TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of a woman whose generous gift of land led to the planting of woodland that has become a popular community asset over the past two decades.
Enid Gautier, who died earlier this month aged 91, bequeathed land at Grand Route de St Jean belonging to her family in order that saplings could be planted by volunteers from the Jersey Trees for Life charity.
Completed in 2004 and covering eight vergées of land, Adelina Wood was named in honour of Mrs Gautier’s mother Adelina Champion.
John Michel, tree advocate for Jersey Trees for Life, described the effect of the gift as “transformative”.
“It’s attracted a lot of people who’ve been able to engage with nature,” he said. “The fact that it’s only a mile or so from St Helier makes it very accessible – it’s used a lot by dog walkers and we’ve held scavenger hunts and other events for children.”
Mr Michel added: “Enid was really sharp and sure about what she wanted, and once we had planted Adelina Wood she remained very supportive – it would not have happened without her.”
Several Islanders published their thoughts in response to a social media post from Jersey Trees for Life, with Mrs Gautier being described as “a lovely lady” and “a treasure”, and praised for the generosity of her gift.
The woodland area contains more than 120 trees from a range of species including English oak, sweet chestnut, ash and hawthorn.
- Adelina Wood is situated just to the south of Van Mossel Motor Mall and is signposted from Grande Route de St Jean.
