Discover Magazine | Spring 2018

SPRING 2018

Discover

THE MAGAZINE OF THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR JERSEY

DISCOVER

|

ENJOY

|

PROTECT

|

JOIN

&

GET

INVOLVED

In this issue P5

VIEW POINT

Charles Alluto, CEO

P6

IN THE NEWS

P6

P10

DISCOVER HISTORIC BUILDINGS The Pressoir

P12

DISCOVER HISTORIC BUILDINGS Records Uncovered The Foot Buildings

P17

DISCOVER LANDSCAPES Victoria Tower

P10

P20

SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLIES

P24

ENJOY

#LoveNature Festival

P26

ENJOY

Spring Wildlife Watch

P26

2 | DISCOVER

P29

MY JERSEY Lauren Radley

P32 P30

ENJOY

Volunteering for the Trust

P32

ENJOY

La Cotte de St Brelade

P34

P36

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Ros Kerslake Chief Executive Heritage Lottery Fund

P36

BRINGING HISTORY TO LIFE

P20

Jane Austen at 16 New Street

P40

P40

ENJOY

Making a Difference World Wetland Day

P42

P44

ENJOY

Bringing nature into the classroom

P43

ACTIVITIES TO TRY

P44

ENJOY

Membership Reciprocal Agreements, Zimbabwe

P46

DATES FOR THE DIARY

P51

LASTING LEGACIES

DISCOVER | 3

Giving nature some space...

Image: Petit PlĂŠmont (could this be a suitable seabird reserve in the future?)

4 | DISCOVER

View point

he eminent and renowned evolutionary biologist, E O Wilson, has recently called for half the world to be set aside for nature as a means of staving off a mass extinction event, similar to the one that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. The latter is believed to have been caused by an asteroid crashing into the earth or unprecedented volcanic activity, whilst the former will be caused by humanity. Coined “Half Earth”, the simple premise is to set aside half the world for the ten million other species – half for them and half for us. Only in this way will the world’s biodiversity have enough space and habitat to thrive, interconnect and sustain itself, as well as adapt to the challenges of global warming.

I suspect you will now be wondering how such a theory relates to a small densely populated island such as Jersey. Last year’s State of the Environment Report produced by our very own Department of Environment made stark reading, with evident decreases in biodiversity, poor natural water quality, and both our rural and maritime landscapes suffering from over exploitation. If we want to reverse this trend, I cannot help thinking that we need to take a leaf out of Mr Wilson’s book and be far more ambitious and visionary in our long term aims. As we bury ourselves in research, surveys, administration and assessments, whilst aiming towards the heady heights of Red Tractor/LEAF accreditation, our skylarks continue to diminish, our butterflies disappear, our seabed is dredged to the nth degree and our countryside suffers from degradation. Surely it is time to follow the British Government’s lead and draft a long term strategy to Improve our Environment, where ambition and vision, replace our innate fear of upsetting the apple cart so to speak. Nothing should be off limits including a wholescale review and cost benefit analysis of our existing agricultural industry, a renegotiation of the Granville Agreement, the designation of a blue belt for our marine

environment, major habitat restoration projects including woodland, wetlands and dunelands, increased and enhanced wildlife corridors between our SSI sites, increased co-operation between all conservation organisations in the Channel Islands, and above all an appreciation and understanding that we need to give nature some space to thrive ie: areas where humanity is not the main priority.

This might entail some sacrifice with access and certain human recreational activities restricted, but the dividends could be enormous. The Isles of Scilly are already putting such measures in place by recognising that wildlife is not only good for its environment, sense of pride and wellbeing, but also a huge boost to its tourism economy.

Durrell is to be applauded for wanting to rewild our world, but this will only be possible if there is a tremendous shift in attitude, whereby humanity is willing to set aside some of this planet for our fellow residents. Over 50 years ago American President Lyndon Johnson passed the Wilderness Act as a means of protecting land for its own sake so that “the earth and community of life are untrammelled by man, where man is only a visitor who does not remain”. Mr Wilson has called this “the conservation of eternity” and to date the Wilderness Act now protects 109.5 million acres which is equivalent to 4 % of the country. It is difficult to think of one area in Jersey where our wildlife is the absolute priority and man does not seek to secure some benefit. Even St Ouen’s Pond is used for recreational fishing, and very recently was considered a potential receptacle for polluted water. Surely it is time for Jersey to take up this significant challenge and consider establishing its own Wilderness Act, so that we can proudly play a part in rewilding a world where nature is respected and cherished for its own sake.

Charles Alluto

CEO NATIONAL TRUST FOR JERSEY DISCOVER | 5

IN THE NEWS

in the news Planning for the future… ast October, members of the Trust’s Council met with Maggie Morgan, a former regional director of The National Trust of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, to review progress on our strategic objectives as identified and agreed some 3 years earlier. It was evident that the Trust had made some good progress, despite the challenges of Plémont and the Foot Buildings, but above all it was clear that the Trust still needed to produce a business plan to identify its priorities for the next 3 years and to establish a suitable organisational framework and structure for delivering them in a timely and achievable manner.

This task fell to the Trust’s CEO, and ably assisted by members of Council, a draft was prepared by year end.

The draft document is undoubtedly ambitious and it will require some reshaping of the Trust’s working practices, including governance, HR and financial reporting, but this will in turn enable the Trust to adopt a more long term approach with clear core objectives and regular performance reviews.

6 | DISCOVER

Some may consider such business plans to be unnecessarily bureaucratic, but these modifications should be seen as a positive change, directly resulting from the rapid rate of growth and success the Trust has achieved over recent years.

Despite its relatively small size the Trust has taken on significant projects, which many of our counterparts have shied away from, including Coastal Protection, Plémont, 16 New Street, and the Foot Buildings. This has largely been possible due to the considerable commitment and enthusiasm of staff, volunteers and benefactors, but with a growing built estate of 29 historic buildings, over 1,700 vergées of land, 10 km of footpath, and ever increasing public expectation, the Trust cannot rely solely on goodwill to sustain it in the future. As well as identifying the means of improving its organisational procedures and skills, the business plan considers how to generate an additional £500,000 per annum to cover the Trust’s ongoing capital project costs. The plan recognises that this will necessitate some bold decisions, largely focusing on securing increased

return from the built estate, whilst still safeguarding historic integrity and character, in accordance with the Trust’s core objectives. Whilst some of these potential opportunities are highlighted, it is noted that that any such projects must be well researched and make good financial sense, before the Trust commits any capital investment. Undoubtedly conservation and commerciality do not always make easy bed fellows, but it is clear that the Trust needs to successfully grapple with this issue if it is to free itself from a continuing ethos of penury.

In conclusion the Trust’s Council hopes that the business plan will above all begin to set the Trust in the right direction of becoming more financially sustainable, more clearly focused, and better able to deliver and demonstrate the benefits of its crucial conservation work.

A brief overview of the business plan will be given during the forthcoming AGM in April

Hedges Planted for Farmland Birds I

t is not often that Birds On The Edge (BOTE) is offered a large donation for a project, and even less often that the donation comes with an added offer to help with the actual work! Yet, this is exactly what happened recently: first the Co-op EcoFund granted BOTE with 2,000 for the purchase of saplings to restore hedges, and then the Community Representative who presented us with the cheque came up with the idea of organising a planting event, to help us kick start the works.

We accepted the offer with much enthusiasm, yet at that moment we could not have imagined just how far the Co-op would go to rally the public support for this event, as an impressive campaign was launched on local news and social media, as well as ads, posters and a dedicated webpage. For the day of the event the Co-op had organised a shuttle service with two minibuses and even refreshments. All that we had to do was to show up with the trees!

The morning of the planting was windy and bitterly cold on the north coast, so we lowered our expectations and hoped at best to have a handful of participants. Our surprise was considerable when over thirty keen and smiley folk arrived covered in layers, gloves and wellies and proceeded to pick up spades and saplings and set off like an environmental battalion.

Such was their determination that not only did we plant the whole length of the first hedge, but we started and finished the second one too, with time to spare. As we enjoyed the refreshments and packed up, we could see a flock of chaffinches that were making its way back from some distant trees onto the field we had just restored. Seeing the birds all flock to the one or two shrubs left in the boundary we had just restored was a timely reminder of how vital hedges are in these farmland habitats.

The BOTE hedge initiative started in 2017 and aims to restore hedges at important bird areas such as winter bird crop sites and protected habitats. When mature, the hedges will provide shelter from bad weather and predators, as well as resting places for birds feeding at the winter crops. From spring to autumn the hedges will also provide nesting habitat, sources of nectar, buds and berries, and safe corridors for a wide variety of wildlife, from hedgehogs and voles to lizards, bats and bees.

Thanks to the grant from the Co-op EcoFund, and a further contribution from the Jersey Ecology Fund, we have now enough resources to plant over one kilometre of hedges. The Coop crowd managed to plant approximately 250m of hedge, so a quarter of the total target.

The rest will be planted in other organised events, so look out for those if you are interested in participating.

DISCOVER | 7

IN THE NEWS

Celebrating 10 years of the Sunset Concerts

his year, the National Trust for Jersey’s Sunset Concerts celebrates the 10th year of partnership with Ashburton Investments.

enable the purchase of more coastal land and continued commitment to protecting Jersey’s beautiful coastline for the future and for everyone.

Ten years of music, picnics and stunning scenery have seen over £70,000 raised for the National Trust’s Coastline Campaign which aims to safeguard Jersey’s natural heritage for future generations. The annual concerts are also a favourite among Ashburton’s team and their families who are always keen to volunteer. We take pride in our team’s commitment to preserving our island and educating Jersey’s next generation, whether in the classroom or the great outdoors.

Over the years, the Sunset Concerts have been able to attract top local and international performers to the St Ouens’ coast, allowing the Island’s natural beauty to be showcased further afield. Although the headliners are currently a closelyguarded secret, 2018 will see a special opportunity for local acts to nominate themselves for an opening slot at the concerts so keep an eye on social media for further announcements.

Over the years we have seen the popularity of the concerts grow with 2017 seeing record-breaking numbers and donations. Last year over 7000 people attended over the Friday and Saturday raising a bumper £10,000 in donations for the Coastline Campaign; donations

8 | DISCOVER

The National Trust for Jersey’s Sunset Concerts in association with Ashburton Investments will take place on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 June at Grantez headland, St Ouen.

Grève de Lecq Barracks – Closes its Doors for 2018 As many members will be aware just over 3 years ago the Trust successfully applied to turn part of the Barracks to self-catering. It was recognised that such a usage would be compatible with the historic layout, whilst avoiding the substantial capital investment, together with ongoing operational costs, that would be required if the site was to remain a feasible and successful museum.

Recently the planning consent has been renewed and subject to a feasibility study being approved

by Council and the Trust’s Finance Panel, it is hoped to start works in late Spring/early Summer to convert each of the east barrack blocks into two bed self-catering units. As a result the Trust’s Council has decided not to open the barracks this year, given that the existing museum will be much diminished and there are obvious health and safety implications arising from contractors and their vehicles being on site.

