We’re excited to share all the fantastic progress at Fort Field so far this year!

🍏 Mini-Orchard & Hedging: Two work parties kicked things off—first, volunteers planted 10 fruit trees to create a mini-orchard, and then another 100 native hedging whips were added behind it. Huge thanks to everyone who helped!

🌳 Woodchip Mulch Incoming: Three trailer loads of woodchips, kindly donated by Guernsey Tree Services https://www.facebook.com/GuernseyTreeServices/ , will soon be spread as mulch to help our new trees and hedges thrive. Watch out for the next work party announcement!

🌸 Cherry Tree Avenue: In late February/early March, we’ll plant 36 native cherry trees (18 on each side of the transverse path) to create a beautiful spring avenue for pollinators and a food source for birds in autumn. Stay tuned for the planting date!

💧 Tree Care: States Works will be watering the fruit and cherry trees weekly during the growing season. You might spot the corrugated plastic tubes by the trees—these help direct water to the roots and reduce evaporation.

🌼 Wildflower Planting: This April, we’ll be planting over 500 native wildflower plants in the roadside verge, supplied by La Societe Guernesiase Botany Section https://www.facebook.com/groups/1310943042297921/ . Another work party will be organised—come and get involved!

🌾 Summer Meadow Management: After the wildflowers bloom and set seed in late July or August, contractors will mow and remove the arisings. We’ll also organise a work party to scythe, rake, and remove arisings to prep for 2027.

🦋 Looking Ahead: We plan to introduce information boards explaining key features and why they matter for pollinators and biodiversity. Plus, keep an eye out for a nature-based treasure hunt for children!

We hope you’ll join us at our work parties and help make Fort Field a haven for wildlife and the community. Together, we’re making a real difference!

#FortField #PollinatorProject #Community #Biodiversity #Guernsey

It’s time for a quick look back at everything we achieved at Fort Field last year!

✨ January: The Pollinator Project proposed a new mowing regime at the Morley Chapel end, aiming to boost biodiversity and win support from the public. After discussions with ACLMS, we agreed to trial the new approach.

✨ February–March: The new mowing regime began, with borders mown to show active management. We also created a winding path through the wildflower meadow so everyone can enjoy the pollinators up close.

✨ April–May: Bi-weekly insect surveys and a plant survey by La Societe Guernesiaise Botany Section https://www.facebook.com/groups/1310943042297921/  established a baseline for future biodiversity gains.

✨ July: We held a public consultation, sharing four management options. Nearly 100 people responded with feedback—thank you! See the results and comments here: https://pollinatorproject.gg/public-consultation-notes-from-the-event/

✨ August: Contractors cut the meadow and verges, and volunteers removed over 20 tonnes of arisings for composting at The Soil Farm: https://www.facebook.com/thesoilfarm/. This step is vital for wildflower health!

✨ September: We secured a 3-year Service Level Agreement with ACLMS, starting January 2026.

✨ November–December: Volunteers prepped and planted 300 native hedging whips (hazel, hornbeam, hawthorn, blackthorn, and wild crab apple), all great for pollinators, birds, and small mammals.

🎉 We ended the year on a high, securing Dougie’s Grant, a Strategy for Nature grant, and a generous donation from an Open Market neighbour—ensuring our work continues!

Next week we’ll share the plan for 2026!

#FortField #PollinatorProject #Community #Biodiversity #Guernsey