Wednesday 24 June 2015
Media Enquiry from Guernsey Press:
I was contacted by residents of the Rue Sarchet, in the Bouet, who said they are having trouble with a seed or some such flying into their houses during the summer months and it was not pleasant. Said they had been in touch with Environment and I wondered if the department had anything to say on the matter, the residents "want something done", is there anything the Department has planned or can do?
While I understand this is not the most pressing of enquiries, your response is all I need to complete the story, so if it was possible for it to come through today, I would be very grateful.
Environment Department Response:
An enquiry was received by the Environment Department but it has not been in a position to respond as quickly as it would like. However the Department's tree specialist would be happy to advise affected residents in consultation with the Guernsey Housing Association.
From the description given it would suggest that the "seed" being blown in through residents windows may originate from either Poplar trees or Guernsey sallow (a form of Willow which is native to the island). In both cases the seed have long tufts of white hair attached to them which aids their dispersal by wind. Considerable quantities can be produced by trees which can become an annoyance but usually only for a short period.
Short of removing the trees there is little that can be done apart from shutting the windows on the windward sides of affected properties. It is important to note that some trees are protected and the permission of the Environment Department is needed before protected trees can be felled.
Contact Information:
Environmental Services Unit
Environment Department
Tel: 717200
