Ascension : Ascension Island Conservation Department
Submitted by The Islander (Conservation Office) 15.10.2009 (Article Archived on 29.10.2009)

The first of October, a hot day – if “wintery” in Ascension standards – saw me arriving to this unique island.

Ascension Island Conservation Department

Plant life, and running

The first of October, a hot day – if “wintery” in Ascension standards – saw me arriving to this unique island. I have come here to work for six months as part of the Conservation Department, under management of Stedson Stroud.

My past is in horticulture, particularly botanical horticulture, which I have studied both in my home country Finland and in London's Kew Gardens. My passion in plants and horticulture indeed got me interested in Ascension and drove me here to work with the endemic and indigenous (naturally occurring) flora. I will take over from Olivia Renshaw on the work she has done on propagation of these plants, with the prospect of getting plant material ready for re-introduction.

However conservation can never be just about plants, and for my first two weeks I've been delighted to be asked to be part of related parts of the department's work – helping with the control of Mynah birds and participating in plant mapping and work with native birds. On one hot day I got involved with removal of the Mexican Thorn, a physical job but very satisfying in the end.

The first two hashes I’ve managed to take part in were great fun, and I hope to continue joining these events throughout my stay. The physical exercise will certainly be good for me after too many nights spent in front of a computer screen writing student projects! I have also taken to walking (rarely running) in this beautiful, if rugged, landscape.

If all goes as planned, then by the time spring is arriving to England, Ascension will have greater numbers of native ferns, spurges and grasses growing under cultivation, safe from the pressures they face in the wild, and acting as a source of material for future re-introduction programmes.

I would like to thank the conservation team for making me feel so welcome in Ascension. I would like to express special thanks to Helen and Susana, both newcomers like me at the Conservation Department for giving me a very fresh look into How to Become Accustomed to Life in Ascension! Olivia and Stedson's more experienced advice has been invaluable. I look forward to getting better acquainted to many more of you in the next few months!

Matti Niissalo

Horticultural Project Officer

Conservation Department, AIG

                                                  
       Matti Niissalo. Horticultural Officer.