Busy 2023 sees conservation volunteers work on 32 sites

It had hosted more work parties than ever before in 2023, with 92 sessions organised,

Schools and companies have also got involved during the year, with 16 school sessions and 19 corporate social responsibility sessions.

Operations director Angela Salmon said the year had been really successful.

‘We had 12 companies working with us on our work parties on Wednesday mornings and we’ve now got 55 members, which is the most we’ve ever had,’ she said.

‘Our work with companies is rapidly growing and we want more people to do more of it.

‘It’s really important to connect children also, they can learn lots and they enjoy being outside.’

The GCV was founded in 1996 and works to maintain and enhance the biodiversity of Bailiwick sites.

This has included removing invasive sour fig, which stifles native plants, and removing stinking onion bulbs to allow local bluebells to thrive.

This year 35 tonnes of sour fig have been removed and 230 hours of work was done in Bluebell Woods.

All the work is carried out by volunteers.

‘I think a lot of people are starting to realise that connecting with nature is good for health and wellbeing and the research shows that,’ said Miss Salmon.

‘The amount that can be done in 30 minutes is surprising, but we are a big team. There’s always a sense of achievement and satisfaction when we’re done for the day.’

GCV volunteers appeared on the Channel 5’s Jersey and Guernsey show in July.

‘It was a great experience and raised awareness of the negative impact of non-native plants on our native plants,’ said Miss Salmon.

‘A few weeks later we were working on a different site and some passers-by were very excited to see "the group off the telly".’

The group’s plans for 2024 is to continue its current projects, as well as work on new sites.

Miss Salmon reminded people to stick to the paths on Bluebell Woods to allow the bluebells to grow. Logs have been placed around patches where the bluebells were growing so that they remained undisturbed, and walkers are asked not to move them.

‘It’s important to note that anyone who wants to get involved doesn’t have to commit to a regular time. You can come in your spare time, but please get in contact with me first,’ she said.

• The first work party of 2024 is being held today from 10am at Garenne Nature Reserve, where volunteers will be pollarding willow trees. Miss Salmon said that the first party of the year was always popular and new volunteers are always welcomed.

More information can be found at gcv.org.uk, or on the GCV’s pages on social media.