More measures introduced to protect Bluebell Wood

People are being asked to stick to the pathway

Improved signage and logs have been installed in Bluebell Woods to encourage visitors to keep to the paths.

It has all been put in place by Guernsey's Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services to protect the bluebells, which are declining.

With the plants just starting to flower, they are particularly sensitive to trampling, officials said.

Francis Russell, invasive non-native species policy and coordination officer, said "the next couple of months will be really important".

Evidence on the ground suggested that where people strayed from the paths, the bluebells were less able to thrive, officials said.

Mr Russell said they wanted to remind visitors what they could do to protect the land.

He said: "Please stay on the designated path, keep dogs under control, and don’t walk amongst the bluebells."

Trampled, bare ground accelerates the spread of the invasive species Allium triquetrum, also known as three-cornered leek or stinking onions.

The Guernsey Conservation Volunteers completed a round of removing the invasive species last autumn.

Mr Russell said: "There is no guarantee that the bluebells can be saved from the advancing Allium. But doing nothing will inevitably lead to their gradual loss."

He added staff and volunteers were "continually looking at the best ways to balance public enjoyment of the wood whilst implementing the most effective management to conserve the woodland habitat and its bluebells".