‘Be mindful that stone towers could pose danger’

Last lockdown the building began as a creative display of Guernsey Together, including at Albecq, Pleinmont, Belle Greve, Grand Havre, Vazon and elsewhere.

‘We love any expression of Guernsey Together as the community works to get us through the second lockdown and keep each other safe,’ an Agriculture, Countryside & Land Management spokesman said.

‘We’d only ask people to please be mindful of where they stack pebbles so that they aren’t likely to fall onto roads, passers-by or people sitting on the beach.’

Stormy weather with strong winds and high tides can be expected at this time of year.

Ross Le Cheminant said he has no problem with stone towers being made in low-risk areas, but caution is advised to ensure they do not pose a danger to islanders and vehicles.

‘Driving along the coast roads during a storm is going to be like driving through an artillery barrage, you’re just lining up ammunition for the waves to smash into as they go over the walls,’ Mr Le Cheminant said.

Carl King said there are two ways to look at it.

‘You can either look at it as a sign that everyone cares enough to protect the island and this is their little gesture to bring light to people’s days, or you can either see it as something that irritates you,’ Mr King said.

‘Either way this is the island’s way of saying “Guernsey Together.”

‘It’s something we made and it’s something we continue to make to give others hope.’

Stone towers have been made across the world throughout history under various names, for reasons such as landmarking and navigation, burials and astronomy.

Louise Fish said because the towers can be dangerous at this time of year, instead of building stone towers everyone out taking exercise could pick up three pieces of litter on the beach or elsewhere.

After stone towers were removed last year, islanders were divided.

April saw the first stacks going up, which quickly gained momentum until sea walls, beaches and public spaces became covered with them.

Structures built precariously with large rocks, or those built in high places posed the most danger, ACLMS said at the time.

People sitting or walking beneath them could be hit, or vehicles could be damaged.

The phenomena of stone towers appearing last lockdown was documented by the Guernsey Arts Commission and Education, Sport & Culture as part of the island’s social history.