September/October 2010

Enjoynature
Birds of prey
Kes Douglas
Farm Fresh Organics, La Grande Route de
St Laurent, St Lawrence, JE3 1GZ
Tel: 07797 812990 www.kesdouglas.com
Open: All visits are by appointment only
Bus: S 5 &7; W 5 & 7 (short walk)
Price: For further details please contact Kes Douglas direct
Working with birds of prey for the past 20 years, Kes
Douglas specialises in educational and recreational
programmes based around his relationship of trust
and respect with the birds. For individuals, families and
groups it is a great opportunity to see these magnificent
birds up close in a relaxed atmosphere.
Areas of natural interest
La Lande de Ouest
Part of the dry coastal heathland lying above the cliffs
along the greater part of the south-west coast. A
designated Site of Special Interest (SSI) and rich in flora
and fauna, this area is an important part of the island’s
landscape and biodiversity. A great area for walking and
birdwatching.
Le Noir Pré
Often known simply as “The Orchid Field”, this unique
site actually consists of two distinct but adjoining
wet meadows, Le Noir Pré, and the smaller Le Clos
du Seigneur. The site is one of the last remaining
strongholds of the Jersey Orchid or loose-flowered
Orchid (Orchis laxiflora). Orchid flowering season May
and June.
Les Blanches Banques
The sand dune system at the southern end of St Ouen’s
Bay is recognised as an SSI and more than 400 plant
species have been recorded here. It also provides home
to the super Jersey Green Lizard.
Les Landes
This coastal heathland is the most spectacular aspect of
Jersey’s wild environments. Les Landes is Jersey’s largest
single expanse of maritime heathland covering 160
hectares and bound by 3km of high granite cliffs.
Portelet Common
With a mixture of dramatic sea views and a habitat
typical of an area subjected to the prevailing southwesterly
wind, the common has thick gorse cover, dwarf
shrub heathland and lichen-rich grassland. Peaking at
sixty one metres above sea level and covering thirty one
hectares, this scenery is not to be missed.
Ramsar Sites
These are areas listed on the Ramsar List of Wetlands
of International Importance which concerns the
conservation and wise use of wetlands and their
resources. Jersey has four! These magnificent sites
are; the south-east coast of Jersey, Les Minquiers, Les
Écréhous and Les Dirouilles, and Les Pierres de Lecq
(The Paternosters). These sites are truly unique and
well worth a visit; however, three of these sites are
offshore reefs and require a trip by boat. Check out
the “Activities” section for operators who can take
you on a short boat trip to see these sites. The south
coast area can be walked around and guided walks
are available (contact Jersey Walk Adventures – see
“Activities”). Important! If you wish to walk around the
area independently please seek advice first as the tide
rises rapidly and you can become stranded if unprepared.
Knowledge of the tides is essential. Jersey Tourism can
provide advice if necessary but recommends that you
employ a guide. See “Walking” section of this guide.
Reservoirs
There are several reservoirs within the island which can
be walked around. These include Queen’s Valley and Val
de la Mare. Other reservoirs include Millbrook, Grands
Vaux, Handois, Mourier Valley and Dannemarche.
St Catherine’s Woods
Also known as Rozel Woods, this woodland is set in a
deep-cut, steep-sided valley. A stream running through
the valley floor has helped develop a wide range of
habitats within the woodland.
St Ouen’s Pond
(La Mare au Seigneur)
Probably the most significant wetland in Jersey, it is a
dedicated nature reserve with open water, reed beds and
a marshy perimeter providing habitats for fish, insects,
flowers and birds, including the Marsh Harrier which can
often be seen gliding above the pond.
Family fun
aMaizin! Maze and Adventure Park
La Hougue Farm, St Peter, JE3 7AX
Tel: 01534 482116 www.jerseyleisure.com
Open: Open April – September 10:00 –18:00
Bus: S 9, also on the Red and Yellow Explorer networks
Price: £7.20 (reduction for seniors and groups of four
or more)
aMaizin! Adventure Park is an award-winning attraction
that provides great fun for all the family! The all inclusive
park has many activities: Towering Toboggan, Water
Warriors, Goldmine, Barnyard and Go-Karts are just
some of what we have to offer! Suitable for the whole
family. The maze opens 1st July (included in entrance
fee), a themed trail with puzzles and clues in a giant
labyrinth constructed entirely from corn!
