The States of Guernsey will be providing £15,000 to the Nature Commission, to invest in Guernsey’s public woodland and green spaces.
The funding was announced by the Policy & Resources Committee, with the support of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure.
It is estimated that around 350 trees were lost during Storm Ciarán. The funding provided will support woodland management, including tree planting, in publicly accessible areas to build resilience in the local natural environment.
The Nature Commission is an independent body which launched earlier this year to promote and enhance the island’s natural environment in partnership with the public, private and third sectors.
Deputy Peter Ferbrache (pictured), President of the Policy & Resources Committee said: “The public sector’s preparation for Storm Ciarán proved incredibly valuable in keeping islanders safe and minimising the damage caused. We are also fortunate to have avoided the very worst impacts of the storm which were felt in Jersey and our thoughts are with those who were injured or experienced very significant damage to their homes and businesses.
“But the storm has still had a big impact here, including on our trees and green spaces. Our natural environment is part of what makes Guernsey special and I’m very pleased that we can quickly respond by committing to provide this funding.”
Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, said: “This additional funding is very welcome and the Nature Commission is perfectly placed to coordinate the regeneration efforts that will make use of it. They have the in-house expertise and close working relationships with community groups who support and enhance our natural environment to ensure this funding is put to the best possible use.”
