By Size - 8ft- 13ft | 2.5m - 4m

Alnus glutinosa, commonly known as the black alder, is a deciduous tree native to Europe, including the British Isles. It is a versatile and resilient species, often found thriving in wetland areas, riverbanks, and marshes, where its roots can help stabilise the soil and prevent erosion.

The black alder typically grows to a height of 20-30 metres, with a broad, conical crown that becomes more rounded with age. Its bark is dark brown and fissured, often developing a distinctive, almost black hue as the tree matures. One of its most notable features is its leaves, which are rounded with a slightly serrated edge and a glossy, dark green surface that turns yellow in the autumn.

In early spring, Alnus glutinosa produces catkins – the male catkins are long and yellowish, while the female ones are shorter and reddish. These mature into woody, cone-like fruits that persist on the tree throughout the winter, providing a valuable food source for wildlife. The black alder also forms symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in its root nodules, enriching the soil and benefiting neighbouring plants.

Due to its adaptability and ecological benefits, Alnus glutinosa is often used in reforestation and habitat restoration projects. It supports a wide range of wildlife, including insects, birds, and aquatic species, making it a vital component of the British natural landscape.

Quercus robur, or English Oak, is a large, long-lived, deciduous tree with a majestic, broad-spreading crown and smooth silvery brown bark, rough and fissured when mature. The lobed, blue-green leaves turn reddish brown in autumn. The tree is monoecious. Inconspicuous, male, yellow-green flowers grow in long, hanging catkins while small, female, pink flowers are followed by brown acorns that grow in couples on long stalks and fall to the ground in autumn. English Oak grows best in average, loamy, medium moist, well-drained soils, but can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions. It prefers full sun to dappled shade. Once established, it is resistant to drought and frost. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. English Oak is a stunning architectural tree, robust and sturdy, often found growing in woodland. It is perfect as a specimen tree in larger areas or grown as a hedge in smaller ones. It supports more wildlife than any other tree in the UK.

Note: Please note, British native trees are all slightly different sizes, girth and shapes. Email us for an actual pictures of individual trees should you wish to choose a specific shape and size, or leave it to us to select the best one for you. 

Malus floribunda 'Coccinella', commonly known as the Japanese crabapple 'Coccinella', is a stunning ornamental tree cherished for its aesthetic appeal in landscapes and gardens. This particular cultivar is grafted onto a clear stem to create a 'standard' tree form, which means that the trunk is free of branches up to a certain height, emphasizing a neat, rounded canopy above. The clear stem is typically about 1 to 1.5 meters in height, promoting an elegant, upright appearance.

In the spring, the tree bursts into a spectacular display of bright red buds, which open into an abundant flourish of small, five-petaled, pink to white flowers. These blossoms are not only a visual treat but also attract a myriad of pollinators, adding life and movement to the garden. The foliage of 'Coccinella' is equally attractive, with leaves emerging with a reddish tint before maturing to a glossy, deep green.

As the seasons progress, the tree produces tiny, red to orange crabapples, which provide a striking contrast against the foliage and persist into the winter, offering a valuable food source for birds. The 'Coccinella' standard tree is a resilient and low-maintenance addition to the landscape, adaptable to a range of soil conditions and resistant to many of the diseases that commonly afflict crabapples.

Cercis siliquastrum 'White Swan' is a captivating cultivar of the Judas tree that offers a unique twist on this beloved ornamental tree species. This cultivar has distinctive characteristics that set it apart, making it a sought-after addition to gardens in the UK.

The most striking feature of 'White Swan' is its spring blossoms. In contrast to the typical magenta-pink flowers of the Judas tree, 'White Swan' surprises with a profusion of pure white blossoms in early to mid-spring. These white flowers create a stunning contrast against the tree's heart-shaped, medium-green leaves, making 'White Swan' an eye-catching focal point in any garden.

The name "Judas tree" is associated with the belief that Judas Iscariot hanged himself from a tree of this species, and 'White Swan' adds a touch of intrigue and historical mystique to this tradition.

In terms of size and form, 'White Swan' maintains the characteristic small to medium stature of the Judas tree, typically reaching a height of 3 to 4 meters. Its growth habit is rounded, and its branches often develop a graceful, spreading form, providing an elegant and symmetrical canopy.

Caring for Cercis siliquastrum 'White Swan' in the UK is generally straightforward. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Adequate watering, especially during dry periods and its establishment phase, is crucial for its overall health and vigour. Pruning requirements are typically minimal and primarily focus on shaping the tree or removing any dead or diseased branches.

'White Swan' is known for its resilience and resistance to common pests and diseases, making it a relatively low-maintenance ornamental tree. Its adaptability to various soil types further enhances its versatility in different garden settings.

In conclusion, Cercis siliquastrum 'White Swan' is a captivating and unique cultivar that adds a touch of elegance and purity to British gardens. Its stunning white spring blossoms, heart-shaped leaves, and modest size make it a highly desirable choice for gardeners looking to introduce a distinctive and visually stunning element to their landscapes. Whether used as a centrepiece or to infuse a garden with a sense of wonder, 'White Swan' is sure to captivate and inspire all who encounter its enchanting beauty.

