A RESCUE mission is underway to pull back a rare and majestic tree species from the brink of extinction in Cheshire.

Black poplars were once a familiar sight in the county’s damp woodlands and floodplains, but due to changes in land management practices, they are now one of the rarest species, with only 370 mature trees remaining.

Threats to their survival include loss of habitat through wetlands being drained for crops and animals, fewer trees being planted for traditional timber production, and hybridisation with some of the more common species of poplar.

All this has inspired Chester Zoo to start a project to propagate Cheshire black poplar cuttings, and this month, they have teamed up with the Canal & River Trust to plant them out along the River Weaver Navigation, in Hartford.Northwich Guardian: Due to habitat loss, there are now only 370 black poplar's left in Cheshire (Alamy)Due to habitat loss, there are now only 370 black poplar's left in Cheshire (Alamy) (Image: The Canal and River Trust)

Canal & River Trust ecologist Sara Kirk helped plant half a dozen of the male and female trees along the river in order to encourage future propgation.

She said: “True black poplars need very specific conditions to reproduce naturally.

"Their seeds are short-lived, and male and female trees need to be sited close to each other, with fertilised seeds falling on damp ground.

"The Weaver valley, with its mosaic of woodland and wetland habitats beside the river, is an ideal site to kickstart the regeneration of these wonderful native trees.

"They are great for biodiversity and provide a fantastic natural home for moths, bees, birds and butterflies.

Northwich Guardian: Ecologist Sara Kirk with a black poplar sapling (The Canal and River Trust)Ecologist Sara Kirk with a black poplar sapling (The Canal and River Trust) (Image: The Canal and River Trust)

"Mature black poplars add an attractive, striking presence to the landscape, particularly in early spring when the male trees are covered in distinctive red catkins.

"They can grow up to 30 metres tall, 20 metres wide and live for around 200 years.

"We hope our trees will thrive in their new home and help to ensure the survival of this wonderful native tree in Cheshire for many generations to come."

For more information about visiting the River Weaver Valley Park, donating or volunteering with the Canal & River Trust, check out the website: canalrivertrust.org.uk.