Boardwalk will make nature reserve accessible to all

Le Grand Pre, off La Blanche Carriere in the Vale, is an important reed bed habitat which is home to plants, birds and insects. But its marshy nature means that it is not always easy to access.

That led to a planning application for a 57m-long timber-looking boardwalk and viewing platform made from recycled eco-plastic.

La Societe conservation officer Jamie Hooper worked on the application, which has been approved.

‘The project aims to improve access to the reserve and create a more wheelchair-accessible path,’ he said.

Currently there is an earth embankment on the side of the reserve, but this can get muddy. The plan is for the new path to go on top of this and into the reserve.

There is a circular path around the reserve. The boardwalk will cover part of that, but the rest will remain as a natural path.

It is estimated the work will cost between £15,000 and £20,000. Mr Hooper said the charity was looking at how to fund that and would welcome any support.

If that goes well, it is hoped the work would take place over the summer, when the site should be drier.

The site is owned by the States and La Societe has it on a long lease.

Mr Hooper said it was an important habitat which was managed carefully to keep it vibrant.

‘It is one of the largest reed beds in the island,’ he said.

‘It is in the middle of the developed landscape, but this is an oasis. There are marsh harriers hunting. It has dragonflies. It attracts birds. It’s a hotspot of wildlife value.’

Julie Davis has been a volunteer warden at the site for the last year.

‘It’s a lovely space,’ she said. ‘It’s very peaceful and you meet people who enjoy using it.’

She said she was looking forward to this project allowing more people to visit the area.

. Anyone interested in helping to fund the project can contact La Societe via its website https://societe.org.gg/ It has a map showing the location of all the Societe’s reserves.