Royal Gazette: Environmental charities share ambitions for 2026
The Bermuda National Trust plans to plant more than 2,000 native and endemic plants throughout the island in 2026.
Myles Darrell, the organisation’s head of natural heritage, said volunteers would continue planting Bermuda cedar, palmetto, yellowwood and other trees at local nature reserves.
He explained: “These trees are adapted to Bermuda’s windy, salty and shallow-soil conditions and stabilise soil, reduce erosion, protect freshwater resources and improve resilience to storms and climate change.”
He added: “Planting efforts will continue at Gilbert Nature Reserve, Sherwin Nature Reserve, Paget Marsh, Spittal Pond and High Point Nature Reserve, while also extending to other reserves throughout the island.”
Low-growing plants such as Bermuda bedstraw, St Andrew’s Cross and shield fern will also be planted in these areas this year.
Mr Darrell said these plants “help prevent erosion, improve water infiltration, build healthy soils and support insects and other wildlife”.
He added: “Ground cover plants also help suppress invasive species and protect tree roots by moderating soil temperatures.
“Together with trees and shrubs, they complete the natural structure of healthy ecosystems and make restored habitats more resilient over time.”
BNT will also continue work at the ten-acre High Point Nature Reserve in Southampton, which opened to the public in April.
The Buy Back Bermuda campaign, co-managed by BNT and the Bermuda Audubon Society, raised funds for the High Point project and plans to raise an additional $250,000 to complete ongoing work.