Shrubs for the birds.

[Tony O-P.]

Picking your brains - five shrubs, berry bearing that the birds like, growing no more than six to eight feet, position only catching the Sun towards evening, clay soil (but will add compost), I have tried searching but not succesful. Thanks in avance, new wildlife gardener.

Note, when making fat balls, stuff a twig in before the suet sets for the birds not able to hang too well. Cheers, Tony.

[Bwrack]

Pyracantha (good for berries and shelter), Cotoneaster (tons of different kinds),Hawthorn (needs to be trimmed regularly to keep it low)Berberis (many varities)
Mahonia (very handsome) Good Luck Steve

[Hedge Witch]

Agree with Steve's selection.

Also:

My blackbird goes crazy for the berries on my dogwood (also has colourful stems in winter, especially in full sun). Loves clay.

And spindle berries are loved by robins.

[Geoff F]

Fully agree with the previous suggestions. As an unusual addition, I would suggest Nutmeg bush - Leycesteria formosa, but there are other similar forms.

Tassels of red and white flowers in summer followed by black nutmeg looking berries. Bamboo cane like stems and interesting leaves.

[dan-fisher]

here's some good info too:

Quick read on creating a natural food source in the garden.

[Tony O-P.]

Thanks very much to all replies, I'll make a list, pop down the garden centre, see which I like then walk the surrounding roads and beg a cutting from the inhabitants! Cheers, (or I MIGHT buy a couple) Cheers, Tony.

[Susie]

I know it isn't an obvious choice but you could do worse than getting a sallow. I have a fair sized sallow outside my front room. It is a very good tree for insects. This morning I have had goldcrests and long tailed tits feeding off the creepy crawlies that live on the sallow. It is smashing to see them literally a couple of feet away on the other side of the window.

[Tony O-P.]

Susie? Is the sallow the shrub with the pinky trumpet shaped blossom, or is that the mallow? Cheers, Tony.

[Susie]

That's mallow. Sallow is a type of willow.

[Gill Catton]

Elder, crab apple - again would need pruning but good for wildlife (and you for elderflower cordial and apple jelly)