Three Year Mourier Valley Project Finished

A three-year project to plant more than 4,000 trees on Jersey's north coast has been completed.

£40,000 of joint funding from Jersey Electricity and Jersey Water was given to the National Trust for Jersey and Trees for Life to do the work at Mourier Valley.

It was the largest ever planting project carried out by the two charities.

Jon Parkes, the land manager for the National Trust for Jersey, says standing on the viewpoint above Devils Hole to see the finished project was a great moment.

"We're obviously limited in Jersey with how many trees we can plant, just down to space really, but to see all those trees in there is a fantastic feeling and also great that so many people were able to be involved in that."

The likes of the JYS Prince's Trust, Acorn, and Jersey Conservation volunteers were involved in the work.

It is aimed at improving biodiversity and helping the island on its journey to carbon neutrality.

The government has set targets to achieve carbon-neutrality by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.

It has taken 3 years, small armies of volunteers, £40,000 and the expertise and TLC of @NatTrustJersey's Lands Team and @Jerseytrees, but the planting phase of the Mourier Valley re-forestation project was officially completed today. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/hwTCrVtlix

— Jersey Electricity plc (@electricjersey) February 9, 2022

We are delighted to have completed Le Mourier Valley Restoration Project through a successful partnership with @NatTrustJersey, @electricjersey & @Jerseytrees. It took 3 years, small armies of volunteers in all weathers to plant 4,300 trees 🌳💦: https://t.co/mDWcOLhBfM pic.twitter.com/6NbfvtImkm

— Jersey Water (@JerseyWater) February 10, 2022

The bottom of the valley is now covered with 13 mainly native species to suit the exposed conditions.

They include Common Oak, Ash, and Sweet Chestnut.

Mr. Parkes admits there were a lot of challenges along the way.

"We were dealing with some very steep slopes. It's extremely exposed in the winter to wind and rain.

During the summer it can be very dry and quite difficult to establish trees up there.

Of course, we had Covid as well which affected our ability to engage with people and interact with members of the community.

There have been points where we wondered if we were going to get all the trees in the ground in time, but we got there and we're really pleased with the results."

Rowan, Scots Pine, Monterey Pine, and Black Pine have also been planted for birds and local wildlife.

Jersey Trees for Life chairman Philip Taylor says they're extremely proud to have been involved.

"We have demonstrated the impact that we can all have on our environment when organisations come together for the benefit of future generations.

The work does not stop here. This is just the start. There will be much maintenance and tree protection work to do over the coming years to ensure that this project fulfils its potential and delivers for the people of Jersey.

A big thank you to Jersey Water, Jersey Electricity, our partners the National Trust, and, of course, all our wonderful volunteers and supporters."

*Picture Credits: Jersey Electricity.