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Guernsey Conservation Volunteers are inviting anyone who wants to help remove non-native Sour Fig plants from Albecq on Saturday, as part of Invasive Species Week.
The ‘Big Fig Pull’ will kick off at 10:00 on Saturday 20 May on the slope below Burton Battery. Anyone aged 16 and over is welcome to attend the work party.
The coast road between Cobo and Vazon will be closed throughout the event to ensure the safety of volunteers following a request to Castel Douzaine.
“GCV apologises for any inconvenience caused to members of the public by this road closure,” it said, and asked drivers to respect the closure and follow the short diversion.
GCV, which was founded in 1996, routinely remove invasive non-native plant species around Guernseyincluding Sour Fig, Cape Ivy, New Zealand Wire Plant and Three-cornered Leek (Stinking Onions).
Volunteers began work to remove Sour Fig yesterday morning at the headland around Beaucette Marina.
Pictured: Volunteers removing stinking onions from Bluebell Wood.
GCV added: “Sour Fig has been in Guernsey since the 1880’s, it was brought into the island as a garden plant from South Africa. Sour Fig was previously killed by heavy frost but harsh winters are now scarce which has enabled the plant to spread.
“Sour Fig is mainly found around the coast and it spreads across coastal grassland forming a dense mat. It outcompetes all native species and reduces biodiversity wherever it grows.
“When Sour Fig is removed, the native coastal plants return. These plants can include Thrift, Sea Beet, Sea Campion, Sheep’s-bit and Rock Sea-spurrey. These plants will provide food and shelter for many insects and small mammals. The insects will provide food for birds.”
More information can be found on the GCV’s website and social media channels.
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