Royal Horticultural Society’s call backs government aim to increase woodland cover from 10% to at least 16.5% by 2050
Gardeners should plant native “tredges” – foliage between the size of a tree and a hedge – to boost England’s tree cover, the Royal Horticultural Society has said.
Taking inspiration from ancient woodlands could boost wildlife across England’s 25m gardens, according to experts, and help increase native tree cover. The UK’s woodland cover is approximately 10% and the government aims to increase this to at least 16.5% of all land in England by 2050.
A garden demonstrating this approach will be unveiled at the Chelsea flower show in May. The Woodland Trust: Forgotten Forests Garden by Ashleigh Aylett will represent a damaged ancient woodland, transitioning from a dark, monoculture conifer forest to a regenerated, thriving ancient woodland.
Her design will include “indicator” plants that can be used to identify ancient woodlands such as wild service tree and red campion.
