Hallwood Farm Marl Pit

Also within

Cheshire County

Condition (Natural England)

Habitats

Fast flowing river and stream

Description

Area, 0.1 hectares 0.25 ac Description Hallwood Farm Marl Pit has been selected because it contains black poplar Populus nigra which is an uncommon and declining British native tree. Black poplar was originally a component of forests on flood plains in the lowlands, but these forests have long since been cleared and it now survives only in hedges, river margins and other sites outside woodlands. A recent survey has shown that less than 3,000 trees survive in Britain and that most of these are mature or over mature and dying back. Propagation by cuttings is possible and may account for many of the surviving trees. Certain local races are recognisable and most consist of the more attractive male trees. This site contains one male and two female trees growing in close proximity which ensures an abundant supply of fertile seed. Since no hybrid trees grow nearby there is no chance of cross fertilisation and genetic alteration of the true native species. The seeds are collected and are being used to propagate the species in other parts of the country.

Species mentioned

Insects to look out for

These moths, butterflies and beetles are known to feed on plants recorded at this site, and carry a notable UK conservation status — but a host-plant being present doesn't mean the insect has actually been recorded here. Treat this as "worth watching for," not a confirmed sighting.

Host-plant data: Cook et al. (2025), Traits data for the butterflies and macro-moths of Great Britain and Ireland, 2024, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology / Butterfly Conservation; and Padovani et al. (2020), Database of Insects and their Food Plants (DBIF), UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (both Open Government Licence). Contains data supplied by UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.

Plant communities