As part of the Scenic Lanes awards presentation on Thursday 13th October 6pm organised by the Société Jersiaise, the National Trust for Jersey will also be presenting an award which recognises a stretch of hedgerow which has been the most sympathetically managed with respect to the environment.
The winner of this year’s award is Jersey Water who have recently planted a very fine hawthorn/hazel hedge along La Ville ès Gazeaux in St Lawrence. Jon Horn of the National Trust will present the prize of a sickle, 6 bottles of Jersey cider, the New National Trust handbook and a few bags of flour made at Le Moulin de Quétivel.
Jon Horn. Lands Manager of the National Trust For Jersey commented:
‘I felt that this was a superb example of a good wildlife hedge. Although it is a young hedge it is extremely dense, and there were many potential nesting sites for birds. The hedge is mainly made up of hawthorn and hazel and these are great providers of food. In spring they provide ample nectar for bees and butterflies and in the autumn the rich berry harvest is extremely welcome for hungry birds and small mammals.
What I was also looking for was how the hedgerow was managed. Here it was very obvious that the management of this hedgerow is sensitive with regards to nature. The hedge was nice and thick and had avoided the brutalisation of a heavy branchage. At its base there was a lovely display of wildflowers such as red campion and green alkanet and these were mixed with a nice variety of wild grasses. A great place for insects.’
Managing Director and Engineer of Jersey Water, Howard Snowden, added:
“We are delighted to receive this environmental Award. In order to provide water supply to our customers, we have to undertake essential works in both the town and countryside. We make every effort to maintain the natural environment and, if works are undertaken, we endeavour to bring improvement to these areas. We are grateful of the recognition this Project has received, as part of our overall contribution to the local environment”.