Love Nature Festival Programme 2024

26 May - 2 June

#LoveNature Festival

26 May - 2 June

Welcome to the eighth #LoveNature festival which aims to showcase the work of the National Trust and to enable ‘behind the scenes’ activities and special events at our sites and habitats in and around St Ouen’s Bay. Enjoy a range of wonderful nature inspired activities for the young and not so young!

This year the festival is kindly supported by

Sunday

THE GLORIOUS BIRDSONG AT DAWN

Experiencing the dawn chorus is truly unique and rewarding, well worth the early rise! Listen to nature’s symphony, one of the most magical moments in the natural world, as the dark of night eases into the breaking dawn throughout Val de la Mare arboretum. Join Neil and Alli (Birding Tours Jersey) for a short woodland wander, and you may even see bats going home to roost after a busy night feeding!

Time: 4.30am

Meeting Point: Upper car park Val de la Mare Reservoir

Parking: Val de la Mare car park

Duration: 2 hours

Price: Free for Members; £10 for non-Members. To book go to www.nationaltrust.je/events

Price: Free. No need to book, just come along 26 May

WILDFLOWER AND FOLKLORE WALK IN THE ORCHID FIELDS

Get up close and personal with the beautiful orchids growing in Le Noir Pre and also find out about the many other species growing in this amazing field. The walk will combine identification skills, science, myth and folklore as well as time to simply enjoy!

Time: 2.30pm - 3.30 pm

Meeting Point: Noir Pre Gate

Parking: Car Parks in the vicinity

Guide: Tina Hull

Price: Free for Members; £10 for Non-Members

To book go to www.nationaltrust.je/events

MEANDER AROUND THE ORCHID FIELDS

Experience a riot of colour at Le Noir Pré, our orchid meadows, which will be in full bloom. There are three species of orchids found growing in Le Noir Pré; the Southern Marsh Orchid, Jersey Orchid and the Spotted Orchid. Orchid counts take place every two years and since 1995 numbers have increased from 1,500 to over 90,000. As well as orchids there are 80 other flowering plants in the meadows and a wide diversity of insects, reptiles, mammals, and birds.

Time: 2.00pm - 4.00 pm

Meeting Point: Noir Pre-Gate

Parking: Car Parks in the vicinity

Bus Route: 22

LES MIELLES DE

MORVILLE FROM SAND DUNES TO RUBBISH TIP AND BACK AGAIN

Join John Pinel, former Principal Ecologist for the States of Jersey on a walk around Les Mielles. John will explain how this wild area was once used as the island’s municipal dump before being transformed into a nature reserve in the 1980’s.

Time: 2.30pm

Meeting Point: Frances Le Sueur Centre

Parking: Frances Le Sueur Centre

Duration 1.5 hours

Price: Free for Members; £10 for Non-Members

To book go to www.nationaltrust.je/events

Book tickets online for all our events by visiting www.nationaltrust.je/events

27 May Monday

SPRING WILDLIFE AT PLÉMONT

Come and join Neil and Alli (Birding Tours Jersey) for a stroll at Plémont headland. We will be on the lookout for Razorbill, Fulmar, Buzzard, Raven and even Peregrine. Of course, we shall keep our eyes peeled for the elusive Puffin, which are now rare visitors to our island. The cliffs are looking particularly spectacular this time of year and the views are magnificent. Gentle stroll with some uneven terrain

Time: 10.00am - 12.00 noon

Meeting Point: The Wicker Puffins

Parking: Car park at Plémont

Duration: 2 hours

Price: Free for Members; £10 for Non-Members. To book go to www.nationaltrust.je/events

SHORELINE EXPLORATION

Experience a low tide wander exploring the shoreline. This walk will be a slow meander discovering the landscape with an opportunity to record your observations in a journal – participants are encouraged to bring notebooks, pencils, and other art materials if they feel inclined to do so. The walk will finish with a sensory tea ritual with foraged herbs. You may also want to bring along a bucket for foraging seaweed.

