Conservationist not pining as felling of Guet trees starts

The removals are in preparation for repair works to the car park and track. The surface is in poor condition due to age and interference from the Montereys’ root networks.

To complete the works the trees must be felled and roots removed.

There had been five trees due to be removed, but one toppled pre-emptively in the recent stormy weather.

‘It is actually quite exciting to see these come down. It is the next phase in the project for Le Guet,’ said conservationist Vic Froome.

‘These pines are reaching the end of their life and we have begun to plant saplings wherever we can, in the bramble, in the scrub – where they can’t be vandalised.

‘We had an open day and people were asking how long it could take to complete the project.

Well, it is important to complete it in phases and having these removed will let a little more light in and we can begin on this area.’

Mr Froome added: ‘People need to realise that these trees won’t just come down in the night, they could at any time and could be a serious danger to someone.’

One of the next aims for the regeneration of the woodland was to plant up the seaward side to provide shelter from the prevailing winds that allow little to grow.

There had been some concern that Pipistrelle bats had been roosting in one of the Montereys set for removal and Environment Guernsey were sent to investigate.

‘Just ahead of the works it was necessary to see if there was roosting bats in four pines set for removal,’ said Environment Guernsey’s Jamie Hooper.

‘One visual inspection had revealed a cavity and therefore we were asked to check. We recorded bats flying past but none using the actual tree – as a result the tree surgeons were asked to proceed with care to not disturb.’

People in the area were pleased to see the road and car park were going to be resurfaced.

‘It definitely needs resurfacing,’ said Ray Peacegood. ‘I see what you’re saying about the refusal to resurface coastal car parks [seen as an eyesore]. But often the community centre car park gets too busy and people have no choice but to park on the track leading up to Le Guet, so it needs to be in good condition.’

Denise Bishop said: ‘Well, if the trees are at the end of their life and they are becoming a danger it is good to get rid of them. Resurfacing the road is also a must it is in poor condition.’

Special Branch, who are undertaking the works, confirmed that despite it ‘blowing a hooley’ at times all four pines would be removed by this evening.