To close the barracks has not been an easy decision but it is hoped that this plan will give the site a sustainable future, provide a degree of public access, and generate much needed revenue for the Trust’s ongoing work. Of course one of the challenges that arises from this scheme is to find a new home for the Trust’s wonderful carriage and cart collection, a large part of which was donated

by Philip and Richard Stevens. However, rest assured that discussions are already in place to secure a more appropriate home for these much admired rural artefacts.

NEW YEAR...

NEW WOODLAND...

NEW APPROACH Works have begun on preparing just over 3 vergees of land for the planting of a new mixed deciduous woodland, but with a difference. Generously supported by HSBC around 550 trees will be planted, including managed areas for harvesting woodland products in the long term. The managed compartments will comprise Hazel, Sweet Chestnut and Common Oak and in later years these will be sustainably harvested to produce materials for fencing, steps and other infrastructure needed on National Trust sites.

There are also additional wildlife benefits as traditional woodland coppices are renowned for being rich in biodiversity due to their varying height and age structure, which allow for more “fringe” habitats that support rarer specialist species such as butterflies and other invertebrates.

DISCOVER | 9

D I S C O V E R | H I S T O R I C BU ILDIN GS

THE PRESSOIR Robert Le Mottée, Property Panel Chairman for the Trust provides an insight into the conversion of Les Côtils Farm pressoir into a residential dwelling

uring the mid 19th century cider production in Jersey was at its height and in 1850 cider exports averaged 150,000 gallons. As cider was widely drunk locally it is estimated that the exported cider only represented one tenth of the actual amount produced on the Islands farms.

Therefore, an important building on most farms, including Les Côtils Farm, was the pressoir.

Les Côtils Farm had extensive apple orchards and produced a large volume of cider from within this modest pressoir building, which would have housed a granite apple crusher and a timber press, together with a large number of oak barrels for storage and fermentation.

By the late 19th century cider was no longer in demand by the UK markets and local production was dramatically reduced. Many orchards were grubbed up and potato cultivation became the replacement crop.

It is clear that the pressoir at Les Côtils Farm became redundant and eventually the stone crusher and press were removed. What is believed to be two sections of the old granite apple crusher can still be found at the property, located adjacent to the east gable wall of the horse stable, where they were probably utilised as a drinking trough. Following the removal of this cider production equipment, the building would have been used as a basic farm outbuilding, which underwent major repair and rebuilding work during the mid 20th century.

'A Jersey Cider Press' - Richard Goldie Crawford (1871–1941) 10 | D I S C O V E R

When Les Côtils Farm was kindly bequeathed to the Trust by Mr. Donald Le Brun in 2002, the pressoir was in need of major structural repair. This involved rebuilding the south wall and the total replacement of the roof structure.

Back view of the Pressoir

Downstairs with fireplace

Bedroom refurbishment

An early photograph, was located and it was established that the south wall had originally been constructed in Flemish bond brickwork, which was rather unusual for Jersey farm buildings. As part of the structural repair this wall was carefully rebuilt to the original pattern.

Having restored the basic structure the Trust felt that the building should once again be put to good use.

The cottage like proportions of the pressoir seemed to suggest that it would convert sympathetically to a modest dwelling. Being a detached building, requiring very little external alteration, converting it to a dwelling does not have any detrimental effect on the adjacent, recently restored, granite farmhouse.

Design proposals were drawn up and Planning and Building approvals were sought. After some resistance, permits to proceed with the conversion work were finally obtained in early 2017.

Specifications were then drafted and competitive tenders were sought from local building contractors with experience of sensitive restoration works. N. Masefield Ltd. produced the lowest comprehensive tender and were subsequently appointed to act as main contractor.

Work to restore the pressoir into a two/ three bedroom cottage began in October 2017 with a contract period of eighteen weeks.

The restored building incorporates new, part glazed, insulated, timber entrance doors opening onto a spacious entrance hall, from which each of the ground floor rooms and new staircase can be

Old Pressoir window

accessed. These ground floor rooms consist of a cloaks/shower room, utility room, study (or third bedroom) and open plan kitchen, dining area, and sitting room.

At first floor, within the pitched roof, which incorporates Velux roof windows, are two large double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and a generous storage and airing cupboard off the first floor landing. The Velux windows on the south side, provide far reaching views over the Trust's new apple orchard and make the rooms feel light and spacious.

Wherever possible the Trust incorporates new energy efficient technology into its projects.

Before conversion work commenced, the building was basically an empty shell, but wherever possible original features, such as timber beams and posts have been retained and all new joinery has been designed in a sympathetic style, to suit the modest nature of the structure.

Wherever possible the Trust incorporates new energy efficient technology into its projects. In the case of the pressoir, a market leading Mitsubishi air source heat pump will support an under floor heating system to the ground floor areas and radiators and towel rails to the first floor rooms, together with all hot water needs.

This technology, together with LED lighting throughout the building, coupled with high levels of thermal insulation will

ensure very low energy consumption.

By arrangement with the JEC, the performance of the heating system will be accurately monitored and data collected will be used to assess the efficiency of the system.

As part of the earlier restoration works at Les Côtils Farm the Trust has installed a below ground rainwater harvesting system. This installation collects rainwater from all of the buildings into an 18,000 litre storage tank. The water is filtered and is then returned to the main house and the pressoir for use as ‘grey’ water, to flush toilets and as a supply for washing machines. Following completion of the main house restoration the Trust's efforts to utilise energy efficient technologies at Les Côtils Farm were recognised by the Jersey Construction Council by awarding the Trust the Jersey Electricity Sustainability award.

The pressoir will undoubtedly provide a very comfortable and energy efficient home to future tenants. The small, private garden to the south side of the house will compliment the accommodation and the adequate car parking to the courtyard will even include an electrical car charging point, to encourage the use of electrical vehicles.

The conversion project is scheduled for completion during March 2018 and the fortunate tenants will be able to take occupation of this charming, historic cottage during April 2018.

D I S C O V E R | 11

D I S C O V E R | H I S T O R I C BU ILDIN GS

RECORDS OF OUR PAST UNCOVERED

THE FOOT BUILDINGS

D I S C O V E R | 13

D I S C O V E R | T H E F O O T BU ILDIN G S

HIS MASTERS VOICE LOGO TAKES SHAPE

n our autumn 2017 edition of Discover we met up with Steph Newington and John Bates, traditional signwriter artists, who had been commissioned to restore ‘His Masters Voice’ logo to its former glory.

We are pleased to report that scale drawings have been made and the tracing of the logo has been applied to the Dumaresq Street elevation. Despite some of the challenges of the cold and wet weather the painting is well under way and scheduled to be completed during April.

14 | D I S C O V E R

TEAM WORK HELPS THE FOOT BUILDINGS TO NEAR COMPLETION y the time you read this article the main renovation and repair works to the Foot Buildings will have been completed, transforming three derelict historic buildings into 3 apartments, a café and a small art gallery/studio. It has been a long journey to get to this point, with over 10 years of campaigning and over £1.5m of expenditure, in order to secure the future of these modest but immensely important buildings in the very heart of St Helier. Of course none of this would have been possible without a great deal of support and team work.

From our initial campaigning with Save Jersey’s Heritage, to the donation of the buildings from the Channel Islands Co-operative Society, to the enormously generous financial bequests of Mrs Anne Herrod, Mrs Mollie Houston and Mr & Mrs Jack Trotman, to the architectural guidance and diplomacy of historic building consultants, Antony Gibb, to the well informed guidance of our engineers, the Morton Partnership, to the tenacious number crunching of our Quantity Surveyor, Colin Smith & Partners, to the programmed determination of our main contractors Camerons, to the skills and excellent craftsmanship of our very own Properties Team, to the determination of our former President, Christopher Harris, and above all to everyone who supported the project and helped us to save these buildings for the benefit of the Island, especially those hardy individuals who protested in such good spirits outside the Co-op AGM.

In the not too distant future Pitt Street will be resurfaced and transformed into the “street of light” as part of the Percentage for Art scheme, the Locke’s Café will be serving food and coffee al fresco, Ian & Ruth Rolls will be displaying their works of art in the shop of No 4, and families will be “living above the shop” in apartments full of period detail and character. Without doubt this project has come at a high price in relation to the Trust’s limited resources, but it should serve as an example of how partnerships can deliver successful heritage regeneration for St Helier. It is no longer acceptable or justifiable for developers to simply argue that historic buildings have to be demolished to make way for large scale development. With some imagination, compromise and good design, it is possible to safeguard our heritage, as well as provide scope for new build. It is to be hoped that some of the larger players, such as Andium Homes, Dandara, and the Planning Department, will see the value of Charing Cross as a template for future heritage regeneration in St Helier, and indeed consider working with the National Trust to deliver such schemes.

Saturday 28th April

OPEN VIEWING THE FOOT BUILDINGS Come along to view the beautifully restored ‘Foot’ Buildings in Pitt Street – with the iconic HMV logo featuring Nipper the dog. The subject of much campaigning and painstaking restoration and refurbishment, you will be able to see what has happened since the Trust purchased the three buildings; 4, 5 and 6 Pitt Street from the Co-Operative Society for £1 in November 2016. For those who have any 78 records from the Foot Buildings there will be an opportunity to play them during the day.

Meeting point: The Foot Buildings, Pitt Street, St Helier Time: 10am – 4pm Price: Free

D I S C O V E R | 15

16 | D I S C O V E R

D I S C O V E R | L AN D S CAPES

Victoria Tower Jon Parkes, Lands Manager for the Trust explains about some of the challenges around the management of Victoria Tower

ictoria Tower or Le Mont St Nicolas, as it is sometimes known, is a small site with a colourful history and truly magnificent views of La Deroute channel if you visit on the right day.

The tower was constructed to mark the accession of Queen Victoria to the throne.

It’s main purpose was to deter any potential French landings at Anne Port using a 32 pounder gun. It was last used as a defensive structure during WW2 as the headquarters for the German 2nd Battalion Artillery Regiment who installed an anti-aircraft gun on the roof as well as fortifying much of the surrounding hillside with a series of machine gun positions, trenches and observation posts, most of which have now been covered for safety reasons.

During more peaceful times, the tower was used as an observatory by the Victoria College Astronomy Society in the 1970s and today it is enjoyed for its stunning views of the Normandy coast, discovering a myriad of invertebrate life and a fine picnic spot.

Balancing the needs of people and those of wildlife on a small island doesn’t come without a few challenges and Victoria Tower might be one of the best examples of how the Trust tries to balance some of those issues.

There are the obvious potential conflicts such as disturbance to sensitive species and those amongst different user groups, but perhaps some others you might not consider immediately.

D I S C O V E R | 17

D I S C O V E R | L A NDS C A P E S

ARCHAEOLOGY The Tower itself, built in 1837, was one of the last built and the only Martello Tower to have a dry moat and drawbridge to protect the entrance. The moat now has a fence around it to prevent people falling in it, but climbing down to weed and clear rubbish is part of a routine check carried out multiple times through the year by the Lands team.

There are also WW2 German bunkers, machine gun positions and dug trenches around the site dating back to the occupation when the tower was also adorned by a German Anti-Aircraft gun. The Trust has recently replaced the enormous red door.

