01 July 2024
The Minister for the Environment, Deputy Steve Luce, is forming a new group of sector specialists
to advise on how trees should be better protected and managed in Jersey; and to co-ordinate
activities for new planting.
Experts from the National Trust for Jersey, Jersey Trees for Life and the Jersey Farmers’ Union are
among those who have been invited to sit on the Tree Advisory Board, which will also include
Government representatives from the Natural Environment, Regulation, Cabinet Office and
Infrastructure teams.
The Minister, working with the new Board, intends to develop a modernised tree listing process.
The Jersey Tree Strategy, published in 2022, acknowledged that the current system requires review.
Under current arrangements, trees can be formally protected where they have high amenity value.
Most often, they are given protection when they are the subject of some type of threat, usually a
development proposal. As a consequence, the number of trees that are protected by being listed is
relatively low and may not currently include the Island’s most important trees.
The Minister for the Environment, Deputy Steve Luce, said: “We saw the loss of so many trees
during and after Storm Ciarán, so I am particularly keen to work with the new group to focus on the
protection, planting and regeneration of trees and hedgerows.
“I am also today confirming that I will be bringing forward a strengthening of the listing process for
trees. We are beginning work to review all aspects of the process, including the legal framework
upon which it is based; the criteria used for assessment; and the policy that will determine which
trees might be protected using this tool.
“I will work with the Tree Advisory Board and other key stakeholders to develop a proportionate
system for protecting Jersey’s trees, and to ensure planting and regeneration is done in a
coordinated and carefully planned way.”
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