Holly: it’s not just for Christmas!

As you stand to sing the familiar carol “The holly and the ivy” this Christmas or decorate your home with these festive favourites remember that holly is a valuable contributor to the biodiversity of our countryside. Holly not only adorns our countryside with its evergreen leaves throughout the seasons but also provides shelter for birds and the bright red berries a valued food source at this time of the year, with the spring flowers attracting the bees.

Holly is one of the most widespread and popular native trees, especially common in well-drained soils under both acid and alkaline conditions. It makes one of the best hedging plants because of its tolerance of clipping and stock proofing qualities. When planting holly trees it is important to remember that they are either male or female with only the latter bearing berries, so it is worth planting several holly trees together.  They should be planted with a root ball intact as this plant has little chance of survival from bare root stock.  

For many centuries, holly has been associated with the festive season. The prickly evergreen leaves with its vivid red berries stand out in a leafless wood.  The pointy leaves of holly trees were thought to afford magical protection for homes against witches and lightning strikes.  Prior to Christianity, it was thought that holly offered shelter to the fairies and those tiny spirits of the forest. Subsequently, the thorny leaves and bright red berries symbolising the crown of thorns and drops of blood gave it a respected place in Christianity.  

Farmers who participate in DARD’s agri-environment schemes may receive funding for field boundary restoration and for the planting of field margins with native trees, including holly. By doing so, the holly tree which has such a magnificent background can thrive in our countryside for years to come.

Further information on field boundary management and tree planting is available from Countryside Management Branch at your local DARD office.