The majestic Black Poplar (photo: https://www.theottertrust.org/)
Part of this post is reproduced from RWT’s latest update, where our new Black Poplars are featured:
Radnorshire Wildlife Trust recently planted four Black Poplar trees at Greenstreete Farm, run by the Samatha Trust. These trees were bred by Herefordshire based farmer and lifetime River Lugg advocate, Tony Norman.

Once a common sight in Britain, the majestic and rare Black Poplar (Populas nigra) is now one of the UK’s scarcest trees. Many were historically felled for their fire-resistant wood, while others were removed because their fluffy ‘cotton’ seeds were said to block lambs’ noses and annoy farmers’ wives by sticking to washing! Another challenge? They easily hybridise with other Poplar species, making the survival of true Black Poplars even harder.
How to spot one?

Look for shiny, heart-shaped green leaves with long tips and a light balsam scent. Young leaves are covered in tiny hairs, which disappear by autumn.

If you know of any other true Black Poplars in Radnorshire, we’d love to take cuttings and preserve local genetics. Let us know if you’ve seen one by contacting Dan@rwtwales.org 

Here are ours:

The black dots on the map below mark the locations of the new Black Poplars. They will still need to have some extra protection from grazing cattle.