Planting to attract birds into your garden

By Paul Stancliffe

Alphabet B By choosing the right plants you can provide both food and cover for garden birds, says the BTO's Paul Stancliffe
Mistle thrush on hollyMistle thrush on holly

Cotoneaster has many varieties, all of which produce red/orange berries and a varying amount of cover. Height 200+cm

Pyracantha has a range of varieties, which produce yellow/orange berries and grow to a height of 400+cm. Provides medium to thick cover.

Sorbus, Rowan has many different types, all of which are good for birds, the berries are amber/red and grow to a height of 500+cm

Viburnum opulus. Guelder rose is a vigorous shrub, which produces succulent red berries and grows to a height of 200+cm

Cypress. There are over 80 different varieties of Cypress ranging from tiny dwarfs of under 50cm when fully grown to giant trees. With the exception of true dwarfs, all are useful as roosting and nesting places.

More information

For a free information sheet, write to GBW, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU, or telephone 01842-750050

British Trust for Ornithology: www.bto.org

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