What is mistletoe?

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant, and attaches to its host tree with a special structure called a haustorium. This lets the mistletoe suck up food and water direct from the tree. Apple and lime trees are favourites for mistletoe to grow on. In the UK, most mistletoe is found in England: in areas such as the south and west Midlands, with particularly good populations in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Gwent and Somerset.  Mistletoe is a rare occurrence in Scotland, due to the colder climate.  However, this may change as the climate changes.

Make sure you get mistletoe from a sustainably-harvested source.  This helps ensure the plants, and the trees on which they grow, will continue to flourish.

Mistletoe is a fascinating plant that’s played a huge part in tradition and mythology for centuries. It’s also an important plant for encouraging other biodiversity. Why not find out more?

Make your New Year’s resolutions…..

It’s International Volunteer Day!  Why not become a Food and Drink Ambassador, volunteer for a nutrition study, help out on a farm visit, or look at taking a whole-school approach to food?  There are loads of food-related opportunities for New Year’s resolutions, and lots of food education organisations that can help you make them a success.

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