AUTUMN 2022
Inissuethis P6 P4 P12 P28 P24 P4 VIEW FROM THE TOP Susana Rowles P6 IN THE NEWS P12 MOREL FARM Out of the Woodwork - Vintage Treasures for Morel Farm P18 ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL Matthew Slocombe MA FSA IHBC, SPAB Director P20 BLACK BUTTER – LÉ NIÈR BEURRE P22 LANDSCAPES St Ouen's Pond P24 THE PUFFIN PROJECT AND SEABIRD RESERVE P28 A HERITAGE STRATEGY FOR JERSEY 2022 - 2025 P30 LE MARINEL The house that time forgot… P30 2 | DISCOVER
DISCOVER | 3 P38 P46 P34 P36 P34 INTO THE WILD P36 PLASTIC - NOT SO FANTASTIC P37 ACTIVITIES TO TRY P38 16 NEW STREET A Lasting Legacy P40 MEET OUR VOLUNTEERSMUSEUM P44 THE WONDER OF THE “JERSEY ORCHID” Mike Sewell P46 COME ON IN THE LOVELY!WATER’S Sea swimming in Jersey P48 CREATE AN WOODLANDAUTUMNBOWL P49 EVENTS Dates for the Diary
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SUSANA ROWLES COUNCIL MEMBER - NATIONAL TRUST FOR JERSEY
DISCOVER | VIEW FROM THE TOP 4 | DISCOVER
Perhaps due to a change in attitude, perhaps due to commercialisation, museums, for example, have changed dramatically in the past few decades, from places where one could "see but not touch" to fully interactive and immersive experiences where we interact with pieces and learn much more about them than if we were just looking at them.
Jersey's rich and unique heritage It needs to be preserved in order to
By making use of those buildings, we bring them back to relevancy. They are a part of our lives, not just something left here by the Germans.
raditions, culture, language and buildings keep the island's story alive long after events have passed.
Over the years, cultural events have been adapted to be more inclusive, more family-friendly, and by doing so, we made sure we kept ancient traditions alive.
The fortifications left by the Germans are an example of how buildings can help tell the story of a place years on. They provide context and serve as a reminder of what happened here. Alongside history books, newspaper clippings and statues, the buildings are a constant reminder that Jersey was once occupied.
A sense of nostalgia must not guide the preservation of our heritage. Preserving things is not about putting them in aspic. It should be about integrating it with our daily lives, making them relevant.
Perhaps our relationship with heritage can be challenging because of the connection with nostalgia. We often see it as a barrier to progress. We also struggle to ascribe value to it. How do we value something we cannot measure? Or when the actual value of something is only felt through its loss?
View from The Top T
If we continue to award value only to the bits of our heritage that are popular now, we risk losing aspects that could be of interest to people one hundred years from now. I don't think we should look at everything through an economic benefit analysis lens. Woolly concepts like community spirit and happiness are as crucial to our wellbeing as our financial circumstances and heritage can play an essential part in this.
A painting like The Death of Major Peirson can be valued and transacted. It's recognised as part of our heritage, and no one has to make a case for it to be protected, looked after, or preserved. It's accepted that this is what we should do to such items.
A big part of what connects me to Jersey has been acquired through experiencing its heritage. What context I have gained has been through attending events, visiting buildings, learning about the culture, and hearing its language. As well as helping connect us to one another, heritage provides a blueprint for the future. In one hundred years, people are as likely to want to learn about Major Peirson or the German Occupation as they are about Claude Cahun or our efforts to save our puffin colony. The difficult task bestowed upon us is to ensure today becomes tomorrow's heritage - something worth preserving. is intertwined with our identity. form part of our future.
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I wonder, however, if we have lost the real value of heritage through consistent attempts to commercialise it. For example, is connecting the importance of heritage with visitor numbers the right thing to do?
” DISCOVER | VIEW FROM THE TOP
During the course of the work, numerous comments were made along the lines of “… what a pity that the path does not continue up to The Elms…”
News_ 6 | DISCOVER
Onerepair.of the aspects of the renovation was the establishment of an access path along the side of the pond.
The project started when the then Receiver General for Jersey commenced work to clear the area around Gigoulande Mill and construct footpaths through the Crown land around the Mill opening the area up to the general public.
By David Pett (former HM Receiver General for Jersey).
The Receiver General was approached by Jersey Round Table who were wishing to do a conservation project and were seeking approval to renovate the disused millpond some 300m up the valley from the Mill. The millpond had become completely overgrown with weeds, sycamores, brambles and other vegetation. The dam wall, sluice gate and spillway were in need of
The establishment of the Platinum Jubilee Footpath is the culmination of more than six year’s work and which will result in the extension the St Peter’s Valley path further into the countryside.
As a result, tentative approaches were made to Granite Products and to The National Trust for Jersey who are the landowners over which the path would travel. The approaches were met with enthusiasm and as a result the Receiver General applied for and received planning permission for the construction of a woodland/ countryside footpath from the millpond to The Elms to be called The Platinum Jubilee Footpath.
After meeting various environmental and ecological conditions work has commenced and involves the construction of access points from the mill pond across Route de La Vallee into the meadows to the east of the road; the clearance of debris and fallen trees; the construction of a footbridge over the stream; the erection of some 300m of stock proof fencing along the borders of the meadows; the re-siting of the gate at the exit point to The Elms. It is expected that the works will finished by the end of September and it is hoped that the path will be officially opened by the new Lieutenant Governor when he takes up post in late October 2022.
PLATINUM JUBILEE FOOTPATH Inthe
IN THE NEWS
Gigoulande Millpond to The Elms
The first written record of the Mill was in 1247, and it had been in continuous use to shortly before WWII; was partly demolished by the occupying powers and had fallen in to disrepair at the end of hostilities. It was unique, one of only 4 known examples of double overshot wheels where the discharge from the top wheel fed the bottom wheel. Further details can be found on the”Friends of Gigoulande Mill” website.
Welcome to two new team members
Since we last went to press in the spring we are delighted to welcome and introduce you to two new team members; Louise Whale, and Matthew Wall Louise joined the Lands team in May, as a Conservation Officer replacing John Rault.
The Trust’s Lands team are responsible for managing the land that the Trust own: many of which include important species and habitats. As Conservation Officer, she is responsible for thinking about ways in which the team can enhance our land by promoting local biodiversity. This can involve designing and implementing wildlife surveys, helping to manage conservation grazing and managing wildlife databases. Louise enjoys using both surveying and data analysis skills (learnt from her BSc (Hons) Zoology from the University of Exeter and MSc Global Biodiversity Conservation from the University of Sussex) as well as working with a diverse range of people - including engaging different community groups with nature and collaborating with our partner organisations to share ideas. Louise volunteered with the Lands team doing GIS mapping during her undergraduate degree which gave her a head start. When looking for a permanent job in the conservation sector Louise was really excited when the job was advertised at the LouiseTrust.admits that there’s always something new to learn whether that’s a new bird call, a different butterfly to identify or different ways to use mapping software.
