The forsythia would not normally spring to mind as an ideal choice for the wildlife garden perhaps because of the frequency with which it is found in the wall to wall grassed gardens with the obligitary 30 cm shrub border.

These spring flowering gems should not be dismissed so readily - they are reliable bloomers that provide a good nectar source for early bees and other insects as they emerge from their winter resting places.

There are also many varieties of forsythia in a range of sizes that will suit most gardens - the larger varieties can provide a suitable nesting site for blackbirds and thrushes.