Local government in Guernsey has purchased the biggest concentration of glass on the island - Les Nicolles Vinery – for £1.7million, to be developed either as a new secondary school or for housing.

The modern glasshouses on the 22.5 acre site in the north of the island were built originally for factory-like tomato production before being turned over to roses. The crop will remain intact until government plans come to fruition, but rose production is gradually losing acreage. One nursery, Bader Roses, is being rented out by the owner for freesia and plug-plant production and its rose volumes are being missed by the export sector. And another large area of glass under roses could be turned into a golf course.

The island's rose growers are uneasy regarding their future and many are not expecting to renew bushes one they become less productive.

A recent report found that local investment and business initiatives in horticulture from the traditional grower base is at a low ebb. If the industry is to continue to develop, the island must attract new inward investment, particularly in the high-value sectors of specialist plant production, plant breeding and pharmaceutical production.

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