Charities join forces to raise male health awareness

Wednesday 22 February 2023

The ‘MUG’ mound at Salarie Corner has been repopulated with native plants thanks to an initiative between Male Uprising Guernsey, La Société Guernesiaise and GROW.

The mound has been tended by MUG for eight years, originally selected as it was in a poor condition but also for a symbolic purpose close to the organisations' mission.

In their view it represents a lump which should be checked out.

MUG admitted that while the mound houses various spring bulbs it can look drab throughout some parts of the year.

So, it was decided to spruce up the area this morning with support from nature organisations.

Grow Native Guernsey was launched two years ago by Raymond Evison OBE and Helen Litchfield to protect local species. Since then, GROW has raised and sold the plants from its vinery.

Ms Litchfield said there are 167 local species which are classified as rare, endangered, or threatened. That fact spawned the new native protection programme. 

She said stock has consistently sold out, and the successes to date will see a greater variety of plants available to the public later this year. 

Pictured: Planting took place this morning.

His Excellency, Lt.-Governor Richard Cripwell CB CBE attended, planted some specimens, and praised the unique work of the three participating charities.

He said it was “fantastic to see the three of them working together on such a good project”. 

“I absolutely believe that the sum is greater than the parts and I think that they will be able to mutually benefit each other, not least in terms of public awareness of the issues that are important.”

“MUG, I think, is incredibly important in helping to show people that they have to take responsibility for their own health, to do the checks and to talk about health among their friends."

He also commended the positive work offered by GROW, saying it “gives those who are less advantaged in society an opportunity, not just to do some good, but a way to learn about themselves and developing on an individual basis”.

Pictured: His Excellency got involved. 

The Lt.-Governor added that local horticulture groups have helped him realise how little he knew about local plants.

He believes it is “incredibly important” that natural fauna and flora is protected.

“These are things that if we lose, they don't come back and the sorts of things that just slip between our fingers without us even realising that we had in the first place.

“Anything that seeks to preserve and promote, not just awareness, but pride and delight in things that are native to the islands is very important.

 “La Société, of course, is all about preserving, protecting, and educating about these islands’ history and what makes us special.” 

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