Victoria tower during the occupation

ENTOMOLOGY Perhaps surprisingly to some, Victoria Tower has had some rather rare invertebrate recordings over the past decade which has had an important bearing on the management of the site. As well as the enigmatic Swallowtail Butterfly Papilio machaon goganus, a few nationally rare and important species have been recorded by local entomologist Tim Ransom, including: Lasioglossum sexnotatum a UK Red List bee species, Scaeva selenitica a Hoverfly and the first Jersey record for the nomad bee Nomada zonata recorded by Tim in 2011. A first UK record and now part of the collection at the Natural History Museum.

18 | D I S C O V E R

GRASSLAND

TREES

The majority of the site is managed as a grassland for the benefit of invertebrate species but also for visiting members of the public who use the site for picnics, walking dogs or just enjoying the views of the French coast and Gorey Castle. The Lands team visit the site at numerous times though out the summer to cut back the footpaths whilst maintaining large areas of long grass and wildflowers for the invertebrates, which is important as there are few managed grasslands anywhere else near the site. The long grass is cut and removed at the end of the summer and the timing for this is balanced between the invertebrates need for late season pollen and nectar and weather conditions. The invertebrates need any available food at this time of year but failure to cut and clear the year’s growth would lead to a reduction in wildflowers over time. The increasing occurrence of dog mess within the site is also problematic. Not only does it cause a serious health hazard to staff maintaining the site and the public who visit, but dog faeces enriches the soil, again leading to a reduction in wildflowers.

The Oak grove, that forms the centre of the site, was planted in the 1990’s as a memorial and to provide a bit of diversity to the site. A shelter belt of Sycamore trees were planted to protect the Oaks at this exposed position. Around 10 years ago the Lands team started to fell these Sycamore as they were no longer required as the Oaks were large enough to fend for themselves resulting in a Coastal Grassland which would be much more valuable to wildlife than a Sycamore woodland.

D I S C O V E R | 19

Swallowtail Butterfly Papilio machaon gorganus

By Jon Rault

CONSERVATION OFFICER

he abundant flowering plants that make up the habitats at Victoria Tower support a diverse community of wild insects, providing them with essential food resources in the form of pollen and nectar. One of the largest and most spectacular of the many insects recorded at Victoria Tower in recent years is the strikingly beautiful Swallowtail butterfly Papilio machaon gorganus. In France this butterfly is known by the charming vernacular name of ‘Le Grande Porte-Queue’, which roughly translates as ‘The Great Tailbearer’, a reference to the conspicuous ‘tails’ present on the hindwings.

20 | D I S C O V E R

D I S C O V E R | SWA LLOW TA IL B U TTER FL Y

The Swallowtail Papilio machaon is a widespread species, occurring over the whole of continental Europe; in Africa north of the Sahara; throughout temperate Asia; as well as across much of North America. As you might expect from a species with such a widespread distribution, Papilio machaon shows quite a bit of variation in appearance and behaviour across its range, and is represented by numerous subspecies in different localities. For example, on the British mainland the only long-term resident Swallowtail colonies are those of subspecies britannicus. Papilio machaon britannicus live in self-contained colonies in a very restricted area of the Norfolk Broads. The restricted distribution of this subspecies is a result of britannicus caterpillars being very fussy eaters, feeding almost exclusively on Milk-parsley Peucedanum palustre, a scarce marshland plant of the East Anglian fens.

The resident britannicus Swallowtails are joined on the British mainland in some years by migrating Swallowtails of the continental subspecies gorganus.

It is this subspecies to which the butterflies recorded in Jersey belong. Papilio machaon gorganus is a highly mobile subspecies that regularly migrates across the Channel. In favourable years some of these migrants are able to establish temporary breeding colonies, a phenomenon that has been observed in several English counties including Kent, Sussex, Dorset and Somerset.

To date, these colonies have been short-lived, typically persisting for just a few short years before disappearing.

In terms of habitat and resources, continental gorganus Swallowtails have rather different requirements than their British britannicus counterparts. Caterpillars of the continental subspecies gorganus are less fussy about what they eat, and will happily feed on relatively common umbellifers such as Wild Carrot (Daucus carota), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and Wild Angelica (Angelica sylvestris). This difference in culinary preference explains why the gorganus subspecies is able to utilise such a wide range of habitats. Unlike the britannicus subspecies, which is restricted to living in self-contained colonies in the fens of East Anglia, female gorganus Swallowtails roam widely

through the European countryside, opportunistically laying eggs whenever they encounter suitable caterpillar foodplants. The wandering lifestyle of this large butterfly does come at an energetic cost, with gorganus Swallowtails being dependent upon there being an abundant supply of nectar rich plants across the landscape to fuel their flight. Another difference between British britannicus and continental gorganus Swallowtails is that British britannicus Swallowtails are characterised by a single generation each year (the adult butterflies emerge in late May), while gorganus is a ‘bivoltine’ species , with 2 generations emerging each year (the first generation of adult butterflies emerge in May, the second in August).

The majority of Jersey’s recent gorganus Swallowtail records come from the Jersey Butterfly Monitoring Scheme transects at Victoria Tower and Grouville Golf Course, although the Jersey Biodiversity Centre holds further records from all over the Island. Local experts think it probable that we have had resident colonies of this butterfly at Victoria Tower (between 2008 and 2011) and Grouville Golf Course (between 2006 and 2008) in the past, but it is thought that these colonies have now disappeared. As with the shortlived gorganus colonies that periodically spring up in southern England, it is a sad fact that small colonies such as these are always at risk of disappearing before they become properly established. Just a single year of unfavourable weather or an instance of inappropriate site management that negatively impacts upon the resources they need is enough for the fledgling colonies to be lost.

As the climate warms over the coming decades it is likely that migrating insects like gorganus Swallowtails will become an increasingly common sight on our Island. Managing sites such as Victoria Tower with the needs of such species in mind will help to ensure that migrating insects have the best chance of being able to breed and overwinter successfully. In the case of the Swallowtail butterfly, it is hoped that site management initiatives aimed at increasing the abundance of both nectar-rich wildflowers and caterpillar food plants will facilitate the re-establishment of this spectacular butterfly as a member of our Islands resident fauna.

SELF DEFENCE WITH PINEAPPLE PERFUME Like the adult butterflies, Swallowtail caterpillars are truly magnificent creatures. At the start of their lives young caterpillars adopt a covert strategy, attempting to remain inconspicuous by resembling black and white bird droppings. Following their second moult the caterpillars switch strategy, becoming bright green with black and orange rings. In addition to this bright warning colouration, the caterpillars have evolved another defensive strategy. When disturbed by a predatory insect the caterpillars erect a bright orange forked structure (the osmaterium) from behind their heads. This structure emits a pungent cocktail of chemicals, the smell of which has been said to resemble pineapple, which is highly effective at deterring predatory insects.

D I S C O V E R | 21

D I S C O V E R | L A NDS C A P E S

grouville nd po rsh ma refurbishment project Grouville Marsh SSI is a 89.5 vergee wetland comprising of reed beds, fen and grazed wet meadows. Its ownership is divided between six different parties with the National Trust for Jersey’s land, acquired in 1979, accounting for 12 vergees of the entire site.

It’s designation of SSI (Site of Special Interest) was given in 2008 due to the site representing both reed swamp and wet meadow habitats which are both considered rare in a local context, especially at coastal sites, as most have been drained for agriculture or development. The Marsh is also home to rare flora such as Marsh pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris), Gipsywort (Lycopus europaeus), Tufted forget-menot (Myosotis laxa) and Tubular dropwort (Oenanthe fistulosa), as well as over 165 resident and migratory bird species which have been recorded over the years. The Site also supports a number of interesting and rare invertebrates. At least three species of dragonfly have been recorded here including Blue-damsel fly (Ischnura elegans), Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator) and Wide-bodied chaser (Libellula depressa).

The three reed beds within Grouville Marsh SSI, which are managed by the Trust, were last landscaped in the early 1990’s with reed bed 1 having a large 22 | D I S C O V E R

area of open water to attract water fowl such as Shovellers and Pochards. Over the last few decades, the ever-growing Phragmites reeds have encroached into the open water as the seasonal layers of detritus build up led to the reed bed drying out and trees starting to take hold. This natural process is known as “succession” and halting its progress is a key principle of wetland management across all of our wetland sites.

The initial preparation work was carried out in September 2017 by the “Back to Work” team and consisted of removing seedling Alder and Willow trees that had started to take root within the reed bed.

There was also the cutting and clearing of the reed growth, performed this time of year on a rotational basis between the 3 reed beds. This time the objective was to create a blank canvas for the digger driver to work on and also allow him to see where he was going and avoid sinking into any unseen holes.

As an SSI it was imperative that any damage to the site was to be avoided.

A spilt fuel container or even worse, a sunken digger in a reed bed could be a catastrophe for this very sensitive area and this is why planning permission and consultation with the Environment Department was essential before any work could take place. Careful consideration was given to the logistics of moving hundreds of tonnes of organic material using 10 tonne lorries in and out of a wet SSI. Temporary areas of hard

By Jon Parkes, Lands Manager

standing and haulage tracks, consisting of clean stone and geotextiles were used to dissipate the weight and minimise ground compaction and damage.

With a good spell in the weather, the 5 tonne excavator and its undaunted driver began the process of digging out the built up silt and organic matter which was then loaded onto a tracked dumper before being taken off site by the lorries. In the past, during similar operations, operators have used bound together railway sleepers, sometimes called “Navvy mats” to balance their machine on within a wetland. Surprisingly, a hard standing was discovered at 1.5m (the maximum intended depth of the pond) which rendered the Navvy mats unnecessary.

After a week of creating temporary haulage roads and digging, a total of 300 tonnes of material was removed from the site to be spread on agricultural fields as a nutrient rich soil improver. This was chemically analysed beforehand to make sure there was no unpleasant surprises, given the sites history as a dump.

As well as having a satisfying result in the form of a nice stretch of open water habitat, the Trust also took advantage of a shear face created on an island within the middle of the pond by installing an artificial kingfisher nest. Whilst there are no known nesting kingfishers at present, they are regarded as seasonal visitors and we hope a pair may take the opportunity in the near future.

artificial kingfisher nests Kingfishers (Alcedo atthis) are small brightly coloured birds that inhabit slow moving rivers, canals, ponds and lakes and feed on small fish and aquatic invertebrates. They nest in burrows above water, out of reach to predators and locally have been spotted along the shoreline hunting in rock pools.

In Jersey they are regarded as a “visitor” and whilst there are rumours of breeding attempts, they haven’t been observed to have been successful. Some great photos of Kingfishers have been taken recently at both Queen’s Valley Reservoir and the recently expanded Scrape to the south of St Ouen’s Pond which is managed by the Trust.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DIGGING A POND IN A REED BED? • An enhanced open water habitat for over wintering waterfowl and waders such as Bittern, Pochard and Teal • Help to prevent the area drying out in the summer and provide suitable habitat for fish and toads to breed • Increase the variety of wetland ‘niches’, creating a rich mosaic of habitats contributing to wider biodiversity • Increase the volume of holding capacity of water the site can manage in the winter and help reduce localised flooding • A reduction of reed rhizomes and the built up litter layer will prolong the positive effects of the annual rotational reed cuts (taking longer for the accumulation of organic material to have a negative impact)

The “Schwegler” artificial Kingfisher nest, which can also be used for Sand Martins, is comprised of a rectangular concrete compartment (26cm x 26cm x 17cm) attached to a tunnel (58cm x 12.5cm x 15cm) made of the same material. Both are protected from underneath by a wire mesh to deter burrowing predators and insulated by being lined with ground.

