Imagine a future where England’s landscapes are transformed, not just by towering trees but by a revolutionary concept that blends the best of both worlds: the 'tredge.' But here's where it gets controversial—what if the key to boosting our tree cover lies not in massive forests but in something smaller, more adaptable, and right in your backyard? The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is urging gardeners to embrace native 'tredges'—plants that straddle the line between trees and hedges—as a game-changing solution to enhance biodiversity and combat climate change. And this is the part most people miss: these aren’t just any plants; they’re inspired by the ancient woodlands that once thrived across England, offering a glimpse into a sustainable future.
Why tredges? Well, the UK’s woodland cover currently hovers around a mere 10%, and the government’s ambitious goal of reaching 16.5% by 2050 feels daunting. But what if every garden—all 25 million of them—became part of the solution? Experts believe that by planting native tredges, we can not only increase tree cover but also create habitats for wildlife, improve soil health, and even mitigate flooding. It’s a win-win, but it starts with rethinking how we use our green spaces.
At the upcoming Chelsea Flower Show, designer Ashleigh Aylett will unveil The Woodland Trust: Forgotten Forests Garden, a stunning example of this approach. Her garden will showcase the transformation of a damaged, monoculture conifer forest into a thriving ancient woodland. Boldly highlighting a point of contention, some argue that recreating ancient woodlands is impractical for small gardens, but Aylett’s design proves otherwise. By incorporating 'indicator' plants like the wild service tree and red campion, she demonstrates how even modest spaces can contribute to ecological restoration.
Mark Gush, RHS’s head of environmental horticulture, champions the Crataegus laevigata as the ultimate tredge. ‘It’s the perfect blend of beauty and functionality,’ he says. With its attractive foliage, resilience to extreme weather, and ability to capture pollutants, this plant is a superhero for urban and rural gardens alike. But here’s the kicker: its thorny canopy not only supports biodiversity but also helps manage flooding by absorbing excess water. Is this the unsung hero of sustainable gardening? We think so.
The Woodland Trust is also addressing a common concern: the fear of giant trees overwhelming small gardens. Native trees don’t have to be towering giants. Species like the hawthorn or holly provide spring blossoms and autumn berries without dominating your space. Plus, diverse tree species improve soil health through their unique root structures, offering benefits that go beyond aesthetics.
Aylett’s garden will also introduce ‘forest planting,’ a layered approach that maximizes species diversity in limited spaces. This method mimics the structure of ancient woodlands, creating microhabitats that protect against climate extremes. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Could this be the future of urban gardening, where every inch of space is optimized for both beauty and ecological impact?
Transitional gardening, as Gush explains, is another key concept. By blending different habitats—lawns, borders, shrubs, and ponds—gardeners can create ‘ecotones,’ zones rich in biodiversity. ‘Think of it as a softer, gradual transition rather than a hard cutoff,’ he advises. This approach not only mimics ancient woodlands but also makes gardens more resilient and dynamic.
The RHS is also advocating for the UKISG scheme, ensuring that trees are sourced and grown locally to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. For small gardens, they suggest replacing fences with native hedges, providing food and shelter for wildlife while saving space. But is this enough? Some critics argue that individual efforts can’t replace large-scale reforestation, but every tredge planted is a step toward a greener future.
After the show, Aylett’s garden will find a new home at Hawthorn Primary School in Newcastle upon Tyne, bringing nature to an area with low tree cover. This relocation underscores the broader impact of these initiatives, making green spaces accessible to communities that need them most.
So, what’s stopping you? Whether you have a sprawling garden or a tiny balcony, planting a tredge could be your contribution to England’s green revolution. But we want to hear from you: Do you think tredges are the future of sustainable gardening, or is this just a passing trend? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that could shape the future of our landscapes.
