2023 County Report for VC113a

Helen Litchfield

BSBI 2022 Annual Report for Guernsey

 

In Guernsey our work is closely linked to that of La Société Guernesiaise, an organisation that was created in the Victorian era to conserve Guernsey customs and natural landscape. It has many sections, one of which is botany. As well as being the Guernsey VCR, I am the co-secretary for the botany section. In this dual role our small team are consulted by the Planning department on local planning applications. We also carry out quadrat surveys for our Agricultural, Countryside and Land Management Services department and our local Water Board.

In 2021 together with local Clematis grower, Raymond Evison, we set up “ Grow Guernsey Natives.” Working with a local sheltered workshop, we gather seed of endangered and common species to retail to the general public. This has been a huge success in raising awareness of the difference between local species and imported wild flower meadow mixes. We are also building a seed bank of our endangered species.

One of our team, Gareth Coleman, has carried out an extensive survey of our Asplenium hybrids. Using both historical data, checking all known sites and finding new ones, he has compiled a spreadsheet of both A. × microdon and A. × sarniensis. We have yet to find A. × jacksonii, not recorded since 2001. The intention is to build on the data year on year and to use the data to protect the species and put pressure on conservation measures.

As a team, we venture out, weather permitting, every Monday and Thursday, new faces are always welcome to join us.