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Free guided educational tours and in school visits with the Jersey Heritage Education Team for local schools

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Free guided educational tours and in school visits with the Jersey Heritage Education Team for local schools

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Contact education@jerseyheritage.org for booking and more information.

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Reptiles in Jersey - YouTube

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Puffins - National Trust for Jersey

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The Atlantic Puffin ( Fratercula arctica) has always been an iconic bird in Jersey with its colourful and comical appearance, which has given it colloquial names such as 'sea clown' and 'sea parrot'. However these names belie a tough species which spends most of its life braving all that the Atlantic Ocean can throw at it.

A very small number of puffins still breed on the north coast of the Island between Plémont and Grève de Lecq. Just before the Great War an estimated 300 pairs bred, but this number reduced rapidly in the following few years leaving only 20 pairs by 1920. Since then, a slow but inexorable reduction has brought them close to local extinction.

During the breeding season puffins there is a small chance of observing Puffins bobbing on the sea below the cliffs between Plémont and Grève de Lecq. They are surprisingly small birds and a pair of binoculars is essential if you want to spot them.

Puffins also have breeding colonies in the other Channel Islands including the small island of Burhou just off the coast of Alderney.

Reproduction

Adult birds return to their colonies in late March or early April, and where possible, excavate a nesting burrow into the soil. Sometimes they will make use of Manx shearwater or rabbit burrows, but where burrowing is not possible, the birds nest under boulders or in cracks and cavities in cliffs.

Puffins lay only a single egg in late April or early May. Both parents incubate it for 36-45 days, and they share the feeding duties until the chick is ready to fledge. The fledging period is very variable, ranging from 34 to 60 days, depending on the area and year.

Adult birds desert their young shortly before they are ready to leave the nest. The timing of the breeding in puffin colonies is highly synchronised, and so the departure of all adults takes place within a few days. The young birds leave their nest burrow and make their way to the sea, normally under cover of darkness to avoid predators.

Puffins usually reach breeding age at 5-6 years old, and often live for 20 years.

Conservation

The puffin is one of the commonest seabirds in northern Europe, with the largest breeding populations being found in Iceland and Norway. The British Isles accounts for 10% of the world's population.

The main threat to puffins is the changes in distribution and numbers of small fish, while ground predators such as rats and domestic or feral cats can also have an adverse impact upon breeding colonies. Pollution is also a serious hazard and when oil leaked from the Torrey Canyon in 1967, it resulted in the loss of 85% of the French puffin population. Because of their low reproductive rate, puffins can take decades to recover from this kind of incident.

Because the puffin is so widespread, the only realistic conservation measures are sustainable exploitation of the seas, a reduction in incidence of marine pollution, and preventing ground predators reaching nesting colonies.

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The Atlantic Puffin ( Fratercula arctica) has always been an iconic bird in Jersey with its colourful and comical appearance, which has given it colloquial names such as 'sea clown' and 'sea parrot'. However these names belie a tough species which spends most of its life braving all that the Atlantic Ocean can throw at it.

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This website has lots of information about the Aspiring Geopark Jersey. A Global Geopark tells the whole story of an area, right from the very beginning. Jersey ~ which has been shaped by tide and time ~ is in the process of applying to become a UNESCO Global Geopark

This website has lots of information about the Aspiring Geopark Jersey.

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A Geopark tells the whole story of an area, right from the very beginning. We think that Jersey - which has been shaped by tide and time - should have this designation because of the Island's exceptional geology, unique heritage, amazing landscapes and special seascapes. Discover more about this new project below.

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Find out about the locations of some of the special Geosite of Jersey on this interactive map.

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Use our Google Map to discover Jersey's amazing geoheritage landscape. Visit our activities page to find out how you can explore these places and come to the Visitor Centre at Jersey Museum & Art Gallery to find out more about the Aspiring Jersey Island Geopark project.

Click on the expand button (top right) to view the map and search by:

Geosites

Proposed Geological SSI

Dolmens

Jersey Heritage Visitor Sites

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Use our Google Map to discover Jersey's amazing geoheritage landscape. Visit our activities page to find out how you can explore these places and come to the Visitor Centre at Jersey Museum & Art Gallery to find out more about the Aspiring Jersey Island Geopark project.

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Wildlife Page

This page has artwork and basic information about some of Jersey's wildlife species.

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Add a casual record | Jersey Biodiversity Centre

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There was a species of red deer on Jersey, which were an island endemic, and became small due to the pressures of living on the island.

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Jersey Amphibian and Reptile Group (JARG) (arguk.org) has many factsheets about amphibians and reptiles found in Jersey. The Crapaud is a famous symbol for Jersey- you can see the statue of it in town!

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Jersey Amphibian and Reptile Group (JARG) (arguk.org) has many factsheets about amphibians and reptiles found in Jersey.

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Jersey Amphibian and Reptile Group (JARG) (arguk.org) has many factsheets about amphibians and reptiles found in Jersey.

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Jersey Amphibian and Reptile Group (JARG) (arguk.org) has many factsheets about amphibians and reptiles found in Jersey.

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Woolly rhinoceros | Habitat, Extinction, & Facts | Britannica

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Woolly rhinoceros: Woolly rhinoceros, (genus Coelodonta), either of two extinct species of rhinoceros found in fossil deposits of the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs (5.3 million to 11,700 years ago) in Europe, North Africa, and Asia. It probably evolved from an earlier form, Dicerorhinus, somewhere in northeastern

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Agile Frogs - National Trust for Jersey

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The Agile Frog ( Rana dalmatina) is light brown or pinkish-buff coloured frog, growing up to 9cm. They have small black spots on their back and an off-white underside and flanks, often with yellow around the base of the hind legs. They are characterised by having relatively long legs with dark-bands and pointed snouts.

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Bumblebee species guide - Bumblebee Conservation Trust

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Orchids - National Trust for Jersey

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During the spring and summer months Jersey is transformed by the vibrant colours of our native (and introduced) wildflowers. Among the most spectacular of our native wildflowers are the Wild Orchids.

Orchids have been capturing the imagination of British naturalists for generations. Their intricate flower morphologies, complex life histories, and relative rarity have made them one of the most intensively studied groups of British plants. Members of the Orchidaceae family are monocotyledons, and those found in Jersey are all herbaceous perennials. In addition, they are all dependent on mycorrhizal soil fungi at some stage of their life cycle.

Best Places To See Wild Orchids

Le Noir Pré and Clos de Seigneur
Le Noir Pré and Clos de Seigneur are wet marshy meadows in the parish of St Ouen. Situated next to each other these meadows are commonly referred to collectively as the 'Orchid Fields'. From May through June the meadows are a riot of colour, as the flowerspikes of five species of orchid (and various hybrids) unfurl their exotic petals.

To protect the orchids present at this site it is important to avoid disturbance by trampling and to achieve this we cut an easy to follow loop around the orchid fields each year. This allows visitors to enjoy the orchids in the meadows while at the same time protecting them from human disturbance.

The Le Noir Pré and Clos de Seigneur meadows have become incredibly important reserves for native orchids. The meadows require consistent management over many years in order to maintain the exceptional floral diversity present at this site. Current management consists of hay cutting each year in August, after the orchids have flowered and dispersed their seeds. Following the hay cut, a small herd of Jersey cows graze the field. Grazing the meadows each Autumn allows more plants to emerge in spring. This management regime ensures that dominant plants, such as grasses, are prevented from excluding wildflower species by creating space for wildflowers like orchids to grow.

Orchid surveys in the Le Noir Pré and Clos de Seigneur meadows are carried out bi-annually. In 1995 there were 1,500 individual orchids. As a result of consistent management, numbers have now risen to over 60,000 individuals.

La Blinerie
The Trust manages two wet meadows just off Rue de la Blinerie. These wet meadows lie on the fringes of a much larger wetland ecosystem known as the Samares or Rue de Pres wetland. This wetland consists of reedbed, fen and wet woodland habitats. Both Jersey and Southern Marsh Orchids can be found in the meadows, which are managed primarily for floral diversity.

