The Nature Commission in partnership with Guernsey Trees for Life is aiming to raise money to replace trees that were damaged or lost during Storm Goretti. After Storm Ciaran, it was estimated that around 350 trees were lost, but this time the loss is estimated to be much higher.

The fundraising was launched on 11^th January and so far, has raised £11,635, with Guernsey Trees for Life generously allocating £10,000 of charity reserves to the fund.

The money will be invested in Guernsey’s public woodlands and green spaces that were worst affected, such as Saumarez Park and the Guet. Funding will be used to plant native trees, and it is important for the right trees to be planted in the right areas. Funds will also be used on tree aftercare which is critical in ensuring the success of the planting. Monies will be spent on trees, stakes, ties, mulch and watering and will not be used for the dismantling or removal of fallen trees.

It is hoped that after fundraising, planting will be able to start in autumn. Work is needed first to establish which areas will benefit from planting and what tree species would be best. Then trees need to be sourced and plantings organised. After planting, aftercare will take up much of the growing season (May-September) the following year and ultimately, success will be measured by the number of trees established, not the number planted.

Native trees are an integral part of our landscape, and they play many vital roles. Trees are important at providing oxygen, filtering pollutants and storing carbon from the atmosphere, providing a nature-based solution to helping fight climate change. In urban settings, trees help to reduce the air temperature and provide areas of shade. They also support lots of wildlife, with a single Oak tree providing shelter, food and other resources for 2,300 species of wildlife.

The loss of trees during Storm Goretti would not only have impacted the trees themselves but all the species that use them. From the lichens and mosses that live on the surface, to the birds, bats and insects that use them for breeding habitat and food resources, and the fungi which live in association with them. Trees are long-lived and the trees planted with the money raised by the Storm Goretti Tree Appeal should hopefully (not withstanding any more big storms) support many species and provide many benefits for years to come.

Guernsey Trees for Life Technical Officer, Andy McCutcheon said “The public response to our appeal has been fantastic! Thank you to those of you who have donated so far and we encourage others to do the same. The generosity shown is a testament to the community spirit we are so fortunate to have in this island. We are looking forward to getting stuck in and to start the journey to replanting.”

Nature Commission CEO, Jessi Jennings said “The Storm Goretti Tree Appeal gives our community a way to help restore what has been lost and ensure our trees can thrive again for future generations. The Nature Commission is proud to be supporting Guernsey Trees for Life with this Appeal, and invites individuals, organisations and businesses alike to join us in giving our island’s landscape the care it deserves. Donations from local businesses would be gratefully received, so please do get in touch if you’d like to be a part of this.!

To support the Storm Goretti Tree Appeal, a donation can be made via the following:

• Through the Nature Commission giving.gg page: https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2422. Please include 'Storm Goretti' in the details section as a reference.
• Through the Nature Commission Just Giving Page: Donate - Donation amount - JustGiving. Please include 'Storm Goretti' in the details section as a reference.
• By contacting office@naturecommission.gg