Work to start on replacing storm-damaged trees

BBC A tree has been ripped out of the earth leaving its root ball exposed in the air and its trunk lying along the floor of the wood.BBC
Jersey Trees for Life has committed to replacing the trees on the Railway Walk that were destroyed by Storm Ciarán

More than 350 trees in Jersey destroyed by Storm Ciarán are being replaced this winter.

Jersey Trees for Life said it would replant the entire Railway Walk near La Moye by starting at Corbière on 9 December with a plan to finish at St Aubin in early 2025.

The charity said it would also create a new woodland next to Le Feugerel, between Le Clos Orange and the Railway Walk.

Volunteers would be welcome to help plant the saplings, it added.

'Attractive, biodiverse area'

The hundreds of trees on the Railway Walk lost in Storm Ciarán were mature and the charity said it would replace them with a diverse mix of native species.

It said staff from the States' infrastructure and environment department would help clear and prepare the area ready for volunteers to start planting the new trees.

The new woodland was planned to be "an attractive, biodiverse area for all islanders to enjoy", it added.

Jersey Trees for Life The Railway Walk is a dusty path lined sparsely with large mature pine trees. Jersey Trees for Life
John Michel said the new planting plan would offer "a wonderful range of seasonal shapes, colours and textures for everyone to enjoy"

John Michel, from Jersey Trees for Life, said a mix of predominantly native whips and trees would be planted which would suit the area, which he said was relatively exposed to the north-westerly salt-laden winds crossing La Moye Golf Course.

He added: "By selecting native trees, we will provide nectar, fruit, and seeds for pollinators, birds, bats, and other wildlife.

"This will also offer a wonderful range of seasonal shapes, colours and textures for everyone to enjoy."

Mr Michel said oak, ash, lime and sweet chestnut saplings have been grown from locally sourced seed in Jersey.

Other species to be planted are:

  • Hawthorn
  • Common hazel
  • Blackthorn
  • English oak
  • Crab apple
  • Rowan
  • Scots pine
  • Black pine
  • Sweet chestnut
  • Common walnut
  • Hornbeam
  • Bird cherry
  • English Oak
  • Silver birch

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