The management plan for this site consists of haycutting followed by grazing, a regime that is allowing the orchids to flourish with total numbers having increased from just 60 plants in 2010 to nearly 7000 in 2016. The flowers of these orchid species are at their most spectacular during May. Each year the Trust's lands team cuts a footpath through the grass, allowing members of the public to enjoy the orchid blooms.

Wild Orchid Flowers

All orchids have broadly the same overall flower structure, but a huge diversity of flower colour and morphology exists among different orchid species. This diversity results from the highly specific adaptations to insect pollinators that different orchid species have undergone. Insects are attracted to orchids by the colour and/or scent of the flowers. Insect pollinators interpret these colours and scents as offers of food or, in the case of some species such as the Bee orchid ( Ophrys apifera), a mate. When an insect pollinator lands on an orchid flower and attempts to either feed on the flowers nectar or mate with the flower (pseudo-copulation), the flower attaches the pollinia to the insect's head. When the same insect visits a second orchid flower the pollinia comes in to contact with the stigma, pollinating the flower.

Many orchid species rely on deception through mimicry of insects and the production of chemo-attractant fragrances. These adaptations induce feeding or mating behaviour in insect pollinators. These adaptations are incredibly advanced in the orchids relative to other groups of flowering plants.

Wild Orchid Lifecycle

Orchids reproduce via vegetative multiplication and sexual reproduction. The degree to which different species of orchid are dependent on each of these processes varies widely. Successful orchid seed germination requires the correct conditions to be present. Important environmental factors for orchid seed germination include moisture, oxygen, light and warmth. Orchid seeds also require the presence of mycorrhizal soil fungi for successful germination and growth. Mycorrhizal soil fungi are often present in healthy unimproved and undisturbed soils. Orchid seeds carry no food reserves of their own, the nutrients they require for germination and growth are instead provided by the fungus. The relationship between developing orchids and mycorrhizal fungi is at first parasitic, but as orchids mature their dependence on the fungi decreases. The extent to which the mycorrhizal infection continues after an orchid reaches maturity is species specific. Some orchid species eventually expel the fungus, while others retain it.

Once infected with the mycorrhizal fungus the germinated seed develops in to a tuber. Once the tuber reaches maturity it produces leaves. These leaves feed the developing orchid tuber for several growing seasons until the orchid has stored enough energy to be able to produce flowers. These flowers attract specific insect pollinators to facilitate sexual reproduction and seed production.

Jersey's Wild Orchid Species

Several Orchid species can be seen flowering in Jersey from late spring through to summer. These include:

Lizard Orchid Himantoglossum hircinum
Lizard Orchids typically occur in scrub, grassland, and dune habitats. The flowers have a green-grey hood with red streaks on the inside. The lip is very long and twisted. The flowers are said to resemble miniature lizards, hence the common name. The second part of the lizard orchid's scientific name ( hircinum) means "goat-like", a reference to the pungent aroma of the flowers. Flowering period is from May to July. Lizard Orchids are relatively tall, reaching up to 1m in height.

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During the spring and summer months Jersey is transformed by the vibrant colours of our native (and introduced) wildflowers. Among the most spectacular of our native wildflowers are the Wild Orchids. Orchids have been capturing the imagination of British naturalists for generations.

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Protect - National Trust for Jersey

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Let us know you agree to cookies. You have the right to choose whether or not to enable statistical and profiling cookies . By enabling these cookies, you help us to offer you a better experience. Cookie policy

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What’s On? – Jersey Bat Group

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Throughout the year we hold monthly get togethers for members on the first Wednesday of each month. These are outdoor walks and surveys during the spring and summer and indoor meetings throughout the winter months. We try and hold atleast one training event each year, these are open to prospective members as well as existing members and are for a variety of skill and knowledge levels. We also hold public events during the survey season.

Keep an eye on our events and training pages for the latest goings on!

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Throughout the year we hold monthly get togethers for members on the first Wednesday of each month. These are outdoor walks and surveys during the spring and summer and indoor meetings throughout the winter months.

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Jersey is a great place for bird watching! You can even take part in the Great Garden Bird Watch, or just submit any sightings through the JBC.

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The Wetland Centre officially opened to the public on World Wetlands Day, February 2nd 2014. The Wetland Centre is perfectly situated overlooking La Mare au Seigneur (St Ouen's Pond) SSI nature reserve and acts as both a state-of-the-art bird hide as well as a wetland interpretation centre.

The newly opened visitor centre is accessed by a door that opens in to a tunnel through a dune mound. The tunnel then opens out to provide panoramic views of the reed bed and pond. The Wetland Centre's 16 viewing windows afford truly incredible views of the reserve and its wildlife. The viewing windows are located at a range of different heights, offering adults, children and visitors with disabilities a unique perspective from which to bird watch without disturbing the resident waders and waterfowl. A green roof covers the whole facility, enabling the centre to blend in with its surroundings and providing important habitat for native wildlife.

Interpretation

In addition to the opportunities for birdwatching, the Wetland Centre also houses a range of interpretation panels and interactive exhibits, enabling visitors of all ages to learn all about wetlands as well as the diverse wildlife and human history of the La Mare au Seigneur SSI nature reserve. Particularly notable exhibits include:

A historical timeline in the entrance corridor showcasing the rich history of St Ouen's Bay.

A large TV screen displaying live footage of wildlife inhabiting the reserve captured by a series of high-definition cameras. One such camera allows visitors to navigate around the reed bed in real time using a joystick. In addition, cameras installed within the reed bed provide visitors with previously unseen insights into the secret lives of some of the reserve's inhabitants such as the majestic Marsh Harrier and the ever elusive Bittern.

Interactive multimedia touchscreen displays showcasing the wildlife of the area and giving visitors the chance to learn the calls of some of the birds that are commonly sighted in the reserve.

Beautiful bird identification panels painted by local artist Anna Le Moine Gray.

Informative interpretation panels focusing on the importance of wetland habitats and the threats that they face around the world.

A series of interpretation panels describing the natural history of some of the iconic flora and fauna found in the area. This includes an airport arrivals board detailing the movements of migratory bird species.

A Ranger notes blackboard providing information about recently spotted wildlife.

Bird and Bat Wall

One of the walls of the Wetland Centre has been specially constructed from recycled materials in order to provide nesting and roosting opportunities for birds such as Sand Martins, and bats such as Common Pipistrelles. The design and positioning of the wall followed a detailed analysis of the success of similar projects undertaken elsewhere in the UK and Europe. The design therefore takes in to account a number of important considerations such as minimising the risks posed to future residents by predators, disease, and human disturbance. A great deal of thought has also gone in to the positioning of this wall in order to ensure that it meets the target species requirements in terms of the provision of adjacent habitat and sources of food.

In addition to providing ideal nesting and roosting sites for the resident birds and bats, the wall will also give us humans the chance to learn more about the resident species. It is hoped that in the future we will be able to expand our live wildlife camera project to include the wall's resident birds and bats. This will allow visitors to watch live footage of the wall's residents on the Live Wildlife Camera Screen, and will enable The National Trust for Jersey Ranger team to monitor a wide range of important ecological parameters and observe interesting natural behaviour.

More information about the Bird and Bat wall, including the species that have taken up residence, can be found on a dedicated interpretation panel within the Wetland Centre.

World War II Bunker Classroom

A German personnel shelter constructed during WWII has been incorporated in to the Wetland Centre to provide space for a classroom. The conversion of the bunker from a disused WWII personnel shelter to an educational facility followed recommendations laid out in a detailed restoration specification developed by the Channel Islands Occupation Society (Jersey) Limited.

It is hoped that a large number of local and visiting students will benefit from the learning opportunities provided by the National Trust for Jersey's programme of educational events over the coming years, many of which are due to be delivered within this newly restored facility.

More information about the history of the bunker can be found on a dedicated interpretation panel within the Wetland Centre.

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Wetland Centre - National Trust for Jersey

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The Wetland Centre officially opened to the public on World Wetlands Day, February 2nd 2014. The Wetland Centre is perfectly situated overlooking La Mare au Seigneur (St Ouen's Pond) SSI nature reserve and acts as both a state-of-the-art bird hide as well as a wetland interpretation centre.

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A Guide to Climate Change for Kids | NASA Climate Kids

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We answer some of your biggest questions!

