See overleaf for more on Jersey’s wildlife and green spaces.
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Mike and Jon on the north coast path
If choughs are to continue flourishing in Jersey, the key to their success will be to keep the more aggressive and domineering plant species in check so that the birds can feed properly. I was introduced to the Trust’s secret weapon in the fight against advancing bracken and gorse further down the path: Manx Loaghtan sheep. Looking more like goats as they ambled past us, I was struck by how well-suited these multi-horned, sure-footed beasts were to the rugged terrain. The Trust’s hope is, through their nibbling and stomping, this tough breed will continue to open up more coastal heath, giving choughs a wider array of feeding areas. So in essence their presence on the north coast was, for me, one of those double hits – an incredibly useful conservation tool and a delightful addition to the walk. We had a busy few days in Jersey. The island’s bountiful natural assets came as a real surprise, embracing as they do both coast and country. Another highlight was a walk through the verdant Val de Mare Arboretum, Jersey’s ‘Forgotten Forest’, with specimen trees from every corner of the globe including Australia, America and Japan, all beautifully laid in their geographical zones. Another island gem was the wonderfully fragrant Lavender Farm, a picturesque working farm that
Chough ©Andrew
Kelly Photography
Manx Loaghtan sheep
shows the entire lavender production from growing through to the manufacture of various products. Back home in England, even though I felt far better acquainted with this enchanting island second time around, compiling a list of reasons for a third visit was easy. On this trip we had been too early in the year for the agile frog (Jersey being the only place in the British Isles where this long-legged creature can be found), too late for the Jersey orchid (another island speciality) and just plain unlucky in not catching up with the short-toed treecreeper, a bird of the trees. At least three reasons then. Oh, make that four. I should have added Grève de Lecq.
book online at www.jersey.com The two Mikes – Dilger and Stentiford
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