SB Nature Conservation

Nottinghamshire’s Native Black Poplars: Part 2

Siobhan Brocklehurst

Initiation of the project

In January 2026, we discovered which of our sampled trees are true natives. The following February we took cuttings from the native trees across Nottinghamshire, and we planted some in the ground and in pots with the hope that they would continue to grow into saplings.

Two people planting a Black Poplar sapling into the ground at Brackenhurst
Five people smiling and standing behind a planted Black Poplar at Brackenhurst
A leafy green successful Black Poplar sapling outdoors at Brackenhurst
Eight pots of healthy looking leafy green Black Poplar in the greenhouse at Brackenhurst
Planting the Black Poplar cuttings and whips at Nottingham Trent University’s Brackenhurst Campus and their subsequent success

With the Environment Agency and the Sherwood Forest Trust, we planted 8 whips into the ground at Brackenhurst Campus and another 8 at Vicar Water. In addition, we planted smaller cuttings into pots at the Sherwood Forest Trust which were kept outdoors, and we did the same at Brackenhurst, which were kept in the greenhouse.

Three people planting Black Poplar saplings outdoors at Vicar Water Country Park
A group of seven people smiling behind a planted Black Poplar sapling outdoors at Vicar Water Country Park
Close up of a Black Poplar sapling at Vicar Water Country Park - its buds are visible
Closeup of leaves on a planted Black Poplar sapling at Vicar Water Country Park
Planting and the success of the cuttings outside at Vicar Water Country Park

We have since received reports that all of the saplings planted in the ground and in pots are growing, are leafy, and in good condition to continue growing. This is fantastic news for this project, as we are hoping to use some for further cuttings to plant, whilst the others are planned to be distributed across Nottinghamshire to increase the number of this species across the county.

Three people planting Black Poplar whips (young branches with buds) at Sherwood Forest Trust in the polytunnel
One person planting Black Poplar whips (young branches with buds) at Sherwood Forest Trust in the polytunnel. He has 6 pots in front of him and is sprinkling soil into one.
Group of black poplar whips (young branches with buds) at Sherwood Forest Trust outdoors
Black Poplar whips in full leaf outdoors at the Sherwood Forest Trust
Closeup of Black Poplar whips in full leaf outdoors at the Sherwood Forest Trust
Tub containing leafy Black Poplar saplings. The tub has been lifted to show the roots growing out of the holes in the bottom
Planting of the whips at Sherwood Forest Trust and photos of how they have grown since

This knowledge will help shape future planting and habitat restoration, ensuring that Nottinghamshire’s landscape retains this iconic species for generations to come.

Siobhan Brocklehurst

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