Hospitality workers take on cutting-hedge new jobs

Sunday 14 February 2021

A green-fingered group of hospitality workers has branched out into new territory, helping to plant hedgerow corridors around the island whilst their sector is shut.

GR8 and the National Trust gave five people who could not work due covid restrictions the chance to help create hedgerow corridors across the island.

It comes as part of a short-term project to plant hedgerow corridors throughout Jersey.

The first part, in which the Trust partnered with the Jersey Royal Company, saw 10 miles of hedgerows planted.

Pictured: A section planted by the team, which is currently working to plant 4,500 whip sized plants between Victoria Village, through Maufant, to Queen's Valley to the North and La Hougue Bie to the south.

Though the agricultural workers involved have returned to plant potatoes, this new attempt with local hospitality workers with GR8 will see a further 10 miles created.

Led by Project Co-Ordinator Conrad Evans, the team of five is looking to plant 4,500 whip size plants measuring 40-60cm, with a focus between Victoria Village through Maufant, to Queen’s Valley to the north and La Hougue Bie to the south.

Lee Madden, Managing Director of GR8, said: “We are big believers in giving back to the community, we wanted to help improve biodiversity and provide employment for people in a sector that has been devastated by the pandemic. 

"We have a strong partnership with the Jersey Hospitality Association, working with them since the start of the crisis to find jobs for staff who cannot work due to covid-19 restrictions. We saw this short-term project as an ideal way to support hospitality while it is shut down and to contribute to the Island’s goal to tackle climate change.” 

National Trust CEO Charles Alluto said: “During the last 12 months we have been absolutely delighted by the growing public support for this project including many generous donations.  

He continued: “However, having had to pause the project because the agricultural industry needed all available staff, we were absolutely delighted to receive support from GR8 and the hospitality industry, to help us plant more hedgerows well in excess of our original goal. 

“As a charity, we rely heavily on the generosity of our members and benefactors and this help from GR8 will also go a long way towards securing the success of this project.”

Jersey Hospitality Association's Chief Executive, added: “It has been a difficult year for many businesses, but with the support of Lee and his team at GR8, we have been able to find alternative work for staff that have been furloughed. 

"It is really important that we retain as many of our skilled employees who have for years provided exceptional service to visitors and Islanders. I’m really pleased that we have been able to work together on this and a number of other initiatives to ensure we retain our people, so they are ready once we open our doors once again.”