[Sparkyrog]

The stem markings certainly suggest fuchsia to me 

[snowdrops]

Not an Acer from that angle & leaf

[Goosegirl]

I am sticking to my suggestion of a Dogwood as I have a few in my garden and are just coming into leaf. Giggle images and see what you think.

[Sue33]

Yes, I think dogwood, I have the exact same one 

[Mum2mj]

I also like dogwood  I have some more below for you helpful lovelies 

[snowdrops]

First looks like forsythia,2nd,not a good picture but maybe mahonia & 3rd I recognise it but can't think what it's called but I've got it coming through the fence from next door

[mumofstig]

Is the last one Kerria Japonica?

[Annen]

I agree.  Forsythia, mahonia, kerria.

[Mum2mj]

You guys are brilliant thanks  . The kerria I've found are single  stems shooting up amongst the brambles at the back, I'm assuming these are suckers & I may yet find the main plant somewhere?  We were lucky enough to buy a house with a big garden, however about 50ft is completely overgrown with brambles, moss, couch... The previous owners left it to 'nature' (they weren't outdoor types!) & unfortunately there's only about a foot of poor soil before you hit chalk & we're on the side of a hill (down sloping)
It's good finding out what will grow happily in these conditions & also very happy I have an allotment for my veg 

[snowdrops]

Is the last one Kerria Japonica?

I remembered the japonica doh

[New shoot]

I'd agree with forsythia and kerria, but the leaves on the middle one look very small for a mahonia.  Google a piccie for Berberis darwinii and see what you think.  It looks very like it to me 

[Mum2mj]

I'd agree with forsythia and kerria, but the leaves on the middle one look very small for a mahonia.  Google a piccie for Berberis darwinii and see what you think.  It looks very like it to me 

A Berberis darwinii it is! Thankyou 

[mumofstig]

Are the Berberis flowers fragrant NS? There's a hedge in the next road, of something that looks like that and the perfume is lovely 

[New shoot]

Are the Berberis flowers fragrant NS? There's a hedge in the next road, of something that looks like that and the perfume is lovely 

They are indeed on the evergreen ones mum    Its a lovely shrub when it is in flower and has handsome glossy foliage year round.  The prickly leaves make it a good one for a boundary as it deters unwelcome visitors 

[Mum2mj]

And this one with the pretty heart flowers