Time: 2.30pm

Meeting Point: Car Park opposite Jersey Pearl (Les Laveurs)

Parking: Car Park opposite Jersey Pearl (Les Laveurs)

Duration: 2 hours

Guide: Amanda Bond

Price: Free for Members; £10 for Non-Members. To book go to: www.nationaltrust.je/events

EXPLORING ST OUEN

The walk will start in Sands car park. We will walk through Les Mielles de Morville exploring the area and then head up onto the plateau and head along small lanes to Grantez where we will explore the neolithic site and then walk back towards the beach and back to the Wetland Centre and Sands. Distance 4.3 miles 400 ft of ascent. 3 hours walk and follow footpaths up on to the plateau and to Grantez and then back into the bay. Find out about the past landscapes of the bay and discover some hidden paths.

Time: 2.30pm

Meeting Point: Wetland Centre

Parking: Car Park at Sands

Duration: 3 hours/Easy to moderate walking

Bus Route: 22 (St Ouen’s Pond)

Guide: Nicky Mansell

Price: Free for Members; £10 for Non-Members. To book go to www.nationaltrust.je/events

HUGH THE BAT’ TALK WITH THE JERSEY BAT GROUP

Join the Jersey Bat Group at the Wetland Centre just before the sun sets in St Ouen’s Bay and learn all there is to know about bats in this part of the Island. Enjoy a demonstration of different types of bat detectors and try out the magenta detectors at the edge of the pond (which is not normally accessible to the public).

Time: 9.00pm

Meeting Point: Wetland Centre

Parking: Car Park at Sands

Price: Free but to book a space please go to www.nationaltrust.je/events

www.nationaltrust.je/events

Book tickets online for all our events by visiting

28 May Tuesday

SECRETS OF ST OUEN

Enjoy a stroll through the wonderful parish of St Ouen, starting off at the former holiday camp at Plémont, We start with a visit to the Puffins and then complete a circular route exploring the rural delights of this scenic parish!. There are surprises and secrets on this walk so come and enjoy!.

Time: 10.00am

Meeting Point: Car park at Plémont

Parking: Car park at Plémont

Duration: 3 hours

Guide: Roger Noel

Price: Free for Members; £10 Non-Members. To book go to www.nationaltrust.je/events

NATURE WALK - GRANTEZ

This walk will be a slow meander discovering the landscape with an opportunity to record your observations in a journal – participants are encouraged to bring notebooks, pencils, and other art materials if they feel inclined to do so. The walk will finish with a sensory tea ritual with foraged herbs.

Time: 10.30am

Meeting Point: Car park at Mont Grantez

Parking: Car park at Mont Grantez

Duration: 2 hours

Guide: Amanda Bond

Price: Free for Members; £10 Non-Members. To book go to www.nationaltrust.je/events

29 May Wednesday

BIRDS, BOTANY AND BUTTERFLIES AT LES BLANCHES BANQUES

A stroll on the sand dunes with stops to look at the prolific wildlife. Neil and Alli (Birding Tours Jersey) love nothing more than sharing their knowledge about all aspects of wildlife. We will be looking at the birds, wildflowers, butterflies, moths and other insects, which call this incredible landscape home. This is a fantastic opportunity to engage the whole family with all aspects of nature. Binoculars, bug pots and magnifying glasses will be available to borrow. Sandy footpaths, which can be tiring.

Time: 10.00am

Meeting Point: La Carriere Park

Parking: La Carriere Car Park

Duration: 2 hours

Price: Free for Members; £10 for non-Members – booking essential. To book go to www.nationaltrust.je/events

PURPLE DEW PLANT REMOVAL

We will be holding a session, removing the Purple Dew plant from the coastal strips of St. Ouen’s Bay. So, we really need your help to remove this alien species from our coastline!

