It's time to bring back our rarest native tree

The Black Poplar was used for the wheels on wagons and the decks of ships, reveals Ro Collingborn

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A KIND September makes all the difference to farmers; it gives them time to catch up with some essential outside jobs before the winter weather sets in.

All the maize can be harvested, dung pits emptied and even a bit of late silage is possible if the grass keeps growing. Cattle can stay out grazing that little bit longer, helping stretch this summer’s meagre feed supplies.

We've had a quiet week weather-wise, and even now I hear the odd grumble: “We haven’t had enough rain yet” I did suddenly realise that it wasn't only the frost taking its toll on my flower tubs - they were once again desperate for water!

My son-in-law has been up to London sourcing a tree called ‘Black Poplar! This striking, and once common, tree is now rare but it has a rich heritage. It likes damp, even boggy, conditions and could previously be seen on floodplains and along river banks. Its dark brown bark often appears black, hence the name Black Poplar (Populus Nigra).

The Forestry Commission have dubbed it “the most endangered native tree left in Britain”. It has great wildlife value, being a natural food plant for many moth caterpillars, including the poplar hawk, the wood leopard and is also a food source for hornets. Its catkins are a useful source of early nectar for bees and other insects, while its seeds are eaten by birds.

Its wood has many uses, being springy and nearly white in colour. Historically it was used in agriculture to make cart wheels and waggon bottoms, while its natural fire resistance made it a useful wood for the decks of ships as well as in houses for floorboards. It was also used for thatching spars and bean sticks.