IN THE NEWS
Louise has loved wildlife for as long as she can remember and the Trust has given her the opportunity to finally get to pursue her passion as a fulltime job. Matthew joined the Properties team in April as Clerk of works, and replaces Ernie le Brun. Matthew, or Matt as he is likes to be called, has been involved for many years in the repair and restoration of a myriad of buildings and boats. He was born a mile from the sea in East Sussex, where he spent his formative years making anything and everything he could think of, and very lucky to have both wood and metal workshops at his disposal. From there he followed the traditional apprenticeship route. He then worked primarily in a traditional village joiners shop, making and repairing whatever was required; doors and windows, gates to greenhouses, beehives to boats. This was a perfect setting to learn his craft whilst developing his lifelong passion for all things old and traditional. Matt has always preferred to repair rather than replace. Matt owned his own joinery shop in the UK that evolved from normal joinery towards more marine and shipwrighting jobs, culminating in the restoration of several historically important vessels.
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Matt moved to Jersey in 2019 where he has spent some time renovating a traditional fishermen's cottage with his wife.
He joins the Trust at a very interesting time with plenty of challenges ahead. Morel Farm being just one of them. He enjoys being part of a small team of talented people who share the shame interests and goals of preserving the past for the future to enjoy and understand. Whilst acknowledging he has huge boots to fill in replacing Ernie, Matt looks forward to working for the Trust for many years to come.
The Trust is totally self-funding and independent of Government. It costs the Trust £3,794 per day to care for its 1,754 vergées of land (300 hectares), covering 174 sites, 29 historic buildings and 19,000 metres of public footpaths.
“The Trust was established to deliver permanent protection for areas of natural beauty and historic interest for the benefit of our island. We have successfully delivered this for La Ronce, both through investment and restrictive covenants protecting its external appearance and historic significance. However, the time has come to move on and release significant equity to reinvest in some of the historic buildings generously gifted to us which, in accordance with the wishes expressed by the donors, will be retained by the Trust permanently. To fulfil our role as an active conservation organisation we need to focus our attention on those historic buildings still in need of protection and repair. Both our existing repair backlog and the forthcoming buildings at risk register being collated by Jersey Heritage will illustrate that the Trust still has much work to do.”
Facts About The Trust
The National Trust for Jersey has sold La Ronce in St Ouen in order to secure funding for the muchneeded repair and maintenance of two other historic properties. La Ronce - a 17th century cottage in Route de Trodez - was purchased by the Trust in 1987. The property’s historic significance was subsequently conserved by an extensive programme of repair and Therefurbishment.Trusthadpreviously considered selling the property, both ten years ago and prior to the recent pandemic, but due to a range of circumstances it remained on the open rental market. However, following an unsolicited offer of £1.5m from a local family in 2021, and after much deliberation, the Trust’s Council decided to accept the offer, with the proceeds to be used to refurbish La Vallette in St John and Les Côtils Farm in St Helier. The sale of the house was delayed until last month as a result of sitting tenants and a raft of restrictive covenants being implemented. Two independent valuations were sought at the time from local estate agents; one of which estimated the value at £1.35m and the other at £1.5m without any covenants being in Charlesplace.Alluto, CEO of The National Trust for Jersey stated:
Sale of La Ronce
IN THE NEWS
Hamptonne and the Archaeology of Vernacular in
Houses
Jersey
| 9DISCOVER IN THE NEWS £70for DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO PURCHASE
David Mashiter is this year's well deserved recipient of the Amy Filleul award
Warwick Rodwell's authoritative work was published in July and is for sale through the Société Jersiaise. Please contact the Société Jersiaise via: info@societe-jersiaise.org or call 758314 to reserve/purchase your copy. In the 1960s Joan Stevens initiated the study of the history and architecture of traditional Jersey houses, publishing a seminal pair of volumes entitled Old Jersey Houses. Her study was historical and did not involve archaeological excavation or analysis, but she identified certain buildings as being of especial importance and worthy of detailed investigation. At the top of her list was a semi-derelict farm complex called Hamptonne, in the parish of St Lawrence. In 1988 it came on the market and was purchased by the National Trust for Jersey. In partnership with the Société Jersiaise and Jersey Heritage Trust, a scheme was drawn up to undertake a major restoration programme and open the site to the public as Jersey’s Country Life Museum. It was completed in 1995. The Hamptonne volume is divided into two parts: the first is an account of the history, archaeological investigation, interpretation and restoration of the Hamptonne complex; the second is a wideranging study of vernacular houses in Jersey. The latter embraces their materials, construction, decoration, fixtures and fittings. Examples are illustrated from dozens of houses all over Jersey.
Awarded annually by The National Trust for Jersey for those volunteers who give their time, expertise and service beyond the call of duty. Mr Mashiter has been volunteering for the Trust for over 40 years in his capacity as Chair of its Finance Advisory Panel. Pictured is David receiving the award from new Finance Chair, Christopher Harris.
“Many thanks to the team from EY who cleared over 500 metres of hedgerow. It was a very hot day and we found 2 wasp nests for good measure. Thankfully no one was stung! ” Our Corporate Partners 10 | DISCOVER • AAL Recycling • Romerils • Wild Atlantique • Evelyn Partners • Pebble Home & Lifestyle • PWC • Sandpiper • Crestbridge • Butterfield • EY • Collas Crill • Hawksford • Loop • TMF
IN THE NEWS Welcoming our new members
Victoria Tower Project – sponsored by information on how to get involved with projects and volunteering please contact Simone@nationaltrust.je since last edition
The positive impact derived from corporate support to both our Island's natural environment, and our wellbeing by being close to nature as a volunteer or as someone out for a stroll - is encapsulated in this project. Having received funds from Fiduchi the vision to turn Victoria Tower into a nature reserve has become a reality. With volunteers from the organisation working alongside our rangers, the area was prepared, the wild flower meadow seed mix was sewn, plug plants were planted and the results you see in these images tell their own story – this stunning site was also featured in the July edition of the BBC's Countryfile programme. Regular monitoring takes place to identify the diversity of flora and fauna and the area will continue to be managed with the help of the volunteers lead by our conservation officer Louise Whale.
For
His last job was the restoration of Morel Farm in St Lawrence, the first traditional Jersey farmstead gifted to the charity before the Occupation. Having worked on all the trust’s properties – and some more than once – when asked which was his favourite, there was no hesitation.
