Proving that 2003?s Hurricane Fabian was not a totally ill-wind that blew across Bermuda, native plants and trees have replaced the Casuarina and Chinese fan palms ripped out of the grounds of Government House by the mighty storm.

The loss of the non-native species, which grow rapidly and overshadow and force out Bermuda?s endemic species, provided an ideal opportunity to replace them with Bermuda cedars, palmettos, olivewoods and lesser known Southern Hackberry, Wax-myrtle, Snowberry, White Stopper and Jamaica Dogwood.

It has all been done with the intention of restoring native woodland to the Island for the benefit of Bermuda?s wildlife and because the native species are more hurricane resistant. Bermuda Audubon Society played a key role in the replanting exercise, providing volunteers over the course of the past year to assist with putting the new plants into place.

Society president Jennifer Gray said: ?Our mission is to care for all of Bermuda?s environment, including marine and wildlife.

?We are not just about birds. We were invited by Lady Vereker to participate in the replanting of the grove.

?We are aware the Government House grounds have been a good spot for bird-life and that there has been a decline in the number of birds visiting there.?

The decline in birds has been noted since the felled trees and plants were removed by the Parks department after the hurricane.

The non-native species uprooted by Hurricane Fabian were originally planted in the 1950s.