragrant pine—everyone tried their hand at crafting unique decorations.

​The results were stunning! From traditional berry-heavy designs to whimsical wreaths adorned with moss, pinecones, and festive ribbons, the creativity on display was inspiring. It’s a fantastic way to bring a piece of the Glade’s winter landscape back home for the holidays.

​Winter CES: Visitors from Afar

​While the crafting was happening, our conservation team was busy with another winter session of the Constant Effort Site (CES) ringing scheme. Monitoring the bird population during these colder months provides crucial data on survival rates and migratory patterns.

​Two species, in particular, caught our attention this week:

• ​The Continental Blackbird: We’ve seen an influx of Blackbirds lately. Interestingly, many of these aren't our "local" garden residents. During winter, the UK welcomes thousands of Blackbirds from Scandinavia and Continental Europe seeking milder conditions. You can often tell them apart by their darker beaks compared to the bright yellow/orange beaks of our year-round UK males.

  

• ​The Vibrant Bullfinch: We were also treated to the sight of the stunning Bullfinch. With his bright pinkish-red breast and smart black cap, the male Bullfinch is a true winter highlight. They are shy birds, usually found feeding on buds and seeds in the thickets, so having one in hand for ringing is always a special moment for the team.

  
  

​Nature’s Resilience

​Seeing these birds up close reminds us why the work at Glade Trust is so important. Whether it's a Blackbird that has flown hundreds of miles across the North Sea or a Bullfinch thriving in our hedgerows, providing a protected habitat is essential for their winter survival.