Brits have been told to plant one thing in their gardens this spring to help birds. There are many ways we can attract birds to our gardens, including with suitable foods in the right type of feeders.
Natural foods such as berries, which form on certain trees and shrubs, can be even better for some bird species. Such trees and shrubs enhance our gardens for our own enjoyment. But with most garden centres offering an often bewildering selection, garden bird expert Lucy Taylor of Vine House Farm Bird Foods has shared her advice on where to start and explains the wider value of such trees and shrubs. She said that, in order for berries to form in the late summer and into autumn for birds to eat, the tree or shrub will first have to blossom in the early spring. Lucy said: “This is an important point about the wider value of trees and shrubs in gardens which have berries, because the blossom provides food in the form of nectar for bees and other pollinators at a time of year when most species of perennial plant have yet to flower.”
The expert added that some species and varieties of berry-bearing trees and shrubs also provide excellent nesting sites for birds such as blackbirds and robins. These tend to be where there’s relatively dense foliage and branches and stems with spikes, such as hawthorn and pyracantha.
Lucy also discussed whether it is better to plant native or non-native plants. She said: “If the aim is very much to have a wildlife garden which isn’t going to be kept too neat and tidy, then native species will typically be better, whereas for a more formal garden, non-native ornamental varieties may well fit in more appropriately.”
It is mainly different species of thrush that will feast on the berries come late summer and autumn. Blackbirds will be the first, but come October, they’re joined by more of the same species, which migrate here from northern mainland Europe.
Other species of thrush to migrate here are redwing and fieldfare, which will also seek out berries – and especially those on Rowan trees. Some species of finch will also eat berries, but it’s more the seeds inside that they’re after.
Lucy said that the best time to plant trees and shrubs is now. She added: “Late winter is ideal as long as the ground isn’t frozen, as the roots on the tree or shrub will be dormant and therefore not negatively affected by disturbance when planting.
“Trees and shrubs in pots can technically be planted at any time of the year as the root ball will normally remain intact when it’s removed from the pot, but the winter months are still better and not least as it reduces the need for watering. So please get planting.”
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