Collect fir cones

by Julia
(New Forest, Hampshire)

If you live near a forest or wood with cone-bearing, evergreen trees, have a picnic there one day.

It's a good idea to wait until after a particularly windy day in autumn/winter, so that lots of fir cones will have blown down.

Take a bag or basket to put your collection in. See how many different kinds you can find. Some trees have tiny little cones and others enormous ones.

Fir cones make make a lovely blaze on an open fire or you can use them to make decorations with.

Brush them clean when you get home and let them dry thoroughly, especially if want to use them to make things with.

You can create pretty mobiles from fir cones, using them to hang down and balance the cross-pieces. Paint the cones with a clear varnish or a bright spray paint to preserve them.

You can also make all sorts of Christmas decorations using fir cones and evergreen foliage, like holly and laurel.