Saving The Black Poplar

The Black Poplar is britain's rarest native timber tree. A magnificent sight, this majestic tree can grow up to 30 metres tall with a beautiful, deeply fissured trunk. They often lean dramatically as they mature, with branches that sweep down to the ground and then up again at the tips.

The tree has been identified for special support through the National Forest’s Biodiversity Action Plan, and the National Forest Company was keen to support a black poplar propagation project run by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, to encourage the species to survive and thrive within the Forest.

A comprehensive survey undertaken by the Trust in 2002 had identified 234 native black poplars within Derbyshire, with some magnificent examples in the south of the county and in the Forest itself. The survey also highlighted however, that most of the black poplars were ageing and so initiated a programme of propagation work. This started to supply new cuttings that have been planted out close to parent trees, thereby guaranteeing the future of the species within the landscape. Many of these trees were planted within South Derbyshire, including a large area of floodplain woodland near Coton in the Elms, in the heart of The National Forest.

Funding from the NFC has enabled this project to continue. Monitoring the new cuttings has indicated that up to 75% of them are still alive and growing well, thereby nearly doubling the population in Derbyshire and The National Forest.

The propagation programme is continuing and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has also produced an information sheet on black poplar management techniques.

For more information on Derbyshire’s black poplars and black poplar management contact Anna Evans or Ruth Long at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, East Mill, Bridge Foot, Belper, Derbyshire DE56 1XH Tel: 01773 881188 E-mail: