Biodiversity Action Plan - Black Poplar

Action plan objectives and proposed targets

No further loss of existing Black Poplars by 2010 Increase the population of Black Poplars by 25 by propagation of cuttings taken from local stock by 2010

Introduction

The Black Poplar includes many varieties, sub-species and cultivars of the species Populus nigra is found throughout most of central Europe, into Asia, where trees are widely planted. The native Black Poplar in Britain is the sub-species betulifolia, which is thought to occur naturally in the south and east of England, and parts of Wales. The tree was a distinctive feature of lowland river valleys but for a variety of reasons it is now scarce and the remaining populations are scattered. As a result the Black Poplar is one of the most endangered native trees in Britain. The species has separate male and female trees. The female is now very rare, having been selectively removed because of the large quantities of fluffy seeds produced in spring. Despite confusion with hybrids the native Black Poplar has probably always been rare in Leicestershire and Rutland, at least since botanical recording started in the early eighteenth century. Only a single specimen, at Barlestone, was known until recently, but there have been a further 13 trees reported from 10 sites, perhaps as a result of increased interest in this tree. All of the recent records are from west or northwest Leicestershire. The gender of very few of the trees has been determined, but there is at least one female, at Quorn.

Key habitats

The native Black Poplar is predominately a tree of open ground, not woodland, and will not tolerate side shade. A tree of river floodplains it is frequently associated with riverside meadows. This species should benefit from management covered by the Floodplain Wetland habitat action plan.

Most important factors affecting species

• The scattered nature of the population, making reproduction by natural means very difficult.
• Hybridisation with non-native poplars resulting in seed of doubtful provenance.
• The likelihood that the rarity of the native tree has resulted in little genetic variation within the population.
• Loss of appropriate habitat for germination as a result of drainage, river engineering schemes and agricultural improvement. 
• Loss of, or damage to, remaining trees through agricultural operations including hedgerow removal, felling of hedgerow trees and close ploughing damaging the roots.

Proposed action with lead agencies

Site safeguard and management

• Ensure all trees are protected through Tree Preservation Orders and within development plans. (LAs)
• Continue to propagate Black Poplar from local stock and plant out on suitable sites. (LRWT)

• Work with local tree wardens to protect known trees and identify new ones. (LAs)

• Use native Black Poplar as a flagship species to promote nature conservation. (LRWT)