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Saturday
26  October

New information board explains tree's history

 
06/02/2022 @ 08:54
The life and history of Newtown historic Black Poplar tree is now available for all to read on a new interpretive board below it.

The tree, along the river bank in the Shortbridge Street car park, was a runner-up in the Wales Tree of the Year 2019. It is possibly the only tree that can say it has moved from one side of a river to another after the River Severn was redirected during flood defence works in the 1960s.

"Not many trees can tell a story, but this landmark Black Poplar tree in the centre of Newtown has an interesting story of survival. It’s inspiring story of survival started in the 1960’s and since has withstood many changes to its surroundings and still continued to thrive," said a Newtown Town Council spokesperson.

The Tree of the Year runners-up place provided a free tree survey for Powys County Council and £500 for the town council to provide an information board which has now been sited below the tree.
 
The spokesperson added: "From the Town Council’s nomination of the tree as Woodland trust Wales Tree of the Year 2019, and being runner up, a specialist arboricultural report survey was provided free of charge for the owner, Powys CC) and £500 to the Town Council for an Interpretation Board. The survey has provided guidance to Powys County Council to best preserve the tree for years to come. 

"The story of its survival is now in place for all to read with the installation of an Interpretation Panel telling the history of Newtown’s own rare and endangered species. The tree has remained a popular attraction in the town with locals and visitors alike, providing a landmark welcome for all."

Local designer Dan Badger was commissioned by the town council to fulfil the requirements of a bilingual interpretation panel, including the history of Newtown’s Black Poplar and further information surrounding the Black Poplar species.

"We hope residents and visitors alike will enjoy reading the fascinating story of this special tree," said the town council spokesperson.

 

Photo: The Mayor of Newtown, Cllr Richard Williams (right) with Cllr Richard Edwards