The Purple Dew Plant is an alien invader! It is a non-native plant species that has found its way onto the coastal strips of St. Ouen’s bay. Due to the plant thriving in sandy environments, if not managed correctly, the plant would otherwise blanket the grass and sandy areas of the bay, suffocating the growth of Jersey’s rich and diverse native species that would normally thrive in this area. Purple Dew plant will also prevent some insects, such as solitary bees, from accessing their nesting sites.

No tools are necessary, and we will be hand-pulling the plant from the sandy ground, but please do bring your own gloves if possible.

Time: 1.30pm

Meeting Point: Sands car park

Parking: Sands car park

Duration: 1 hour

Bus Route: 22

Price: Free for Members; To book go to www.nationaltrust.je/events

WILD FOOD FORAGE WITH KAZZ PADIDAR

Come and get lost in the wilds of St. Ouen; take in fantastic scenery, encounter local wildlife and learn about the vast variety of wild edible and medicinal plants our unique environment has to offer. Please dress with an eye on the weather and bring along any food and drink you may need.

Time: 4.30pm

Meeting Point: Car Park opposite Kempt Tower

Parking: Car Park opposite Kempt Tower

Duration: 2 hours

Price: Free for Members; £10 for Non-Members (£5 for children) To book go to www.nationaltrust.je/events

Book tickets online for all our events by visiting www.nationaltrust.je/events

30 May Thursday

MYSTICAL MOTHS AND WETLAND WANDERS

This is a fantastic opportunity to join Alli Singleton and Kim Koester who are both keen moth enthusiasts. They will set moth traps at the premium wildlife site of St Ouen’s Pond and will need some little hands to help empty them the following morning. This is a great opportunity to discover the incredible world of our night flying moths, discover their beauty, learn how to handle them and talk about their different roles in the ecosystem.

Time: 9.00am

Meeting Point: Wetland Centre

Parking: Car park next to Sands

Duration: 2 hours

Bus Route: 22

Price: Free for Members; £5 for Non-Members. To book go to www.nationaltrust.je/events

‘BEHIND THE SCENES’ WALK WITH THE NATIONAL TRUST’S LANDS MANAGER

Join Jonny Parkes, Lands Manager for the National Trust, on a ‘behind the scenes’ walk around St Ouen’s Pond, the orchid fields and other areas in and around the Bay. Learn how these sites are managed by the Lands team and access areas not normally accessible to the public. There might be a chance to see some scientific bird ringing during this walk, weather permitting

Time: 10.00am

Meeting Point: The Wetland Centre

Parking: Available in car parks in the vicinity

Duration: 2 hours

Price: Free for Members; £10 for Non-Members. To book go to www.nationaltrust.je/events

SHARK EGG HUNT

Children will learn about local ray and shark species and help gather scientific information for the Shark Trust’s national database on the species that we have in Jersey’s waters. We will also do our bit for the environment by collecting beach litter along the way.

All equipment will be provided, advice on clothing etc. will be sent prior to event start.

Time: 10.30am

Meeting Point: Faulkner Fisheries Car Park

Parking: Faulkner Fisheries Car Park

Duration: 1 hour

Price: Free for Members; £3 for non-Members - children to be accompanied by an adult (please note that tickets are only required for children).

Suitable for children aged 5 - 11 years

To book go to www.nationaltrust.je/events

WILD FOOD FORAGE WITH KAZZ PADIDAR

Come and get lost in the wilds of St. Ouen; take in fantastic scenery, encounter local wildlife and learn about the vast variety of wild edible and medicinal plants our unique environment has to offer. Please dress with an eye on the weather and bring along any food and drink you may need.

Time: 4.30pm

Meeting Point: Car Park opposite Kempt Tower

Parking: Car Park opposite Kempt Tower

Duration: 2 hours

Guide: Kazz Padidar

Price: Free for Members; £10 for Non-Members (£5 for children)

To book go to www.nationaltrust.je/events

Book tickets online for all our events by visiting www.nationaltrust.je/events

31 May Friday

SHARK EGG HUNT

Children will learn about local ray and shark species and help gather scientific information for the Shark Trust’s national database on the species that we have in Jersey’s waters. We will also do our bit for the environment by collecting beach litter along the way.

