Natural Environment

The Trust owns over 180 hectares of land (i.e. 1,000 vergees), which represents 1.6% of Jersey’s land area, making it the largest landowner in the island after the States.

These lands range from meadows and wetlands, extensive woodlands and large coastal and heathlands areas. In addition, the Trust also owns farmlands which are rented out and other small amenity lands of special historic or scenic importance.

Many of these areas feature wonderful plants and animals and they form a key part of Jersey’s overall biodiversity. It is therefore essential that these habitats and their inhabitants are conserved for the benefit of both current and future generations of islanders. The Trust’s main conservation management activities are therefore aimed at protecting and maintaining the existing habitats ( e.g. by mowing and reed-cutting), along with the restoration of other habitats, such as the replanting of hedgerows and the re-creation of heathland.

The provision and maintenance of footpaths, signs, car parks and other visitor facilities are also undertaken by Trust staff.

Amongst other sites, it is worth highlighting the marsh in Grouville (Les Maltieres), the pond in St Ouen called La Mare au Seigneur and the nearby orchid field Le Noir Pré, the miniature Fern Valley and the distinctive woodlands of the Vallée des Vaux and St. Peter’s Valley. The last three sites, along with others such as Le Don Paton and the La Valette Walk enable our visitors to enjoy pleasant rambles in wonderful surroundings as well as supporting varied wildlife.