Wednesday 28 May 2014
Media Enquiry from Guernsey Press:
In regard to our conversation can the department please answer the following questions:
- Can it give an update as to the progress of coastal path cutting.
- How much manpower is used to clear them?
- How does this compare with other years?
- When does the department expect all paths to be cleared?
- Why are some areas allowed to become overgrown?
- Why does the department use States Works and not those sentenced to community service?
- What is the cost of the coastal path cutting?
This is planned in for tomorrow's paper so if you could please respond by 4pm today, I would be grateful.
Environment Department Response:
Update on progress of coastal path cutting.
The west coast paths and south coast cliff paths are managed differently to each other because of their habitat and topography. Whilst the cliff path cut has already started in earnest the west coast paths have had "hot spots" cut this month to clear away quick growing vegetation from narrow sections. The main cut along the west coast will begin in June.
Cutting has started along the cliff path network which is divided into 26 sections. Each section varies in length and it is anticipated that about a third of the sections will be completed by the end of June including the overgrown sections.
The coastal path network is made up of 42 miles of pathways which run along the west coast and south coast cliffs.
How much manpower is used to clear them?
Currently five people have been working full-time working on the cliff paths and this will increase to six from next week. By June nine full-time staff will be working on both the west and south coast path networks.
How does this compare with other years?
To date progress on cutting is on a par with last year. Growth has again been very strong and quick despite the relatively cool conditions which have prevailed.
When does the department expect all paths to be cleared?
Rate of progress varies depending on season. Each season is different so it is impossible to give a definitive answer. Updates on progress will be provided to the media through the season.
Why are some areas allowed to become overgrown?
Principally to allow native flora to flower and set seed.
The first cut on the cliff paths is started in May. The path network is divided up into sections and the cutting is rotated in order to protect the seed stock. The rotation has proved to be very successful and ensures the wonderful displays of flowering plants along the cliffs both now and for the future.
If plants are cut too early most species cannot set seed and this favours plants such as certain grasses and reduces the amount of flowers. Less flowers results in lower biodiversity including pollinating insects.
Our coastal and cliff paths are one of Guernsey's premier natural attractions especially when their verges come into bloom.
Why does the department use States Works and not those sentenced to community service?
The Department employs two contractors Environment Guernsey and States Works. The cutting teams are sometimes supplemented by the Community and Environment Services Scheme under the management of States Works.
Much of the pathways, particularly along the south coast, are cut by hand using hooks. It is a surprisingly quick, effective and quiet way to cut and does not produce the mashed trimmings produced by strimmers which smother native flora. Our contractors are very experienced in the safe and effective use of hooks and they have a good local knowledge and appreciation of the valuable habitats they are managing. Labour provided under the Community Service Offenders Scheme is generally only available at weekends. They are used by the Department at the weekends for one off jobs that require little or no training.
What is the cost of the coastal path cutting?
The contract cost for cliff and coastal path cutting is around £135,000 for 42 miles of pathway equivalent to £2 per metre per year.
Contact Information:
Environmental Services Unit
Environment Department
Tel: 717200