All equipment will be provided, advice on clothing etc. will be sent prior to event start.

Time: 2.00pm

Meeting Point: La Braye beach by the slip

Parking: La Braye car park

Duration: 1 hour

Price: Free for Members; £3 for non-Members - children to be accompanied by an adult (please note that tickets are only required for children). Suitable for children aged 5 - 11 years. To book go to www.nationaltrust.je/events

WILD FOOD FORAGE WITH KAZZ PADIDAR

Come and get lost in the wilds of St. Ouen; take in fantastic scenery, encounter local wildlife and learn about the vast variety of wild edible and medicinal plants our unique environment has to offer. Please dress with an eye on the weather and bring along any food and drink you may need.

Time: 4.30pm

Meeting Point: Car Park opposite Kempt Tower

Parking: Car Park opposite Kempt Tower

Duration: 2 hours

Guide: Kazz Padidar

Price: Free for Members; £5 for Non-Members (£5.for children) To book go to www.nationaltrust.je/events

SUNSET STROLL ABOVE ST OUEN

The NTJ Rangers have revamped the Grantez Headland, which was devastated by the storm last November. Join Neil and Alli Singleton for a wildlife and wellness walk along the lanes and footpaths of this beautiful, remote area of St Ouen. Bring a flask of something warm to enjoy as we watch the sun go down. Gentle stroll on country lanes and footpaths. 1.8 miles

Time: 19.30pm

Meeting Point: Grantez Car Park

Parking: Grantez Car Park

Duration: 2 hours

Guide: Kazz Padidar

Price: Free for Members; £10 for Non-Members (£5.for children)

To book go to www.nationaltrust.je/events

www.nationaltrust.je/events

Book tickets online for all our events by visiting

1 June Saturday

NATURE WALK - PLÉMONT

This walk will be a slow meander discovering the landscape with an opportunity to record your observations in a journal – participants are encouraged to bring notebooks, pencils, and other art materials if they feel inclined to do so. The walk will finish with a sensory tea ritual with foraged herbs.

Time: 10.30am

Meeting Point: Top car park at Plémont

Parking: Top car park at Plémont

Duration: 2 hours

Guide: Amanda Bond

Price: Free for Members; £10 for Non-Members. To book go to www.nationaltrust.je/events

SEIGNEURS, SURF AND SANDPIPERS

An interesting and exciting walk around St Ouen’s Bay. Join your guide Roger Noel as he uncovers the history and heritage of this beautiful place. Why not visit the Wetland Centre before or afterwards?

Time: 2.00 pm

Meeting Point: Car Park at Sands (opposite the Wetland Centre)

Parking: Car Park at Sands Bus Route: 22

Duration: 1.5 hours/Moderate walking

Guide: Roger Noel

Price: Free for Members; £10 for Non-Members. To book go to www.nationaltrust.je/events

2 June Sunday

TERRIFIC TALONS!

Come along to the Wetland Centre for an up-close encounter with some local birds of prey. Jo and Gill from the Jersey Falconry Club will be in the main room with some special guests for you to meet. Learn about how they live and hunt in the wild and ask any questions you have about our local raptors. Use binoculars to watch wild birds of prey from the viewing areas and enjoy owl pellet dissection with our Education Officer.

Visitors will be limited to two groups of 15 children (accompanied by an adult) for an hours sessions.

Please book one ticket per child to secure your space.

Time:

1.30pm - 2.30pm

2.30pm - 3.30pm

Meeting Point: Wetland Centre

Parking: Car Park next to Sands

Bus Route: 22

Duration: 1.5 hours

Price: Free for Members; £5 for Non Members. Booking essential. To book go to www.nationaltrust.je/events