[Doc_D]

Have inherited a fair few gooseberry and currant bushes (blackcurrant most likely).  I would really like to keep them, and see how well they produce fruit next year, however they are currently taking up lots of room at the edge of the plot - so I am wondereing just how hard I can trim them back and get away with it?  Any advice welcome!

Andy

[Trillium]

You could do about half, but remember that blackcurrants produce on older wood, preferably 2nd or 3rd year. Older than that (really dark stems) and production is much less.

So take care not to totally elminate your crop but zealous pruning.

Here's some good info:

http://gardenofeaden.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-to-prune-blackcurrants.html

[cooperman]

goosgogs can be pruned by about half but remember to prune to a downward facing bud. Remove old wood from the middle. You want to achieve and open cup shape with no branches in the middle.  Most goosgogs suffer a bit from mildew so use a fungal spray early in the season and keep a look out for the sawfly, preferably spraying early fo this too...
They are a bit of hard work but well worth it....