The Vale of Aylesbury is one of the few places where Black Poplar still grow in the wild. It is the most endangered species in the UK. They are a wetland tree and much of the recent development of such sites has reduced their numbers to critical.
Black Poplar is the food plant for the caterpillars of many moths, including the Hornet, Wood Leopard, Polar Hawk and Figure of Eight. The catkins provide an early source of pollen and nectar for bees and other insects and the seeds are eaten by birds.
We have been working in partnership with ADVC to secure the Vale of Aylesbury’s stronghold of the Black Poplar. It is hoped that these will form part of the green infrastructure of local developments and at any wetland or riverside conservation and generation projects.
Since the launch of the initiative, over 5,000 Black Poplar trees have been planted across the country and we continue to propagate from our stock to produce healthy rooted saplings.
