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              Native Black Poplars

              During 2025, in my volunteer role as resident artist with Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, I'm making portraits of native black poplars around the county, from sapling to ancient. These magnificent, gnarly trees, celebrated in John Constable's paintings, were once common on floodplains and wet areas. However, drainage of the land for agriculture has meant they have slowly disappeared from the landscape. A recent survey estimated there are 7000 black poplars in England, Wales and Ireland, of which only 600 are female and vital to the survival of the species. Herefordshire Wildlife Trust is actively working to save our native black poplars, find out how you can help here.

              It intrigues me that some of our county specimens are in public places, obvious and yet mostly unnoticed. I hope my portraits capture something of the individuality and beauty of each tree, and encourage people to look out for them. The drawings will go on show in several venues this year and eventually be on sale to raise funds for the ongoing work to save them.

              Veteran, light breeze, Moreton on Lugg 13/5/25

              sketch of veteran black poplar in light breeze

              Veteran Pollard, Weston, 8/6/25

              sketch of veteran black poplar in June

              Sketching near Moreton on Lugg

              Sketching a native black poplar near Moreton on Lugg

              Munstone, maiden in new foliage 22/4/25

              sketch of maiden black poplar with new foliage

              Rare Female, Haven, 6/2/25

              outdoor sketch of rare female black poplar

              Barty on a Frosty, Winter Evening

              outdoor sketch of sapling native black poplar
              Richard sketching on Bartonsham Meadows in winter

              Aylestone Park (Hidden in Full View)

              drawing of native black poplar

              Ancient, Bredwardine 24/4/23

              outdoor sketch of ancient native black poplar

              Veteran, Winsley Hill, 25/1/25

              outdoor sketch of veteran native black poplar

              Ancient Native Black Poplar

              watercolour of an Ancient Native Black Poplar

              Ancient Native Black Poplar - Charcoal Sketch

              outdoor sketch of ancient native black poplar
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