Sustainability Hero: Raymond Evison and Grow Ltd

RAYMOND EVISON and Grow Ltd have been nominated for the Aon-sponsored Sustainability Hero of the Year award, thanks to their Grow Guernsey Natives initiative.

Teaming up with La Societe’s botany section and now Guernsey Prison through its CLIP scheme, they are working to conserve Guernsey’s native plants.

‘Raymond’s idea to launch the Grow Guernsey Natives initiative has been a huge success in encouraging islanders to increase Guernsey’s biodiversity by protecting local species,’ said their nominator, who wished to remain anonymous.

‘His passion and enthusiasm are infectious. This initiative is paving the way for a bright future for the island in terms of sustaining and increasing the growth of native plants.’

The Bailiwick has more than 165 native plant species considered rare in the British Isles and around 3,000 local plants have been propagated and sold at Grow.

‘The Grow team have been dedicated and hard-working in nurturing the plants – they are friendly, polite, and the plants look amazing,’ the nominator said.

‘I hope many islanders develop an interest and love for Guernsey’s natural wildlife and follow in the footsteps of Raymond and Grow.’

Mr Evison, Guernsey Clematis owner, said it was important to protect the island’s natives.

‘Some of these plants are exceptionally rare so I thought an effort should be made to propagate and conserve as many as possible for future generations.

‘These native plants are such a vital part of our ecosystem and their existence is also most important to our wildlife, especially insects of all types.’

Former Grow manager Jess Aughton added: 'The fact that the Societe gave Grow Ltd the opportunity to be part of the project allowed the team to really highlight their ability and helped the wider community to become involved in and help understand the need to conserve these interesting and unique species.'