Sycamores to be removed to allow Bluebells to bloom

Sunday 17 November 2024

Guernsey's Bluebell Wood will get some TLC this coming week with Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services carrying out some maintenance work.

It's aimed at improving the biodiversity of Bluebell Wood and enhancing the growth of native bluebells, by increasing the amount of sunlight reaching the woodland floor.

This has been reduced due to the dense canopy of fast-growing sycamore trees.

By removing some of these trees, the hope is to create a more favourable environment for bluebells and other native plants and animals. The work will also involve removing invasive species like Allium triquetrum, commonly known as 'stinking onions', which can outcompete native plants.

Francis Russell, Invasive Non-Native Species Policy & Coordination Officer, said: “These targeted interventions are intended to try and give bluebells the best possible chance of survival in view of the threat from the more dominant Allium plant. Although there are no guarantees that these measures will bring immediate benefits, we hope, along with the work of the Guernsey Conservation Volunteers, that it will help give the bluebells the best chance, as well as improving the woodland more generally for people and wildlife."

Angela Salmon, Head of Operations and Education, Nature Commission, said: “‘Bluebell Wood is a special place to visit for many people and the Nature Commission was very happy to support this project from the Storm Ciarán Recovery Fund. Letting more light into the wood by removing some young sycamore trees should be beneficial for nature and we look forward to seeing the impact of this work.”

The Nature Commission has supported this project through the Storm Ciarán Recovery Fund, and the work will take place on Monday and Tuesday. Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services will be carrying out the work, with support from the Guernsey Conservation Volunteers.