ISLANDERS have been warned to steer clear of Jersey’s woodlands which could still be “very unsafe” weeks after Storm Ciarán caused significant damage.
Julia Clively, a senior environment officer in the government’s Natural Environment team, added that it was “miraculous” that no one had been injured in woods since the storm hit earlier this month.
Speaking to the JEP yesterday, Ms Clively said the effort to clean up favourite woodland spots such as St Catherine’s Woods and Noirmont Woods would take “some time”.
“We don’t have a timeline,” she explained. “But it’s certainly not going to be quick. Everybody’s under a lot of pressure to assess damage in the Island, and that’s the first stage. After assessment, we will open areas where we can, and then we will do work on the areas which are very badly hit, such as St Catherine’s Woods. But the speed at which we get that work done will depend on the availability of people to do it.” Ms Clively continued: “In woodlands, Islanders are still potentially very unsafe. It is going to take some time to get round all of them to properly assess them, and that’s before doing all of the work, so please do not enter those that are closed off while we do this.
“The situation is constantly changing, because the storms haven’t finished yet. We’re still getting battered, and trees weakened in Storm Ciarán are potentially quite hazardous. These are not only trees on the ground, but trees above us, loose branches which are hanging and twisted branches where a gust of wind could bring those down.”
Asked whether anyone had been hurt so far, Ms Clively said: “Thankfully not. It’s miraculous that no one has been injured, but the hazards are still there. Please remain vigilant. I have seen paths made by people in the wet soil who are continuing to use these areas.
“It’s dangerous and people need to heed the warning signs, use common sense and recognise that there are hazards. Until the signs come down and the tape comes down, there are plenty of other places to spend time. Stick to areas without trees. Stay safe.”
