Project to restore rare native trees with DNA testing

A project is aiming to help restore one of the UK's rare native trees across the Thames Valley using DNA testing.

Conservation groups have warned numbers of black poplar trees have fallen due to decades of felling, land drainage and habitat loss.

The Swindon to Oxford: Regenerating the Thames and Tributaries nature recovery programme is working with local conservation groups to regenerate the population along the River Thames and its flood plain.

Catrina Bass, from the Long Mead Foundation in Swindon, is involved in the project and said while the trees were "extraordinary survivors", there were just 50 recorded in Oxfordshire currently.

Describing black poplars as "Lord of the Rings" looking trees with "great gnarled trunks", she said they support other wildlife, including the poplar hornet moth.

The project secured initial funding from West Oxfordshire District Council and the Vale of White Horse Council but is now aiming to raise £20,000 for the work, which involves DNA analysis of existing trees, propagating new cuttings and planting them in suitable sites.

Oxfordshire County Council's Local Nature Recovery Strategy has committed to match fund the fundraiser up to £10,000.

Also involved in the project is the Trust for Oxfordshire's Environment, which works with community groups to fund local environmental projects.

Chief executive Benjamin Heaven Taylor said black poplars play an important role in reducing flood risk, by lining rivers and floodplains, holding water back.

He said the population that remained was "extremely fragmented", adding that it "needs a helping hand to recover".