Post-lockdown boost for conservation group

The last work party of the year saw about a dozen people braving the chilly wind to work on the reed beds, near the Ivy Castle.

Group co-ordinator Angela Salmon said that it was part of their annual maintenance of the site.

‘We come down at this time every year and cut it back, as this encourages new reeds to grow,’ she said.

‘But we have found some non-native cape ivy.

‘This is the second patch we have found and it smothers everything.

‘It’s very invasive.’

It is also hard to get rid of, because it can regrow from even the tiniest piece of root.

‘It is believed that the plant could have arrived at the important eco system after an incident of green waste dumping.

‘This is despite it being free to drop off green waste at the site by Mont Cuet, which is just 10 minutes away by car.’

Mrs Salmon said it was vital they look after the area.

‘It’s a really important habitat as there aren’t many reed beds in the island,’ she said.

‘And in a built-up area like this, it’s a vital green space.’

She was proud of what the group has achieved through their tireless volunteering in the area.

‘When we first came here many years ago, there was lots of flytipping,’ she said.

‘While we still get some, it is now such a nice area and the neighbours have said they have seen more birds around here, which is really nice to know.’

Miss Salmon is still collating the numbers from the group’s 2020 gatherings, but she said it had been a busy year, with many people choosing to help their local environment after lockdown ended.

n To find out more about the group and when the next work party takes place, visit https://gcv.org.uk/.