Across one day last month, a team of employees helped plant 150 hedge plants in the north of the Island, sponsored by the firm, to create a natural corridor between two fields in the parish stretching  115 metres

The initiative formed part of the Trust’s Green Grid Project,  generously supported by the Island’s three main utility companies, Jersey Electric, Jersey Water and JT which aims to carefully maintain Jersey’s hedgerows by removing invasive plants and restoring native hedges that play a vital role in taking carbon dioxide out of the air, provide vital corridors for wildlife and protect against soil erosion.

The activity was organised through Crestbridge’s Eco Club, one of the firm’s internal networks which provides a platform for employees to support environmental initiatives across the locations in which it operates. Those taking part used their ‘Wellbeing Days’ to volunteer for the activity. Crestbridge’s Wellbeing Days can be used by employees to take part in volunteering initiatives, care for dependents, support local community events or focus on personal wellbeing and development.

The latest hedge planting initiative builds on Crestbridge’s long-term support for the work of the Trust, of which it is a corporate member. Towards the end of last year, a team of employees also volunteered their time to help take care of hedgerows bordering fields around Rozel and La Hougue Bie.

Karen Morris, Associate Director – Family Office Services and a member of the Eco Club, commented:

“It was fantastic to see so many of our people get involved in supporting such a good cause. The team worked really hard to complete their tasks and did an amazing job. As a business, we have a strategic commitment to focus our own efforts and work with our community partners and clients to help achieve shared sustainability goals, and this is an example of that in action.”

Conrad Evans, Project Co-ordinator of the National Trust for Jersey, added:

“The team at the National Trust for Jersey continues to look for help from our local community to manage hedgerows, which are so valuable to Jersey’s landscape, and our Hedge Fund Project is a really important part of that. Over the last three years, the Trust has planted over 30 miles of hedgerow corridors, made up of trees such as oak, beech, and cherry trees as well as hedging plants such as hawthorn, blackthorn and elder. It was fantastic to have the team at Crestbridge come along once again to support our efforts with such enthusiasm.”