Ceremony for celebrity black poplars
Waveney and South Norfolk Tree Wardens’ efforts to save the rare black poplar were marked by a special ceremony this autumn for four characters in the drama.They included two female black poplars – which are even more rare than the males.
“When I became a Tree Warden about 12 years ago we surveyed local black poplars in what was at one time the homeland of these iconic trees,” reports Waveney Tree Warden Tony Eden.
“We were surprised at their scarcity so, supported by Suffolk County Council which had had some trees DNA tested, we obtained female pure poplar cuttings. This resulted in my being given a female sapling by Waveney District Council.
“Although it was only planted in June 2000, it has grown to a great height. We think it is the only pure black poplar in Suffolk from which cuttings are taken for distribution.
“Using males grown by my colleague Bob Flatt – a South Norfolk Tree Warden –we have now been able to plant several pairs of black poplars over a wide area on selected sites.”
These include two pairs named Tom and Barbara, Jerry and Margo (characters in the 1970s TV series, ‘The Good Life’). The pairs were planted 400 metres apart at fishing lakes owned by Mr Peter Norman in Halesworth, Suffolk. A dedication ceremony was held for these trees in October.
“Sue Hooton of Suffolk County Council also has a source of pure males and we hope to grow some cuttings for further planting to fulfill many requests,” says Tony, who is pictured here with one of the celebrity trees – Barbara.