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3 Facts About Deforestation for Kids - Earth.Org Kids

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3 Facts About Deforestation for Kids - Earth.Org Kids

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Read on for some stunning facts about deforestation for kids to know and why we need to protect our forests more than ever.

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Nature Detective Notebook- National Trust Jersey

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Nature Detective Notebook- National Trust Jersey

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Big Schools’ Birdwatch (rspb.org.uk)

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Sign up for Learning Through Nature, the termly RSPB Education e-newsletter

If you work in a school or within education and would like to be kept up to date with products, resources and activities designed to help with teaching and learning, please sign up for our termly education e-newsletter.

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A huge thank you to everyone who took part in the RSPB's Big Schools' Birdwatch. The results are now in, so it's time to see how your school compared with the rest of the UK.

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Jersey Amphibian and Reptile Group (JARG) (arguk.org)

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Collaboration between conservationists from Jersey and the UK, and scientists in the Netherlands and Portugal, has revealed that Jersey's iconic toads are a distinct new species, different from toads found in England.

The new British species is revealed in a paper published in the October edition of The Herpetological Journal, published by the British Herpetological Society. The data will be presented by scientist/conservationistDr John Wilkinson at this week's Inter-Island Environment Meeting, at Durrell (Jersey Zoo) over the next two days (9-10October).

Jersey is the only Channel Island to have toads. As a new species, unique in Jersey within the British Isles, they will need tailored conservation to ensure their future survival.

Most toad breeding populations in Jersey appear to be in small, privately-owned garden sites which often support only small (and possibly in the long-term non-viable) breeding populations of single numbers of spawning females. Many of these garden sites are in the west or south of the Island.

The Department of the Environment has been working to protect the Island's toads for a number of years. Ongoing conservation measures include supporting and advising people who want to install a garden pond, improving where toads live and connecting different breeding sites so toad populations continue to thrive.

Jersey's toad populations are monitored through Jersey Toadwatch, a project jointly run by the Department of the Environment and Durrell. The information is added to breeding records collected since 2005. This data gives conservationists a clearer picture on trends to inform future action.

Dr Wilkinson carried out his PhD research on Jersey toads and now works as Science Programme Manager for UK charity Amphibian and Reptile Conservation. He said "We always suspected there was something special about the toads of Jersey. They grow larger, breed earlier and use different habitats than English toads. Now we know they are a new species, we can ensure efforts for their conservation are directed to their specific needs."

The Department of the Environment's Principal Ecologist, John Pinel, added: "Conservation of biodiversity in Jersey has always had a high priority; this news will help ensure that toads continue to receive the positive action they deserve."

The news is further evidence of Jersey's biological distinctiveness, especially concerning amphibians. The agile frog Rana Dalmatina, is also unique to Jersey in a UK context, and has been the subject of successful conservation management in recent years.

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Jersey Amphibian and Reptile Group (JARG)

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Collaboration between conservationists from Jersey and the UK, and scientists in the Netherlands and Portugal, has revealed that Jersey's iconic toads are a distinct new species, different from toads found in England. The new British species is revealed in a paper published in the October edition of The Herpetological Journal, published by the British Herpetological Society.

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Hamptonne Country Life Museum has pollinator patches and nature trails so you can see local wildlife such as insects and birds.

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Free admission to children under 6 years old

We are excited to be creating a new museum space at Hamptonne dedicated to the Island's farming heritage, thanks to Fiscal Stimulus funding from the Government of Jersey.

During this time, you will still be able to visit...

The Orchard

The Historic Farm Buildings

The Play Area

The Meadow

While the work is ongoing, please stay safe by remaining outside the construction areas.

AVIAN FLU

Due to an outbreak of Avian Flu in Jersey and following official advice, our chickens are currently being housed away from public areas. We will keep you updated when this changes.

PRE-BOOKING

There is no requirement to book if your group is below 6+ Adults / Seniors
15% Group Booking discount is applicable to pre booked groups of 6+ or more Adults or Seniors (or combination of)

Discounts

15% discount for pre booked groups of 6 or more adults or seniors. Please book in advance here

10% discount for non pre booked groups of 6 or more adults or seniors (at VSA discretion)

Students and children no group booking discount

Jersey Heritage welcomes the following Reciprocal Agreements:

Museums Association Members

International Council of Museums (ICOM) members

Alderney Society / Museum ticket holders

National Trust Jersey Members

National Trust UK Members (20% off)

Friends of Manx National Heritage

Réseau des Musées de Normandie - Muséopass Card

Our disabled visitors pay the normal admission rate and we are happy to offer free admission for up to two carers.

Unlimited access to 4 must see attractions for the price of 3

View Larger Map

Road closed

Monday 11 July there are planned roadworks at Hamptonne, La Rue de la Patente will close to traffic for approximately two days. Diversions are in place.

ABOUT HAMPTONNE COUNTRY LIFE MUSEUM

Hamptonne Country Life Museum gives the visitor a unique insight into the rural life carried on in Jersey for centuries. Dating back to the 15th Century the house and farm are perfect for discovering the rural history of Jersey. Explore the different houses which make up Hamptonne, find out more about Jersey's history of cider making in the cider barn and wander through the cider apple orchard and meet the Hamptonne calves in the traditional farmstead.

Discover Syvret House, a decorated and furnished farmhouse gives a unique window into 1940s rural life, including; agricultural traditions, day-to-day family life, language, religion and the experience of the German Occupation.

THE HAMPTONNE NAME AND ROYAL CONNECTIONS

The Hamptonne farm complex takes its name from Laurens Hamptonne, who purchased it in 1633. The property is also known as 'La Patente', as is the name of one of the roads that passes it, after the Grants by Letters Patent received by its owner Richard Langlois in 1445, and by King Charles II to Laurens Hamptonne in 1649.

Royal Patents were awarded to those who had provided a particular service to the monarch or close relative. In Hamptonne's case, this resulted from his loyalty to the Royalist cause during the English Civil War, when he was Vicomte or executive officer of Jersey's Royal Court. It was in that role that Hamptonne issued the famous Proclamation in St Helier's Royal Square on 17 February 1649, declaring Charles II as King after news reached the Island of the execution of Charles I.

Hamptonne's support of the penniless exiled King Charles II resulted in several grants. One preserved the integrity of the property in perpetuity - it could not be broken up into parts ( partages) and split among family members, but would be inherited by the eldest child. Another permitted Hamptonne to rebuild the ruined Colombier (dovecote) originally granted to Richard Langlois. In normal circumstances, such buildings could only be built by Jersey Seigneurs (Lords or holders of a fief.). The Colombier is located to the south-east, slightly beyond the current boundaries of the Museum. This may not have been a source of local popularity for Hamptonne.

THE HOUSES AND COURTYARDS

Overall the site is square in shape. It includes ranges of buildings built in different periods, arranged around two courtyards. While the farm has medieval origins, consecutive owners have made marked improvements to the living accommodation. The main buildings are therefore named after the Langlois, Hamptonne and Syvret families, who lived here between 15th and 19th centuries.

When you exit the shop, you enter the North Courtyard along the side of which runs the Northern Range - a row of 19th century farm buildings constructed to meet the requirements of the agriculture workforce, its vehicles and horses. It include a Labourers Cottage, Coach House, Bake House & Laundry, and Stables. Facing the Stables is a glazed barn in which important farming devices and implements are displayed. There is a walled vegetable and herb garden to the east, beyond which is the Hamptonne Playground and Cider Apple Orchard.

To the south is Langlois House, which comprises stabling and an undercroft on the ground floor, and a parlour and bedroom on the first floor. At the south-west corner is a twin-arched stone gateway providing access to the roadway. To the south of Langlois House are the pigsties and a spring-fed pond.

To the west is the Cider House or pressoir with its granite apple crusher and press; to the southern end of this row is Syvret House which consists of a kitchen, parlour, two bedrooms and a small cabinet. The House is presented as the home of a tenant farmer around 1948.

CIDER APPLE ORCHARD

To the east of the farm complex is the Cider Apple Orchard, which consists of apple trees chosen for their sweet, bitter and sharp flavours to provide a good balance for cider making when mixed together. The footpath through the orchard takes you into a small area of woodland. Wooded areas at the back of farms provided an important source of wood for fuel and building materials, while also supporting a rich variety of plants and wildlife. Follow the footpath down to the grazing Meadow and, if you wish, continue on the public footpath that joins the National Trust for Jersey's Toad Trail.

