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Results Forum News 32 article: The Saltus Island Project Update Purpose During the twenty-four month period of this bidding round we want 200 visiting students to clear sufficient land to plant 100 endemic and native trees. The project began in 2002, following a discussion with National Trust Executive Director, Steve Conway. Saltus Island, located in Soncy Bay, Hamilton Harbour is an uninhabited 3.2 acre island. The Island originally belonged to Richard Norwood, the surveyor, and following the death of Norwood's daughter, it was passed to Samuel Saltus, the founder of Saltus Grammar School. After the death and removal of the incumbent Cedar trees in the 1950's the island gradually became dominated by invasive species particularly Casaurina, Allspice, Pepper, White cedar and Oleander. Removing these species, returning the island to a native form and educating a generation of children have become the central pillars of the project. The new funding round will provide sufficient free cash flow to allow the purchase of trees and the development of a seed germination nursery. The nursery will allow the scheme to become independent of local vendors, which will generate long term sustainability. Outputs - 200 students educated about local flora and fauna
- Distance learning resources created and placed online for general public
- 100 trees planted
- 1000 endemic seeds germinated
- Local publicity generated
- Invasive species removed.
Main Activities - Visits are made to teach students the flora and fauna of the island and also its history and project aims.
- Clearing land of invasive and non-native species.
- Planting trees and plants in cleared areas.
- Maintaining planted areas to avoid the return of invasive species.
- Harvest seeds from local trees, germinate in a nursery until ready for younger students to take home
Stakeholder Analysis - Saltus Grammar School has been consulted and will continue to fund, in kind, the staff requirements required for the scheme.
- The Bermuda Marine Police have been consulted and will continue to provide transport, free of charge, for the length of the current bidding round.
- The Bermuda National Trust fully support our bid in this new funding round.
Critical Assumptions Risk 1: Project Leader leaves school
Probability: Low
Impact: Short term problems with transition of leadership.
Management: New member of staff takes over scheme. Risk 2: Saltus Grammar School withdraws support.
Probability: Very Low
Impact: Project ceases in school time.
Management: Rearrange shorter visits to take place outside of curriculum time. Risk 3: Bermuda Marine Police withdraw support.
Probability: Low
Impact: Much smaller groups of students can visit island.
Management: Transport will be made by a smaller private boat. Risk 4: Bermuda National Trust withdraws support
Probaility: Very Low
Impact: Project ceases.
Management: None. Wider Significance The educational awareness of a generation of students passing through the school. The complete eradication of invasive species on the island. The creation of a Bermuda cedar forest -95% of local cedar were killed by an introduced scale over 50 years ago, currently the island has no naturally developed cedar trees. Funds will enable the purchase of tools, plants and equipment from local sources. Other Information Funded by FOC/DIFD Overseas Territories Environment Programme, 2007 project no. BDA401 Multilateral Environmental Agreement(s) The project will address guiding principle 7 from the OT Environmental Charter for the Territory, namely:
'To safeguard and restore native species, habitats and landscape features, and control or eradicate invasive species' To supplement commitments two and nine of the Bermudian Government stated in the charter, namely:
"Ensure the protection and restoration of key habitats, species and landscape features through legislation and appropriate management structures and mechanisms, including a protected areas policy, and attempt the control and eradication of invasive species"
"Encourage teaching within schools to promote the value of our local environment in Bermuda; promote within Bermuda the guiding principles set out above".
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