Joint effort to ensure the future of Le Guet

The predominantly Monterey pine forest is around a century old and many of the trees are reaching their period of maturity, some of them having gone past that and are dying off.

Managed regeneration is now required to keep the number of trees from diminishing, while simultaneously making sure that risk to visitors is kept at a minimum.

Le Guet was originally planted by the de Sausmarez family and the woodland has grown over the typical coastal scrub of gorse and bramble found elsewhere in the island.

The geology of the area, shallow earth over granite bedrock, and the acidic saturation caused by decades of pine needle decay means the environment is challenging.

Coupled with the coastal location, salt spray and high winds, there are a limited number of species that will thrive.

However, the aim is to keep the woodland maintained – it is a haven for wildlife and should remain so.

Trees for Life secretary Andy McCutcheon said: ‘We are looking at the future of Le Guet and we want to manage it as well as possible. Several trees have died already and the dead wood has been left to encourage biodiversity.

‘After the open day we held a little while ago, our chairman, Phil Collenette, has prepared a report to be presented to the Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services regarding the future.

‘The Monterey pine grows really well in Guernsey conditions, but is not particularly good at supporting wildlife, however being here I can hear the calls of blue tits and dunnocks and we are only in the early spring. There are also species that will grow despite the conditions, such as silver birch and English oak.’

Trees for Life has begun trials to deem how best to manage the area.

‘We began a trial at the lower, seaward side of Le Guet – it’s a very exposed site with salt spray, wind and shade from the pines all needing factoring,’ said Mr McCutcheon.

‘In fact, light is one of the biggest issues we face here. Using a digger to scrape back the scrub and top layer of needles, we then planted a scattering of hawthorn and field maple to see what would be suited to the climate.’

Typically trees undergo remedial work when they are requiring attention, however the Monterey pines at Le Guet are now pollarded, to give way to biodiversity, or removed if deemed unsafe.

‘There’s a case for selectively removing pines, especially those on the roadsides, because the roots have been disrupting the road surface.

‘It also makes sense to do removals in block sections because we can then free up some space, allowing the light in.

‘We are able to then plant with more freedom – trees such as elders are good because they grow quickly in these environments and have in-built survival mechanisms.

‘We are working with conservationist Vic Froome, among others, who brings even more energy and enthusiasm to the project.

‘Vic has offered to plant and look after many more trees at Le Guet so the land management looks set to continue. However we must handle this managed regeneration with care and not expose visitors to too much risk.’