Exploring the UK’s Trees and Shrubs
The UK features a wide variety of native and naturalised trees and shrubs, which range from towering woodland oaks to dense coastal hedgerow bushes. Consequently, these key native species actively support local wildlife, provide seasonal colour, and shape the traditional British landscape. Despite this overall variety, the UK has a relatively small selection of strictly native trees and features very few truly native evergreen tree and large shrub species. Furthermore, conservationists currently monitor 15 endangered tree species across the United Kingdom. You can find more information about these native habitats on the Woodland Trust website.
Best Shrubs for Local Wildlife
To foster a healthy ecosystem, the best UK-native shrubs provide a mix of early-spring nectar for pollinators, dense cover for nesting birds, and autumn nuts or berries. Interestingly, many gardeners consider the Butterfly Bush (Buddleja) the ultimate plant for attracting many butterflies. However, ecologists classify it as an aggressive invasive plant that can crowd out native flora. You can learn more about managing invasive species through the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
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