THE first phase of this year’s branchage is in full swing, amid calls for those carrying out the work to minimise its impact on the environment.
The branchage law requires landowners to cut back roadside hedges, verges and other vegetation to ensure they do not overhang roads and footpaths, ahead of the official ‘visite du branchage’ in each parish.
Eight inspections are due to be held this week, and will take place tomorrow in St John, St Ouen, St Peter and St Saviour, while on Friday officials will inspect roads in St Brelade, St Helier, St Martin and Trinity.
Last week saw inspections in Grouville, St Clement and St Lawrence.
The final inspection is set to take place in St Mary on Thursday 14 July.
A second phase of work is required by law ahead of further visites du branchage, which are due to take place in all parishes between 1 and 12 September.
A body called the Branchage Group, which comprises several conservation organisations, including Action for Wildlife Jersey, has appealed to those undertaking the twice-yearly tradition to do so in a way that does not harm the environment or wildlife. The group was formed in 2018 to help reduce the number of deaths and injuries to hedgehogs and other animals.
As part of the campaign, leaflets are available from parish halls demonstrating methods of ‘best practice’ that aim to reduce the number of animal casualties, promote stable roadside banks and increase the number of pollinating plants.