Café

The Hamptonne Café has a charming rustic farmhouse ambience, with both indoor and outdoor seating areas, it provides the perfect the setting for a locally produced cake or light lunch. We have carefully sourced the best local suppliers to provide delicious cakes and savoury light bites, which accompany our freshly prepared sandwiches, salad boxes and daily specials.

Free Walking Guide

Explore Jersey with our series of walking guides taking in many of the Island's landmarks, heritage and visitor attractions. Our walks have been developed by a Jersey Blue Badge Guide, who knows the Island inside-out. Upstream to Hamptonne - find out more. A short stroll through Waterworks Valley along a beautiful woodland path in the parish of St Lawrence.

Facilities and Access

Read our access statement for Hamptonne Country Life Museum.

Payment: Can be made by debit, credit card (not Amex), in Sterling or Euro.

Organised groups: 15% discount for groups of 6 or more adults or seniors. Please book in advance by completing the form here.

Entrance and parking: The car park is a short walk from Hamptonne

Disabled access: Some disabled access to the sites. November/December 2021 - there is no disabled toilet access at this site while building work takes place.

Baby changing facilities: T here are currently no baby changing facilities available on site.

Dogs: No dogs, except guide dogs. Read our policy here.

Buses and cycle routes: The nearest bus stop for Hamptonne is Route number 7 and is a 10-12 minute walk away at Three Oaks Garage. Liberty Bus run a regular service from Liberty Station.

Refreshment: The café at Hamptonne is open daily.

Hearing loop: Available at reception and a portable hearing loop is available for groups if requested in advance

WIFI: Available on site

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Hamptonne Country Life Museum | Jersey Heritage

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Free admission to children under 6 years old We are excited to be creating a new museum space at Hamptonne dedicated to the Island's farming heritage, thanks to Fiscal Stimulus funding from the Government of Jersey. During this time, you will still be able to visit...

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On you next visit to Mont Orugieil, keep an eye out for the wall lizards that call the castle home!

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Free admission to children under 6 years old

PRE-BOOKING

There is no requirement to book if your group is below 6+ Adults / Seniors
15% Group Booking discount is applicable to pre booked groups of 6+ or more Adults or Seniors (or combination of)

Discounts

15% discount for pre booked groups of 6 or more adults or seniors. Please book in advance here

10% discount for non pre booked groups of 6 or more adults or seniors (at VSA discretion)

Students and children no group booking discount

Jersey Heritage welcomes the following Reciprocal Agreements:

Museums Association Members

International Council of Museums (ICOM) members

Alderney Society / Museum ticket holders

National Art Pass Mont Orgueil / Jersey Museum

Friends of Manx National Heritage

Réseau des Musées de Normandie - Muséopass Card

Our disabled visitors pay the normal admission rate and we are happy to offer free admission for up to two carers.

Heritage Pass

Unlimited access to 4 must see attractions for the price of 3

View Larger Map

ABOUT MONT ORGUEIL CASTLE

Mont Orgueil Castle, or Gorey Castle as it was first known, has cast its imposing shadow over the beautiful fishing port of Gorey for more than 800 years. One of the finest examples of a medieval fortress in existence, Mont Orgueil is also a symbol of Jersey's national identity and independent character.

The Castle is home to several art displays including "The Queen" by light artist Chris Levine and holographer Rob Munday, which features, "Equanimity", a world-renowned holographic portrait of Her Majesty commissioned as part of Jersey's celebrations of its 800-year-old relationship with the monarchy

Top 5 things to do at Mont Orgueil Castle

1) See the Dance of Death statue hidden within the Castle

2) Take a free tour with one of our volunteer guides

3) Walk down the staircase to find the Witches in Hell

4) Discover the Wheel of Urine

5) Find the Prayer Nuts in one of the castle's rooms

What makes the Castle so significant?

In 1290 the Channel Islands took on the status of Crown Dependencies, giving them constitutional rights of self-governance and judicial autonomy. The circumstances that led to this date back to 1066 when, as a result of the . However, in 1204, seized the Duchy of Normandy from King John. The Duchy remained disputed territory until 1259 when the English sovereign surrendered his claim to the Duchy except for the

All of a sudden Jersey was on the doorstep of a belligerent enemy, against which substantial defensive fortifications would be required. The east-facing headland protected by cliffs and the sea, which has been the site of a bulwark since the Iron Age, was a natural choice for King John's Castle. Huge cargoes of building materials arrived from England and a circuit of walls and round towers evolved. The Castle served as a base for the largely English garrison.

The Castle was subject to raids by the French in the 13 th, 14 th and 15 th centuries, by which time the age of bow and arrow was giving way to that of gunpowder and cannon. Terrific works were required to adjust the structure to these modern requirements, but as they were taking place in the 16 th century, work commenced on the artillery fortress of Elizabeth Castle in St Aubin's Bay. Suddenly Mont Orgueil Castle was no longer the Islands principal defence against invaders - it became known as the 'Old Castle' and was relegated to other functions.

Tour of Le Château de Gouray

Take in breathtaking views of the French coast as you delve into the network of staircases, towers and secret rooms to discover hidden treasures. Explore the network of staircases, towers and secret rooms to discover gruesome tales and hidden treasures. Learn the story of the Castle through specially commissioned artwork, climb the turrets to find the medieval 'wheel of urine', and make your way if you dare into the cellar to study the 'witchcraft' exhibit. High on the battlements, with their commanding view of the surrounding hillsides and distant French coast, stand shoulder to shoulder with wooden soldiers who 'guard' the Castle.

Read more about the restoration of the castle.

Café

The café at Mont Orgueil provides the ultimate 'brew with a view' location with the outdoor seating area providing stunning views of the beautiful Gorey Bay. We have carefully sourced the best local suppliers to provide delicious cakes and savoury light bites, which accompany our freshly prepared sandwiches, salad boxes and daily specials.

From October to end December the café at Mont Orgueil has changing opening hours, we advise that you call the Castle before making your trip to find out if the café is open.

Free Walking Guide

Explore Jersey with our series of walking guides taking in many of the Island's landmarks, heritage and visitor attractions. Our walks have been developed by a Jersey Blue Badge Guide, who knows the Island inside-out. This tour starts at the Seymour Inn public house and leads to Mont Orgueil Castle, taking in the landscape and local maritime history. Find out more.

Guide Book and Audio Tour

2 guide books are available to buy at the castle or from the Trails and Tours area on this website. Download the Mont Orgueil Castle audio tour.

Facilities and Access
Read the Mont Orgueil Castle access statement.
Payment: Can be made by debit, credit card (not Amex), in Sterling or Euro.

Organised groups: 15% discount for groups of 6 or more adults or seniors. Please book in advance by completing the form here.

Entrance and parking: Disc and paycard parking at Gorey Harbour and on Gorey Coast Road. Free public car park at Long Beach. Pedestrian access from Petite Ruelle Muchie, Gorey Harbour Pier and via the main entrance at the Castle Green off Route de la Côte.

Buses and cycle routes: Routes 1, 1a, 2 and 13. Jersey cycle routes 1 and 3

Refreshments: Cafe on site

Gift Shop: The Jersey Heritage gift shop, selling gifts and souvenirs is on site. A cup can be purchased from the ticket office and hot drinks are available in the building on the right as you enter the Castle.

Access arrangements: Unfortunately the site is not suitable for people with mobility impairment

Dogs: No dogs allowed, except guide dogs. Read our policy here.

Hearing loop: Available at reception and a portable hearing loop is available for groups if requested in advance

WIFI: Available on site

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Free admission to children under 6 years old There is no requirement to book if your group is below 6+ Adults / Seniors 15% Group Booking discount is applicable to pre booked groups of 6+ or more Adults or Seniors (or combination of) 15% discount for pre booked groups of 6 or more adults or seniors.

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FOCUS: Grisly discoveries spell climate trouble for Jersey bats | Bailiwick Express Jersey

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Tuesday 22 November 2022

Two recent grisly discoveries have set alarm bells ringing for a rare bat species found in Jersey.

