This weed not a nuisanceGuernsey contractors Tom le Prevost and Ben Wallace gather seaweed – vraic – in Rocquaine Bay on the island’s west coast.

Particularly high in phosphorus and nitrogen, the weed is spread on potato ground to provide nutrients and eliminate any trace element deficiencies.

Applied at about 50t/ha (20t/acre), it is allowed to dry before being ploughed in for ridging up and planting in early spring.

Collected throughout the winter, the vraic also provides a valuable source of income for Mr le Prevost. Blended with cow and horse manure, it is left to rot down for nine months, making a fine compost for sale to Guernsey’s gardeners.