At first glance a wood in winter appears to be dormant especially as, in a broadleaved wood in particular, most of the trees will have shed their leaves and many woodland animals are hibernating.
Yet, while it is true that winter is the least colourful, quietest time of year, many woodland elements are still active.
The woodland canopy and leaf litter help insulate the wood from the worst of the winter frost, which allows insects and other invertebrates to stay alive, while fungi carry on fruiting and microbes in the soil are also still active - so the process of decomposition and nutrient recycling continues.
The one broadleaved tree that is still green at this time of year, is the famous Christmas symbol, the holly tree. Other evergreens such as mistletoe and ivy also attach themselves to the deciduous trees adding a spash of colour to the otherwise bare winter woods.