Snowman wrote:
I've recently been bought a garden shredder, so am happily pruning
trees and shredding most of the branches - including the smaller
parts of a big branch that fell off an ash tree. But what do I do
with the shredded material, which is a mixture of chopped wood and
leaves? Can I just spread it around the garden as has been suggested
to me, do I need to compost it first, or is it suitable for both? Or
does it depend on what has been shredded?

I use a lot of shreddings on paths (away from the house). They give a
lovely soft woodlandy feel underfoot. But you might get a few grumbles
from 'the housekeeper' if you try it too close to home. ;-)
As a deep mulch the decomposing heat makes a good weed suppressant.

--
ned