Guernsey Press

Woodland Walk just one highlight for Floral judges

FLORAL GUERNSEY judges have been in Herm this week.

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FLORAL GUERNSEY judges have been in Herm this week.

Everyone has worked hard toward the judging and in preparation for the Britain in Bloom Champion of Champions judging next month.

Guernsey judges Martyn Langlois and Ivan Le Tissier were joined by the UK's Sharon Thomas.

The judges were able to view the planting in the hotel gardens, discuss waste strategies at the Mermaid Tavern and learn about our recycling programme.

Sharon Thomas was visiting Herm for the first time and was very impressed by what she saw.

'It is a lovely island. Everyone has been so friendly. It is definitely unique.'

After visiting the waterworks and meeting the engineers, they walked through the woodland walk, which has flourished since opening in 2010.

Mr Langlois has been to the island many times, but not for a few years, and liked this particular area.

'The Woodland Walk is lovely and a great use of the natural environment. The planting at the top of the Drive, where all the poppies are, is very eye-catching. It has been a good excuse to really take a good look around the island and see places I wouldn't normally.'

Part-way through the tour, the judges visited the island school to meet the pupils and teacher Mary Carey.

The children showed the judges around the herbs and fruit they have planted and explained the Romeo and Juliet theme of their rose garden.

'The school has been my favourite part of the tour so far,' said Mr Le Tissier. 'The children are brilliant. It is a real community school where everyone gets involved.'

Ms Thomas thinks the wider world could learn a lot from smaller island communities.

'The use of natural resources is what has really stood out for me. So much thought has to go into transporting things to and from Guernsey and nothing on the island is wasted. It is something Herm should be very proud of and something that should certainly be adopted in the UK. Everyone should be using products that are local and seasonal.

'Visiting Herm has really brought that home to me.'

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