Eight years have passed since we planted 6,250 grey poplar saplings on land owned by the local authorities in Satu Mare, Bihor, Arad and Timiș counties. The planting, carried out by Milvus Group and the Environmental Protection Agency with the help of volunteers, was part of the “Conservation of the European Roller in the Carpathian Basin (LIFE13/NAT/HU/000081)” project. The aim was to provide medium- and long-term nesting sites for the European roller in areas suitable for the species but lacking natural opportunities for breeding.

Over the years, as much as possible, we have watered the saplings, replaced the individuals that did not survive, and protected some clumps on communal pastures with wooden stakes and wire mesh.

This year, we checked the condition of the poplars and found that 569 were still viable.

The poplars planted eight years ago that have survived will most likely be tall and strong enough next year to provide suitable nesting sites for the roller.

To replace the trees that have died, we plan to organise a planting action at the end of autumn with the involvement of local communities. From our experience, autumn plantings increase the survival chances of the saplings, as the soil already contains the moisture necessary for root development.