Making your garden a winter haven for birds largely depends on the specific plants you choose to cultivate. While berried plants will likely attract all sorts of bird species, robins in particular are big fans of two very specific types.
Not only do berry plants provide our avian amigos with essential antioxidants, but they also help prepare them for extended periods of physical activity. However, when it comes to choosing which berry plants to grow, it’s important to remember that not all offer the same nutritional value, and some may even land you in legal trouble if you let them spread to the wild.
Luckily, BBC Gardener’s World has issued some handy guidance around various types of berry plants and which specific types of birds they’ll bring to your garden, as well as when a berry plant might land you in trouble.
Despite the round and red berries of Cotoneasters being a highly sought-after autumnal treat for robins, blackcaps, and bullfinches, the bad news is that several species are actually listed as invasive.
As it’s illegal to cause them to grow in the wild, when it comes to your garden, it may be best to stick with other berry plants like Honeysuckle.
The glossy, red, and orange berries are attractive to robins, as well as song thrushes and blackbirds.
As well as feasting on the fruits which ripen in the late summer, they find shelter in the dense foliage. The dense climbing nature provides excellent cover, making the plant a popular nesting spot.
And the nectar-rich cream and yellow flowery blooms attract insects, which in turn also become a nutritious food source.
Meanwhile, berried plants like Barberry provide moderate antioxidant content, whilst Dogwood, with its distinctive small black berries, provides even higher levels.
Dogwood is particularly attractive to finches and thrushes, while another antioxidant-rich species, Hawthorn, is a favourite of waxwings.
Parthenocissus, also known as Virginia Creeper, is another species listed as invasive; however, it’s particularly attractive to blackcaps and mistle thrushes.