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The tree / shrub with the black berries is Elderberry. Get harvesting and make some wine
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As is common with "backyard" fruit growers: the tree has lots of vigorous upright shoots which will not be very fruitful - cut them out this winter and again next summer (July) if they re-grow.
Other branches can be left as they are. If the tree is too wide, reduce its size by making as few cuts as possible. It'll mean less shoot tips are removed (so less loss of fruit buds) and also less wounds to possibly get infected by canker or other pests/diseases.
As said above: the "disease" is brown rot. It is very common and difficult to treat. It tends to attack fruits previously damaged by insects, or scab, or fruits which have been swinging around and bruised in strong winds.
You can reduce the amount of brown rot by removing infected fruits, by picking up fallen rotting fruits, and by looking for any small shrivelled dried-up fruits which hang on the tree in winter..Comment
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How lucky! A worcester and an elder side by side...they're on most people's wish list!!
You can also use elderberries in jam....they are yum.
Elderflower makes wonderful bubbly!!Comment
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thank you all for your help. ill wait for a dry weekend and start to prone the new shoots and cut back the bushes / shrubs next to it. Will have to have a look into the elder wine as well
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