GVC waging war on invasive cape ivy
A GROUP of volunteers are waging war on an invasive non-native species, taking over large areas of wilderness and smothering native plants.
Cape ivy is a vigorous plant, native to South Africa. It is toxic to animals and thickly covers the ground, preventing other plants for germinating and growing.
Guernsey Conservation Volunteers set about removing as much of the plant as they could at La Societe's small reserve at Rue Des Bergers, Castel, yesterday.
Group co-ordinator Angela Salmon explained that the plant had been in the island for a long time.
'It escapes from gardens and takes over wild areas and it is starting to have an impact on the hedge banks here,' she said.
'We've got fantastic native species on the banks here and we don't want to lose those because the cape ivy will smother out our native plants.'
The team have already cleared back cape ivy's climbing vines at a site in Torteval belonging to La Societe, and will be clearing it at other La Societe, the National Trust and States-owned locations.
'For years we've had a focus on sour fig, which is another invasive non-native species,' said Ms Salmon.
'We're trying to make cape ivy our focus as well in 2022.'
Coral Lines volunteers with GCV and explained that there are personal benefits as well as helping the environment.
'It is very enjoyable to come out here and do some constructive work to benefit the conservation of the island's unique habitat, and also to come out on a beautiful day to get some fresh air and be part of a team of people with similar interests, it is really satisfying and worthwhile, she said.
'There are health benefits for each of us as well as removing the invasive species and we invite everyone to come and join us.'
The group meet every Wednesday morning and the morning of every other Saturday and are always open to new volunteers.
Anyone interested in helping conserve Guernsey's natural environment should contact the group on Facebook.
