Our woodland needs some bushes for birds but don't know whic

[harveycowe]

Apart from coppiced hazels our woodland has very little in terms of bushes or shrubs for small birds. Anyone suggest any natives that will grow in clayish soil. We were thinking about hawthorne?

Harvey

[oldclaypaws]

I also have Hazel and Clay soil. Hazel is great for wildlife and birds.

Two shrubs I've penciled in for planting are Dogwood and Guelder Rose (Vibernum Opulus). Hawthorn is excellent for attracting insects, as are Goat Willow and Dog Rose. Goat Willow makes OK fuel and grows rapidly. Bird and Wild Cherry are 'musts', and can be kept low with pruning, the same goes for CrabApple, Rowan, Elder and Blackthorn- all produce fruit that birds love.

[Dexter's Shed]

hi Harvey, where about is your wood? sounds similar to mine with clay soil and hazel,

[Binz]

brambles would be good for birds (potective cover, berries, attract insects for birds to eat etc), in fact I've got plenty to spare if anybody wants some!

[harveycowe]

Are all these natives?

Dogwood and Guelder Rose (Vibernum Opulus). Hawthorn, Goat Willow and Dog Rose, Bird and Wild Cherry, CrabApple, Rowan, Elder and Blackthorn-

Harvey

[oldclaypaws]

Yep, all of them.

[Binz]

quite a few places will sell mixes of native shrubs including many of the species you suggest, e.g. http://www.hopesgrovenurseries.co.uk/MI ... -2813~4532

[Andy M]

Don't buy willow - just stick a twig from one you like in the ground and it will root 99% of the time! Not sure how easy the others are.