The historic repairs we did there were considerable, given the state of the property when we took it on. ‘When I first went in and looked up, and could see light through the roof from the ground floor, I said to Charles [Alluto, trust chief executive] that I thought he was having a laugh.’ Today, following a five-year project, the restored Georgian town house – a museum and venue for events, functions and education – is testament to the abilities and patience of master craftsmen such as Mr Le Brun.
His first big project at the trust was the restoration of La Ronce in St Ouen.
We Say Goodbye to WHEN Ernie Le Brun left school, he had no choice about where he was going to work as his father had made the decision for him. Mr Le Brun senior was determined that his teenage son was going to get a trade and work in the building industry. Fifty years later, and soon to retire as properties manager for the National Trust for Jersey, Ernie has no regrets.
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Ernie Le Brun.
Having learned skills passed down by generations of carpenters and joiners in his early working life, he has spent the past 32 years since joining the trust putting old crafts to good use. He has worked on local landmarks such as Le Rât Cottage, 16 New Street, the Foot Buildings and Grève de Lecq Barracks. He has also worked on the wooden water wheels for Tesson Mill and Moulin de Quétivel. Mr Le Brun headed up the properties team, which restores and maintains the 30 properties in the trust’s care. However, outside contractors are brought in for large-scale projects and to undertake specialist work. Respecting and retaining original fabric – such as windows, doors and staircases – underpins all the team’s work, even though this approach takes more time, and money, than replacing with new. Ernie said: ‘At the trust, we like to spend the time needed to do the work. Most of our work is about maintaining as much of the historic fabric as possible but that is not easy to do all the time, which is the biggest challenge.
‘That is the difference between restoration and renovation, which is the core of what we are trying to do. ‘It is very difficult to restore a historic building properly, just as it is to put a price on it and a time to do it.’
Come June, he is looking forward to relaxing, enjoying his hobby of claypigeon shooting and catching up on DIY jobs at his St Saviour home.
‘Sixteen New Street is probably one of the finest restoration projects the Island has seen in a very long time.
IN THE NEWS
There are several variations to be found on the internet, including a popular one which combines equal parts of beeswax, turpentine and linseed oil. Making your own polish allows you to change the consistency to suit your own needs – adding more or less beeswax to achieve a light cream or a thick mixture – and, perhaps, a drop or two of an essential oil such as lavender to suggest warm, summer days!
VINTAGE TREASURES FOR MOREL FARM
by Robin Kelly, Properties Manager
12 | DISCOVER OUT OF THE WOODWORK -
Over the last year, the team at Ash Interiors, Emilia Lacy and Sue Harris, have been sourcing furniture for Morel Farm. Their skill and flair are transforming the houses into inviting places to stay. Some items of furniture have come from the Trust’s own collection and stores and others have been donated or purchased from local antiques experts. These have been stored in one of the Trust’s chapels at St John’s, waiting to be given a spruce up for the rooms in the houses at Morel Farm.
Beeswax Furniture Polish
Many years ago, the Jersey Beekeepers’ Association printed a sheet of beerelated recipes, including this one for beeswax polish.
Recently, Nick Le Mottée, an experienced French polisher with over 40 years under his belt, and his colleague, Colin Neville, started work on a selection of furniture for the Trust. Nick describes this as cleaning up the items, using his own recipe for the reviver – a mixture of turpentine, vinegar, linseed oil and some methylated spirits. He applies this using either a fad (a pad of cotton wool) or a rubber (the fad wrapped with a lint-free piece of cotton fabric). It is called a rubber as it is used to rub the solution onto the surface being polished, aiming for an even, finished surface. Nick’s reviver works well on the old wood, removing small surface scratches and dirt but leaving the items still with their patina of age. When the cleaning process is finished, Nick often applies a coat of beeswax polish. There is such pleasure in using old furniture, with all their bumps and bruises and quirky charm. Many of the pieces chosen for Morel Farm were made from mahogany. This has always been a popular wood for fine furniture as it rarely shrinks or warps and is not very susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity.
DISCOVER | VINTAGE TREASURES FOR MOREL FARM
W here would you find a diverse collection of tables and chairs, beds and bureaus and even a piano?
- Nick cleaning a late Georgian mahogany lattice ladderback dining chair, one of a set of
4. | 13 DISCOVER | VINTAGE TREASURES FOR MOREL FARM
- Dine in style! We have 8 mahogany shield back chairs in late Georgian Chippendale style, 4 original and 4 reproduction. These graceful chairs will cluster, in harmony with each other, around a mahogany table in the dining room of the Farmhouse.
Many of us will be familiar with its traditional mahogany Jersey press and the Trust has several in our collection. Where possible, these presses will be used at Morel Farm although we have to take into account low floor-to-ceiling room heights throughout the buildings, which will preclude their use in several rooms.
14 |
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DISCOVER Until the eighteenth century, most Jersey houses were simply furnished and carpenters used native woods such as oak, elm and chestnut as well as fruit woods, such as apple and pear, for household items. However, from about the mid 1800’s, as part of the cod triangle of trade, Jersey fisherman brought back mahogany from South America and the West Indies as ballast in their ships. Skilled carpenters and joiners turned this wood into beautiful furniture, staircases and doors. Shipbuilding flourished during the 19th century and cabinet making was often combined with the activities of the shipbuilding yards.
DISCOVER | VINTAGE TREASURES FOR MOREL FARM
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- Colin restoring a mahogany tilt top tripod table Inside the furniture store Mahogany bow fronted chest of drawers with late replacement brass lion head handles and decorative inlay
WithAcknowledgments:thankstoSue Harris and Michael Hannigan for their invaluable assistance in dating the furniture featured in this article.
The choice of a mixture of periods and furniture styles suggests the natural evolution of a long-established home, evoking a cosy, bygone era and creating a tranquil welcome for guests. The houses will make no demands on visitors other than to relax. These will be houses to enjoy and remember for a long time.
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- A late Victorian shield-style dressing table mirror - An early Victorian mahogany oval dressing table mirror, with a serpentine front, dovetail drawers and bone handles
DISCOVER | VINTAGE TREASURES FOR MOREL FARM
It is many years since a member of the Morel family lived at the farm, and so we don’t know how the house was furnished in those days. However, the Trust is lucky enough to have these photographs, from Miss Morel’s collection, of the dining room and snug. However, the main room, ‘le parloir’, would have contained the best furniture in the house.
- The interior of Morel Farm from Miss Morel’s collection
- One chair down and three more to go...
These dressing table mirrors will be placed in the bedrooms in the Farmhouse.
his year, our Countryside Rangers, Kean and Cordeil, each spent a total of 19 hours and 30 minutes at the end of April/beginning of May putting up natural fencing around the wildflower meadow with the help of the Back to Work team.