Named after their defining feature, grey long-eared bats are among the UK's rarest, with an estimated population of around just 1,000, who have been red-listed as a species at risk of extinction. Little is known about the species as a result.

However, in Jersey, such bats are the second most encountered of the island's 18 species, with up to 250 estimated to be on-island.

As a result, Jersey offers an important opportunity for research - something which, for the past four years, has been led locally by Piers Sangan of Sangan Island Conservation, which runs the Jersey Grey Long-eared Project to capture data about and ultimately work to protect the population.
Pictured: Piers Sangan carrying out research for the Jersey Grey Long-eared Project.
While many threats to the species, such as habitat loss, are known, Piers explained that two recent discoveries of dozens of dead bats suggested that climate change might have a role to play too.

After noticing that population numbers were falling far short of expectations by around 30, the group "knew something was wrong" and decided to investigate. After receiving funding from the Howard Davis Farm Trust, they were recently able to acquire the necessary scaffolding to be able to climb up to a roost in a local Methodist chapel.

Once inside, the team found clear evidence of what Piers described as a "significant mortality event."

Warning distressing images.

This is unfortunately the impact of a heatwave in summer and not how we want to see an entire years recruitment to our largest Grey long-eared maternity roost. @_BCT_ @Mammal_Society #ecology #bats #Jersey pic.twitter.com/IfTi6jdJ7a
- Piers Sangan ???????????? (@PRSangan) November 1, 2022

In total, they found 42 carcasses of grey long-eared bats - 33 of which were thought to have been juveniles, who were on the cusp of being able to start flying./p>

Piers explained that the number, by the team's estimates, represented 100% of this year's "recruitment from that roost" - in other words, none of the bats born in that roost survived.

It is unclear exactly what caused the deaths. However, the current working assumption is that the deaths were caused by the summer heatwave with the juvenile bats stuck inside the roost in the high temperatures and dying as a result.

Sadly, Piers confirmed, this was "not an isolated event".

After checking a smaller maternity roost, they found a "similar situation".

"The second roost is much smaller but initial results indicate a similar percentage loss and again most of the deceased were juveniles," Piers said, noting that his team will be "continuing to visit other sites to determine the extent of the impact on the island population."

This event is not entirely unprecedented. Heatwaves do happen and have produced similar grisly results in the past. However, after a warmest-on-record summer, there are concerns that the effects of climate change may see more heatwaves in future and that the bat populations will struggle to recover.

Mr Sangan said he was extremely grateful to Howard Davis Farm Trust for helping fund access to the roost, and to Jersey Methodist community and the National Trust for Jersey, who have been assisting in the Jersey Grey Long-eared Project research over the years without which their research to date would not have been possible.

The sad discoveries, he said, "highlight the importance of the work carried out by the Jersey Grey Long-eared Project to monitor this species and the impact our changing climate, development pressures and changing habitats are having on these key indicator species."
Key bat roosts at risk under 'fields for homes' plan Why the Bridging Island Plan bulldozes through our ecology OPINION: A bat more common than you'd think... OPINION: Why we should care about bats LEARN MORE...
You can learn more about the Jersey Grey Long-eared Project through its Facebook page , and follow Sangan Conservation's other conservation projects .

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FOCUS: Grisly discoveries spell climate trouble for Jersey bats

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Named after their defining feature, grey long-eared bats are among the UK's rarest, with an estimated population of around just 1,000, who have been red-listed as a species at risk of extinction. Little is known about the species as a result.

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Plant Safari | School Wild Challenge - The RSPB

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Plant Safari | School Wild Challenge - The RSPB

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Do you know which types of plants & flowers grow in your school grounds? This activity is about identifying and naming wildflowers, trees and shrubs. Learn more

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What is a botanist? | Jersey Biodiversity Centre
There are over 800 plant species in Jersey!

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Botanists are becoming a rare species! In Victorian times most school children could name wildflowers such as Foxgloves, Forget-me-nots, Poppies and Red Campion and distinguish between a Dandelion and a Buttercup. Victorian schoolchildren walked along the lanes and could see the changes in the seasons by the flowers in the hedgerows. Children and adults today travel in cars and are no longer so connected to nature. Many adults struggle to identify even common wildflowers. There are no British universities offering a Botany degree any more. The number of botanists who can accurately identify every plant they see in the countryside are dwindling. Despite the wonderful range of excellent botanical books and floras available making it so much easier to key out the names of plants, botanists are a a dying breed.

The botany of Jersey has been well recorded for over 250 years. Visiting botanists from the UK came and found plants they had not seen, hence we have Jersey Buttercup, Jersey Forget-me-not, Jersey Orchid, Jersey Cudweed and Jersey Thrift. Dr. Sherard came to Jersey in 1680 and produced a list of plants he found, Lester Garland, a headmaster at Victoria College produced a Flora of Jersey in 1903 and Frances Le Sueur wrote a Flora of Jersey in 1984. Local botanists continue to monitor and record where plants are found, especially the rare and special plants. So the records of plants collected today play a part in the long tradition of Natural History in the island.

So todays botanists are continuing a tradition that has been going for a long time, and the data collected of where plants are to be found can be used to produce scientific evidence of trends in plant abundance and decline. The method of recording has been consistent for many years, Botanists walk in a defined area and record every plant they see. This data is particularly useful in order to monitor habitats, many kinds of wildlife rely on a healthy habitat in order to survive. For instance Jersey's Green Lizard needs open sandy areas to bask in the sun, if Jersey's sandy habitats were to become overgrown with Evergreen Oak or Hottentot Fig the Green Lizard would not survive. Orange Tip Butterflies like Garlic Mustard a biennial plant not common in Jersey and not easy to identify. So botanical skills and accurate recording are important to inform habitat management to maintain the biodiversity of Jersey.

There are approximately 800 plant species on Jersey probably more if subspecies are taken into account. Different habitats including woodland, sand dunes, arable and seaside support different ranges of plants. Native plants have been here for thousands of years, but human activity has been responsible for introducing plants to the island. For example the Romans introduced Sweet Chestnuts Castanea sativa to eat the nuts and Shrubby Orache Atriplex halimus was introduced to St. Ouen's as a windbreak around fields. Many plants have been lost such as the rare Adder's-tongue Ophioglossum vulgatum at Samares Marsh when the Le Squez flats were built. Every year plants are recorded that are new to the island such as Nepal Persicaria Persicaria nepalensis found by Alli Singleton in Bouley Bay in 2020. How these species arrive is open to speculation, however it is usually by escaping from gardens or the seed being carried here by wind or on human clothing.

Anyone interested in plants or furthering their botanical skills would be most welcome to join the local botany group. Please contact <botany@societe-jersiaise.org>

Photo credit: Societe Jersiaise Botany group

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Botanists are becoming a rare species! In Victorian times most school children could name wildflowers such as Foxgloves, Forget-me-nots, Poppies and Red Campion and distinguish between a Dandelion and a Buttercup. Victorian schoolchildren walked along the lanes and could see the changes in the seasons by the flowers in the hedgerows.

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Jersey Wildflowers: Yarrow | Jersey Biodiversity Centre

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Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a perennial plant found commonly throughout the island, notable for its feathery leaves and clustered, flat heads of flowers present in the summertime. The plant is well-suited to drier and grassier habitats and therefore flourishes in wayside ground and hedgerow banks. Being highly ornamental and rather aromatic, cultivars of the species are also often planted in gardens.

Nomenclature: In Jersey French, yarrow is known by the name hèrbe à mille fielles, directly translating as the thousand-leaved plant. This reflects the Latin species name millefolium and French name achilée millefeuille, which similarly describe the plant's feathery and finely-divided leaves.

The plant is also known as d'la tcherpentchiethe in the western parishes and hèrbe au tcherpentchi in the east, meaning the carpenter's plant. According to both Le Maistre and Le Sueur, this relates to the plant's traditional use in staunching blood from wounds which would have proven useful to manual workers including carpenters. In her Flora, Le Sueur cites a chemist, Attenborough, as reassuring her of this fact. This customary Jersey use is reflected in the Latin genus name Achillea - a noun derivative of the Greek hero Achilles, who similarly is alleged to have used the plant to heal the wounds of his friend Telemachus at the Siege of Troy.

