Gardens can look empty and quiet at this time of year, but winter doesn’t have to mean a lack of wildlife. Many birds are still active, and one species in particular is more likely to visit if you grow the right plant. Redwings arrive in the UK from October and stay until March, often gathering in groups during colder spells.
And for anyone who wants to see them in their garden, experts say there is one option that works especially well in December. It grows reliably in winter, copes with cold weather and provides exactly the kind of food redwings search for. Despite that, many gardeners overlook it, even though it needs very little care once planted.
Experts say adding the plant now could help redwings find shelter and berries through the coldest months, giving you a better chance of seeing them in your garden.
The plant in question is hawthorn. It’s a hardy native tree that produces white or pink flowers in spring, followed by bright red berries in autumn and winter.
These berries are an important food source for redwings when insects disappear.
According to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), redwings rely heavily on berries such as those from hawthorn when other food becomes scarce.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) also lists hawthorn as one of the best trees for attracting birds and other wildlife.
Its berries help feed birds, while its dense branches offer shelter from frost, rain and predators.
According to the RHS, hawthorn can be grown as a single tree or as a hedge and suits most outdoor spaces.
It is very hardy, tolerates poor soil and air pollution, and only needs light pruning once established.
While it can reach 12 metres if left untouched, it can be kept much smaller with regular trimming.
Planting can be done throughout the dormant season, and December is still a suitable time.
Bare-root hawthorn trees are often planted between November and March, and container-grown plants can go in the ground whenever the soil is not frozen or waterlogged.
Winter planting allows the roots to settle before growth starts again in spring.
If used as a hedge, hawthorn can add privacy and help secure gardens thanks to its strong, thorny branches.
But because of the thorns, gardeners should avoid placing it too close to paths or children’s play areas.
As far as spotting redwings is concerned, they are slightly smaller than blackbirds and can be recognised by the pale chest and red patch beneath each wing.
They are often seen feeding on the ground or perched in berry bushes when snow or frost sets in.
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