hedging for birds

Hawthorne is very prickly, anything can be grown in a pot or trough. You could cut your Lilac back hard to any height you like and it will recover quickly.
Some good shrubs for a hedge are Elaeagnus, Photinia.
One for the birds is Alder (Alnus Glutinosa), (yellow catkins/cones) are eaten by birds in winter.

Thanks Doctorbob1, that's really helpful. I don't suppose you know when to plant new potatoes in tubs do you?

Native birds prefer native plants holly, elder, hawthorn, etc all good choices. Berrys to devour and some good nest sites as well. Plus native insects on native plants and in native birds mouths!!

Thanks Ronniebrum

I really thought Hawthorn would be good but can I make a hedge of 4ft high with it?

Irene

Yes you can Irene it is a popular Bonsai tree and if you look around the moorlands of the UK you will see many stunted trees. It is also a popular hedgrow tree. The only problem with Hawthorn is if you cut it at the wrong time you cut the flower buds off.