New hedging planted as part of e-bike sales initiative

Friday 16 February 2024

The National Trust of Guernsey and Adventure Cycles have started work planting a 70 metre long hedge at Les Caches Farm.

It's part of a wider scheme embraced by The National Trust of Guernsey to reduce the loss of biodiversity in the island, enabled by the "generous support" of Adventure Cycles, it said.

The work started yesterday. 

Les Caches Farm - which is owned by The National Trust of Guernsey - is in the Forest and is a site often used for weddings and other celebrations because of its natural beauty.

Amid concern over the "loss of native hedges in our island and the associated loss of biodiversity," The Trust wanted to plant native hedges on selected parcels of land.

Work at Les Caches Farm yesterday saw the first plantings of Hawthorn, Hazel, Crab Apple and Field Maple which will grow to form the hedgerow. 

Pictured: Les Caches Farm. 

Adventure Cycles closed early on Friday to carry out this voluntary work which formed part of the company's annual commitment to tree planting.

Co-owners, Sam Rouxel and Dan Thwaite have previously committed to plant one tree for every electric push bike they sell.

"Dan and myself have been actively planting native trees in Guernsey for about ten years now, as a business we as Adventure Cycles have been planting one native tree or hedging plant for every electric bicycle sold that year," explained Sam.

"In total we have now planted over 800 native trees/hedging in conjunction with National Trust of Guernsey.

"We started this initiative to help offset the carbon footprint of every electric bicycle sold and to make the island a nicer place to enjoy.

"We thank the National Trust of Guernsey for the opportunity to plant at various locations in Guernsey."

The joint initiative was welcomed by many people when it was announced on social media. 

Stuart Malley congratulated Adventure Cycles writing: "Great initiative. Thanks Adventure Cycles!"

Simon Thornton wrote: "Great news for the The National Trust of Guernsey and Adventure Cycles to work together to deliver this biodiversity improvement project," while Kevin Gauvain wrote: "Wonderful news!"