The Native Black Poplar Exhibition & Events Series 2026

The Trust’s artist-in residence, Richard Bavin, is making portraits of some of Herefordshire’s black poplars, from sapling to ancient, to celebrate this magnificent tree. He is collaborating with local poet, Maggie Reed who is experimenting with different forms of poetry including Haiku and Haibun in her response to the black poplars she has met.

The drawings and poems will be exhibited in the Jubilee Building at Queenswood in early October. Our programme of events is free (except workshops) and open to everyone. Local black poplar expert Tony Norman is giving a talk on Wednesday and will be in the gallery on the last day with rooted tree cuttings for sale. 

Dates

Sat 3rd - Sun 11th Oct 11am - 4.30pm Exhibition (closed Wed from 1.30pm)

Sat 3rd Oct 11am - 1.30pm Meet the Artists - Maggie and Richard in the gallery to share their enthusiasm for native black poplars

Tue 6th Oct 7 - 9pm Marden Wildlife Trust Branch Visit - see Stories from the Black Poplars below, everyone welcome

Wed 7th Oct 2 - 4pm Poetry Workshop - led by Maggie - £35/person, max 10 adults, suitable for beginners and those with experience, booking: Native Black Poplars: Poetry Workshop | Herefordshire Wildlife Trust

Wed 7th Oct 7 - 9pm Herefordshire Black Poplar Project - talk by Tony Norman, local expert on black poplars

Thu 8th Oct 7 - 8.30pm Stories from the Black Poplars - Richard and Maggie talk about their interactions with individual trees, including poetry readings

Sun 11th Oct 2-4pm Tony Norman - Black Poplar expert, rooted cuttings for sale and advice on how to plant, grow and care for them

Sun 11th Oct 2 - 4.30pm Meet the Artists - Maggie and Richard in the gallery to share their enthusiasm for native black poplars

Mon 12th Oct 10am - 1pm: Tree Textures in Charcoal - drawing workshop led by Richard - £35/person incl. materials, max 10 adults, suitable for beginners and those with experience, booking: Native Black Poplars: Tree Textures in Charcoal | Herefordshire Wildlife Trust

Location

Jubilee Building (next to main car park)

Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum, Dinmore Hill, near Leominster, HR6 0PY

More Information

Workshop bookings: https://www.herefordshirewt.org/events

Richard’s work in progress: https://www.richardbavin.com/section890618.html