30 July 2019
Rangers from the Government of Jersey and National Trust for Jersey are planning to meet to participate in a joint environmental task, in recognition of World Ranger Day, on Wednesday 31 July.
World Ranger Day, which began in 2007, will celebrate the critical environmental work of Jersey’s rangers, as well as commemorating rangers killed or injured around the world.
Jersey’s rangers will be working together on an area of west coast in St Ouen on Wednesday, 31 July, tackling an invasive non-native plant called, Purple Dew (Disphyma crassifolium). Rangers will be managing the species by pulling and weeding out the plants from the grassland which pose a threat to other native species in the area.
Countryside Ranger, Keiran Luce said: ““The work we’re doing in St Ouen is an example of how we control various Non-native invasive species, which often out-compete native flora and fauna. I think it’s important to mark days like this, which recognize the global impact of our work. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on our achievements and think about our on-going partnership with the National Trust, in working on the countryside and protecting our local ecology.”
There are currently two full time rangers employed with the Government of Jersey, amongst other conservation officers and volunteers. Rangers conduct a variety of jobs including managing invasive species, habitat management, monitoring wild plants and animals, public access management and volunteer supervision. Rangers have skills in identifying flora and fauna and an understanding of local ecology.
Director of Natural Environment, Willie Peggie said: “For us in Jersey, this is a day to celebrate the work of a small and dedicated group who protect our natural environment. We are not in a position where our ranger duties are life threatening, however many colleagues around the globe are not so fortunate. On World Ranger Day, rangers across the world honour those who have been injured or killed in the line of duty and we too mark our own respects.”
gov.je