Victoria Tower
T
Defending PollinatorsOur
Prior to the fence being erected, the wildflower meadow had been heavily trampled by walkers and visitors to the site during lockdown. Whilst we fully value the importance of people engaging with nature at our sites, this sadly meant that anything trying to grow was unable to flower. The fencing has enabled wildflowers to have the space they need to flower and go into seed, providing a valuable resource to many of our native pollinators. We have seen a common carder and a brimstone interacting with knapweed as well as an early bumblebee interacting with red campion. From observation, the meadow seems to be particularly attractive to several species of Visitorshoverfly.are still encouraged to come and observe the insect diversity, have a picnic or take their dogs for a stroll around the rest of the site.
16 | DISCOVER DISCOVER | VICTORIA TOWER
Solitary (underrated!!!)bees: Great banded furrow bee (Halictus scabiosae) Cream spot tiger moth Hairy footed flower bee (Anthophora plumipes) Brimstone (underrated!!!)Hoverflies:
Hornet mimic hoverfly (Volucella zonaria) Syrphid fly (Syrphus spp) Footballer/sun fly (Helophilus pendulus) Other Tachinid bluebottle fly species (Nowickia ferox)
Whilst adult migrant hoverflies are great pollinators in southern Britain, their larvae (young) are also good pest controllers as they feed on aphids.
Corn Marigold Chrysanthemum segetum Wild fennel Foeniculum vulgare can be found (in hope that the Swallowtails will return from France!)
Insects found at Victoria Tower this year: Plants found at Victoria Tower this year: Outside of patch: Common Knapweed Centaurea nigra. Wild Carrot Daucus carota. Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare. Common Bird’s-foot Trefoil Lotus sativa. Field poppy Papaver rhoeas. Cornflower Centaurea cyanus Common chicory Cichorium intybus Dock (Rumex spp) Common Vetch Vicia sativa Corn Chamomile Anthemis arvensis?
Bumblebees
Of the 250 bee species in the UK, of which are solitary (except the 24 species of bumblebee and the honeybee). These species only forage for themselves – not a hive.
Whilst a lot of attention goes towards bumblebees, hoverflies are also great pollinators in decline. There are over 280 species found in the UK!
Commoncorniculatus.VetchVicia
Early bumblebee (Bombus pratorum) Butterflies and moths Jersey tiger moth Buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrtris) Painted lady Common carder bee (Bombus pascuorum) BrownPeacockmeadow
1 2 3 4 DISCOVER | VICTORIA TOWER
Generally, bumblebees are in decline except ‘The Big 7’ which remain widespread and can often be seen - Red-tailed bumblee, White-tailed bumblebee. Garden bumblebee, Early bumblebee, Common carder bee, Buff-tailed bee and Tree bumblebee
The number of heath spotted orchids Dactyloriza maculata has increased from 10 (2019) to 14 this year!
Pollinator Facts
Rubbing bricks for gauged work were over-sized and under-fired so they could be cut to the right proportions with a bow saw and given a final smoothing on an abrasive stone. Bricks for more routine use were fired for longer in a clamp or kiln. Manufacture would quite regularly occur on a building site and the final appearance would be affected by proximity to the heat source, producing pleasing differences in colour. Bricks in the hottest part of the kiln sometimes became vitrified. From the 16th to the 18th century these ‘burnt headers’ were put to good effect in diaper of bricks or chequer work, with patterns produced by alternating these glazed bricks with ones of lighter colour. Bricks changed in size from those of the Roman period, which are more like tiles, through slim and crudely formed Tudor examples, to the hugely oversized Regency bricks designed to thwart English Traditionaltaxation. bricklaying is about geometry and bonds. Modern cavity wall brickwork is generally laid in stretcher bond where all the bricks are set end-to-end. Older brick walls were constructed without a cavity. The bricks were laid in a variety of patterns but
DISCOVER | ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL
18 | DISCOVER Modern machine-made bricks, of unvarying colour and texture, can be monotonous. Contrast this with traditional gauged brickwork, where each element is rubbed, shaped and smoothed by hand to an exacting geometry. The golden age of gauged brickwork occurred between the late 17th and early 20th centuries. This specialist technique was used to create precisely-formed arches, piers, quoins and niches. Sadly, gauged brickwork is no longer routinely taught to trainees. It was once the epitome of the bricklayer’s art but is now the preserve of a small band of conservation craftspeople.
- C18th gauged brick arch and chequer pattern with burnt headers - Arts & Crafts window in gauged brick surround
Matthew Slocombe MA FSA IHBC, SPAB Director
thebrickAnotherinwall
DISCOVER | 19 DISCOVER | ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL
one of the most common was ‘Flemish bond’ where the bricks alternate between a ‘header’ (positioned end-on) and a ‘stretcher’. Sometimes, to make up the gap at the end of a course, before a quoin is reached or a corner turned, a small ‘closer’ brick will be required. This lively variation in bonding, texture and colour gives an old wall its Brickcharacter.colour varies hugely, from buffcream to deep purple. Old bricks were manufactured by throwing clay into a wooden mould before the excess was scraped away. Once shaped, the clay would be released from the mould and allowed to dry before firing. By the 18th century a ‘frog’ was often included: this depression on the concealed face helped lessen the clay required and reduced the weight of the brick so it was easier to transport and handle. Jersey is less well known for its brickwork than for the use of stone but it had a significant number of brickworks in the 19th century, with the area immediately to the north west of St Helier as a centre. Local production was gradually superseded by importation; also, ships ceased to need Jersey’s bricks as ballast. By the mid 20th Jersey brickmaking was gone, but the island’s products no doubt survive unrecognised worldwide.
- Early brick Tudor arch with hood mould - C18th brick with penmy struck pointing - 5 C19th buff brick
If you have not been involved in this local tradition why not get involved? We need to peel over 1000 lbs of sweet apples over the course of a couple of days. A small ‘army’ of volunteers is required to peel, core and quarter, replenish the many buckets of apples needed, stir the mixture throughout the night, and finally put this wonderful preserve which has been likened to ‘Christmas in a jar’ into sterilised glass jars which then need to be wiped, topped and labelled! It is a fast paced and productive activity!
20 | DISCOVER
So adding to the usual hive of activity in and around Lé Nièr Beurre, our apple preserves competition will take place to see who can make the best apple jams, jellies, and other apple based products.
The categories include:
Autumn is nearly upon us and the annual tradition of Black Butter making at The Elms is taking place from 6 – 8 October.