Besides using yarrow to staunch bleeding [faithe sèrvi d'la tcherpentchiéthe pouor êtantchi l'sang d'eune cope], Le Maistre intriguingly also conveys the plant's use in treating hemoroides [les morrhouites]. In his Dictionnaire he describes the custom of infusing yarrow leaves in a bucket of boiling water and sitting atop it in order to relieve pain, the effectiveness of which is unfortunately not conveyed [nou m'ttait des fielles dé tchèrpentchiéthe dans eune bouqu'tée d'ieau bouoillante et nous s'assevait d'ssus]. Although a little bizarre, this would have been beneficial in some respects as the plant has antiseptic properties. It is also likely that the leaves were made into an infusion and that the leaves were used as a tobacco substitute during the Occupation.

Abundance

Lester-Garland described yarrow as both 'native' to Jersey and 'common' in his Flora of 1903, describing the species as endemic to 'fields, dry banks and waste places.' Similarly, Le Sueur describes the plant as 'common in dry grassland, and on roadsides and hedgebanks,' commenting that occasionally the flowers are pink instead of white. The plant remains common in such places today and is found throughout all of the Channel Islands and neighbouring Normandy, flowering throughout summer from June to November.

Bibliography

Pg 202, Sterry, 'Collins Complete Guide to British Wild Flowers', 2006
Plate 1 and annotation, Provost, 'Atlas de repartition des plantes vasculaires de Basse Normandie' Presses Universitaires de Caen, 1993
Pg 501, Le Maistre, 'Dictionnaire Jersiais-Francais' Don Balleine 1976 ed.
Pg 53, Le Sueur, 'A Natural History of Jersey', Phillimore 1976
Pg 157, Le Sueur, 'Flora of Jersey', La Société Jersiaise, 1984
Pg 146 Lester-Garland, 'Flora of the Island of Jersey', 1903
Pg 59, Shirreffs, 'The Wild Flowers of Jersey' Brambleby Books, 2015
Pgs 134-135, Bird, 'A Gardener's Latin' The National Trust 2015

Written August 2018 for the Jersey Biodiversity Centre. Dominic Hodnett is an amateur nature enthusiast and member of La Société Jersiaise, an environmental and heritage organisation founded in Jersey in 1873.

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Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a perennial plant found commonly throughout the island, notable for its feathery leaves and clustered, flat heads of flowers present in the summertime. The plant is well-suited to drier and grassier habitats and therefore flourishes in wayside ground and hedgerow banks.

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Barn owl protection and monitoring (gov.je)

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Red Squirrels - National Trust for Jersey

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Red Squirrels are fairly widespread in Jersey, and can commonly be found in conifer trees and patches of broadleaved woodland. They are regular visitors to gardens, especially when feeding stations are provided. Early morning is the best time to observe Red Squirrels as they are most active at this time of the day. The presence of Red Squirrels in an area is indicated by characteristically gnawed pinecones and broken nut shells, usually found scattered below a favourite feeding branch.

The Red Squirrel was introduced to Jersey at the end of the nineteenth century and is the only species of squirrel found on the Island. Genetic studies have revealed that some individuals were introduced from continental Europe, while others were brought to the Island from Southern England.

The Red Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel belonging to the Family Sciuridae, which falls within the Order Rodentia, a taxonomic group of animals characterised by their gnawing front teeth. They are easily identified in the wild by their reddish brown coats, relatively large heads and ears, and bushy tails. They have sharp, curved claws for climbing trees, and strong hind legs enabling them to leap from branch to branch and they are even able to swim short distances, although this behaviour is rarely observed. They shed their coats twice per year, switching from a thicker winter coat to a thinner summer coat. During the summer months their coats are a uniform reddish brown with creamy white underparts. In the winter their coats are thicker; the back portion of the body commonly turns a greyish brown colour, while the legs and head remain reddish brown.

Red Squirrels are typically solitary although neighbouring territories sometimes overlap, and during the winter months several Red Squirrels may share a drey in order to keep warm. They can be found in coniferous trees and broadleaved woodland, feeding on a variety of different material: nuts extracted from pinecones, hazelnuts, beech nuts, chestnuts, acorns, berries, buds, shoots, some species of fungi, insects, and occasionally birds' eggs. Excess food is stored in nooks or holes in trees, or buried underground to be eaten when food is scarce. The majority of feeding activity takes place in the early morning and late afternoon. Red Squirrels typically spend the rest of their day resting in their drey. Dreys are constructed from twigs lined with moss and grass. Red Squirrels tend to construct dreys in branch forks (although tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also sometimes used) close to the trunks of trees, approximately 10-15m above the ground.

Best Places To See Red Squirrels

La Vallée Des Vaux
Vallée des Vaux is a wooded valley on the outskirts of St. Helier. The National Trust for Jersey owns several separate blocks of the woodland in the valley. More information can be found on La Vallée Des Vaux page.
St Peter's Valley
The National Trust for Jersey owns several areas of mature woodland in St. Peter's Valley. The largest of these woodland sites is called Le Don Gaudin. More information can be found on the St Peter's Valley page.
Fern Valley
Fern Valley is a wet meadow bisected with a stream and surrounded by woodland. It is situated in the Parish of St. Helier. More information can be found on the Fern Valley page.

Reproduction

The mating season for Red Squirrels is typically from February to March. Litters of 3-5 kittens are born approximately 7 weeks after mating. Females are capable of producing up to 2 litters per year. Young Red Squirrels remain with their mother for a few months before dispersing to establish territories of their own. Red Squirrels surviving their first winter have a life expectancy of approximately 3 years, although some individuals can live as long as 7 years in the wild. The year to year survival of Red Squirrels is heavily dependent upon the availability of autumn and winter tree seeds.

Injured or Sick Red Squirrels

If you come across an injured or sick squirrel, please get in contact with the JSPCA Animals' Shelter on 01534 724331 or during evenings, weekend or Bank Holidays call their ambulance driver on 07797 720331.

The JSPCA will also assist if you come across an orphaned baby squirrel (kit). If the dray is nearby and safe to reach, the ambulance driver will place the kit back in the dray, if it is uninjured. If the kit is injured, the ambulance driver will bring them to a vet for medical treatment. If the dray is nowhere in sight, the driver will bring the kit back to the JSPCA to be hand-raised.

At the JSPCA they have dedicated squirrel facilities to assist in the rehabilitation of injured/sick/orphaned wildlife. These enclosures play a key role in their success rate of releasing injured/orphaned wildlife back into the wild. It is important that when rehabilitating wildlife, you don't just look at what medical and nutritional needs they require but also environmental.

The JSPCA will also collect deceased squirrels for study and data collection as part of the Red Squirrel Surveillance Scheme. So, if you unfortunately come across a deceased squirrel then please do contact the JSPCA.

Conservation

In Jersey the biggest threats to Red Squirrels are habitat fragmentation and habitat degradation. Predation also reduces numbers. Red Squirrels are predated by birds of prey (Owls and Raptors), as well as domestic cats. Cars are a further cause of mortality.

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Red Squirrels - National Trust for Jersey

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Red Squirrels are fairly widespread in Jersey, and can commonly be found in conifer trees and patches of broadleaved woodland. They are regular visitors to gardens, especially when feeding stations are provided. Early morning is the best time to observe Red Squirrels as they are most active at this time of the day.

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There are many species of bats found in Jersey. The Jersey Bat Group have resources on the different species and how you can link it to the curriculum.

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As part of the Jersey Bat Project our partners in the Jersey Bat Project produced the following resources which use place bats within the Jersey Curriculum.

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Choughs - National Trust for Jersey

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The charismatic Red-billed Chough, with its striking long red bill and distinctive shrill call, feeds on insects in farmland, typically coexisting alongside grazing animals. Historically, Choughs inhabited several areas of Jersey's coastline, however changing agricultural practices, especially the abandonment of marginal farmland, led to local extinction sometime around 1900. A similar pattern of local extinction was also recorded in all the other Channel Islands, with the last attempted breeding thought to have occurred in Guernsey in 1929.

