'Landmark' trees planted in donated playing fields

Several trees have been planted in a new public playing fields as part of work to boost biodiversity in public spaces.

The saplings have been planted in Millbrook Playing Fields, next to Coronation Park in St Lawrence, as part of a project by charity Jersey Trees for Life.

The land, which was the site of Covid-19 pandemic Nightingale Hospital, was donated anonymously in 2022 to the people of Jersey for use as green space.

The 14 trees include a Japanese cherry and a Cedar of Lebanon, the latter of which could grow up to 40m (130ft) high.

More planting by volunteers is expected throughout the island before spring, according to Jersey Trees for Life which aims to plant 20,000 trees.

Talking about the Cedar of Lebanon, the charity's chief executive Alex Morel said: "It's going to be one of those landmarks that you're going to drive along the inner road [and pass] and you won't be able to miss it.

"It's slow-growing - it might not be in my lifetime, it might be something my grandchildren will see and hopefully enjoy."

The saplings were donated by members of the public.

They may live alongside a cycling pump track, sand dunes and an amphitheatre , if plans submitted by the government's Infrastructure and Environment department are approved.

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