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Storm-hit tree project plants 10,000 saplings

Rhys Thomas
BBC News, Jersey
BBC A gravel walking and cycling track set in front of some clouds with some blue sky. On the right of the route are dozens are small tree saplings on wood chippings with short plastic rings around them. There are larger, fully grown trees in the background.BBC
More than 300 volunteers helped to plant the trees

More than 10,000 trees have been planted in Jersey after hundreds came down when Storm Ciarán hit the island in 2023.

Jersey Trees for Life started the project in December to replace the trees along the Railway Walk.

It was funded by donations from local companies, groups, and the public. The government also helped pay for the project.

More than 300 volunteers helped to plant the trees. Organisers said the variety of species planted would restore natural habitats for wildlife.

A woman with light brown hair is dressed in a green hooded jumper and a black winter coat. She has black rimmed glasses and is smiling while looking directly into the camera.
Jersey Trees for Life CEO Alex Morel helped to restore the route

The damage caused by the storm meant the walking and cycling route had to be resurfaced in 2024.

Alex Morel, the Jersey Trees for Life CEO, said: "During Storm Ciarán this railway walk was completely devastated, so we wanted to restore it because this is a place that's used by so many people on a day-to-day basis.

"We've got some cherries, we've got apples, we've also got some nice silver birch.

"These are pioneer species. Naturally in a woodland, they would be the first to colonise an open space."

Organisers said the tree planting cost more than £54,000, with the Infrastructure and Environment department paying £28,000 towards it.

A man with a thick grey beard and long, blond hair smiles directly into the camera. He is wearing a red and white patterned headband and a bright orange high visibility jacket, with a badge of a tree on the left side of his chest. He is standing in front of a wood with wood chippings in the background.
Jersey Trees for Life arborist Chris Queree helped develop the new community woodland

The work has been possible after experts and the Infrastructure and Environment department cleared the debris and made the area safe.

The chief arborist at Trees for Life, Chris Queree, said: "It's going to develop over the next three to five years into a lovely community woodland.

"Hopefully over time it'll evolve, we'll get some seating areas with logs and benches so people can spend time here.

"It's going to be a great little spot for bird species, to watch birds, and enjoy the habitat," he added.

Further replanting efforts are planned for 2025 in Noirmont, Egypt Woods, and Coronation Park.

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