The strategy is set for a leadership change, with Nik Carre officially taking over the role this December, following the retirement of long-time coordinator Francis Russell.
The two men have been working closely together in recent months to ensure a smooth transition, combining Mr Russell’s years of experience with Mr Carre’s fresh perspective and practical background.
Mr Carre, a former tree surgeon with expertise in land management, said the opportunity to join the team aligned perfectly with his skills.
‘It wasn’t just the hornets, it was the chance to work with the landscape and apply my knowledge of trees and access techniques,’ he said.
‘Francis has been generous with his time and insight, and I’ve learned a lot already.’
Mr Russell, who has led the project since its inception, said he was proud of the team’s success in preventing the insects from overwintering locally.
That means that nests built locally are from hornets which have arrived from outside the island, leading to a slower start for their season.
‘We’ve built a strategy based on vigilance, biology and community involvement,’ he said.
‘It’s been a fascinating job, but I’m looking forward to spending more time with my bees, gardening, and sea fishing.’
The team is currently deep into the summer tracking season, using bait stations and visual monitoring to locate nests. One of the most effective tools has been a low-tech innovation, tinsel. Shiny foil strips are glued to captured hornets, making them easier to spot as they return to their nests.
‘It’s surprisingly effective,’ said Mr Carre. ‘You can track them like a kite in the sky.’
While Guernsey is holding off on investing in high-tech tracking tags, costing around £2,500 each, Mr Carre said the team was watching trials in Jersey and Sark closely.
‘We’d rather wait until the technology is proven before committing,’ he said.
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