Nature Features

BBC Guernsey and the Guernsey Conservation Volunteers focused their efforts on the pond at the St Germain Nature Trail in the Castel.

Some of the wildlife seen in the pond area

Situated near the Castel School the area has, over recent years, been transformed from a quarry and land fill site into a wide open space and nature trail affording spectacular views of the west coast of the island as well as somewhere to find out more about the local flora and fauna.

On Saturday 7 June 2008 BBC Guernsey and the GVC worked on the pond at the trail's north western corner as well as its surrounding area.

The aim of the project was to help the local wildlife, which includes frogs, dragonflies and many other species of animals and insects, whilst giving the local community, including the Castel Primary School, a place to study wildlife in its natural habitat.

The pond before the work took place

Over the summer the area was left by the team to settle to see how it would naturally develop. This allowed the trees which had been cleared continue to grow and the pond remained clear of weed which is beneficial to the resident wildlife.

During this time the plant life that was introduced to the pond has also had a chance to grow and it is expected that in spring 2009 life in the pond will flourish.

While the Guernsey Conservation Volunteers are not planning any further work on the site, it is expected that Castel School pupils will start using the area as a part of their education on local wildlife.