The Black Poplar is Britain’s rarest native timber tree and there are currently a handful of mature Black Poplars across the Borough of Tower Hamlets. These trees are also among priority species across London.
The Black Poplars no longer reproduce naturally in Britain, therefore planting is the only alternative to conserve these trees. One of the objectives within the Tower Hamlets Local Biodiversity Action Plan (2019-24) is the planting of more Black Poplars across the Borough.
Therefore, as part of activities to commemorate the 2021 World Environment Day, we will be planting 6 Black Poplars between our Mile End and Charterhouse Campuses. Planting these trees is part of our commitment to ensure that this historic and iconic tree continue to remain part of our local communities for future generations.
Our Principal and President Professor Colin Bailey with four members of our Senior Executive Team (SET), Our Director of Estates, Facilities and Capital Development and the Students’ Union President will be planting these 6 Black Poplars to mark the 2021 World Environment Day as well as part of our commitment to be actively involved in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030).
Let us know by emailing sustainability@qmul.ac.uk if you are interested in attending or be involved in the Black Poplars planting across two of our campuses:
In addition to planting these Black Poplars, our Grounds and Gardens Supervisor will be coordinating the planting of wildflowers at our Charterhouse Square Campus from 10:00 am on Friday 21 May 2021. Planting these seeds is our first step to creating a wildflower meadow at this campus.
We hope that all staff, students, partners, contractors and members of our local community will be able to join us in our journey of restoring ecosystem and enhancing local biodiversity.