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Quick Answer
The best native shrubs for birds in UK gardens: hawthorn (flowers, berries, nesting), blackthorn (sloes, nesting), holly (berries, evergreen shelter), hazel (catkins, nuts), dogwood (berries, nesting), guelder rose (berries), and spindle (berries). Plant a mix of 3 to 5 species for year-round food and shelter. In the Chilterns, these native shrubs thrive on the chalky soils and support a wide range of bird species.
Why Native Shrubs Matter for Birds
Native shrubs are the best plants for birds. They provide berries, seeds, insects, and nesting sites. They have evolved alongside UK birds, so the birds are adapted to eat their berries and nest in their branches. Non-native shrubs may look good, but they support far fewer birds.
In the Chilterns, where farmland hedges have been removed over decades, garden shrubs are increasingly important for birds. A garden with a mix of native shrubs can support more bird species than a garden with non-native shrubs. This guide lists the best native shrubs for birds in UK gardens, with specific recommendations for Chiltern soils.
The 7 Best Native Shrubs for Birds
1. Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
The best single shrub for birds. Flowers in May (hawthorn blossom), berries in autumn (haws), thorny nesting sites. Supports over 300 species of insect, which feed the birds. Loves chalk. Plant 3 to 5 in a hedge or as specimens.
2. Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)
Flowers in March before the leaves, sloes in autumn. Thorns provide dense nesting cover. Supports many moth caterpillars, which feed the birds. Native. Loves chalk.
3. Holly (Ilex aquifolium)
Evergreen, berries in winter (on female plants), nesting sites. Slow-growing but very long-lived. Berries are eaten by thrushes, blackbirds, and finches. Loves chalk.
4. Hazel (Corylus avellana)
Catkins in spring (yellow pollen for early bees), hazelnuts in autumn. Supports dormice (in some areas) and many moth caterpillars. Nuts are eaten by jays, woodpeckers, and squirrels. Native.
5. Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea)
White flowers in spring, black berries in autumn, coloured stems in winter. Good for wet soils. Berries are eaten by thrushes and blackbirds. Native.
6. Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus)
White flowers in spring, red berries in autumn. Good for damp soils. Berries are eaten by birds in winter. Native.
7. Spindle (Euonymus europaeus)
Unusual pink and orange berries in autumn. Supports many moth caterpillars. Berries are eaten by birds. Native.
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Other Native Shrubs for Birds
- Elder (Sambucus nigra): berries for birds, flowers for insects
- Field maple (Acer campestre): seeds for birds, native
- Wayfaring tree (Viburnum lantana): berries for birds
- Purging buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica): berries for birds, food for brimstone butterfly caterpillars
How to Plant for Birds
- Plant a mix of species: 3 to 5 species, in a hedge or mixed border
- Plant in autumn or winter: bare-root, November to March
- Plant 3 to 5 per metre for a hedge, or 1 to 2 metres apart for specimens
- Water regularly for the first season
- Mulch annually to suppress weeds
- Prune in late winter (February) to avoid disturbing nesting birds
- Leave berries for the birds. Do not cut all the berries off for decoration.
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The Bird-Friendly Hedge
A mixed native hedge is the best single feature for birds. Plant:
- 50 percent hawthorn
- 25 percent blackthorn
- 15 percent hazel
- 10 percent holly (or other species)
Plant 5 to 7 per metre in a double staggered row. Cut once a year in late winter. See our hedge for birds guide.
The Year-Round Food Calendar
| Season | What is available | Which birds |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Catkins (hazel), flowers (hawthorn, blackthorn) | Blue tits, great tits (insects) |
| Summer | Insects on shrubs | Blue tits, great tits, warblers |
| Autumn | Berries (hawthorn, holly, guelder rose, spindle) | Thrushes, blackbirds, finches |
| Winter | Berries (holly, ivy), nuts (hazel) | Thrushes, blackbirds, finches, jays |
The Cost of Planting for Birds
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Bare-root shrubs (60-80cm) | 2-4 pounds each |
| Native hedge (10m, 50 plants) | 100-200 pounds |
| Specimen shrubs (5) | 50-100 pounds |
| Mulch | 20-50 pounds |
| Planting labour | 50-200 pounds |
| Total | 220-550 pounds |
Common Mistakes
- Planting non-native shrubs. Non-native shrubs support far fewer birds. Choose native species.
- Planting a single species. A mix of 3 to 5 species provides year-round food and shelter.
- Cutting in nesting season. It is an offence to damage active nests. Cut in late winter.
- Cutting all the berries off. Leave berries for the birds. Do not cut all the berries off for decoration.
- Not watering new plants. New shrubs need weekly watering for the first growing season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best single shrub for birds?
Hawthorn. It flowers in May, berries in autumn, and provides thorny nesting sites. Plant 3 to 5 in a hedge.
When should I cut my bird-friendly hedge?
Once a year, in late winter (February), after the berries have been eaten. Avoid cutting between March and August when birds are nesting.
Will native shrubs grow on chalky Chiltern soil?
Yes. Hawthorn, blackthorn, holly, hazel, and dogwood all thrive on chalky soils.
Get Help Planting for Birds
If you want to plant native shrubs for birds in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire or Bedfordshire, send us a WhatsApp with photos and we will aim to respond within 12 to 36 hours, Monday to Sunday.
Further Reading
Mature gardens are often the richest wildlife habitats in an area. Before making changes, observe which species use the garden and at what times of year. Small adjustments can have outsized benefits.
Put this advice into practice
Use the relevant CGM tool or follow a related guide, then send us a few photos if you would like a tailored plan.
Sources and citations
This article draws on the following sources. Specific claims are cited inline where relevant.
- CGM field records (2025-03. Site observations from gardens across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Bedfordshire.
- Royal Horticultural Society (2024). RHS Gardening Advice and Plant Finder. Available at rhs.org.uk.
- Met Office (2024). Regional climate averages, South East England. Available at metoffice.gov.uk.
- British Geological Survey (2024). Soil parent material data for the Chilterns and Thames Valley. Available at bgs.ac.uk.