Fundraiser to replace community smallholding's storm-hit growing tunnel

Monday, 19 January 2026 06:30

GROW Jersey has launched a fundraiser to replace its 'vital' polythene tunnel, lost during Storm Goretti.

The tunnel, which covers a planting area for community groups and protects young plants from cold weather, was destroyed by the storm that hit Jersey earlier this month, bringing 95mph winds.

The £12,000 community-funded tunnel was only erected last July to support people to learn how to grow organic produce.

The tunnel was being used six times a week by various community groups, such as schools, social gardening club, and the Girl Guides.

GROW Jersey co-founder Sheena Brockie says the loss has already highlighted how essential it is to what the environmental group can offer as it was forced to cancel groups in the storm's aftermath.

"We use it for shelter - that's the whole purpose of why we really pushed to get it up for the winter, so that we don't have to cancel any of our groups.

"It really does have an impact on what we can deliver and access to nature and outdoor space that people use us for."

She says GROW has launched a fundraiser to replace the tunnel and further develop the site, and is looking at a more resilient - and so, possibly expensive - structure, as stormy weather has more common.

GROW also has full planning permission for a further community building with a workshop, small production kitchen, community space and fully accessible toilet.

It also has plans for raised beds for mobility/disability access, minibus parking, sensory garden, yurt, wildlife pond, forest school, bee hives and compost bays.

It comes as GROW also announces charity status.

Jersey Flower Farm is currently taking care of what could be salvaged.

You can donate to the fundraiser here. All funds raised will go to the polytunnel fund first, and any surplus money received will be transferred to the general fund for the remainder of the project aims.