How to provide bushes for nesting birds

In spring, birds begin to choose the best places to build nests and raise their young. If you’re lucky, one of these spots may well be in a tree, hedge or bush in your garden. As they set-up home, it’s best to try to disturb them as little as possible, and even give them a helping hand along the way!

Top tips for helping nesting birds:

• Plant a mix of native trees, hedges and large shrubs in your garden to provide shelter and safe perches for birds.
• Avoid disturbing any critters you have in your garden by trimming your hedges and shrubs in autumn and not spring.
• Prepare your garden for migratory birds in spring by setting a bird-feeding station, complete with a bowl of water. Different types of food and perches or hangers will attract different species: find out more about how to feed the birds in your garden.
• Try to keep cats and dogs away from nesting birds. If possible, provide tall trees or hard-to-reach bushes for birds to safely settle in.

Suggested plants:

• Blackthorn - Prunus spinosa
• Common Beech -  Fagus sylvatica
• Common Hawthorn - Crataegus monogyna
• Crab Apple - Malus sylvestris
• Field Maple - Acer campestre
• Guelder Rose - Viburnum opulus
• Hazel - Corylus avellana
• Holly - Ilex aquifolium
• Ivy - Hedera helix
• Rowan - Sorbus aucuparia
• Silver Birch - Betula pendula
• Spindle - Euonymus europaeus