Poplar bark ridges

[Orcs]

Where exactly were you walking

Mark

[Ace of Spades]

My neighbour has a nice big poplar tree; let's ask, just out of curiosity of course, when he's going on holiday!
Oh yes, must make note to sharpen the axe! 

Cheers,
Rob

[Albie Bach]

Where exactly were you walking
Mark

Hi Mark
Wilstone Reservoir - from the car park turn right along the reservoir bank. After the seat turn left towards the hide and I found it along that path, especially where there are some fallen trees sawn up and the bark has fallen away (I'm not suggesting anyone removes bark from a living tree).
These are Hybrid Black Poplars which have deeply ridged bark, not the tall thin Lombardy Poplars which don't have the same type of bark at all. They are widespread around waterways, so along riversides, canals, lakes/reservoirs. They are prone to large chunks falling off and that's the best place.
Cheers, Colin