Our festive traditions may feel rooted in celebrations of the birth of Christ, but the trees and plants we use for decoration tell a different story

Lynn Farram and the congregation of Christ Church, Norris Green, Liverpool

Ivy flowers have gone over and now berries are starting to form. Avoid cutting these back and allow them to develop as a food source for birds. Ivy berries ripen in late winter and are often not eaten

Channel your creative side and make soaps, bath salts and creams with our expert guide

Make a sustainable start to the New Year and fill the quieter days after the festive flurry with these mindful greener crafting ideas that will bring lots of joy but won’t cost the earth

Make sustainable, homemade presents for gardeners that won’t cost the earth