In spring, birds begin to choose the best places to build nests and raise their young. If you’re lucky, one of these spots may well be in a tree, hedge or bush in your garden. As they set-up home, it’s best to try to disturb them as little as possible, and even give them a helping hand along the way!

Top tips for helping nesting birds:

• Plant a mix of native trees, hedges and large shrubs in your garden to provide shelter and safe perches for birds.
• Avoid disturbing any critters you have in your garden by trimming your hedges and shrubs in autumn and not spring.
• Prepare your garden for migratory birds in spring by setting a bird-feeding station, complete with a bowl of water. Different types of food and perches or hangers will attract different species: find out more about how to feed the birds in your garden.
• Try to keep cats and dogs away from nesting birds. If possible, provide tall trees or hard-to-reach bushes for birds to safely settle in.

Suggested plants:

• Blackthorn - Prunus spinosa
• Common Beech -  Fagus sylvatica
• Common Hawthorn - Crataegus monogyna
• Crab Apple - Malus sylvestris
• Field Maple - Acer campestre
• Guelder Rose - Viburnum opulus
• Hazel - Corylus avellana
• Holly - Ilex aquifolium
• Ivy - Hedera helix
• Rowan - Sorbus aucuparia
• Silver Birch - Betula pendula
• Spindle - Euonymus europaeus