The lonely hearts are not a bunch of lovelorn men, but an endangered variety of tree which was once a common sight in this part of the world that is now in danger of disappearing altogether.

Native black poplars thrived in West Norfolk, but the female specimens produced large quantities of fluffy seeds and so were removed – leading to the inevitable problem.

The Environment Agency has identified a group of 17 male trees near the Tail Sluice at Saddlebow and is now hoping to introduce a female or two to create saplings and a whole new generation of the majestic trees which were often used to protect orchards.

"We are excited to have identified the black poplars as they are one of the most endangered native trees in Britain, with a third of the trees recorded in Norfolk now gone.

"These 17 trees are so important to the county and we intend to do all we can to ensure their survival by finding them the fluffy females they need," said Julia Massey, technical officer.

There are only 70 mature trees left in the county and only one is female but there could be a glimmer of hope as Norfolk County Council is propagating some female trees and it is hoped that at least one can be planted with the Saddlebow specimens to help conserve the population.

The black poplar was once a distinctive feature of the landscape and even appeared in John Constable's famous painting The Haywain.

It was also used for scaffolding, fence posts and in the roofs of buildings as it is particularly shock and fire resistant.

In West Norfolk they were planted around orchards, and there is the remnant of an old orchard at the Saddlebow site.

"Traditional orchards provide valuable habitats for many species themselves, so we are also looking at how we can manage the fruit trees as well to benefit the whole area.

"Traditional orchards are now listed as priority habitats and the Norfolk Habitat Action Plan aims to increase the area of traditional orchards," Miss Massey told the Lynn News.