The Guernsey Conservation Volunteers have kicked off their 2023 Big Sour Fig Project with work parties on Wednesday 22nd March and Saturday 25th March.
These are the first of many work parties to remove Sour Fig along the coastal area between Fort Doyle and Beaucette Marina. Individuals over the age of 16 and groups are welcome to take part.
In November last year, the Guernsey Conservation Volunteers (GCV) finished their 2022 Big Sour Fig Project at Fort Le Marchant headland. This project involved more than 250 people from schools, scout groups, corporate groups and individuals wanting to lend a hand. A total of 24 work parties took place and 50 tonnes of this invasive plant was removed.
GCV will be returning to Fort Le Marchant headland again this year to remove some new shoots of Sour Fig; this is an essential job to stop Sour Fig re-establishing in the area.
GCV first removed Sour Fig in 2008 with a successful pilot project at Fort Pezeries. Other invasive non-native plants being tackled by GCV include Cape Ivy and Three-cornered Garlic (Stinking Onions). Removing invasive non-native plants always leads to an increase in biodiversity and is positive for nature. Botanical
surveys have shown that more than 60 native plant species can regrow on sites where Sour Fig previously grew.
Angela Salmon, GCV Operations Director said: “GCV is thrilled to receive support again this year from the Strategy for Nature Fund. This financial help enables our small charity to take on big projects that help the natural environment. We hope the community will join in again and help make this 2023 project a success.”
For more information about the Sour Fig work parties, take a look at the GCV website.