The story of decline has been similar across the United Kingdom, and it is thought that there are currently less than 500 pairs of this rare bird in all of the UK and the Isle of Man. Today, the nearest Chough populations to Jersey are in Brittany, where there are around 50 pairs, Cornwall, where the species appears to be doing well since naturally re-colonising in 2001, and on the Gower Peninsula and Pembrokeshire in Wales.

Choughs feed mainly on maritime grassland throughout the breeding season and on dune grassland, winter stubbles and arable lands between summer and winter. The coastal grassland habitat that these birds require for feeding is maintained by wind exposure, salt deposition and sheep grazing. The Manx Loaghtan grazing project at Le Don Paton therefore provides ideal habitat for the Choughs. These iconic birds forage for invertebrate prey in areas of short turf and dung produced by the grazing sheep, and also use wool in nest building. Choughs likes to nest on sea cliffs but may at times use old buildings along the coast. Flocks can be seen wheeling over the sea, their high calls carrying on the wind, or probing the short turf for insects on the clifftops.

Best Place To See Choughs

The best place to see Choughs in Jersey is on the North coast between Devil's Hole and Sorel Point.

Reproduction

Choughs reach sexual maturity sometime between 1-3 years, laying clutches of 3-5 eggs. Females incubate the eggs until they hatch at around 17-18 days after laying. Chicks stay in the nest for around 41 days before fledging. Choughs typically only raise one brood per year.

Conservation

Through the Birds on the Edge project, a partnership between the Trust, the States of Jersey Department of Environment and Durrell, the Red-billed Chough is being reintroduced on Jersey's North coast. In order to make this happen, several innovative conservation initiatives have had to be put in place. Among the most important of these include a captive breeding and release program, bracken management, the sowing of winter conservation bird crops and the reintroduction of traditional farming practices, especially the establishment of Jersey's Conservation Grazing flock of Manx Loaghtan sheep.

Choughs have been re-introduced to Jersey's north coast using birds reared at Durrell's headquarters in Trinity and at Paradise Park in Cornwall. These birds have been released on Jersey's north coast. All individuals within this small population have been ringed and also carry sophisticated electronics so that individuals can be identified and closely monitored. Tracking provides crucial information about the birds location and daily activities.

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The charismatic Red-billed Chough, with its striking long red bill and distinctive shrill call, feeds on insects in farmland, typically coexisting alongside grazing animals. Historically, Choughs inhabited several areas of Jersey's coastline, however changing agricultural practices, especially the abandonment of marginal farmland, led to local extinction sometime around 1900.

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http://www.jerseyhedgehogs.co.uk - JERSEY HEDGEHOG PRESERVATION GROUP - About Hedgehogs

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History Breeding What does a hibernating hedgehog look like?

Hedgehogs are the only spiny mammal in Britain, they were introduced to Jersey in the middle of the 19th century, around the same time as red squirrels. They are a very ancient animal and have been around in their present form for about 15 million years .

When are they active?
They are nocturnal, which means they are normally only out of their nests when it is dusk or dark, but in summer when the nights are short, you may see one in the evening or early morning when it is light, because there are not enough hours of darkness for it to find enough food. Females who are about to or have just given birth are often out foraging when it is still light in mid-summer - as long as the hedgehog is active and looks well and uninjured please leave her alone to go back to her family. You can offer her a dish of water and some cat or dog food which will be very welcome, especially in dry weather.

What do they eat?

At two weeks old the eyes start to open, the teeth do not erupt until the third week. By the time they are four weeks old they look like miniature adults. This is the age when they follow Mum from the nest and learn to forage for food.

Rescuing lost hoglets:

Young hedgehogs sometimes get lost or trapped and are found by kind people in the morning who contact us and we take care of them until they are old enough to be completely independent. If you should find a baby hedgehog on its own out in the open in the day time, please do take action, because if left, flies will come along and lay their eyes on it and then maggots will hatch. If you live in Jersey, phone us on 01534 734340, if you are out of the island, please contact your local vet or nearest hedgehog carer. The British Hedgehog Preservation Society has a list of UK carers please phone 01584 890 801 they have a 24 hour answerphone service.

Hibernation :

Nest building : A hibernating nest or hibernaculum is made of dry leaves and grass, it takes several nights to build, it has to be water- and weatherproof, so that the inside temperature remains constant, whatever the weather does outside. The hedgehog carries leaves and grass in its mouth until it has made a big pile, then it goes round and round inside, weaving a sturdy nest with its spines. The nest is built under brambles or some other sort of support to keep it in shape. Hedgehogs will make several of these nests during the autumn in preparation for winter.

Why hibernate? During the winter when insects and other invertebrates are hard to find, hedgehogs go into hibernation to save energy, which means they slow their whole body right down to an absolute minimum, their breathing, heart rate and metabolic rate just tick over.
If you accidentally disturbed a hibernating hedgehog, you might think it was dead, it would feel stone cold and would be in a tight ball, and you would have to wait some time before you could see it breathe. If you gently touched its spines, they might flinch, so you would know it was alive. But if it was in really deep hibernation, you might get no clue at all whether it was alive or dead.
What should you do if you accidentally disturb a hibernating hedgehog?

As long as it is a nice round shape and weighs more than 450g you should gently put it back where you found it, covering it over with all the nest material you have disturbed and it will wake up in its own time and find another nest. If it is lighter than 450g or looks thin with a pointy bum, please put it in a box and contact us or your local hedgehog hospital so that it can be slowly woken up and cared for until it reaches a safe weight to survive the rest of the winter. An adult hedgehog weighing 450g is going to be very thin whereas a juvenile might be OK - it is difficult to give a specific weight.

The hog on the left is thin and in need of help the one on the right is nice and round

Should you be worried if you see a hedgehog out at night in the winter?

It is quite usual to see hedgehogs about at night during the winter months, especially in mild weather, they don't hibernate for the whole time, they wake up in their nests every 7-10 days, and may or may not come out for something to eat and drink. It is only if you see one out and about during the daytime or a small one weighing less than 450g after dark that you should be concerned and seek advice and help.

How do they survive the winter?

They have two types of fat, white fat to live off and special lobes of brown fat, which act like booster fuel to restart their metabolism when they wake up. So during the autumn they need to put on enough body fat to keep them going through the winter, they lose about a quarter of their body weight during hibernation. This is why youngsters in their first year are especially vulnerable, and many do not survive their first winter in the wild.

What is the minimum weight they should be to survive? ````

Juveniles need to weigh 450g by the end of November or when the cold weather comes, if they are to stand a good chance of surviving the winter in the wild. If people find underweight autumn juveniles, we try to help them , fattening them up and then releasing them in a mild spell or perhaps waiting until Spring.

If you would like to learn more about hedgehogs and other local environmental issues please visit the other sites please see our links page.
By about 9 or 10 days old they start to roll up - or try to!
Hedgehogs are insectivores and will eat a wide variety of insects and inv ertebrates in , which is why they have been called "the gardener's friend". They do no harm in the garden. your garden

Please garden organically
They are at risk from slug pellets, insecticides and other garden chemicals and so we ask people not to use any harmful pesticides in their gardens.
Predators

They have no natural predators in Jersey, as there are no badgers or foxes on the Island, but there are still many hazards for them to face, most of them caused by humans.
Rats, feral ferrets and dogs may attack them and even kill them.
Cats will only pose a threat to very young hedgehogs before they are independent of mother. The breeding season in Jersey runs from May to October, males take no part in fa mily life, once they have mated they disappear into the night to find the next female. Gestation is about 35 days, mother hedgehogs suckle their babies or hoglets for 4-6 weeks after they are born, feeding them on their very rich milk, which makes them double their birth weight in the first week of life. There can be as many as 8 in a litter but 4 or 5 is a more usual number. At birth hoglets weigh anything from 7-25g and when they leave mother at about two months old, they weigh about 250g.

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injured and orphaned hedgehogs in jersey

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channel islands. advice by email or
phone if you find a hedgehog out in daylight.

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http://www.jerseyhedgehogs.co.uk - JERSEY HEDGEHOG PRESERVATION GROUP - About Hedgehogs

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History Breeding What does a hibernating hedgehog look like? When are they active? Why hibernate? During the winter when insects and other invertebrates are hard to find, hedgehogs go into hibernation to save energy, which means they slow their whole body right down to an absolute minimum, their breathing, heart rate and metabolic rate just tick over.