Along with the choice of construction material, the ground helps to thermoregulate the chamber and maintain a consistent temperature.

The Trust would like to thank The One Foundation and the Countryside Enhancement Scheme for generously supporting the project and the Environment Department and Back to Work Scheme for their assistance.

D I S C O V E R | 23

E N J O Y | # L O V E NA T U R E FES T IV AL

#LoveNature Festival 24 to 28 May

The Trust is staging a second environmental festival #LoveNature based on the success of last year’s inaugural event. Staged over five days including the Bank Holiday Monday from 24th to 28th May and set in and around St Ouen’s Bay in Jersey’s National Park, the event coincides with and showcases the wild orchids in all their glory at Le Noir Pré.

The aim of the festival is to encourage islanders and visitors to discover the Trust’s buildings, sites and lands around St Ouen’s Bay and in particular Le Don Hilton (the White House), the Wetland Centre, the orchid fields at Le Noir Pré, La Mielle de Morville and St Ouen’s Pond – La Mare au Seigneur. A highlight will be ‘behind the scenes’ walks and tours with the Trust’s Land’s Team who will introduce participants to places with strange sounding names such as ‘Bob’s’, ‘the Scrape’, ‘Eddie’s Hide’, ‘the Bath and Rock fields’ and ‘the north and south canals’ to name but a few.

Wildlife will be a key theme of the weekend and there will be activities around bats, bees, birds, bugs and butterflies. Keen ornithologists can enjoy regular bird tours from the Wetlands Centre with local ornithologist Neil Singleton and get up close to observe bird ringing with Cris Sellares from Birds on the Edge.

24 | D I S C O V E R

We want people to experience the beauty of the orchid fields at Le Noir Pré in a slightly different way this year, so as well as a walk through the fields at sunset we are aiming to have some al fresco art with painting ‘en plein air’. So budding artists can come along with their easels, brushes, paints, flasks and sandwiches and paint glorious ‘spotted orchids’, southern marsh orchids and loose-flowered orchids (the Jersey ones) in all their glory in the fresh air.

Jersey Electricity has been a long term partner & supporter of the Trust, marking its 75th anniversary by gifting a Hilux pickup for the Lands Team, undertaking substantial work for the ‘Save Plémont’ Campaign in 2014, supporting the Coastline Campaign and the Elm and Wildlife Hedge Projects for its 80th anniversary. So the Company is delighted to be involved in the second #LoveNature Festival.

Jersey Electricity CEO Chris Ambler said:

There will be a host of activities for children with The Trust’s Education officer, Jo Stansfield and Conservation Officer Jon Rault who will be based at the Frances Le Sueur Centre over the Bank Holiday Monday. Participants can learn about pollinators and how to encourage them into their garden. Discover how breakfast would be a very different offering without these wonderful creatures. Children can create bee related crafts, enjoy a bug safari and go pond dipping.

‘The work the Trust does – with such a small team - to preserve Jersey’s natural environment is immense. I know I speak for my colleagues at Jersey Electricity and so many of our customers when I say how pleased we are to have been able to support the Trust in making such a meaningful positive impact with so many of its initiatives over the years.

As the Island’s leading supplier of clean energy, these initiatives are totally compatible with our own beliefs around environmental sustainability.'

Kazz Padidar will once again be offering introduction to bush craft and foraging and the Jersey Bat Group will be taking us on a wonderful walk just after sunset to see how many of these elusive creatures are swooping overhead near the pond.

‘The #LoveNature Festival is a true celebration of everything the Trust stands for and we all want to see protected. This event encourages all of us to take a little time out to appreciate the good things this Island offers naturally. We look forward to continuing to be involved and support the Trust’s work for years to come.’

For more information on the programme log on to www.nationaltrust.je or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

E N J O Y | S P R I N G W I L DLIFE WAT CH

e f i l d l i W g n i Spr Watch With spring on its way the weather starts to get warmer and the days longer so it’s an ideal time to get outdoors enjoy our Island and see what spring wildlife you can spot.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started…

MARSH HARRIER

SKYLARK

Marsh harriers are nowadays a common sight in Jersey, thanks to the recovery of the continental populations. At present there are around 20 breeding pairs, and although they only nest in Jersey’s main reedbeds, they can be seen hunting above fields of any Parish. In the autumn some of our harriers go south, whilst others stay and are joined by harriers coming from the north, bumping up the numbers. In spring, local breeding pairs re-unite at their territories and perform the most spectacular courtship aerobatics, for which all harrier species are known for.

Small yet fierce, this sparrow-size lark is known for its powerful courtship songs performed so high in the sky one can’t sometimes even see them. This song used to be heard along the Jersey coast, but nowadays there are just over a dozen pairs of Skylark left in the Island, and most of them are out of reach, at the Airports’ grounds.

The best place in Jersey to see these aerial displays is without a doubt at St Ouen’s Pond and the neighbouring habitats in St Ouen’s Bay, where over a dozen pairs perform to defend their territories and to reinforce the bond with their mate. The aerial displays often involve the male gaining height and calling loudly as he starts to tumble down in a series of spirals and pitches. The female will often join him half way down and often clasp talons with him. These actions are important rehearsals of the elaborate food-passing manoeuvres that will be necessary later, when she is busy incubating or rearing chicks and depends on his provision of food.

The Common Buzzard is another raptor seen in this area; although of similar size to the harrier, its tail is much shorter and its wings much rounder and stockier, whereas the harriers are long and narrow – and of course their aerial displays will be second to none.

26 | D I S C O V E R

There are two, sometimes three pairs outside the Airport, holding territories at the Sand Dunes. The chances of finding them are better than you might think, thanks to their loud and characteristic song, which they sing for many minutes above the western half of the Dunes or along the sea-wall.

Meadow pipits, which are much more common, can be mistaken for Skylarks, because they look similar and also like to perform songflights. Their song is a simple and repetitive series of ‘peeppeep-peep’ whilst the Skylark’s is a loud, elaborate and poignant song, with many syllables and barely any repetitions.

Also, pipits will be hovering at 10-30 feet, whilst the Skylarks go much higher in the sky. Such displays of stamina end with a quick glide to the ground, legs hanging below, in what is known as ‘parachuting’.

So, if you happen to be walking by the Dunes or the seawall anywhere between La Pulente and El Tico, or maybe just having a coffee at Le Braye, you might just be bestowed with the beautiful, unique song of the Skylark pouring down from high above. Enjoy the singing, and good luck spotting the little tenor.

GREEN LIZARD

TOAD

BUMBLEBEE

You might not know this but Jersey is the only place in Britain where the Green Lizard is native, as we are at the north-western edge of its continental range.

In late January toads emerge from their winter slumber to look for garden ponds and other water bodies, where they will mate and lay their eggs in long strings of spawn. By April small black tadpoles will hatch and will be seen darting underwater in the same ponds where they were born. They will remain as tadpoles until the end of the summer, when they will begin the metamorphosis into the adult form.

One of the earliest bee species to emerge from hibernation is Bombus terrestris. On the British mainland this bumblebee species is represented by the Buff-tailed subspecies Bombus terrestris audax, as reflected in its common name on the mainland, the ‘Buff-tailed bumblebee’. In Jersey, this species is represented by the white-tailed continental subspecies Bombus terrestris terrestris, known colloquially as the ‘Jersey White-tail’.

Jersey’s lizards experience lower temperatures than their European relatives, so they spend more time basking than ones in warmer climates.

Lizards spend the winter tucked away hibernating, reappearing usually by April when the days start to be warmer.

Adult green lizards are unmistakable from the other reptiles in Jersey, with their bright green body and in the case of males, a large blue patch by the throat. The smallest individuals are probably young from the previous year.

They tend to appear darker and more mottled, for a better camouflage.

Green lizards can be found in many parishes, but their largest populations are in the west and south-west of Jersey, such as the protected sites of Les Blanches Banques and Ouaisne Common. The combination of dune systems, coastal grasslands and gorseland offers them shelter from predators, warm spots to bask, plenty of insects and other small prey, soft soil to make nests and safe areas in which to hibernate during the colder months.

Your best chances to spot them are by taking a slow, quiet walk along the footpaths of St Brelades and St Ouen’s Bays, watching the sides of the path especially by small shrubs and clumps of grass. If you see a lizard, take care not to cast your shadow over it as it will make it scuttle away into hiding, until it feels that the potential predator (you) has gone away.

The toad of Jersey happens to be quite special. It not only gives the people of Jersey, the Island in the Channel where it is found, our Jerriais nickname ‘Crapaud’, but a recent scientific study concluded that the Jersey toad is in fact a unique species in Britain. Indeed, our toad is the ‘Western Common Toad Bufo spinosus, which split from the Common Toad Bufo bufo some nine million years ago. Whilst Bufo bufo is found in most of Europe and mainland UK, Bufo spinosus is found in the lands from North Africa to Western France - and Jersey. The discovery of the real identity of Jerseys’ toad made national headlines too, as it added a new species to the official UK List, something that does not happen every day.

Jersey’s toads are very dependent on garden ponds, and this makes them a vulnerable to road mortality, especially during early spring when they are migrating to the ponds. So, if you are driving on a drizzly night keep an eye on the road, track and even the drive to your house, as there is a chance there could be one or more going about their businesses.

Bombus terrestris is a highly adaptable and widespread species. It is able to exploit a variety of habitats, and is known to visit a wide variety of flowers for pollen and nectar. It is found throughout Europe, across Asia to northern Mongolia, as well as in the higher altitudes of the Atlas Mountains in North Africa. In Jersey, this bumblebee can be encountered almost anywhere on the Island.

Unlike the majority of bee species, which live solitary lives, bumblebees are social, producing colonies of numerous sterile female workers that serve a single fertile queen. The large, furry queens of Bombus terrestris start emerging from hibernation very early in the year. Being very conspicuous, they are frequently observed searching for food and abandoned mammal holes, their preferred nesting habitat. Colonies of this species grow relatively large compared to other bumblebee species, and frequently contain several hundred workers.

D I S C O V E R | 27

E N J O Y | M E E T YO U R GU IDE

guide MEET YOUR

Neil Harvey

SENIOR COUNTRYSIDE RANGER

came from an artistic background but I have always had a keen interest in the outdoors and a real love for wildlife conservation. I studied a 2 year GNVQ Art & Design course at Highlands and undertook the first year of a sculpture degree at Wolverhampton College of Art. When I was younger and in between travels, I worked as a gardener where I had the opportunity to work alongside Alcindo Pinto and Chris Christie - two local wildlife and conservation gardeners.

I learnt a great deal from them and for the first time began considering conservation as a possible career path. Thus, when the position of Countryside Ranger with the National Trust came up I applied immediately and was delighted when I was offered the job.

That was in 2005 – so I have been working for the Trust now for nearly thirteen years. I am now the Senior Countryside Ranger responsible for the team out in the field. The Lands team consists of five members of staff; the Lands Manager, a Conservation Officer, 28 | D I S C O V E R

myself and two Rangers. The team is responsible for building and maintaining the public access infrastructure on our sites and carrying out conservation work outlined in management plans.

