Over 30 endangered black poplar trees have been planted in the Lake District, to help save the species from extinction.
They were planted at two separate sites across the county, with 16 trees put in the ground at Kirkhouse farm on Dunthwaite Estate and 16 more planted at Goldrill Beck near Ullswater.
Once wildly spread across the county, only three of the ecologically and culturally significant trees were left in Cumbria before the planting.
But with the help from conservation specialist, Jamie Simpson, from London, 32 trees of an ancient local strain were sourced, brought to Cumbria and planted by National Trust rangers
Jamie said: “These precious trees which were once commonly found within our hedgerows, have been in steady decline since the second world war when the draining of agricultural land greatly diminished their preferred habitat. The faster growing American poplar was also introduced which was favoured for its straighter trunk and widely grown to produce matches and fruit crates.
“With the continued work to restore rivers and wetlands throughout the Lake District, we hope to see the return of the black poplar so that it may continue to perform its important eco-function and once again become a recognizable feature of the Cumbrian farmland landscape.”
National Trust ranger Edwin Everitt-Stewart, who helped plant the trees, said it was amazing to be part of bringing the ancient species back to Cumbria.
He added: “Just over a year ago, I had never heard of the black poplar and for good reason, as it is one of our rarest trees. It is therefore amazing to be a part of the jigsaw of bringing the black poplar back to the British landscape, just one part of years of hard work and determination that have gone into saving this species from ecological collapse.
“Once the trees are established, they will grow up to 6 inches in a year, so will soon make an impression on the landscape. I can’t wait to see the wildlife that makes them their home in the future – from the insects, birds, bats and who knows…maybe even an Osprey at Goldrill.”
Black poplars are an important wetland tree species that belong to the wider willow family. They not only provide an early source of food for bee and butterfly populations but also help ensure the health of the entire ecosystem by producing salicylates.
