HERM’S new woodland walk and valley project is way ahead of schedule and should be completed by spring.

What began earlier this year as a three-year project is now due to open in time for the bluebells next year. As the walk winds through the woods on the south side of the drive, where the flowers grow in abundance, the view should be breathtaking.

The walk itself is now complete, although not yet joined to Valley Panto, where the work is now being concentrated. This area is being kept closed to the public until the work is finished. Certainly a new visitor attraction in the island is big news, and gardeners Brett Moore and James Cordingley have worked hard this year to get such a huge amount done.

‘Eighty per cent of the hard landscaping is done already,’ said head gardener Brett. ‘Now we need to create borders and line the stream, ready for the walk to be all joined up.’

‘We will soon be ordering plants for the walk,’ said James. ‘And we will be planting a lot of sycamore saplings along the way.’

The gardeners are eager to use natural materials, such as Herm granite and seats woven from willow. There will also be seating made from chopped logs.

The valley will also contain an interpretation area.

‘There will be a gazebo for guests and we will have gardening news and bird sightings and things like that,’ said Brett.

He is again going to South Africa this winter and many plantings will be inspired by his trip. South African plants will be planted alongside British ones’.

‘The pond area will be mainly British,’ said James, ‘with mostly natural, native plants and flowers.’

Alongside this, the gardeners also have work to do all over the island. This winter, more than 500 new trees will be planted, and work will begin in preparation for next year’s Floral Guernsey competition.