Rathbone Investment Management International is once again generously supporting this year’s event and are a major sponsor of the famous Dalemain
Lé Nièr Beurre
Marmalade Festival in Penrith in Cumbria.
The competition is open to all ages and features a Children’s competition…
Forbiscuitsmore information and to get involved please look out for regular updates and entry forms on the website and in our office.
Apple Pie Apple Cake Best in Show Fun CategoriesAnd best Children’s apple ‘shaped’
by Donna Le Marrec, Marketing and Events Manager
Apple Jam Apple Jelly with and without alcohol!
Black Butter –Lé Nièr Beurre
DISCOVER |LÉ NIÈR BEURRE
Apple Preserves Competition
Saturday 8 October 10am until 4pm. The apple mixture is taken off the heat to cool and spices added including liquorice, mixed spice and cinnamon by midmorning. Once cooled an ladled into the Black Butter is sold in the produce market. Enjoy homemade sausages and cider, wood fired pizza and homemade cakes from various stalls. Other artisan products will include chutneys and sauces, apple juice, honey and crafts. Children can enjoy apple ‘crafts’ and pumpkin carving. The highlight of the day will be the judging and giving out of awards in the Apple Preserves
Thursday 6 October 2 – 5pm
Parkingcompetition.isavailable at Granite Products on Saturday with a free shuttle to and from The Elms.
Friday 7 October 10am until 10pm The wood fire will be lit first thing in the Bakehouse, we carry on peeling apples and these are cooked in a large bachîn over the fire and stirred continuously until Saturday morning. Come along to peel and stir and enjoy a community supper which takes place in the evening.
Parking is available at The Elms on Thursday and Friday.
Embrace the community spirit and peel apples at The Elms amidst the wonderful and autumnal aroma of apples. Meet old and make new friends, enjoy tea, homemade cake and Jersey wonders whilst you work…peelers and gloves provided although you can bring your own…
| 21 Programme BLACK BUTTER – LÉ NIÈR BEURRE
DISCOVER | LÉ NIÈR BEURRE
At the same time, it was decided to use this opportunity to take a closer look at Grouville Marsh and find out if the experts could advise the Trust on how to optimise site management.
Beck Woodward: has over 20 years’ experience in marine and wetland conservation projects around the world. She is a particular expert in wetland habitat mapping, community engagement and ecological surveys. She was in charge of habitat surveys and mapping during our project.
22 DISCOVER | ST OUEN'S POND UPDATE
An update on St Ouen’s Pond and Grouville Marsh
The oxygen crash that occurred in October 2021 where sadly lots of fish were found dead at the pond prompted the urgent need to engage external specialists to assess the water quality and provide long-term solutions for site management. In the short term, the Lands Team has installed aeriation units, which have prevented further fish mortality and the team continue to monitor the dissolved oxygen levels in the water.
These surveys were kindly funded by the Jersey Community Foundation. The team worked closely with Natural Environment, Sangan Island Conservation and other landowners to make sure all activities were carried out within the Wildlife (Jersey) Law 2021 as well as the Planning and Building (Jersey) Law 2002 (Part 6 Sites of Special Interest).
Jon Mellings: is a freelance entomologist and botanist (i.e. insect and plant specialist) with over 20 years’ experience. He came to help 35percent by leading the aquatic invertebrate and sediment analysis at St Ouen’s Pond. linkedin.com/in/jon-mellings-1620924a/https://www.
22 | DISCOVER The Lands Team has sought advice from Gloucestershire based wetland specialists, 35percent ltd, to increase its understanding and to ascertain the current ecological conditions of Jersey's most important wetland sites; La Mare au Seigneur (St Ouen's Pond) and Grouville Marsh (Les Maltieres).
35percent Team: Dr Matt Simpson – has over 20 years’ experience in wetland conservation projects around the world. He has a PhD in European wetlands and MSc in Environmental Water Management. He is a particular expert in hydrology and understanding wetland ecosystem services. He was in charge of installing the water monitoring equipment during our project.
A series of hydro-ecological surveys were undertaken between 5th and 8th July at St Ouen’s Pond and Grouville Marsh as well as sediment analysis, macroinvertebrate surveys, aquatic plant surveys, and thereafter installed water monitoring equipment. The recommendations from these surveys will form the basis of a report which is due in October. The water monitoring will continue for at least 12 months to gain an in-depth understanding of the water levels throughout the year.
PERENNIALS
Judith Queree is an award winning gardener and her garden is an RHS ‘partner garden’. Judith’s home and garden is in St Ouen and although measuring just over a quarter of an acre it contains many rare and unusual plants. Most of the plants are herbaceous perennials from all over the world; all nurtured in accordance with organic principles. A large bog garden contains a collection of over 80 water loving Irises and many other plants that relish the damp conditions, such as Primulas, Lobelias and OtherTrollius.areas of the garden provide the drier conditions loved by plants like Geraniums and the sun loving Salvias; a large collection includes many tender species from Central America. Every day of the year there is a Clematis in flower somewhere in the garden not surprising with over 200 different varieties and species clothing every available support.
First of all you have to decide what type of wildflowers area you want to create; annual or perennial flowers.
Now I don’t want to put you off before I have even started but be under no illusion that creating a wildflower meadow or wildflower area of any kind requires a certain amount of work! It is not just a case of scattering the seed and retreating into a comfy chair!
Judith and her late husband, Nigel, a former Minister of the Environment, discovered the cottage and its surroundings whilst walking with their dog one day in 1976. The cottage had dirt floors, no windows or doors and no electricity or water. They married in 1977 and worked tirelessly since that time to create what you see today. Wildflower Gardener
The
anPreparationredbloodtoredSobelaythetheWhenactuallyimportantlywouldgrowingthesepoppiesfamily)andnativeThispictorialmeadows.co.uk/https://www.willincludevarietiesofnon-annualslikeCalifornianPoppyTagetes(fromtheMarigoldbutwillalsoincluderedandcornflowers,inthepastflowerswerecommonlyseeninfarmers'fields.Thefieldsbeploughedeveryyearandthemovementofsoilencouragesgermination.diggingthetrenchesduringFirstWorldWar,theturningofsoilallowedthepoppyseedthatdormantforperhapsdecadestoexposedtothesunandoxygen.interestingly,thatexplainswhypoppiesareusedasanemblemcommemoratethewars,wherewasbeingspiltsothebrightfieldpoppybloomedenmasse.iskey,soyouwillneedareaofsoilthathasbeencleaned
DISCOVER | 23 23
Flowers of perennials flower every year and die back down under the soil in the winter. Every year cut the old stems after flowering, this allows healthy new growth to return in the Growingspring. a traditional perennial meadow is a lot trickier as the overuse of fertilers has resulted in high fertility.
by removing last year's old plants and any weeds. Generally poor soil produces better results so do not add any compost or fertiliser of any kind. Once you have a fine tilth, water if the soil is dry. If you water on dry soil after sowing you are in danger of moving the seed into clumps. I confine the non-native seed to ‘organised’ areas to stop them ‘escaping’ into the wider Ifenvironment.youwishto scatter only native wildflower seed more widely you must be cognisant of the types of flowers that grow in Jersey as many of the wildflowers on offer from the UK will contain those species that do not occur over here. I know that Samares Manor is several years into a project to make local seed available.