My role is very varied and can change from day to day, hour to hour. In the morning I could be carrying out a bird survey or leading a guided walk and in the afternoon clearing trees as a result of a storm. We have to have a ‘Jack of all Trades’ approach and be able to deal with and respond to a diverse range of tasks. These can include tractor driving, strimming paths, hedge cutting, chainsaw work, meeting with contractors or organising volunteer group tasks.

We need to learn how to manage a range of habitats and know how to respond to each one at different times of the year.

Examples include pond clearance, reed burning and coppicing trees.

You need to be able to get on with people and represent the ethos and vision of the Trust – we work with children on school tasks, corporate team building activities, we work alongside the Back to Work teams, specialist contractors and volunteers as well as the general public at specific festivals and events.

I still get to use my creativity and recently helped in designing and establishing the children’s discovery area at Plémont where I completed some wood carving and installed some handcrafted wooden benches. More recently I have been proud to be involved with the set up and planning of the Toad sculpture trail in Hamptonne woods.

In my spare time I am a printmaker specialising in natural woodblock log prints, the logs come from storm damaged trees or trees felled as part of conservation management on National Trust land.

My team will be leading ‘behind the scenes’ ranger walks in and around St Ouen’s Bay as part of the #LoveNature Festival.

r

E N J O Y | MY JER S EY

My Jersey Lauren Radley

ILLUSTRATOR & DESIGNER

Vallee des Vaux is my special place on the Island. I walk around the woods there every morning with my dog Bella, and find it the best, and most inspirational way to start my day.

n Kitchen

per

Dried salt cod Bed warming pan

came to Jersey almost six years ago now, on ‘holiday’ (which I’ve heard is the story of so many people who have ended up here in Jersey – they go on a holiday and just never leave!). My husband is from the Island, and after living in London together for about five years, we found that we very much enjoyed the calmer pace of Island life, and decided to stay. We were also fortunate to be given the opportunity to rent a beautiful piece of land where we now grow our own vegetables, flowers and fruit trees – an opportunity we couldn’t Hi! I’m Georgie. down!

I will beturn hidding in every room. How many times can you Being find me? outdoors is so important to me; whether at our field, or in the woodlands close to our home. As I grew up in Sheffield, I have never been much of a ‘beach girl’ (although I adore the wild open bay of St Ouen, and the calming cove at Portlet), and instead Can youhave find always preferred woodlandthese walks.

Vallee objects indes Vaux is my special place on the Island. the kitchen?

I walk around the woods there every morning with my dog Bella, and find it the best, and most inspirational way to start my day.

Jersey has been a wonderful place to start and nurture my business. There is so much community and support for and between small local businesses, that

I have found it so encouraging to keep going, and grow my own. My work is often commented on as being very ‘fresh’ and ‘different’, something which I think is important to encourage on the Island, and is possibly why I have been asked to work with local brands and organisations so often; to bring something new and vibrant through my illustrations.

I have loved working for the Jersey National Trust over the past five years, as I am always inspired by nature, wildlife, and learning about the history of my surroundings. To be given the opportunity to often illustrate the wildlife, natural features, and the incredible historic buildings found at National Trust locations around the island, has been so enjoyable.

More recently I have worked with the Trust to create the “Sounds of the Shore” post card, which was created for the Trust's 80th year anniversary and sent out to members to complete and return stating why they ‘love the Jersey Coastline’ Working on the children’s guide book for New Street was also fun and most recently we worked together to create a National Trust Jersey T Towel which illustrates many of the National Trust sites around the Island.

D I S C O V E R | 29

E N J O Y | V O L U NT E E R I N G FOR T HE T RU S T

the national trust VOLUNTEERING FOR

We met up with Sue Le Gallais, to find out why she volunteers for the Trust…

Born, brought up and educated in Jersey Sue told us that she spent 3 years at Seale Hayne Agricultural College learning about the stewardship of our natural resources and the diversity of the rural economy.

As part of a gap year after college Sue worked in Canada, and took a three month Cordon Bleu cookery course. The latter led to a 30 year career in Jersey catering for a wide variety of corporate and family functions.

Sue explains that she brings the skills she developed as a self employed cook to her role with the Trust; hospitality, event planning, working with people and even cooking on occasions!

WHY I SUPPORT THE TRUST I am proud of my island heritage and the Trust is a vital part of that heritage. The work of the Trust seeks to preserve the legacy of the past, keeps a watchful eye on current developments, and plans for the future. This helps to keep our island so special - the coastline, the iconic buildings in both the rural and urban environments, and community events such as the Black Butter Festival - will be there for future generations to enjoy.

My family have always had a close relationship with the Trust as my grandfather Carlyle Le Gallais was a founder member in 1936 and in the intervening years both my aunt and cousin have served as Council members of the Trust. I joined the Council in 2015 and am mindful of my responsibility to continue this family tradition.

WHAT IS MY ROLE As a Council member I attend quarterly meetings. In addition to updates on the current work of the Trust, these meetings discuss the policy and administration of the organisation, the practicalities of using our resources, both manpower and 30 | D I S C O V E R

financial, in the most efficient manner, and we look to the future as potential projects require our attention.

As a volunteer, I find myself involved and supporting a wide range of tasks like the annual Black Butter Festival, Heritage Open Days, or filling envelopes with the Discover magazine twice a year.

I have been known to take a lead in events such as the ‘Jams, Jellies and Gin’ workshop last autumn, and the Christmas shopping and afternoon tea event, when the Trust combines with Jersey Alzheimer's Association to raise funds and awareness of the impact dementia has on those living with the disease in the Island.

WHAT I HAVE BECOME TO APPRECIATE SINCE VOLUNTEERING FOR THE TRUST I have been actively involved with the Trust for nearly three years and in that time I have learned that the Trust is responsible for, among other things: • The on-going maintenance of properties already in the care of the Trust • the sensitive refurbishment of properties recently gifted to the Trust • the ecological management of land in the care of the Trust - woodland, farmland and of course, our ever threatened coastline • Education projects for both adults and the young - the Woodland Wanders, Rockpool Rambles and Bug Safaris are great fun and very informative for the younger supporters of the Trust • Events such as the Sunset Concerts, the Heritage Open Days, the cinema evenings, guided walks, the creative workshops

• The Trusts properties which are regularly open to visitors during the summer months - the Georgian House at 16 New Street, Moulin de Quétivel and Grève de Lecq Barracks - all made possible by countless hours of volunteer work • Contributing to the Island debate on matters of conservation, planning, development and the environment • Working with other organisations to deliver sustainability as well as profitability in the rural economy.

I am constantly amazed by all that is achieved by the small team of dedicated and hard working staff. Equally passionate and energetic are the Trust volunteers, without whom the Trust would be unable to undertake much of its work. Along with the Council members, who generously give of their time and professional skills, this organisation is made up of people who are passionate about their Island and committed to its future. Being part of this team is a privilege, it is inspiring and informative, but most of all, it is fun!

MY FAVOURITE TRUST SITE Where ever I am working at the time, I love the diversity of this organisation!

The office at the Elms, the Georgian House at Christmas time, less well known Trust properties which open their doors to the public on Heritage Open Days, Plémont for a bracing winter walk, the woodland in Valley des Vaux, which was the first land gifted to the Trust by my grand-parents.

I am proud of my island heritage and the Trust is a vital part of that heritage.

D I S C O V E R | 31

Safeguarding

La Cotte de St Brelade

By Jon Carter

CHIEF EXECUTIVE, JERSEY HERITAGE

32 | D I S C O V E R

E N J O Y | LA COTTE D E S T B R EL AD E

A young Prince Charles at La Cotte in 1968

W

ork has started on a major coastal engineering and archaeology project to safeguard La Cotte de St Brelade. Arguably the most important heritage site in Jersey, it is also currently the most vulnerable. La Cotte contains evidence of Neanderthal life and the changing climate over a quarter of a million years. It has produced a huge collection of archaeological finds including the only late Neanderthal fossils in Britain. But the site has become vulnerable to the sea and to changing weather patterns. In recent years erosion and storm damage have become significant problems.

Since 2009 Jersey Heritage has been developing the Ice Age Island project, a research partnership including the Institute of Archaeology at University College London, the British Museum, University of Manchester, University of Southampton, University of Wales and University of St Andrews. The team has revealed new Ice Age stories at the National Trust site Les Marrionneaux, as well as Petit Portelet beneath Gorey Castle at Les Varines which produced ‘the earliest art in Britain’. Specialists from this team will undertake archaeological stabilisation work at La Cotte in due course.

The Société Jersiaise, the National Trust and Jersey Heritage have worked closely together with the States to design a scheme to protect the archaeological deposits from further damage.

A protective wall will be built across the seaward ravine, enabling archaeologists to stabilise intact deposits and secure the longer term management of La Cotte.

The half million pound project will be funded and managed by Jersey Heritage, which will take on a lease for the site.

Before that can happen, and before work on the protective wall can begin, the surrounding cliff faces beneath the National Trust land need to be secured with rock netting to enable a safer working environment. This will allow small, supervised teams to undertake the work this summer. Safe public access to the site will not be possible at this stage.

That will remain an important subject for discussion between the Société, National Trust and Jersey Heritage as options for the longer term management of the site are developed.

There is a long history to the archaeology at La Cotte. Excavations began in the nineteenth century. Neanderthal teeth and a portion of skull were revealed early in the twentieth century. The site was acquired by the Societe Jersiaise in 1955 and Cambridge University worked there up to the late 1970s when the unique bone heaps of mammoth and wooly rhinocerous, for which the site is internationally famous, were discovered.

Prince Charles worked on the site while a student at Cambridge.

Using data captured from a laser survey of the site a virtual reality experience has been created which will allow everyone to explore La Cotte as it is today, and as it may have been during the long periods in which Neanderthals returned again and again to seek shelter and hunt game.

The possibilities of such new media, as well as more traditional broadcast media have been a revelation.

Over the last decade La Cotte and the Ice Age Island project generally has established an impressive reach through radio and television shows including Coast, Digging for Britain and the BBC documentary Ice Age Giants. The Les Varines art story made the Today programme and News at 10 on the same day. Through online and syndication these broadcasts have connected with an enormous international audience for Jersey’s heritage stories.

The creative energy for those new stories has been new research generated by academic partners. The stories have generated a positive context in which the current project and its funding have been agreed. That highlights the importance, not just for La Cotte but for the whole of Jersey’s historic environment, of establishing systems for supporting academic partnerships through funding as well as frameworks for research and recording. There remains a great deal to be done in developing the appropriate infrastructure for management of the historic environment in Jersey.

The La Cotte conservation project is an important leap forward and it is hoped will begin the next phase in the life of this extraordinarily significant site, in a sense the oldest and in another sense the newest chapter of the story of Jersey and its heritage.

