Trees are invaluable to British wildlife, so one of the best things you can do in your garden is plant trees. If space is limited, just one shrub or small tree is still beneficial, with the potential to feed insects, birds and mammals. Depending on the species, flowers, berries, nuts, leaves and sap can all be sources of food. As well as providing food, trees can also provide shelter to wildlife....
Hawthorn trees provide a feast for wildlife, from spring flowers that are eaten by dormice and provide nectar for bees, to autumn haws devoured by birds. The dense foliage also provides a safe haven for birds.
Rowan trees are popular with insects for their spring flowers and with birds for their autumn/winter berries. Birds typically prefer the red berries and eat them first, followed by orange, yellow and pink.
Crab Apple trees provide wonderful spring blossom for pollinators, tasty leaves for caterpillars and colourful crab apples for birds and mammals. Mammals that enjoy the fruits include mice, voles, badgers and foxes.
Pretty star-shaped flowers on Amelanchier attract pollinators and fruits are enjoyed by birds.