One thing you can do is to sow the seed of yellow rattle (also known as the ‘meadow maker’). It is a semi- parasitic annual and feeds on the roots of grasses thus reducing their vigour. If you are planting in grass it is easier to either start the seed in pots yourself or buy plug plants online - by doing this you will get better results rather than just scattering seed. You then need to ensure that you need to cut the grass once a year after they have set seed. Here at Le Creux Baillot, we mow in October and to keep the fertility down it is important to remove the Whatevercuttings. you decide the rewards will be great and the insects, birds, reptiles and mammals will thank you for it.
ANNUALS Flowers of annuals have a life of one season and are sown either in the autumn or spring and after flowering produce seed and then die and in my experience they are the easiest to grow and provide the best show in the summer. I think it is best to sow ‘ornamental ‘annuals; these are a selection of flowers that are not necessarily native but provide a long flowering period thus ensuring the insects benefit from a continuous provision of nectar. I buy my seed online from a company in the UK called Pictorial Meadows, they have a really good choice of both annual and perennial seed.
Judith Querée DISCOVER | WILDFLOWER GARDENING
The National Trust for Jersey and the Birds On The Edge partnership are excited to launch a new campaign to save our beloved puffins. With the puffins facing local extinction in Jersey in the near future, we are hoping to create a Seabird Reserve to protect their nests, eggs and chicks with a special fence that will keep rats and ferrets away. This long-term project hopes to make safe the puffins’ breeding grounds so that they can thrive and their colony can recover to sustainable levels. The proposed predator-exclusion fence will also protect many other local seabirds, land birds, mammals, reptiles and Withinsects.onlyfour breeding pairs remaining, we can no longer take it for granted that this colourful seabird which plays such an important part in Jersey’s natural heritage will keep returning to our shores - we must play our part to protect it now before it is too late. The information in this article aims to answer some of the questions that you might have about this project, including how to participate with your help and feedback.
3. WHY SHOULD WE CARE ABOUT OUR PUFFINS? Jersey has only 4 breeding pairs of puffins left, but in the early 1900s we had between 200 and 300 pairs breeding between Plémont and Grève de Lecq. Our puffins are heading for extinction, and if we don’t act now, we could lose them Puffinsforever.aretrue seabirds, only coming ashore in the spring to breed and spending the rest of the year out at sea. They have a long-lived but slow reproductive cycle. They are not fertile until five years of age and then only lay one egg per year. When old enough to breed, puffins return to the sites where they were born – this is why their native grounds, such as Jersey’s coastline, are so important for their life cycle. We believe that the puffin and the cliffs where they breed have a special place in the heart of Jersey’s natural heritage. Its iconic image permeates across
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We need it to protect the puffins and other local wildlife from nonnative predataors such as rats, ferrets, cats and hedgehogs. All four predators have been found to inhabit or frequently visit the slopes above the seabird breeding cliffs Once the fence is installed and the non-native predators are removed, the fence will stop them getting back. This will not only help the puffins to feel safe so they can come ashore to breed and nest but will also help to encourage other local wildlife in the area.
Creating a Seabird Reserve
1. WHY DO WE NEED FENCE?PREDATOR-EXCLUSIONA
Cris Sellarés, Project Officer Birds on the Edge to save our Puffins with a Predator-Exclusion Fence
2. WHAT IS A NONNATIVE PREDATOR? Non-native, or invasive predators, are those transported by humans, either unintentionally or as pets, onto islands where the native wildlife has no natural defences against them. At present 70% or the world’s seabirds are threatened, and introduced predators are their number one threat. Rats and cats alone have together caused the extinction of over 158 species across the world. Feral ferrets can easily kill and eat birds, eggs and chicks, and even the otherwise friendly hedgehogs can trouble ground-nesting birds by eating their eggs.
DISCOVER | SEABIRD RESERVE
Doing nothing is the cheapest option and would most likely lead to the extinction of Jersey’s puffins within our lifetimes. A seabird and predator expert who visited the project in June 2022 noted that all four puffin nests are accessible to rats and ferrets. If the predators are eating the eggs or killing the chicks each year, it might explain why the population is not increasing. The ‘sustained control’ option involves continuous work to kill the non-native predators found in the nesting areas with kill traps and poisons. This option is the least cost-effective as work is constant and will not eliminate the threats to the puffins completely. It also means that there will be always a threat to the puffins if they increase in numbers. The efficiency of this method will decline over time, as the predators adapt, learning to avoid the traps and becoming resistant to poison. Even though all precautions would be taken, in the long term this option would have negative effects on the native wildlife, with the danger from kill traps, and the release of poison and toxins into the environment. If control works were stopped the predator populations would recover quickly, potentially targeting newly-established puffin pairs and their chicks. All the financial investment and the negative impacts endured by the native wildlife would have been in vain, and in addition, any increases in puffins and other wildlife helped by the control measures would fuel an increase in predators which would be a further backward step. The approach of removing predators has been successful in over 600 islands, and all have seen fast and positive results for native wildlife. Endangered seabirds have increased dramatically in predatorclear areas, such as in Lundy, off the coast of North Devon. The puffins there increased from 4 to 375 in the 10 years since their rat removal project, and by 2021 they were as many as 848 puffins.
DISCOVER | 25 25 many local art forms, cultural representations and conservation campaigns. If we are to be the guardians of our heritage, then we must step up our efforts to reverse the damage that we have caused to the wildlife that makes our Island so special. And if we can’t even do right by the most colourful, most beloved of our feathered friends, what chances have all the other less charismatic species we share Jersey with? 4. HAVE OTHER OPTIONS BEEN CONSIDERED? Yes. The feasibility study conducted in 2021 also investigated two other options: 1) to do nothing, and 2) to establish and carry out sustained control of predators. The feasibility study concluded that the combination of a predator fence, and removal of predators from inside, was the only viable and realistic option to safeguard the puffins and to enable their population to recover.
