Boosting England's Tree Cover Through Native Planting Initiatives

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has advocated for the planting of native "tredges," which are defined as foliage that falls between the size of a tree and a hedge, to enhance tree cover across England. This initiative aligns with the UK government's goal to increase woodland cover from approximately 10% to at least 16.5% of all land in England by 2050. The RHS emphasizes that gardeners can draw inspiration from ancient woodlands to promote biodiversity in England's 25 million gardens.

The Guardian

A significant demonstration of this approach will be showcased at the Chelsea Flower Show in May, featuring the "Forgotten Forests Garden" designed by Ashleigh Aylett. This garden aims to illustrate the transition from a damaged ancient woodland to a thriving ecosystem, highlighting the importance of native species 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.

The Guardian

Mark Gush, the RHS’s head of environmental horticulture, notes that small native trees, like Crataegus laevigata, exemplify ideal "tredges." These trees offer aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits, including resilience to climate extremes and the ability to capture pollutants. By promoting diverse root architectures, these trees can enhance soil health while providing spring blossoms and autumn berries without overwhelming smaller gardens.

The Guardian

Aylett’s garden will also feature "forest planting," which incorporates layered canopies of various sizes to maximize species diversity. This method not only protects against climate extremes but also emulates the habitat of ancient woodlands. Gush emphasizes the importance of "ecotones," or transition zones between different environments, which can be effectively replicated in domestic gardens to support higher levels of biodiversity.

The Guardian

The RHS encourages gardeners to select trees grown under the UK and Ireland Sourced and Grown (UKISG) scheme, which mitigates the risk of introducing new pests and diseases. For smaller gardens, the RHS suggests planting native hedges instead of traditional fences, allowing for the inclusion of native species that provide essential food and habitat for local wildlife.

The Guardian

After the Chelsea Flower Show, the Woodland Trust garden will be relocated to Hawthorn Primary School in Newcastle upon Tyne, an area characterized by low tree cover. This initiative aims to enhance access to trees in neighborhoods where canopy cover is limited, further promoting the benefits of native planting.

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

This initiative reflects a broader commitment to enhancing England's natural landscapes through community engagement and sustainable gardening practices.

The Guardian