St Helena : St Helena Governor and Chief Secretary View National Trust Work
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Public Relations Information Office) 28.04.2012 (Article Archived on 12.05.2012)
On 17th April, Governor Capes and Chief Secretary, Owen O’Sullivan, were given a tour to see some of the work being carried out by the St. Helena National Trust.
Governor and Chief Secretary View National Trust Work
On 17th April, Governor Capes and Chief Secretary, Owen O’Sullivan, were given a tour to see some of the work being carried out by the St. Helena National Trust.
The tour was organized by Acting Director of the Trust, Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks, who along with other members of the Trust accompanied His Excellency and the Chief Secretary to the Heart Shaped waterfall, High Knoll Fort and High Peak.
At High Peak the Governor and Chief Secretary were able to view the work being done by the Darwin Project Team to protect endemic plants, and were also able to plant some endemics themselves (pictured).
High Peak is home to some of the last remaining endemic cabbage tree woodland and tree fern thicket. This moist, high-altitude habitat was once typical of St. Helena’s Peaks, but is under threat. It is home to some of the Island’s rarest endemics including the critically endangered large bellflower and spiky yellow woodlouse. This remnant of natural habitat remaining at High Peak is most at risk due to its isolated location. The National Trust are planting native plants and eradicating invasive species to improve the quality of the habitat so that it can support a healthy community of native plants and animals. The ultimate aim is to one day re-join the Peaks to form a Cloud Forest of endemics.
The Darwin Project is a three year programme, funded by DEFRA and managed by the St. Helena National Trust, which aims to train local people in practical habitat restoration techniques in order to build up a skilled team with the knowledge and expertise to help conserve St. Helena’s threatened native biodiversity for years to come. The Trust works in partnership with Enterprise St Helena, the Adult Vocation and Education Service and the Directorate of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Public Relations Office
The Secretariat
25th April 2012
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