THE Lieutenant-Governor will plant a sweet gum in St Helier today to officially launch the Jersey Tree Fund.
The fund has been set up to help restore the Island’s trees, woodlands and parks following the devastation caused by Storm Ciarán last month.
Vice-Admiral Jerry Kyd will be joined by St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft at Parade Gardens this afternoon to plant the tree, which will replace a beech brought down in the storm.
The sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua), which is native to North America, is known for its colourful foliage – particularly in autumn.
The beech tree was planted in 2008 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
Jersey Trees For Life’s chief executive Alex Morel said the fund was looking for support and hoped to attract corporate sponsors.
She added: “Storm Ciarán had a devastating impact on our trees, hedgerows and woodlands. People quite rightly want to see these replaced as quickly as possible and so we wanted to create a fund which will be exclusively used for this purpose.
“We are grateful to the Lieutenant-Governor for initiating the replanting of our public spaces with this beautiful tree, gifted to the people who work and live in St Helier.”
Donations to the Jersey Tree Fund can be made at donate.supportedgiving.com/jersey-trees-for-life
