Boosting England's Tree Cover Through Native "Tredges"

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has launched an initiative encouraging gardeners in England to plant native "tredges," which are defined as foliage that falls between the size of a tree and a hedge. This initiative aims to enhance England's tree cover, which currently stands at approximately 10%. The UK government has set a target to increase this figure to at least 16.5% by 2050. The RHS believes that incorporating these smaller native trees into gardens can significantly contribute to wildlife support across England's 25 million gardens.

The Guardian

A key component of this initiative is the "Forgotten Forests Garden," designed by Ashleigh Aylett, which will be showcased at the Chelsea Flower Show in May. This garden aims to illustrate the transition from a damaged ancient woodland to a thriving ecosystem, featuring "indicator" plants such as the wild service tree and red campion. The Woodland Trust has reported that only 7% of the UK's native woodland is in good condition, which adversely affects the wildlife dependent on these habitats. Aylett's design will serve as a model for gardeners, emphasizing the importance of planting small native trees and "tredges" to support biodiversity.

The Guardian

Mark Gush, the RHS’s head of environmental horticulture, highlighted the benefits of planting species like Crataegus laevigata, which exemplifies a "tredge." This species is noted for its aesthetic appeal, resilience to climate extremes, and ability to capture pollutants. Gush emphasized that diverse tree species contribute to healthier soil structures due to their varying root architectures, thereby enhancing garden ecosystems.

The Guardian

Aylett's garden will also showcase "forest planting," which incorporates layered canopies of various plant sizes to maximize species diversity in limited spaces. This method not only mimics ancient woodland habitats but also provides protective benefits against climate extremes. Gush explained the concept of "ecotones," or transition zones between different environments, which support high biodiversity levels. He encouraged gardeners to create softer transitions in their gardens, such as blending lawns with borders and shrubs.

The Guardian

The RHS advocates for the use of trees grown under the UK and Ireland Sourced and Grown (UKISG) scheme to mitigate the risk of introducing new pests and diseases. For smaller gardens, the RHS recommends planting native hedges instead of traditional fences, allowing for the inclusion of native species while providing essential habitats for local wildlife.

The Guardian

Following the Chelsea Flower Show, the Woodland Trust garden will be relocated to Hawthorn Primary School in Newcastle upon Tyne, an area with low tree cover. This relocation aims to enhance access to trees in neighborhoods where canopy cover is limited, further supporting the initiative to increase England's tree cover.

The Guardian

• “Mark Gush, the RHS’s head of environmental horticulture, said: “Often found in ancient woodlands, a top choice for gardeners seeking a small tree is Crataegus laevigata.” — Mark Gush, RHS Head of Environmental Horticulture

The Guardian

• “He added: “Woodland edges support some of the highest levels of biodiversity because they represent an ‘ecotone’ – a transition zone between different environments.” — Mark Gush, RHS Head of Environmental Horticulture

The Guardian

• “Transitional gardening, where multiple different habitats give way to each other and have diverse borders in between, is a good way to emulate ancient woodland habitat at home, Gush said.” — Mark Gush, RHS Head of Environmental Horticulture

The Guardian