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Urban Garden

Hi Everyone I am hoping for your advice, i am planning on turning one of the communal green spaces outside my flat (which none of my neighbours use) into a wildlife sanctuary its a small space but there is already a Buddleia growing there and blackberries in the summer. I want to plant a tree that will in time attract the birds (and one i can hang bird feeders on) im just not sure what tree would benefit the birds best. All advice much appreciated x
  • In reply to doggie:

    Do you have a photo of the area so we can see how big it is? How tall do you want the tree to grow? I thought an apple tree might be nice, blossom in the Spring, fruit in the Autumn & handy branches for feeders.

    Best wishes

    Hazel in the Gironde estuary, France

  • In reply to Noisette:

    A word of caution. Just make sure you are allowed to plant your own tree. Is it a private area or do the local council have control?

    Unicum arbustum haud alit duos erithacos

    (One bush does not shelter two Robins)

    Zenodotus (3rd Century B.C.)

     

  • In reply to monkeycheese:

    Its council estate but i dont think they will notice if i plant one tree they rarely fix anything or do any basic maintenence these days

  • In reply to doggie:

    Thank you i will take a look at Alder trees

  • In reply to as:

    I know they aren't native trees, but Amelanchier is used by birds/bees. They flower beautifully in spring (visited by bees) and form berry-like fruit in summer which are taken by Greenfinch, Bullfinch, Blackbirds, Wood Pigeons. In Autumn, the leaves turn lovely reds and golds. All in all, a fabulous tree. They can get a bit leggy, so, while it was young, we pruned each branch of ours by half after fruiting to keep it compact; 20 years later, it's made an excellent tree at about 12-15 foot.

  • In reply to Rose Marsh:

    Rowan trees are always a hit with the birds and I know you can get smaller varieties. Good luck with it

    Sarah

    I've learned that I still have a lot to learn...

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/bramble67/

  • In reply to bramble67:

    Thanks for all the advice, i read the rule book for the estate i live on and we are not allowed plant trees but i am thinking of asking the council if i would be allowed turn this waste piece of ground into a mini garden to grow herbs and small shrubs etc i hope they allow me to do this i have lived here for over 4 years and no one has ever done anything with this piece of ground.

  • In reply to doggie:

    yeah i am scared that they will say no

  • In reply to doggie:

    Maybe they might plant a tree or two if you suggest it that way, rather than asking if you can do it. Check your Council website and see which department you need to contact. As Alan says, what do you have to lose?

    Unicum arbustum haud alit duos erithacos

    (One bush does not shelter two Robins)

    Zenodotus (3rd Century B.C.)

     

  • In reply to monkeycheese:

    yeah i will ask them thank you