Volunteers from the Pollinator Project charity have asked for views on how to treat the field in the future. A public meeting it called attracted more than 40 people, but no clear vision emerged from the meeting.
After further consultation over the next few weeks, it is hoped that a decision will be reached in September.
‘The meeting was really interesting,’ said Pollinator Project chairman Gordon Steele.
‘The views were split, but I’m feeling positive. It was great to get that much engagement and I’m happy that we had a real range of people attend.’
Among the douzeniers, neighbours and islanders from across the parishes, Mr Steele said he was happy to welcome the ‘really positive and constructive comments’ from Environment & Infrastructure president, Deputy Adrian Gabriel.
Mr Steele said people also offered use of their own farming equipment, tractors and money for the project.
‘It’s great to recognise there’s a real passion for the environment,’ he said. ‘I’m not surprised that this is a really popular area and topic of conversation, but I am surprised by the amount of media coverage. I’m not saying this is the next “diving board”, but it has been attracting a lot of attention.’
The States-owned former brickworks site that used to supply Fort George in the 18th century is a public area frequently used by dog walkers, commuters and neighbours.
The area has been looked after by the Pollinator Project for the past year and the charity has committed to its management for at least three years. But the area has long been seen as controversial for those who were not keen on its ‘wilding’.
‘We think it’s so important to have feedback and listen to as many people as possible,’ said Mr Steele.
‘We want to encourage everyone to bring their ideas. There were lots of comments about the winding path we put through the meadow, people loved how it put them right in the middle of nature, so that made me happy.’
Mr Steele said the charity put forward four ideas for the area’s future.
Either cut it all down to grass, leave it to grow wild, continue to cultivate its current, natural meadow and encourage more flowers or, the more costly option – a pictorial meadow. The latter would require annual seeding and more management, which Mr Steele said the charity would struggle to raise funds for.
Another suggestion raised at the meeting was to plant a wild cherry tree avenue along the footpath.
The charity’s preferred solution will be put forward to States’ Agriculture, Countryside & Land Management.
There is a Friends of Fort Field Facebook and The Pollinator Project will hold a stall at the upcoming West Show on 13 and 14 August, welcoming conversations.
This year, the field will be well-managed throughout autumn and winter.
It is planned to be cut low at least three times. All of the cuttings will be taken off, to keep fertility down so wildflowers can grow, and used to make hay for a soil or goat farm.
The ground will be scarified for seeds to germinate.
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