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HSC will be planting a number of trees in Fort Field near the top of Les Val des Terres to mitigate the unavoidable loss of some trees at the PEH.
It is due to the construction of the first phase of essential upgrades to the hospital starting later this month, involving the refurbishment and extension of the old Ozanne Ward, which will extend the building’s footprint to the south. The enhancements will deliver a new Critical Care Unit (CCU) with increased capacity to support additional surgery and contingency for emergency situations and a new Post Anaesthetic Care Unit amongst other improvements.
A total of 12 trees, none of which are species native to Guernsey, are being removed on Tuesday (15 March) to make way for the construction work.
The hospital modernisation programme team have worked in conjunction with Andrew McCutcheon, the Principal Environment Services Officer for Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services, to manage this aspect of the work.
HSC intends to plant two trees in Fort Field for each tree lost from the hospital site, with a combination of Birch and native Guernsey species being used. This ‘2-for-1’ strategy will have an immediate positive impact in terms of overall numbers and because some will be replanted semi-mature trees, immediate foliage cover will be achieved.
Director of the Hospital Modernisation Programme Jan Coleman said:
‘Making way for essential hospital facilities meant we had no alternative but to remove a limited number of trees at the PEH. We are very sorry to see the trees go, but are delighted to offset this loss by being able to plant many more trees in such a prominent spot of the island where they will be enjoyed by so many.’
Upgrading the hospital is a key priority of the Government Work Plan. Demand has already outstripped capacity and facilities across the hospital need to be brought up to acceptable modern standards. A detailed plan is in place to complete the upgrades over two main 2 phases over the next six years, with careful sequencing of work to ensure minimal disruption to hospital services throughout.
Fort Field is a popular recreational spot and the new trees are expected to further add to the quality of the location for all islanders.
Mr McCutcheon said: ‘While it is unfortunate to see these trees going from the hospital it clearly was unavoidable to achieve these essential upgrades to the clinical facilities.
But we have a great mitigation plan in place. We are planting a range of native species of trees in Fort Road Field, including Silver Birch, Field Maple and Wild Cherry, which will complement the biodiversity of the area and will be enjoyed by many people for very many years to come.’
This replanting scheme is supported by Guernsey Trees for Life and its sponsors with whom HSC and the States of Guernsey records their sincere thanks for the forthcoming works.
