Warning on future of mistletoe

The future of mistletoe in parts of Britain's countryside continues to look bleak, experts have warned.

Despite a campaign to preserve the traditional symbol of Christmas, it is still threatened and there are fears it could disappear from woodland within 20 years.

Most of the mistletoe bought in Britain comes from traditional orchards in the cider-producing counties of Somerset, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

But wildlife experts say the orchards are rapidly disappearing, along with the knowledge of mistletoe management and harvesting techniques.

The Sussex Wildlife Trust warned that if the loss continues, there could be a threat to species linked to orchards such as bees, butterflies, moths and dead wood invertebrates.

The decline in orchards may also lead to people having to rely on more expensive European imports of mistletoe for their Christmas kisses.

Jess Price, from the Sussex Wildlife Trust, said: "Although we don't want to stop Christmas kisses, we want people to appreciate mistletoe and the threat it faces."

Mistletoe has long been associated with Christmas and mid-winter customs, believed to date back to pre-historic times as a symbol of ongoing life during the winter months.

The kissing custom is a British version of those ancient traditions, while in France mistletoe is seen as a good luck symbol at new year.

According to the National Trust, traditional orchards have declined by more than 60% since the 1950s, and by up to 90% in Devon and Kent.

Its disappearance is proving a concern because it helps support wildlife, providing winter food for birds such as the blackcap and mistle thrush. It also supports six specialist insects, including the scarce mistletoe marble moth, some sap-sucking bugs and the affectionately-named "kiss me slow weevil".

A project was launched in 2009 by the National Trust and Natural England to help reverse the loss of the habitat by restoring traditional orchards, supporting small cottage industries producing cider and juices and promoting the growth of community-run orchards.