Guernsey Press

Pebble stacks to be recorded for social history

PEBBLE stacks which grew up around the coast during lockdown are to be documented as part of the island’s social history.

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Deputy Matt Fallaize, right, and Russ Fossey, head of arts development at the Guernsey Arts Commission. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 28330549)

As a result, Agriculture, Countryside & Land Management Services has agreed to pause removal of the stacks, some of which were deemed to be too high or unstable or were painted.

The Guernsey Arts Commission and Education, Sport & Culture are working together to collect photos and videos to immortalise the grassroots symbols of the Guernsey Together spirit.

The project has appealed for people to contribute their own photos.

Russ Fossey, head of arts development at the commission, said the temporary nature of the towers meant they had to be documented.

‘Some had already started to return to the sea naturally, but that was part of the story as well,’ he said.

‘The towers are something islanders started and built, though, and so we need their help in documenting them.

‘If anyone has any pictures they can share with us of the pebble stacks, then please send them in via social media.’

Mr Fossey also intended to interview individuals who built stacks to capture the spirit behind the constructs.

ESC president Matt Fallaize said he was keen to document the phenomena of the towers cropping up around the island for future generations.

‘The pebble towers, large or small, have become symbolic of the way the people of Guernsey have faced the difficult challenges of the past few months.

‘We did not want memories of the towers to be lost.

‘They are part of our social history and in the future they will have special meaning for lots of people.’

  • To contribute images to the project, post them on social media using the #PebbleTowers.

  • If you built towers and wish to contribute, email russ.fossey@gov.gg. Alternatively, send a recording of yourself explaining how and why you built the towers to the same address.