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BBC - Jersey - Nature - Protecting the Barn Owls
Changes in weather- such as temperatures can negatively affect wildlife. it may cause them to be out of sync with plants or a prey species needed for food.

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"When you see the baby Barn Owls it just makes it all worthwhile"
Bob Newton, Barn Owl conservationist

In a sunny spot deep in the heart of Trinity three men stride through the grass, two bearing a ladder and the third a tool kit.

But the private householders in this well-heeled neighbourhood are not alarmed, for their identical green polo shirts identify them as members of the Jersey Barn Owl Conservation Network.

Tony Beaumont, Bob Newton and Don Vardon are on the property to find out whether a nest box is home to some new arrivals.

There are - two of them. A good sign, but not as good as they hoped, usually you would expect to find three or four young owlets in each nest.

Weather is critical

Jersey's Barn Owl population has suffered in recent times as the birds have struggled to hunt for food in wet weather.

A dry summer is crucial for the owl's survival - in last year's summer rains 85% of the season's owlets were lost, according the conservation network.

Photos: Bob Newton

"Owls are very susceptible to wet weather, they can't fly in it," explained Tony.

"The reason that they can fly so silently is that they have downy fur on their feathers which gives them silent flight, but of course by the same token if it gets wet it gives them a problem.

"They won't hunt normally, unless they're very desperate, in wet weather."

Care for the injured

At the moment there are around 60 breeding adult pairs in Jersey, and nearly all of them nest in one of the 200 boxes the network has put up around the island.

The group also monitors the progress of owl families, cares for sick and injured animals, gives educational talks to schools and other groups, and they advise planning authorities on proposed developments where there are nesting owls.

The Jersey Barn Owl Conservation network is run by volunteers, all who share a love for the owls.

"It's silent, it's clean, it flies at night, of course there is a lot of superstition about them, they're white like ghosts They don't twit-twoo, they screech, they're called screech owls," Tony told BBC Jersey.

"But the fact is they're so gentle, I handled the baby just now without any problem and you can do exactly the same with the adults. They just sort of go to sleep in your hands."

Photos: Bob Newton

Worthwhile and interesting

Don Vardon was inspired to donate his time to the cause thanks to a life-long fondness for owls.

"I can remember the first owl I saw, which was back in the late 40's just after the occupation, in Grand Vaux where we used to go up to the German tunnels," he said.

"This owl flew between us, just over our heads, and it stemmed from there."

For Bob Newton joining the network was both fascinating and meaningful.

"It gets you out in the open air, you're doing a good job for conservation and we meet loads of really interesting people and it's an interesting job," he explained.

"When you see the baby Barn Owls it just makes it all worthwhile."

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BBC - Jersey - Nature - Protecting the Barn Owls

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"When you see the baby Barn Owls it just makes it all worthwhile" Bob Newton, Barn Owl conservationist In a sunny spot deep in the heart of Trinity three men stride through the grass, two bearing a ladder and the third a tool kit.

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Lesser white-toothed shrew (Scilly Shrew) | Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust Limited (ios-wildlifetrust.org.uk)

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The Lesser white-toothed shrew ( Crocidura suaveolens) is not found in mainland Britain. It is, however, present in the Channel Islands, on Jersey and Sark, as well as being found in mainland Europe.

The "Scilly Shrew" is insectivorous (eating beetles, worms and sandhoppers) and can often be heard, if not seen, around the coast as they emit a soft, continuous twittering while foraging or exploring. If startled or alarmed they can produce a sharp squeak.

With thanks for the use of Scilly Shrew Image © Murray Guy

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Lesser white-toothed shrew (Scilly Shrew)

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The Lesser white-toothed shrew ( Crocidura suaveolens) is not found in mainland Britain. It is, however, present in the Channel Islands, on Jersey and Sark, as well as being found in mainland Europe. The "Scilly Shrew" is insectivorous (eating beetles, worms and sandhoppers) and can often be heard, if not seen, around the coast as they emit a soft, continuous twittering while foraging or exploring.

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Grouville Marsh - National Trust for Jersey

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Protected coastlines (Ramsar) (gov.je)
Jersey signed up to the Ramsar Convention, and currently has 4 Ramsar sites which had additional protections.

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Conservation Grazing - National Trust for Jersey

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Our rugged North Coast is one of the island's most stunning and dramatic locations and has recently been designated a National Park. It forms an almost continuous belt of natural wild landscape from St Catherine's in the east to Les Landes in the west and contains an intricate network of habitats supporting a wide variety of wildlife. Despite its beauty and importance it is a region suffering ecological decline. Up until the beginning of the twentieth century the coastal headlands and north facing escarpments were an important part of the rural economy. Cattle, ponies and sheep would have grazed upon these areas and gorse and bracken would have been collected for fuel and bedding respectively.

Today such practices no longer take place which has resulted in bracken and scrub encroachment, leading to a decline in biodiversity, with many coastal and heathland species such as the Yellowhammer becoming extinct locally. In 2008 the Trust reintroduced 20 primitive Manx Loagthan sheep into an area of 180 vergées between Sorel Point and Devil's Hole. It was hoped that the livestock would help to open up the scrub, control competitive species and prevent further encroachment, whilst in the longer term there would be improvements in heathland habitat and biodiversity. Aaron Le Couteur of The Reserve agreed to take care of the sheep and over the last 8 years he has successfully built up the flock to over 200, whilst still providing both lamb and wool to the local market.

Supplemented with careful chemical control and regular cutting there has been a visible reduction in bracken and gorse encroachment with a short grass sward becoming predominant in certain areas. This improving habitat has enabled the Chough to be reintroduced to the Island after a 100 year absence, as part of the Birds on the Edge Project in partnership with Durrell and The Environment Department. Requiring an insect rich maritime habitat with a sward no higher than 5cm, these charismatic red billed birds feed on a range of insects including beetles, ants and cranefly larvae, many of which will have benefited from the presence of animal dung. With acrobatic air displays and a distinctive shrill call, the Choughs have become a welcome feature of the coastal landscape but above all have come to demonstrate and typify the considerable value to be secured from conservation grazing schemes.

Ecological Benefits of Conservation Grazing

Grazing can be used to develop a mosaic of habitats. Well managed heathland contains areas of grassland, scrub, dwarf shrub and also bare ground. This habitat can only be maintained through active management, of which livestock grazing is an essential component. Some animals will select particular plant species, and in doing so will determine the structure and floristic composition of the vegetation. Further, animal dung and areas of bare ground produced in hoof marks are good for some specialist invertebrates and birds.

Grazing can be used to manage habitat change more gradually. Livestock grazing removes plant material more gradually than cutting or burning, giving less mobile species with an opportunity to move to other areas.

Grazing can be used to control invasive species such as scrub (including gorse), bracken, purple moor grass and rank grasses.

Grazing can be used to remove nutrients from heathland. Heathland vegetation requires a low nutrient status. Grazing animals can result in a net removal of nutrients from a site, maintaining the low nutrient status and controlling invasive species which often rely on higher nutrient levels.

With the re-introduction of livestock, the heathland has the potential to increase local incomes and jobs, provide additional grazing land for local farmers and provide a local and environmentally friendly source of high quality food.

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Conservation Grazing - National Trust for Jersey

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Our rugged North Coast is one of the island's most stunning and dramatic locations and has recently been designated a National Park. It forms an almost continuous belt of natural wild landscape from St Catherine's in the east to Les Landes in the west and contains an intricate network of habitats supporting a wide variety of wildlife.

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Rock Samphire (Crithmum maritimum, d'la pèrche-pièrre) is a succulent plant found along the coast in Jersey, which is edible. Rock Samphire is high in vitamin C and was one of the plants used by sailors to ward off scurvy.

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Natural Environment department created a powerpoint which explains invasive species in Jersey and the impact they have.

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Invasive Species 101 | National Geographic

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World Oceans and Environment Days Powerpoint

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World Oceans and Environment Days Powerpoint

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Andrena mining bees - YouTube
This video by JBC shows mining bees at La Hougue Bie.