Landmark trees in the Malvern Hills area are under threat from a rapidly spreading disease.

The black poplar, Britain's rarest native tree, could be wiped out by the advance of black poplar scab.

The disease has already killed trees in Manchester and is spreading fast, with 1,500 expected to have been felled by the end of the winter.

There are only 10,000 black poplars in the country, with around 60 on Castlemorton Common and several along the Guarlford Road, Malvern.

At a meeting of the Malvern Hills Conservators' land management committee last Thursday, members expressed concern about the threat posed by the disease.

Conservation officer David Whitehorne said: "At the moment, not enough is known about it but its potential could be quite serious.

"We think it's air borne, but we don't know. If it is, it could be very difficult to protect the trees."

Mr Whitehorne said symptoms of the disease start with a browning of the leaves and result in death over a three-year period. There is no known treatment, apart from felling.

Mr Whitehorne recommended that pollarding of black poplars should be suspended, as it leaves them more vulnerable to contracting diseases.

Members also approved a programme of propagating and planting the trees in suitable locations.

The black poplar can grow to a height of 30 metres. Mature trees are easily recognised from a distance, especially in winter. They often lean at an angle and have dark grey, deeply furrowed bark, usually interrupted by large woody swellings or bosses.