Sophora japonica 'Pendula,' also known as the Weeping Japanese Pagoda Tree, is a stunning ornamental tree, notable for its graceful, weeping branches and delicate, compound, pinnate foliage. Its native region is China and Korea, but the "japonica" name stems from its extensive cultivation in Japan. It typically reaches a modest height of 15-25 feet, making it suitable for smaller landscapes. The tree blooms in mid to late summer, producing clusters of creamy-white, pea-like flowers that are fragrant and attract pollinators. The blossoms give way to slender, pendulous seed pods in the fall.

The tree's foliage is deciduous, exhibiting a bright green color during the growing season before transforming to a pleasing yellow in autumn. The weeping habit of this tree, combined with its intricate leaf texture and attractive floral display, make it a compelling focal point in the landscape. It is hardy and adaptable, tolerating urban conditions and a range of soil types. However, it prefers well-drained soils and a sunny location. Sophora japonica 'Pendula' is cherished for its unique form, aesthetic appeal, and minimal maintenance requirements, offering year-round interest in the garden.

Castanea sativa, commonly known as the Sweet Chestnut tree, is a majestic and long-lived species native to Europe and parts of Asia Minor. Belonging to the Fagaceae family, it stands as a symbol of strength and resilience in many cultures, with its towering stature and deeply furrowed bark.

The leaves of Castanea sativa are distinctively long and lance-shaped, with serrated edges that give them a rough texture. During the spring and summer, the canopy is adorned with clusters of creamy-white flowers, which give way to spiky green husks containing the prized sweet chestnuts in autumn.

Sweet chestnuts, often referred to simply as "chestnuts," have been a staple food source for centuries, cherished for their rich, nutty flavor and versatile culinary applications. Whether roasted over an open fire, boiled and mashed into a creamy puree, or incorporated into hearty stews and stuffing recipes, chestnuts are celebrated in both sweet and savory dishes throughout the UK.

Beyond their culinary significance, sweet chestnut trees play a vital ecological role, providing habitat and sustenance for a diverse array of wildlife. Birds, such as blue tits and nuthatches, feast on the tree's seeds, while small mammals like squirrels rely on them as a seasonal food source.

Despite their resilience, sweet chestnut trees face threats from various pests and diseases, including chestnut blight and ink disease, which have impacted populations in some regions. Conservation efforts aim to preserve these iconic trees and their valuable genetic diversity for future generations to enjoy.

Acer campestre 'Elegant' is a refined, compact cultivar of the field maple, perfect for urban landscapes and smaller gardens. Growing to a height of approximately 7 to 10 meters with a spread of 4 to 6 meters, it has a naturally upright, symmetrical form that requires minimal pruning. Its fresh green, lobed leaves create a soft, attractive canopy through spring and summer, turning warm golden-yellow in autumn. 'Elegant' is highly tolerant of drought, pollution, and compacted soils, making it an ideal choice for streetscapes, parks, and residential gardens. Hardy and adaptable, this tree offers year-round beauty with a clean, controlled shape, fitting well into formal or naturalistic designs. It also provides excellent support for local biodiversity.

Alnus cordata, commonly known as the Italian alder, is a medium to large deciduous tree native to southern Italy and parts of Corsica. It belongs to the Betulaceae family and is highly valued for its ability to thrive in poor soils and challenging environmental conditions. This species is often planted for ornamental purposes, soil improvement, and as a windbreak due to its robust growth and adaptability.

The tree can reach heights of up to 25-30 metres (82-98 feet) with a trunk diameter of about 1 metre (3.3 feet). It has a relatively narrow, conical crown, which makes it an attractive choice for landscaping in urban and rural environments. The bark is smooth and greyish-brown when young, developing shallow fissures with age.

Alnus cordata is noted for its distinctive heart-shaped (cordate) leaves, which are bright green and glossy, measuring 7-12 cm in length. Unlike some other alders, the leaves of A. cordata remain on the tree until late autumn, giving it an extended season of greenery. In spring, it produces small, inconspicuous catkins, with male catkins being pendulous and yellowish, and female catkins more compact and upright. These develop into small, woody cones that persist on the tree through winter.

One of the key characteristics of Alnus cordata is its nitrogen-fixing ability. Like other alders, it forms a symbiotic relationship with the bacterium Frankia, which allows it to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil. This quality makes it an excellent species for improving soil fertility, particularly in degraded or nutrient-poor areas.

Overall, the Italian alder is a resilient and versatile tree, well-suited to a variety of landscapes, including wet or compacted soils, and is an important species for ecological restoration projects.

​Acer campestre 'Royal Ruby' is a deciduous tree known for its vibrant seasonal foliage. In spring, it showcases striking purple-red young leaves, which mature to a deep green in summer. Come autumn, the foliage transforms into a rich golden-yellow, providing a dynamic visual display throughout the year. The tree also produces red samaras (winged seeds) in late spring, adding to its ornamental appeal .​
Ashridge Trees

This cultivar typically grows to a height of 8–10 meters with a rounded, spreading habit, making it suitable for various landscape applications, including hedging and ornamental planting .​

'Royal Ruby' thrives in full sun to partial shade and is adaptable to a range of soil types, including clay, loam, sand, and chalk, provided they are moist but well-drained. It is hardy across the UK and northern Europe (RHS H6 rating) and is tolerant of urban conditions, making it a resilient choice for city gardens .​