D I S C O V E R | 33

E N J O Y | I N T H E S P O T LIG HT

In the

spotlight

We are delighted to announce that our guest speaker for the Annual Dinner will be Ros Kerslake OBE from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Ros joined the Heritage Lottery Fund as Chief Executive in July 2016, from The Prince’s Regeneration Trust where she was also CEO. Ros trained as a solicitor and started her career in legal roles before taking on wider leadership positions in the private sector, including for Gulf Oil and Booker Group. As Property Director for the UK’s Railway, she developed an interest in the issues around place and urban regeneration which have characterised her roles since. Ros went on to lead RegenCo – an urban regeneration company in the West Midlands - where she was the first CEO. Among her achievements at The Prince’s Regeneration Trust, Ros led the team that saved one of the last working Victorian potteries in the UK, Middleport Pottery, bringing new life and business to the restored site.

Ros was awarded an OBE in the 2015 New Year’s Honours list for services to British heritage. She holds honorary degrees from the University of Staffordshire and the University of Keele. Ros is a nonexecutive director of U and I group, a regeneration based property developer, and a member of the Community, Voluntary & Local Services Honours Advisory Committee.

34 | D I S C O V E R

he Heritage Lottery Fund distributes the heritage share of National Lottery funding, supporting a wide variety of projects across the UK. Since its foundation in 1994 it has awarded more than £7.7 billion to over 42,000 projects.

The Fund believes that understanding, valuing and sharing heritage brings people together, inspires pride in communities and boosts investment in local economies.

The projects it funds varies from restoring natural landscapes to rescuing neglected buildings, from recording diverse community histories to providing lifechanging training.

It believes that heritage should be protected for the future, and its aim is that everyone should have the chance to explore and look after it.

HIGHLIGHTS SO FAR: More than 3,000 people undertaking work-based training in heritage skills,

including 28 projects with a value of £13.9m that have supported the development of museum skills.

Over 19,500 historic buildings and monuments restored.

Over 3,200 projects funded to help conserve threatened habitats and species and over 850 public parks revitalised.

All ten of the most popular major heritage attractions across the UK have been supported by Heritage Lottery Fund.

Visitor numbers across the first 100 major Grants to complete rose by 130%. Local tourism businesses are receiving an extra £480m in revenue as a result of these increased visits - creating an extra 9,600 new jobs.

LOCAL SITUATION Jersey does not have access to the Heritage Lottery Fund as the States of Jersey has decided not to introduce the National Lottery at this time. This may hopefully be reviewed in the future.

AGM and Annual Dinner Friday 20 April The National Trust for Jersey Annual Dinner for members and their guests will follow the Annual General Meeting which takes place at St. Brelade’s Bay Hotel, at 6.00 pm on Friday 20th April 2018. Attendance at this Meeting, for which there is no charge, is restricted to Members of The National Trust for Jersey.

Members and guests should arrive for a pre-dinner reception commencing at 7 pm in the Cocktail Bar. Dinner will be served at 7.30 pm in the restaurant. Dress code is lounge suits.

Reservations for the 4 course dinner can be made by returning the application form that members will receive together with a stamped addressed envelope and a cheque payable to the National Trust for Jersey for £33.00 per person. Please note that the price does not include any wine or spirits and these can be purchased from the bar prior to dinner. Members can also purchase tickets online at www.nationaltrust.je/events Copies of the Annual Report and Accounts will be available online on www.nationaltrust.je but copies will be available at the AGM. Copies of the accounts will also be available upon request by contacting Donna Le Marrec on 483193 or by email: donna@nationaltrust.je

D I S C O V E R | 35

36 | D I S C O V E R

E N J O Y | 1 6 NEW S TR EET

B R I N G I N G H I S T O RY T O L I F E Jane Austen at 16 New Street

ollowing the success of The Importance of Being Earnest at 16 New Street in 2017, the Trust has invited The Natural Theatre Company to Jersey in March to come and perform their walkabout show, Austen Undone, in and around The Georgian House.

The Natural Theatre Company is renowned for producing high quality interactive walkabout street theatre, combining a unique style of visual comedy with an impeccable eye for detail. Previously showcased at the Jane Austen festival in Bath, Austen Undone is described as a “who’s who” and “what’s what?” of Austen’s life and works - an entertaining melange of Austen favourites, with an hilarious twist. “It doesn’t matter

whether you are an Austen fanatic or you have never picked up one of her novels”, says Director Andy Burnham, “what we love about these tours is that they are for anyone and everyone.”

The Trust is hopeful that as well as entertaining the audience, the production will provide an insight into Georgian dress and social history at the turn of the 19th century.

The story will begin inside The Georgian House and as the plot unfolds the audience will follow the actors out onto the streets of St Helier for a joyful journey of warmth and wit, romantic schemes and mistaken intentions. Duels, romance and scandal are guaranteed.

AUSTEN UNDONE AT 16 NEW STREET Kindly supported by Vector Resourcing Ltd

Tuesday 20 March to Saturday 24 March at 1pm, 2pm, 6pm & 7pm Tickets: £14.50 Booking essential: www.nationaltrust.je/events

Early booking is advised as tickets are limited to 25 guests per performance.

D I S C O V E R | 37

E N J O Y | 1 6 NE W S T R E ET

THREE DRINKS T H AT C H A N G E D H I S T O RY A Series of Talks & Tastings at 16 New Street With Peter le Rossignol his spring the Trust is thrilled to be hosting three special ‘tasting’ evenings at 16 New Street, focusing on three famous drinks that changed history. Join us at 16 New Street on the first Thursday of each month for an intoxicating evening sampling some of Britain’s most iconic drinks before setting out on a cultural journey to find out where your favourite tipple comes from and how the many different blends have evolved over the years. Whether you are a lover of tea, gin or champagne - or all three (!)

- these informative evenings with Peter Le Rossignol promise to be lots of fun.

Thursday 5 April, 4pm – 5.30pm

THE ART AND CRAFT OF TEA - HOW TO SELECT, BREW AND SERVE THE PERFECT CUPPA Britain’s love affair with tea dates back to the 17th century and has shaped and changed our society. During the course of the afternoon, tea lovers will journey across continents, and back in time, to find out where their favourite brew comes from, how the tea drinking ceremony has evolved over the years and why we Brits enjoy drinking tea with milk and sugar, when other cultures wouldn’t dream of it.

Admission: £10 Members; £12 Non-Members To book, please visit our website: www.nationaltrust.je/events Kindly supported by Coopers & Co. Jersey

Thursday 3 May, 6.30pm – 8pm

GIN GLORIOUS GIN - A TALK AND TASTING SESSION FOR GIN LOVERS A vibrant cultural history of Britain’s most iconic drink, beginning in the underbelly of Georgian England, detouring through the Empire (with a G&T in hand) and finishing in the modern day. During the course of the evening, gin lovers will learn how ‘mother’s ruin’ evolved into the superior drink it is today and also taste several aromatic gins from around the world. At the end of the evening Will Berresford will reveal his secret to making the perfect gin and tonic – not to be missed!

Admission: £18 Members; £20 Non-Members To book, please visit our website: www.nationaltrust.je/events Kindly supported by Love Wine

Thursday 7 June, 6.30pm – 8pm

CHAMPAGNE UNCORKED - A TALK AND TASTING SESSION FOR BUBBLY LOVERS The celebratory drink of choice, Champagne has become a universal emblem of good fortune - and few can resist its sparkle. During the course of the evening Peter will introduce a cast of colourful characters, including Eugène Mercier, who transported the largest wine cask in the world to Paris with a team of white horses and oxen, and Joseph Krug, the son of a German butcher, who risked everything to start up his own eponymous house. Bubbly lovers will have the opportunity to savour champagne from several famous houses, courtesy of Will Beresford at Love Wine.

Admission: £18 Members; £20 Non-Members To book, please visit our website: www.nationaltrust.je/events Kindly supported by Love Wine

38 | D I S C O V E R

W E D D I N G S AT 1 6 N E W S T R E E T A Jewel in Jersey’s Crown

he National Trust for Jersey’s Georgian House Museum is a beautiful venue for boutique wedding ceremonies right in the heart of St Helier. Built in the 1730s for the Constable of St Helier, this fine Georgian town house has been painstakingly restored by the Trust and furnished with an historic collection of antique furniture and paintings.

Couples can choose to marry in the Regency Drawing Room on the first floor, with its fine Italian marble fireplace, or in the Victorian Club Room next door, which boasts hand-grained wooden panelling and a magnificent grand piano. Both rooms are linked by a connecting door, allowing guests to move straight from the ceremony into the adjoining room for a celebratory glass of champagne.

16 NEW STREET VENUE HIRE Rates from £500 for exclusive use of the house

Capacity Wedding Ceremonies: 50 guests seated in rows Wedding Banquets: 24 guests seated for lunch or dinner Alternative Trust sites that are licensed for weddings include Le Câtel Fort, overlooking Grève de Lecq Bay, and Le Don Hilton, also known as The White House, in St Ouen’s Bay. E: catherine@nationaltrust.je

D I S C O V E R | 39

40 | D I S C O V E R

E N J O Y | W ORLD W ET L AN D 'S D AY

Making a Difference for World Wetlands Day ince the opening of the Wetland Centre in 2014, the Trust has observed World Wetlands Day each year with an open day event based in and around the Centre.

This year visitors were encouraged to think about ways that they can make a difference to their local wetlands and to the environment as a whole.

A range of activities were on offer, with a stand from the Freshwater Anglers, bird-watching advice from Mike Stentiford and Cristina Séllares, a walk and talk with Jersey Birding Tours and free refreshments supplied by OLIO the food-sharing revolution. Visitors were asked to bring their own reusable cups for a free hot drink to ensure that the event generated minimal waste.

Throughout the afternoon Littlefeet Environmental ran a beach clean along St. Ouen’s bay. Over 200kg of marine debris was collected in just 3 hours, highlighting the importance of everyone ‘doing their bit’ to keep our coastline clean.

Materials gathered during the beach clean were used to create a mural of a herring gull. Under the expert guidance of Ian and Ruth Rolls, visitors were invited to add their materials to the mural. To be hung in the Wetland Centre’s classroom, ‘Gulliver’ is a poignant reminder of the impact of plastics and waste materials on our environment and local wildlife.

Here at the Trust we are working hard to reduce our use of singleuse plastics and non-recyclables.

Our throw-away waste from the Wetland Centre event was just one very small bag.

Please be sure to bring reusable coffee cups with you to future Trust events and find ways that you can reduce your waste at home – we all need to do our bit.

D I S C O V E R | 41

ENJOY | MAKING NATURE TABLES

Bringing Nature into the Classroom Primary school children across the Island have been encouraged to share interesting natural artefacts with their peers by bringing nature into the classroom. With the kind support of HSBC, the Trust provided ‘Nature Table Kits’ to every primary school including all they would need to create their own nature table area.

Acorn Enterprises worked hard to produce custom-made wooden trays to form the basis of the kit, along with identification guides, magnifying glasses, tweezers and a variety of natural display materials.

The kits were presented to schools during a special assembly where children were excited to see a full tray of weird and 42 | D I S C O V E R

wonderful items such as shed dragonfly larvae skin, shark egg cases and oak galls created by specialised wasps. Following the assembly children were encouraged to get out and explore the Island, hunting for natural ‘treasures’ to add to their school’s nature table.

The Trust hopes that these kits will be a valuable school resource, creating links between home and school and connecting children to the changing seasons and wonders of the natural world around them.

