By Abdullahi Lukman
The National Trust is embarking on an ambitious conservation project aimed at saving the critically endangered black poplar tree, a species that has seen a noticeable decline in numbers across Britain.
At the Killerton estate in East Devon, the Trust is establishing a “living gene bank” by planting 80 black poplars.
This project is a crucial step toward preserving the species, with only an estimated 7,000 wild black poplars left in the UK, and just 150 of those trees being genetically unique.
The black poplar has long been a symbol of the English countryside, famously featured in John Constable’s iconic painting *The Hay Wain*.
However, the species has suffered from habitat loss, land drainage, and a preference for faster-growing non-native trees, all of which have contributed to its sharp decline.
Further more, past conservation efforts have led to an imbalance in the sex ratio of black poplars, as male trees were historically preferred for planting, further complicating efforts to maintain a viable population.
This new initiative, in partnership with Forest Research and local community groups, focuses on establishing a naturally reproducing population of black poplars along the restored River Culm floodplain.
Ecologist Fi Hailstone explained that for successful pollination and long-term survival, it is critical to have both male and female trees within close proximity—ideally within 200 meters of one another.
Related Posts
However, due to the species’ decline, this is a rarity in the wild, making these efforts even more essential.
Once these trees have become established, they will serve as a valuable genetic resource for future planting projects throughout the UK.
The cuttings from the trees will be distributed to other conservation projects, which will further bolster the resilience of the species and help secure its place in the British landscape for future generations.
In addition to their ecological value, black poplars play a key role in biodiversity.
The trees provide habitats for a range of species, including the poplar hawk moth, hornets, and aphids, making them a vital part of the local ecosystem.
The National Trust is also undertaking similar efforts at other locations, such as Oxburgh estate in Norfolk and Quarry Bank in Cheshire, working alongside Chester Zoo to support these efforts.
Killerton is one of six “nature super sites” designated by the National Trust for large-scale ecological restoration.
These sites are part of a broader initiative to reverse environmental damage and foster biodiversity across the UK.
By investing in the restoration of the black poplar, the National Trust hopes to provide a model for other conservation projects, demonstrating how large-scale, collaborative efforts can have a lasting impact on endangered species and ecosystems.
