AN INNOVATIVE conservation project involving people with learning disabilities has begun in a large area of National Trust land in Rozel.
The scheme involves the leasing of five vergées of land off Rozel Hill by the trust for £1 a year to Jersey Mencap so that adults with learning disabilities can return the overgrown area back to its natural beauty.
This offer by the trust, involving land which is part of a 12-vergée site donated by the Berni family, was made after it became aware of the lack of meaningful work opportunities in the Island for adults with learning disabilities.
There is no shortage of people wanting to learn new skills by working on the site, which the organisers of the project – thought up by Kevin Clyde-Smith – have called The Pond.
The land includes a reservoir, woodland, marsh and scrubland which attracts a wide range of wildlife.
At the first meeting last week, 12 clients and supporters from the Jersey Employment Trust joined 20 staff and students from the Highlands College life-skills course to look around the area for the first time and start work.
Pictured: Nigel Steel from Acorn Industries Employment Trust clears brambles on the National Trust land
