Tree planted as 'thank you' to Guernsey

Photo credit Ashleigh Morris

To help mark the ongoing legacy of the Guernsey 2023 NatWest International Island Games and say thank you to the host island, chair of the International Island Games Association, Jorgen Pettersson planted a memorial tree at the entrance to Beau Sejour.

He was joined by some of the Guernsey 2023 sponsors and members of the organising committee.

The multi-stemmed silver birch was chosen as it symbolises strength and resilience, both of which Mr Pettersson said were essential for those living on an island.

‘This is actually one of the islanders amongst trees because it is a quite powerful pioneer in many ways. After you've had a wood fire for example, the birch is the first tree to come back. They are those who just refuse to give up, like islanders. That's how we would like to define ourselves and that's how Guernsey has helped us to define ourselves during this week,’ he said.

‘It has to be taken care of because trees are unlike humans. We're good at looking after each other, at helping each other grow and take care of each other. Trees are not very good at that. They can stand a lot, but they have to be taken care of and looked after regularly, by water, by a lot of love. Every time you reach Beau Sejour in the future, please have a look to your right-hand side, when you're entering the business, and remember that this Betula pendula is unique.’

The tree was provided by Guernsey Gardens and Tia and Jolyon from Grow Limited helped Mr Pettersson and Dame Mary Perkins, chair of the Guernsey 2023 Organising Committee, plant the tree.