Every year the Société Jersiaise hold their annual Scenic Lanes competition in which every parish is asked to enter a lane.
The purpose of the competition is to judge the overall ambiance, mix of trees and shrubs, unusual features, wildlife, wildflowers, and the sensitivity of the branchage.
This year’s Scenic Lanes competition will take place on 28 May. This year the judges shall be focusing on the wildflowers and fauna which should be more in abundance than later in the summer, as well as the other judging criteria, including the state of the branchage on the lane. Too close a branchage kills the wildlife, and leaves their habitats decimated. Equally, leaving too much dead mulch can make it hard for the plants to photosynthesize beneath. A variety of species of trees and hedges, along with the range of wildflowers and animal life form part of the judging criteria too.
Last year’s winners were the parish of St Brelade, who were presented with a plaque to celebrate their win. The President of the Société Jersiaise, Stuart Fell, handed over the plaque to the Connétable Mike Jackson and the Parish team turned out for the award presentation, led by Philip Chevalier, the Municipal Services Manager.
The St Brelade team were thanked for their hard work for the Parish, out in all weather, taking pride in their work and caring for the countryside. It was noted that they perform their branchage by hand, relying on the observant gardeners to pay close attention to the environment, rather than strimming mechanically which can be more damaging. They also mentioned that they are now using herbicides, with the intention of being more environmentally sensitive and aware.
Pictured: St Brelade Scenic Lanes plaque presentation 2024 winners
