Planting poplar for windbreaks and around polytunnels can give three main benefits to the farmer – shelter from the wind, visual screening and environmental.

Shelter from the wind The primary effect of a windbreak is reduction in windspeed and subsequent moderation of climatic extremes.

The effect on crops is a reduction of winter kill in severe winters and reduction of the effect of hot dry winds during summer drought periods which can cause high evaporative demand.

For polytunnels the main benefit is reduction in windspeed providing protection from damage by storms and high winds.

Visual screening Planting poplar screens around polytunnels, farm buildings and other developments ameliorates their visual impact on the landscape, resulting in a better perception both for planners and the general public.

Environmental Although not a native tree poplar host a large number of invertebrate species and provide nesting opportunities particularly when bird and bat boxes are sited.

Hens are the descendants of jungle fowl
Fear of large open spaces prevents birds venturing outside
Trees provide overhead shelter
This encourages use of the full range area
A field full of hens presents an excellent image to the buying public
Flocks that spend a lot of their day on the range are productive and healthy and lay more top quality eggs

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Poplar and willow are the only two species eligible for the DEFRA Energy Crops Scheme. This pays an establishment grant of £1000/ha on areas of at least three hectares provided the applicant can demonstrate an energy end use for the crops.

The Poplar Tree Company have not been convinced of some of the financial projections that have been used in such projects in the past. Currently however the introduction of new technology, particularly for farmers producing chips for their own use or local markets, and the new poplar varieties available, make this an area in which we can see significant potential developments in the near future.

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