Tree planting marks 100 years

Two stints of tree planting have recently taken place on Guernsey Water sites, with 100 trees included in each batch in celebration of 100 years.

As part of efforts to promote biodiversity on Guernsey Water sites and in celebration of its 100 years, space has been provided for 200 trees to be planted by two groups. The first group being the Channel Islands Co-operative Society, also marking their 100 years this year, and following a donation from BNP Paribas, Guernsey Trees for Life, a charitable organisation whose aim is to promote the importance of trees and their conservation.

Steve Langlois, General Manager at Guernsey Water said: "We are lucky enough to have a number of green spaces in our portfolio which allow us to facilitate these initiatives and, we are thrilled to be partnering with these organisations for such a positive cause.

"The trees and shrubs being planted are all native species, including English Oak, Hawthorn and Hazel, which will promote biodiversity at our sites as they become established, supporting multiple species of flora and fauna.

"This initiative will also help replace trees lost through both disease and storm damage over recent years, as well as aiding the retention of water in soils, helping to minimise run off and potential localised flooding during heavy rainfall."

The utility advised that following consultation with its Biodiversity and Recreation Group, 100 trees had been planted by the Co-operative society at the Millennium Walk, with the additional 100 being planted on several sites, Brickfield House, Pre du Murie and Kings Mills in partnership with Guernsey Trees for Life following receipt of a donation from BNP Paribas.

Mark Cox, Chief Executive Officer of The Channel Islands Co-operative society said: "As a community retailer with the environment at our heart we are also looking at ways we can make an impact on our local surroundings. We were delighted to be able to join forces with Guernsey Water and plant 100 trees at the Millennium Walk.

"The tree planting marked the Society's 100th birthday and will make a lasting impact on the local community and environment for years to come."

Andy McCutcheon, Secretary of Guernsey Trees for Life, said: "We've really enjoyed teaming up with Guernsey Water to plant trees on a number of their sites. They really understand the importance of trees and their role as land owners in providing suitable sites for the planting of native species to support our local wildlife.  The sites were planned over several months and careful consideration was given to ensuring we avoided potential conflict with underground infrastructure and to ensure that already species rich habitats were not displaced"

As well as promoting biodiversity, the trees planted will help contribute towards offsetting the Island's carbon footprint for years to come.

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