Farmlands

The traditional Jersey landscape we see today has been created by many centuries of farming activity. Cider making, for example, played a key role in the development of the typical pattern of small fields bounded by substantial hedge-topped banks seen over much of the island. Grazing, now almost entirely by dairy cattle, although previously sheep were also important, has had an even greater influence on the landscape and its flora and fauna.

Cattle grazing is undertaken primarily for nature conservation purposes on several of the National Trust for Jersey’s sites, but in addition the Trust owns a significant area of land which is rented out primarily for agriculture. Much of this land, such as that at La Vallette, is farmed organically.

The largest agricultural land holding, (about 80 vergees), is located around the Trust’s headquarters at The Elms, and is used chiefly for dairying; the beautiful Jersey cattle can often be seen from adjacent roads. Crops, including potatoes and cauliflowers, are also grown. The hedgerows at The Elms were badly affected by Dutch Elm Disease, and a re-planting programme using Oak, Ash and Sweet Chestnut is currently underway to replace the losses and provide eventual replacements for the surviving large trees. Public access is not generally available, but guided walks around the land are organised on open days.