AquaSplash
The Waterfront Centre, St Helier, Jersey, JE2 4HE
Tel: 01534 734524
Open: Open all year (Flumes and outdoor are seasonal),
06:30 – 21:00 Mon – Fri, 08:00 – 20:00 Sat and Sun
(Swimming times differ)
Bus: S Walk; W Walk
Price: Pay per activity
25m x 6 lane pool, leisure pool with wave machine,
outdoor pool with lazy river, 2 flumes, 1 tyre ride, boogie
board and snorkelling sessions, sauna, steam room, crèche
and swimming lessons. Memberships also available.
Creepy Valley Adventure Centre
Tel: 01534 638888
www.creepyvalley.je
Open: Every Day 09:00 – dusk
Pre-booking essential
Bus: S 15; W 15
At Creepy Valley Adventure Centre there is so much
to do for the whole family you could come for a
couple of hours and stay the day. From the latest in
Laser Combat to a climbing and abseil wall with over
15 routes to test all skills, even a first timer! For a
real rush try the King Swing and Zip Wire or, for the
ultimate in experience, try the only Aerial Trekking in
Jersey. There are special rates for families, groups and
children’s parties that means no one gets left out. Call
us or visit our website to learn how you could ensure
this is the holiday to remember.
Free parking available at Les Ormes Golf & Leisure
Village.
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
Les Augrès Manor, Trinity, JE3 5BP
Tel: 01534 860000 www.durrell.org
Open: Open all year, 09:30 – 18:00 (17:00 in the winter)
Bus: S 3a, 3b, 23; W 3a, 23
Price: £9.40 – £12.90
Founded over fifty years ago by the late author and
naturalist Gerald Durrell, Durrell Wildlife Conservation
Trust is a sanctuary to over 130 endangered species.
With over 32 acres of parkland, daily animal talks, a café
and playground it is the perfect family day out.
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Fish ‘n’ Beads
Adjacent to the Wayside Café, St Brelade’s Bay, JE3 8EA
Tel: 01534 742348 fishnbeads@googlemail.com
Open: 10:30 – 17:00
Bus: S 12; W 12
Price: By item
Fish n Beads... wonderful secret of St Brelade’s bay.
Local artist selling driftwood art and a selection of funky
jewellery and beads. Create your own jewellery in a
relaxed atmosphere sitting outside by the sea – great
fun for all the family. Birthday parties, workshops and
hairbraids are also available.
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Jersey Bowl
Airport Road, St Peter, JE3 7BP
Tel: 01534 490444 www.jerseybowl.com
Open: Open all year, 10:00 – 23:30
Bus: S 9, 15; W 9, 15
Price: 1 Game £3.50 – £4.50
An 18 lane AMF equipped bowling centre with a family
diner, bar, pizza fast food outlet, beer garden, video
games room, pool lounge, Quasar arena and both an
indoor and oudoor adventure play area.
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Jersey Kayak Adventures
Tel: 01534 853138 / 07797 853033
info@jerseykayakadventures.co.uk
www.jerseykayakadventures.co.uk
Venues island wide. Pre-booking essential
Open: All year
Bus: Depending on venue (S) 1, 1b, 3, 4, 5, 9, 12, 12a,
Island Explorer Blue and Red; (W) 1, 1b, 3, 9, 12, 12a
Price: Depends on length of time afloat. Children, adult
and family rates
Discover our hidden coastline with Jersey’s only
specialist sea kayaking company. Use modern user
friendly single or tandem sit-on-top sea kayaks. Explore
with experienced and qualified instructors. Tours are
suitable for all ages, families and beginners. Individual
and group bookings. All equipment (including wetsuits)
provided. British Canoe Union and Green Tourism approved.