Why not try something similar at home?

Whether young or old, it’s hard to resist filling your pockets with interesting ‘treasures’ whilst exploring our magnificent island. Why not create a display area at home to showcase your finds and create a talking piece.

E N J O Y | A CTIVITIES TO TR Y

Activities to try The Trust’s practical workshops are always popular and enable islanders, as well as the occasional visitor, to learn a new skill and have fun trying. Workshops take place in our historic buildings such as the Pressoir at The Elms, 16 New Street and Le Moulin de Quétivel. There is a discount for being a member of the Trust – so another reason to encourage others to join.

Workshops for Food Lovers Saturday 24 March

LEARN HOW TO MAKE ‘JERSEY WONDERS’ LES MÈRVELLES DÉ JÈRRI Come along to Le Moulin de Quétivel and learn the art of making ‘Jersey Wonders’ with Jenny Le Maistre. Traditionally, Jersey housewives cooked their Wonders as the tide went out. If they cooked them on an incoming tide, the fat in which the Wonders were cooked would invariably overflow the pan. Why not walk or cycle on the new valley path?

Meeting point: Le Moulin de Quétivel Time: 2pm–4pm Price: £10 Trust Members; £12 NonMembers to include refreshments Please bring along a bowl, apron and rolling pin.

Sunday 25th March

CHOCOLATE MAKING AT EASTER Join Penny Setubal and learn the art of chocolate making just in time for Easter.

The workshop is very interactive and you will learn how to temper chocolate, use moulds and make truffles and other delights.

Meeting point: The Elms Time: 2pm – 5pm Price: £35 to include refreshments

Saturday 19th May

Saturday 2 June

BREAD MAKING MASTERCLASS

THE HOMEMADE APOTHECARY: HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN HERBAL REMEDIES

To launch the start of Real Bread Week, the Trust has teamed up with artisan baker Richie Howell to deliver a bread making workshop inside our very own watermill. Participants will learn the whole bread making process from start to finish – from preparing the ferment and mixing the dough to proving and baking their own loaf of bread. Breads include Sourdough, Fougasse and bread rolls.

Meeting point: Le Moulin de Quétivel Price: £40 Members; £50 non-members to include refreshments and a guided walk around the mill through the valley.

Workshops for Gardeners Saturday 10 March

GROW YOUR OWN SALADS AND HERBS Be self-sufficient and learn how to grow salads and micro herbs with Graeme Le Marquand from the Jersey branch of the National Vegetable Society and gold winner at Chelsea. All of the salads and herbs can be grown in containers, on window sills, in a greenhouse if you have one, or even outdoors with a covering of a fleece in time to eat for spring.

Meeting point: The Elms Time: 2pm - 4pm Price: Free for Members; £5 for Non-Members

Workshops for Creatives Thursday 17th May

SPRING POSY WORKSHOP Join local florist Clara Barthorpe from Wild Thyme and learn how to make a beautiful spring posy using locally grown peonies, ranunculi’s and foliage. Explore the walled garden and the orchard.

Meeting point: The Elms Time: 7pm – 9pm Price: £30 Trust Members; £40 Non-Members

The relationship between people and plants for both food and medicine goes back hundreds of thousands of years.

Whether you are interested in using herbs to aid your digestion or nourish your body, this workshop is for you.

The session will begin with a tour of the herb garden at Quétivel Mill, where participants will learn about the health benefits of various herbs, and then after a herb themed tea they will learn how to make their own herbal remedies using natural and organic ingredients including floral waters, herbal extracts and infused and essential oils.

Meeting point: Le Moulin de Quétivel Time: 2pm – 5pm Price: £25 Trust Members; £30 NonMembers to include all materials and refreshments; each participant will create and take home a three part organic skincare regime tailored to their skin type.

Saturday 21 July

PAINTING WORKSHOP WITH NICOLA LUCAS In this one day workshop, artist Nicola Lucas will take you on a mixed media journey to explore and celebrate the summer and trees in and around The Elms including the walled garden and the orchard.

Meeting point: The Elms Time: 10am-4pm Price: £20 for members and £25.00 for non-members to include materials and refreshments. Bring your own packed lunch to eat in the garden.

Book tickets online for all our events by visiting www.nationaltrust.je/events or call 483193 D I S C O V E R | 43

E N J O Y | R E C I P R O C A L AGREEM E N T S

Memb ership

Lin Goncalves, Executive Council Member from the National Trust of Zimbabwe provides us with an insight into La Rochelle estate…

he National Trust of Zimbabwe manages and controls seven properties in Zimbabwe with the help of its Council, its employees and many unpaid volunteers. Council members are all unpaid volunteers, most with full-time careers outside of their National Trust work. Zimbabwean members enjoy free entry to all the Trust’s properties in Zimbabwe and enjoy full reciprocity with most National Trusts elsewhere in the world.

The National Trust of Zimbabwe’s flagship property, La Rochelle estate, is situated in the Imbeza Valley, Penhalonga in the mountainous eastern border area, some 280 km from Harare and 20 km from Mutare.

The original house was built by Sir Stephen and Lady Virginia Courtauld in 1951 as a retirement home, and was bequeathed as per Sir Stephen’s wishes, to the National Trust in 1970.

The property is described by top architectural professionals in glowing terms: “As a rare example in Africa of a major early Modern Movement private house, and almost unique in Zimbabwe, given the quality of its architectural detailing and of its interior decoration, especially in the Fantasia room and the Peacock cottage”. The Fantasia Room was decorated

by Lady Virginia and has a most charming handpainted, exotic ‘nook’, the walls of which have been painted depicting fantasy animals.

HARARE

44 | D I S C O V E R

During the time they lived here, La Rochelle was a Mecca for important local and overseas people from all walks of life, and included artists and film stars, as well as influential politicians, in addition to family members. Most of these distinguished visitors were asked to engrave their signatures with a diamondtipped stylus on the two large end windows of the drawing room, which are of great historical importance. Recently one of our long-standing members has completed an identification exercise of most of the signatures and it is hoped that we may now start documenting them.

The Courtaulds were great patrons of the arts, encouraging local students of art, theatre and music by funding the College of Music and The National Gallery, in addition to the Courtauld Theatre in Mutare, to name just a few of the projects they generously sponsored while they were alive.

La Rochelle has a large established garden with areas of unspoiled natural woodland and numerous walking paths.

There is a collection of exotic trees in the arboretum as well as palms, cycads, azaleas and other flowering shrubs. This diversity provides ideal habitats for a wide variety of bird species. The property is a popular site for Birdlife Zimbabwe, The Tree Society and the Orchid Society of Zimbabwe, being home to indigenous species of birdlife and flora.

The shade houses are filled with both exotic and indigenous orchid species, most of which belonged to Lady Virginia and some of which have since been donated to the collection.

Sir Stephen and Lady Virginia were avid plant and seed collectors, during their extensive travels to faraway places before finally deciding to settle in this lush Imbeza Valley. The gardens now contain this vast collection in the most beautiful

setting and a natural supply of mountain stream water runs through a furrow system down through the gardens, irrigating the ‘glen’ area with its fabulous displays of flowering shrubs, lilies, cycads and ferns.

La Rochelle is now run as a small boutique hotel, offering overnight accommodation, meals, conference and workshop facilities, music concerts, as well as being a popular wedding venue.

With renewed interest and an active Council and committee members, a refurbishment program was undertaken two years ago, and this magnificent property has now been restored to its former stately and gracious glory.

YOU CAN REACH THE NATIONAL TRUST OF ZIMBABWE AT: Email: ntzimb@gmail.com Address: 30 Hawkshead Drive, Borrowdale, Harare, Zimbabwe Telephone: + 263 4 86 0202 Website: http://ntoz.org/

Painting workshops are organised at La Rochelle, as well as yoga, small business conferences, weddings and visits from local societies with interests in the gardens, the history, the flora and the vast collection of trees and orchids.

The restoration of buildings and gardens at La Rochelle has been supported by the International National Trusts Organisation (INTO), with permanent staff members of the National Trust of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland bringing their skills to this unique property.

D I S C O V E R | 45

JOIN & GET INVOLVED

s g n i k oo B t n Eve

We would like to encourage our members to book events online. This helps us not only to monitor ticket sales more effectively, but also helps to manage our limited resource within our small office team.

Of course if you would prefer not to book online you can telephone 483193 or call into the office between the hours of 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday.

Here’s a guide to booking events online:

46 | D I S C O V E R

1

Log onto: www.nationaltrust.je/events

2

Select the event in the calendar you wish to attend

3

Scroll down the event brief until you reach the Tickets box

4

Insert the number of Tickets you want to buy – add to cart

5

Proceed to Checkout

6

Insert Billing details – name and address

7

Click on Proceed to PAYPAL (Even if you do not have a PayPal account you will be able to check out as a guest)

8

Choose to pay by PAYPAL Click your preferred option. If you select pay with debit or credit card the title will say PAYPAL GUEST CHECKOUT

9

Complete details and press PAY NOW

If you are already logged onto our website www.nationaltrust.je. Click on ENJOY on the navigation bar at the top of the screen, then click on EVENTS

JOIN & GET INVOLVED

march april Thursday 5 April THE ART AND CRAFT OF TEA – HOW TO SELECT, BREW AND SERVE THE PERFECT CUPPA Meeting Point: 16 New Street Time: 4pm – 5.30pm Price: £12 Trust Members; £15 NonMembers to include a talk and a tea tasting Kindly supported by Cooper & Co. Jersey

Monday 9th and Friday 13th April HOP TO IT!

Join & Get Involved All of our events are open to members and non-members but if you are not a member of the Trust it might be worthwhile considering joining. Not only does your membership allow you free access to over 300 National Trust properties in the UK and access to properties, sites and reserves around the world, but many of our events are free or discounted to members. You will also be doing your bit to help us protect the environment, wildlife and historic buildings for everyone and forever.

Membership starts from as little as £30.00 per year for an adult single – so your investment would be recouped over the course of the year if you attend some of the many events on offer…

For more information on membership please go to www.nationaltrust.je

Saturday 10 March GROW YOUR OWN SALADS AND MICRO HERBS Venue: The Elms Time: 2pm – 4pm Price: Free for Trust Members; £5 Non-Members

An exciting opportunity for families to dip in to the weird and wonderful world of creatures that live in and around fresh water. Children will explore in and around the pond, identifying and learning about the strange creatures that lurk below the surface. Suitable for children aged 4-11.

All children must be accompanied by an adult. Please wear clothes and shoes that you do not mind getting wet. Unsuitable for buggies.

Meeting Point: Given at time of booking.

Time: 4pm – 5.30pm Price: Free for Trust members; £5 Non-Members

Tuesday 20 March to Saturday 24 March JANE AUSTEN WALKABOUT THEATRE

Meeting Point: 16 New Street Time: 1pm, 2pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm Duration: 1 hour Price: £14.50 Kindly supported by Vector Resourcing Ltd

Saturday 24 March LEARN HOW TO MAKE ‘JERSEY WONDERS’ LES MÈRVELLES DÉ JÈRRI

Meeting Point: Le Moulin de Quétivel Time: 2pm–4pm Price: £10 Trust Members; £12 NonMembers to include refreshments Please bring along a bowl, apron and rolling pin.

