Guernsey Press

Volunteers try to stop plant’s fort invasion

GUERNSEY Conservation Volunteers kicked off Invasive Species Week by pulling sour fig on the headland at Fort Le Marchant.

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Ian Chapman was one of those in the Guernsey Conservation Volunteers’ work party which returned to Fort Le Marchant yesterday to tackle sour fig, its first event of Invasive Species Week. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 30830627)

This was just one of the contributions this week to remove invasive species from the island and promote the importance of protecting Guernsey’s native biodiversity.

‘We’ve got 12 volunteers here today and we’re focusing on Fort Le Marchant to clear the space of invasive sour fig,’ said group co-ordinator Angela Salmon.

‘We worked on the sour fig here back in February with a corporate group and we’ll have a few more sessions here throughout the rest of the year to keep on top of any regrowth.

‘It can often grow all down the cliffs which makes it hard to deal with.’

Ms Salmon added that while insects can feed off sour fig, if allowed to consume a space such as the headland, the plant would limit the variety of species available to the insects.

The GCV has received funding from the States Strategy for Nature Fund, which allows it to continue to strengthen and broaden the island’s biodiversity.

Pauline Bichard was volunteering and tries to help out with the GCV when she can.

‘I enjoy knowing I’m doing something to help preserve our island, and on a day like today it’s great to be outside by the sea.’

A group of Scouts went to the headland in the afternoon to contribute to the sour fig pull and help clear the area.

. GCV can be contacted for corporate sessions or anyone interested by emailing coordinator@gcv.org.uk.