In this episode, it's approaching December's Winter Solstice, in Lincolnshire in the east of the UK, where Hannah (herbalist, nature educator and host) lives. We take a crunchy walk through the frozen landscape after an unusually hard frost, before going to meet a striking, berry-laden Holly tree in the village graveyard, and we hear what could well be a Mistle Thrush...

Heralded as the start of astronomical winter, winter solstice is the 24 hour period when there are the shortest number of daylight hours, so is often referred to as the 'shortest day'. The world 'solstice' is derived from the Latin 'sun stands still', and is where the sun appears to stop, before changing direction. Even though nature can appear bare and stark at this time of year, evergreen plants and trees still stand bold and strong in the landscape. The Holly tree (Ilex aquifolium) is one such evergreen. A tree steeped in rich history and folklore, and one that provides essential nesting cover for birds, and remains a valuable winter food source for them. There's a striking bird alarm call, of what Hannah thinks is a Mistle Thrush, whilst recording by the tree. A bird on the UK Red List of engangered species, and one that feasts on holly berries, as well as mistletoe berries, which is how it came by its name.

For this episode, Hannah has created a Spotify playlist of songs and music that have accompanied the creation of this episode, and capture the feel of the season. Enjoy! As with previous episodes, there'll also be accompanying pictures of the landscape and holly tree, shared over the coming weeks, over at Edge of the Hedge's social media pages, on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.  If you want to get in touch, to say hello, share your thoughts on anything in this episode, or make a suggestion for music to add to the playlist, please feel welcome to email me at [email protected] 

Edge of the Hedge is bourne out of a labour of love, of hoping to help people to find moments of peace, slow the walking pace, and look more deeply at the natural world that we share this planet with, with a hope that by looking more closer, and connecting more deeply with it, we'll take greater care of the planet, and share t

You can find augmented visual content relating to this episode, and other episodes, over at Edge of the Hedge's social media pages, on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. If you want to get in touch, to say hello or share your thoughts on aspects covered in this episode, please feel welcome to email me at [email protected]

I always welcome Edge of the Hedge being tagged on social media, especially if you've been inspired to look closer at the landscape.

Edge of the Hedge podcast is entirely independent and self-funded, and if you've enjoyed it, and wish to 'buy me a coffee', I'm always grateful for your support. Thank you!

Edge of the Hedge is bourne out of a labour of love, of hoping to help people to find moments of peace, slow the walking pace, and look more deeply at the natural world that we share this planet with, with a hope that by looking more closer, and connecting more deeply with it, we'll take greater care of the planet, and share the stories we learn, to inspire others to connect more deeply.

If you want to read more about Hannah's wider work, as a Herbalist and Nature Educator, you can find her website here.