Le Noir Pre

Often known simply as ‘the Orchid Field’, this unique site actually consists of two distinct but adjoining wet meadows, Le Noir Pré (10 vergees 36 perches), and the smaller Le Clos du Seigneur (2 vergees 32 perches). The site is one of the last remaining strongholds of the Jersey or Loose-flowered Orchid (Orchis laxiflora), which also occurs in Guernsey, but is absent from the rest of the British Isles. The meadows also contain a wide variety of other plant species, many of which have become increasingly uncommon in Jersey.

History

The site was purchased by the National Trust for Jersey from Mrs E. L. Le Maistre in 1972. At this time, many similar meadows were being drained and ploughed up for potato growing, and it was largely at the suggestion of the distinguished local botanist Frances Le Sueur that the Trust purchased the site.

The earlier history of the meadows needs to more fully researched, but it is likely that they have always been managed for hay cutting, followed by grazing, perhaps for centuries. The name ‘Le Noir Pré’ means ‘the black meadow’ in English, perhaps a reference to the dark, peaty soil hereabouts; ‘Le Clos du Seigneur’ means ‘the close (a small enclosed field) belonging to the Seigneur’. Part of the main field was used as a rubbish tip for many years after the German Occupation (1940-45).

Flora and Fauna

In addition to the Jersey Orchid (Orchis laxiflora), three other species, the Southern Marsh (Dactylorhiza praetermissa), Common Spotted and Heath Spotted Orchids (Dactylorhiza maculata), occur at the site. During May and June, the two meadows are a riot of colour, with the stunning deep purple of the Jersey Orchids contrasting with the various shades of pink, through to white, of the remaining species. Other notable wildflowers include the Ragged Robin, Yellow Bartsia, Parsley Water-dropwort, Common Knapweed, Square-stalked St. John’s-wort and Tufted Vetch.

A wide range of insects can also be seen in the meadows, especially butterflies of various species, including the Orange Tip, whose caterpillars feed on Cuckooflower, and dragonflies, including the spectacular Emperor Dragonfly. Grasshoppers and crickets are also abundant, and several bumblebee species forage on the nectar-rich flowers. Small mammals such as voles, mice and shrews attract predatory birds, including the Kestrel and the Barn Owl, and the rare Marsh Harrier can sometimes be observed hunting over the site.

Site Management

The main management aim is to maintain, and if possible improve, the value of the site for its flora, in particular the Jersey Orchid. The two fields are cut and baled in July, once the orchids and most of the other plants have flowered and set seed. A small tractor usually undertakes most of the cutting, although a pedestrian-operated mower normally has to be used in the wetter areas.

In most years, cattle are allowed to graze the ‘aftermath’ (the growth of grass following cutting), as this prevents the fields from becoming too lush, and dominated by taller, more vigorous plants at the expense of the orchids and other wildflowers. The cattle can be present from late summer onwards to late winter, depending on weather conditions and the quantity of grass available.

Other management work includes the control of Hemlock Water-dropwort, a tall, invasive plant which is poisonous to livestock. The rubbish dumping which had taken place on part of Le Noir Pré, prior to its purchase by the National Trust for Jersey, had resulted in the replacement of the original meadow species by vigorous weeds, such as docks, nettles, ragwort and Japanese Knotweed. Over time, some of these weed species might well have spread to the rest of the site, so a major effort to eliminate them and encourage the return of the original flora was started in 2002.

An Orchid Survey was undertaken by Trust staff and volunteers in 2002, and it is intended to repeat this at two year intervals. The 2002 survey results were very encouraging, as they demonstrated that an increase in at least three of the four orchid species present had occurred since the mid 1990’s.

Visitor Access and Facilities

Le Noir Pré is at its best in May-June, the orchid flowering season. Guided tours are available on a special open day at this time, after which the site remains open to the public for several further weeks. Visitors must keep to the mown paths around the site and dogs are to be kept on leads.

The entrance to Le Noir Pré is located on Le Chemin de L’Ouziere, a minor road off Le Grand Route de Mielle (Five Mile Road). Limited roadside parking is available, and Bus 12A from St. Helier also stops nearby.