Creve Coeur needs work before National Trust can take it on

The charity already owns about a quarter of the site in the north of the island, by Mont Cuet.

But about 30 years ago it was leased to the States for an emergency landfill site, after the island ran out of space at Bordeaux, and before Mont Cuet was not ready for use.

The field was used for waste and then covered over, and has since been fenced off.

Two years ago it was announced that the leased land would be returned to the trust, along with the rest of the site, to turn it into a public nature area.

It had been hoped it would reopen in 2023, but the States has still not handed over the land.

States Property Unit director of estates Mark Ogier confirmed work had been taking place behind the scenes, but there had been delays.

‘As part of the project to commence quarrying at Creve Coeur, Ronez carried out an ecological survey, which has not highlighted any concerns,’ he said.

‘Policy & Resources is keen to see this work conclude as soon as possible and the matter was raised at the latest meeting.

‘The committee was advised that there are some complexities, which need to be managed alongside other priorities. As with all landfill sites, the States have a duty to ensure that the site is not only safe now, but will remain safe in the future, with remedial work carried out where necessary before the land can be handed over.’

The issue had come to the fore after current trust president Mike Brown confirmed the charity had been chasing the States to expedite the transfer but had heard nothing.

Even once the land has been transferred, it will not be able to open immediately. Previous National Trust president Tony Spruce detailed in 2022 how it hoped to create pathways to allow the public to explore the land, without damaging it.

The site would be combined with the neighbouring ammunition store site, which the trust took on several years ago.