Sunday 25th March CHOCOLATE MAKING – EASTER

Meeting Point: The Elms Time: 2pm – 5pm Price: £35 to include refreshments

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

Friday 20 April ANNUAL DINNER AT ST BRELADE’S BAY HOTEL The National Trust for Jersey Annual Dinner for members and their guests will follow the Annual General Meeting. Our guest speaker for the evening will be Ros Kerslake OBE the Chief Executive Officer from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Meeting Point: St Brelade’s Bay Hotel Time: 7pm–10pm Price: £33 to include a glass of Prosecco or a soft drink on arrival

D I S C O V E R | 47

JOIN & GET INVOLVED

Saturday 28th April OPEN VIEWING THE FOOT BUILDINGS Come along to view the beautifully restored ‘Foot’ Buildings in Pitt Street – with the iconic HMV logo featuring Nipper the dog. The subject of much campaigning and painstaking restoration and refurbishment, you will be able to see what has happened since the Trust purchased the three buildings; 4, 5 and 6 Pitt Street from the Co-Operative Society for £1 in November 2016. For those who have any records from the Foot Buildings there will be an opportunity to play them during the day.

Venue: The Foot Buildings, Pitt Street, St Helier Time: 10am – 4pm Price: Free - No need to book

may Thursday 3 May GIN GLORIOUS GIN – A TALK AND TASTING SESSION FOR GIN LOVERS

Meeting Point: 16 New Street Time: 6.30pm– 8.00pm Price: £18 Trust Members; £20 NonMembers to include a talk and a gin tasting Kindly supported by Love Wine

Saturday 12 May OPEN MILLING Visit the only remaining working watermill on the Island and experience the whole milling process from start to finish. Join the Rangers as they open the sluice gates, admire the ancient waterwheel as it springs into action and meet our very own miller, who will be milling the Trust’s unique stoneground flour. In association with National Mills Weekend, organised by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.

Thursday 17th May SPRING POSY WORKSHOP

Meeting Point: The Elms, La Chève Rue, St Mary Time: 7pm – 9pm Price: £30 Trust Members; £40 Non-Members

Saturday 19 May BEGINNER’S BREAD MAKING WORKSHOP AT QUÉTIVEL MILL

Meeting Point: Le Moulin de Quétivel Time: 2pm – 6pm Price: £40 Trust Members; £50 NonMembers to include materials, a recipe pack, a bag of stoneground flour, a guided walk and refreshments

Thursday 24 - Monday 28 May #LOVENATURE FESTIVAL

Meeting Point: Le Moulin de Quétivel Time: 10am – 4pm Price: £3.00 Adults; £1.00 Children; Trust Members and Under 6s Free

Enjoy a long weekend of all things ‘green’.

Enjoy nature walks, go bird watching with an expert, learn how birds are ringed, explore the orchid fields, forage, learn about bees and barn owls, bugs and butterflies, go pond dipping, explore wild places, create environmental art and go behind the scenes with our Rangers.

Please park at the Mill Pond further up St Peter’s Valley Free guided walks with Blue Badge Guide Jean Treleven No need to book

Meeting Point: Various in St Ouen’s Bay Time: 2pm – 6pm Price: Free Kindly supported by Jersey Electricity PLC

48 | D I S C O V E R

QUÉTIVEL MILL OPENING TIMES May – September Mondays and Tuesdays 10am to 4pm Open Bank Holidays

Saturday 12th May Open Milling This is an opportunity in the year when visitors can watch the whole milling process from start to finish.

For further information please visit our website.

www.nationaltrust.je/ events

june

july

Friday 1st June FAMILY PICNIC IN THE ELMS ORCHARD Pack a picnic, grab some friends and join us under the apple trees in The Elms Orchard for an afternoon of fun and games in the sunshine.

Meeting Point: The Elms, St. Mary Time: 12pm – 2pm Price: Free for Trust Members; £5 NonMembers (Accompanying adults free of charge)

Thursday 7 June CHAMPAGNE UNCORKED – A TALK AND TASTING SESSION

Meeting Point: 16 New Street Time: 6.30pm – 8pm Price: £18 Trust Members; £20 NonMembers to include a talk and a champagne tasting Please note 22 max Kindly supported by Love Wine

Friday 22 June and Saturday 23 June SUNSET CONCERTS Saturday 2 June THE HOMEMADE APOTHECARY: HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN HERBAL REMEDIES

Meeting Point: Le Moulin de Quétivel Time: 2pm – 5pm Price: £25 Trust Members; £30 NonMembers to include all materials and refreshments; each participant will create and take home a three part organic skincare regime tailored to their skin type.

Enjoy live music in the beautiful setting of the natural amphitheatre at Grantez overlooking St Ouen’s Bay. Bring a picnic and enjoy fantastic live music and leave nothing but your footprints as the sun sets. 2018 sees bands from the Channel Islands perform. Please purchase parking tickets online.

Meeting Point: Mont Grantez Time: 5.30pm – 9.30pm Price: FREE – Donations Welcome Parking: £5 per car Kindly supported by Ashburton

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

Sunday 1st to Tuesday 31st July 30 BAYS IN 30 DAYS The clue to the challenge is in the title!

Participants, individuals, families or corporate groups, will aim to swim in 30 bays around the island in the month of July. Those taking part can choose to swim before work, lunchtimes, daytime, after work, before a picnic tea, by moonlight…basically anytime they can fit a swim in! There will be public swims on 1st and 29th July in St Brelade’s Bay with all proceeds raised over the month being split between Jersey Hospice Care and the National Trust for Jersey.

Saturday 21 July PAINTING WORKSHOP WITH NICOLA LUCAS

Meeting Point: The Elms, La Chève Rue, St Mary Time: 10am – 3pm Price: £20 Trust Members; £25.00 NonMembers to include refreshments Bring your own packed lunch to eat in the garden together with a sketchpad and your favourite brushes.

D I S C O V E R | 49

JOIN & GET INVOLVED

august Throughout July and August BUG SAFARIS Explore the wilds of our secret hideaway beside St. Ouen’s pond, bursting with butterflies and bugs, crickets and crab spiders. Discover and learn about the wonderful abundance of invertebrates hiding in this unspoilt habitat.

Meeting Point: Given at time of booking Time: Various Price: Free for Trust Members; £5 NonMembers (Accompanying adults free of charge)

Wednesday 1 August CHILDREN’S FLOWER PRESSING WORKSHOP

Throughout July and August ROCK POOL RAMBLES Splash through the rock pools at low-tide to discover ginormous shore crabs, tiny spider crabs, colourful anemones and beautiful starfish. Learn to look at this familiar environment in a new way and discover creatures you have never seen before!

Meeting Point: Given at time of booking Time: Various Price: Free for Trust Members; £5 NonMembers (Accompanying adults free of charge)

50 | D I S C O V E R

In our first summer holiday workshop at Quétivel Mill, children will learn how to select and press their own flowers from the garden. After a short break to explore the mill, they will create a gift card and a bookmark decorated with ready-pressed flowers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Meeting Point: Le Moulin de Quétivel Time: 11am – 12.30pm Price: £10 Trust Members; £12 NonMembers to include a flower press and refreshments. Please park at the Mill Pond in St Peter’s Valley

Wednesday 8 August CHILDREN’S BREAD WORKSHOP

Saturday 11 August BIG ‘WILD’ ADVENTURE Forage in the hedgerows, learn how to build a campfire, go on a moonlit walk, listen out for bats and (if you want to) camp in the orchard at The Elms under the stars. Bring your own picnic and breakfast if you wish to camp overnight.

Please be aware there is no running water for washing or cooking facilities provided (bring your own BBQ if you wish to cook any food in the designated area). There will be toilets in situ.

Meeting Point: The Elms Time: 6pm to 9.30pm Price: £10 per person (under 5's free) Trust Members; £15 per person NonMembers; Under 5's Free. £5 to camp (until 11am on Sunday morning)

In our second summer holiday workshop at Quétivel Mill, children will learn how to make traditional soda bread using the Trust’s stoneground flour. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Meeting Point: Le Moulin de Quétivel Time: 11am – 12.30pm Price: £10 Trust Members; £12 NonMembers to include refreshments Please park at the Mill Pond in St Peter’s Valley

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

Leave a lasting legacy nclosed within this edition of Discover is a small leaflet, which hopefully demonstrates the immense value of legacies to the work of The National Trust for Jersey. From its very beginnings in 1936, financial legacies and bequests have been absolutely crucial to the successful establishment of the Trust as a key conservation organisation. For example where would the Trust be without the bequest of The Elms by Mr Nicolle PerrĂŠe, the substantial financial legacy of Miss Amy Filleul, the annual donations from the Luigia Pierrina Memorial Trust and the coastal lands bequeathed by so many islanders, including Mr Oliver Mourant.

All of these legacies, whether large or small, have provided the Trust with the very foundations upon which it operates today, as it continues to permanently safeguard the natural beauty and built heritage, so clearly cherished and valued by our benefactors.

We hope that all of our members and supporters may consider leaving a legacy to the Trust in recognition of the fact, that such a bequest can make a real and long lasting difference, to the future of Jersey.

Of course legacies can come in many forms and sizes, including monetary bequests, stocks and shares, commercial property, historic buildings, land, and

chattels. Above all if you do decide to leave a bequest to the Trust and have a special purpose or cause in mind, then please do include a letter of wishes. Your guidance will be truly appreciated.

The Trust uses legacies to undertake work and projects that otherwise would never happen. Tesson Mill, 16 New Street and the Foot Buildings, all of which were saved from demolition, due to the respective bequests of Miss Izette Croad, Mrs Mollie Houston, and Mrs Anne Herrod.

Hopefully these truly demonstrate that with your help we can continue to make a lasting difference.

D I S C O V E R | 51

Discover

THE MAGAZINE OF THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR JERSEY

CONTACT DISCOVER

Get in touch. We would love to hear your questions, comments and ideas.

The National Trust for Jersey The Elms La Chève Rue St Mary Jersey JE3 3EN Telephone 01534 483193 enquiries@nationaltrust.je

MAKING IT HAPPEN DESIGN & PRODUCTION TEAM The Idea Works Limited Regency House Regent Road St Helier Jersey JE2 4UZ Telephone 01534 755400 info@theideaworks.com

EDITORIAL TEAM

The National Trust for Jersey: Sarah Hill, Charles Alluto, Donna Le Marrec, Catherine Ward, Jon Parkes, Jon Rault, Jo Stansfield, Neil Harvey, Cris Sellarés, Bob Le Mottée, Sue Le Gallais, Jon Carter, Lin Goncalves.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Credits to: Tony Gray, John Overnden, Romano da Costa, Visit Jersey, Jersey Heritage, The Co-op, The JEP, Tony Morin. © 2018 – Discover Magazine is published

by The National Trust for Jersey.

The publisher, editor and authors accept no responsibility in respect of any errors, omissions, misstatements, mistakes or references. Correct at the time of print March 2018.

Discover is printed using only paper from FSC/ PEFC suppliers from well managed forests.

This magazine can be recycled and we encourage you to do so at your recycling point. Passing the magazine onto a friend counts as recycling too.