Preliminary research was undertaken in 2017 by Piers Sangan (Sangan Conservation, Jersey) on the present status of Jersey’s puffins, and by Kirsty Swinnerton (Island Conservation, USA) on status of introduced predators. It was followed-up by three years of wildlife and predator research by the Birds On The Edge project officer, who was also trained in eradication, monitoring and biosecurity techniques in Lundy and the Isles of Scilly. Since 2018, the project has received guidance from organisations that have pioneered the use of fences for seabird conservation, such as
DISCOVER | SEABIRD RESERVE
5. WHAT CARRIEDPROCESSCONSULTATIONHASBEENOUTSOFAR?
THE FENCE IS INSTALLED? Any predators found inside the fenced area will be carefully trapped. Feral domestic animals, like ferrets, will be taken to the JSPCA. Hedgehogs will be managed following the advice of the Jersey Hedgehog Preservation Group and are likely to be released in adjacent areas outside the reserve but within their territories. If any rats were found difficult to trap, then a short, targeted and temporary effort would combine bait stations and kill traps, ensuring that all precautions are taken to minimize any negative effects to other Itanimals.isbelieved that the number of non-native predators in the area to be fenced is presently low compared to adjacent farmland, due to the low numbers of seabirds in the cliffs. Most predators near the puffin breeding areas will probably move away during the construction of the fence, with few if any left inside the reserve once the fence is completed.
7. WHERE WILL IT BE BUILT? The fence will be placed below the public footpath, starting to the west of the Lecq Clay shooting range, and ending to the east of the Plémont headland. The exact route will be determined by the terrain, geology and habitats. Most of the land to be fenced is owned by the public of Jersey and managed by the Natural Environment Department. Other areas are privately owned by individuals who are supportive of this project.
8. WHAT WILL IT LOOK LIKE?
A typical predator-proof fence is made of a strong wire mesh supported by poles at a regular distance. It can be between 1.5-2m tall, with a rolled hood at the top to stop predators climbing over it. The poles will be dug into the ground when possible, and the mesh will be sunk and skirted underground to prevent burrowing animals to enter from underneath. The ground on either side will be landscaped to avoid damage by trees or debris.
6. WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO PREDATORSNON-NATIVEAFTER
9. WILL IT BE VISIBLE?
Yes, the fence will be visible from the sea. It will be seen from the bottom of the Plémont headland and from some sections of the coastal cliff path. Most of it will be placed between 15-30 metres below the cliff path, so even when you can see it, it will not obstruct your views of the sea or landscape.
10. WILL I STILL BE ABLE TO ACCESS THE CLIFFS AND HEADLANDS INSIDE THE FENCED RESERVE?
The fence will not cut across public footpaths and will only protect cliffs which are not usually visited by the public, due to their dangerous terrain. The fence will be fitted with special predator-proof gates at certain access points to allow for workers, equipment and sheep to enter the reserve safely. Public access via these gates will be managed sympathetically to allow traditional use of the land, particularly by groups of users within the community such as shoreline anglers.
11. WILL THE FENCE AFFECT OTHER SPECIES? Yes. The fence will not only protect the puffins but all native birds, reptiles and mammals from the non-native predators. It is hoped that these indigenous animals will increase in numbers and even locally extinct species can re-colonise the area, such as Guillemots or Storm petrels. The wildlife and habitats inside the reserve will be monitored to detect changes in the long-term.
DISCOVER | SEABIRD RESERVE
Creating a Seabird Reserve (cont.)
26 | DISCOVER Biz Bell from Wildlife Management International Ltd (New Zealand), Dr Lindsey Young from Pacific Rim Conservation (Hawaii, USA) and Tania Pipa from SPEA (Azores, WithinPortugal).our local community, the project is liaising with partners, landowners and stakeholders such as Durrell, the Natural Environment Department, Development,EconomicTourism, Sport and Culture Department, the Société Jersiaise, Visit Jersey, the Jersey Coastal National Park, the Jersey Biodiversity Centre, the JSPCA, and the Jersey International Centre of Advanced Studies to name a few.
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In order to succeed, the Seabird Reserve needs your help and support, in whichever way you can share it. The project will generate a wide range of opportunities for volunteers, apprentices and students. Members of the public with any interest and skills will be able to participate in communitybased events such as public talks, guided walks, seabird watches, education activities, ecological monitoring and research, conservation tasks, habitat management and biosecurity operations, to name a few.
Year 5 onwards: Biosecurity measures in operation, ongoing environmental and wildlife monitoring, continuation of bracken removal and seasonal grazing.
16. WHO WILL BUILD IT, MONITOR IT AND MAINTAIN IT?
The puffins and other wildlife in the area will be monitored continuously. It is hoped that changes and increases in the puffins and other species will be detected within the first 5 to 10 years.
The Birds On The Edge partnership is looking at various fundraising options. An initial pledge of £100,000 towards the Reserve has been secured so far. The people of Jersey have been incredibly supportive when it comes to protecting this special bird which lies at the heart of Jersey’s coastal natural heritage. We will therefore be running a fund raising campaign to seek donations towards this project.
Year 1: Installation of the fence, ecological monitoring of puffins and other native wildlife, start of bracken removal.
12. WILL THE FENCE BECOME A PERMANENT FIXTURE?
15. IS THIS TOO MUCH TO SPEND ON SUCH A SMALL COLONY OF ONLY FOUR PAIRS?
18. HOW WILL WE KNOW IF IT’S WORKING AND HOW LONG IS IT GOING TO TAKE?
19. HOW CAN I HELP?
This is why the puffin is known in conservation terms as an ‘umbrella species’, one that shares its protection with all the members of its community, allowing all to thrive. Thanks to the puffins, this reserve will become truly a safe haven for coastal wildlife in Jersey.
je/product/donation/https://store.nationaltrust.DISCOVER | SEABIRD RESERVE Puffin Watch
It might seem expensive, but it will save money in the long term, as it is cheaper to protect species and their habitats than it is to try to restore them once they have become extinct in an area. With our seabird colonies suffering from overfishing, pollution, climate change, and now the new threat of avian flu affecting seabirds across the Atlantic, it is more urgent than ever to do what we can to help our Wepuffins.know that protecting their breeding grounds from invasive predators will give them a safe home to recover from all the other threats - and it is the one thing that we as a community can do for them here in Jersey. Even better, by protecting the puffins’ cliffs and slopes, we will protect all the other wildlife that shares its habitats with the puffins, from razorbills, choughs, swifts, kestrels, stonechats and Dartford warblers, to mammals like Jersey bank voles and reptiles like green lizards and slow worms.
17. WHAT IS THE PROJECT’S TIMESCALE?
The design and operational plan will be produced by the Birds On The Edge Project Officer with the help of a predator-fence specialist. The fence will be built by a local geotechnical construction company. The Project Officer will monitor the fence and organise any maintenance works when needed.
13. HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
It is estimated that the fence itself will cost between £650,000 – £800,000 to build, with the overall cost for the first five years of the project in the region of the £1,000,000 mark.
14. WHO WILL PAY FOR IT?
Years 2 to 4: Removal of introduced predators from the reserve, deployment of biosecurity measures, continuation of wildlife monitoring and bracken removal, trialling of seasonal grazing herd in suitable areas.
As these and other opportunities arise they will be publicised via our social media channels or you can be notified by sending us an email to: Abovecris@nationaltrust.jeallpleaseconsider making a donation towards the costs of this project. Every penny counts and will be utilised directly for constructing the much needed reserve
The fence will be built to last but we will review its effectiveness within the first 10 to 15 years, which is hopefully enough time to detect improvements in puffin numbers and other endangered wildlife. We will continuously evaluate maintenance strategies to improve its cost-effectiveness. Should the fence prove to be ineffective in protecting the puffins, removal will be considered.
28 | DISCOVER On 4th May 2022, the Government of Jersey launched its first Heritage Strategy. A culmination of three years’ work, the document aligns with the longer-term goals of the 20-year vision of Future Jersey
A Heritage
Chris Kelleher, Strategic Policy Manager, Economic Development Department.
The strategy has been developed around the heritage cycle, a recognised model of understanding, valuing, caring, and enjoying. Through sharing the value of heritage through access, interpretation and education programmes this often leads to the desire for deepening understanding, and so the virtuous circle continues.
A new survey of Heritage at Risk is looking at buildings identified in the resurvey of the Strategy
DISCOVER | LA HERITAGE STRATEGY FOR JERSEY
A critical aspect of the development and delivery of the strategy was for the three main heritage organisations to work collaboratively on the project. This culminated in the establishment of the Heritage Advisory Partnership that consists of Jersey Heritage Trust (‘JHT’), National Trust for Jersey (‘NTJ’) and the Société Jersiaise (‘SJ’) along with government officials involved with heritage and chaired by the Minister for Culture. From the middle of 2021, the partnership met regularly to agree the strategy, taking account of comments received from the public consultation.
In parallel to the structural condition surveys, another project is underway to develop a conservation plan to look at how long term conservation management of these sites can best be supported through the Strategy.
The strategic document is split into three parts. The first part outlines where we currently are including the partners involved in managing heritage in Jersey and determining the longer-term goals. The second part details a set of programmes with specific actions which provides the roadmap of where we want to go and underlies the basis for the allocation of heritage funding in future years. And finally, the third part, provides background material for reference on the current heritage context.
• A review of the German Occupation fortification sites in public ownership has now been commissioned and will also include relevant sites owned by the National Trust for Jersey.
Work is already underway in specific areas of the programmes that include:
• A symposium on portable antiquities, with expert speakers, was held earlier in the year, Government and related parties are developing new heritage and antiquities legislation for the protection of portable antiquities, to ensure compliance with international conventions that the island is either a signatory to, or been extended to.
The Jersey International Centre of Advanced Studies has established the first Island Archaeology Field School. The postgraduate research centre, based on the University Centre campus, at Highlands, focuses on islands and island communities and delivers andmaterialpublications,recordthewillresearcherspostgraduatetaught-ledcourses.Leadingandacademicslooktointernationaliseisland’srichhistoricalthroughpeer-reviewedaswellassourcedforinstallationsexhibitions.
for Jersey 2022-2025
DISCOVER | 29 listed sites in 2012 to help the Listing Advisory Panel (NTJ, SJ, Association of Jersey Architects and JHT) consider how such sites might be saved.
To download a copy of A Heritage Strategy For Jersey please visit the Government of Jersey's website - https://bit.ly/3ARa6uC
DISCOVER | A HERITAGE STRATEGY FOR JERSEY
• A training needs analysis for the sector is currently being undertaken by Highlands College. The analysis is split into two areas: construction skills relevant to the heritage sector and organisational resilience. Other areas of interest include calculating and collating the carbon footprint of the heritage sector and identifying ways of reduction, and exploring ways of improving digital access to heritage. In terms of cultural diplomacy, there is crossover with one of the programmes in the new Arts Strategy, published earlier in the year and the partnership support the concept of exploring opportunities around islands and island heritage. How will the outcomes of the heritage strategy be measured? This will be achieved through the publication of an annual heritage statement by the Minister detailing what has been achieved in the last twelve months, and what is being proposed for the coming years.
DISCOVER | 31 were created on the ground floor whilst at first floor level a number of new panelled rooms were formed along the whole extent of the south front fully incorporating the initially detached medieval chamber range and its later C17 additions. This resulted in the long timber panelled passageway which remains one of the most striking and unique features of Le Marinel. Also at this time the first floor chamber was decorated with remarkable painted wall coverings, now identified as being repurposed French theatre backdrops, as well as delft tiles for the fireplace and bolection moulded panelling for the walls. Refurbishment works continued albeit on a smaller scale with the addition of a new pressoir in the late C18 as well as improvements to the great parlour on the ground floor and alterations to some of the first floor BY CHARLES ALUTO CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERNATIONAL TRUST FOR DISCOVERJERSEY | LE MARINEL - THE HOUSE THAT TIME FORGOT….. LE MARINEL THE HOUSE THAT TIME FORGOT......
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DISCOVER | LE MARINEL - THE HOUSE THAT TIME FORGOT…..
As a result a unique time capsule has been created with a pervading sense of abandonment and decline, but above all a palpable sense of Jersey’s rural past. To have the opportunity to enter a house with no electricity, running water or any modern interventions and be able to view original C18 joinery and decorative finishes, largely untouched since the day they were installed, presents a rarely accessible opportunity to experience our collective history first hand. Regrettably abandonment has also resulted in decline and decay with panelling falling apart, structural timbers losing integrity and decorative wallpapers peeling off the walls. Intervention is urgently needed if this time capsule is going to be safeguarded for the benefit of our Island. For over 30 years the Trust has been in discussions regarding the future of Le Marinel but sadly it has sat on the ‘too difficult pile’ with everyone recognising its immense importance to Jersey’s cultural heritage (including every Environment Minister over the last 20 years) but failing to navigate a means of securing its future. As a result Le Marinel is now in a very perilous state of decay and likely to be lost for ever within a relatively short period of time, unless there is positive intervention. Over the last few years the current owner has generously agreed to grant the National Trust a 125 years lease of the farm buildings at a peppercorn rent. This opportunity needs to be grasped albeit it is estimated that £2.5m will be required to put the buildings in good structural repair.
–Amanda Burns CEO of Visit Jersey
The Trust’s vision for the site is relatively simple namely to captivate and educate everyone who visits Le Marinel about a unique place where time stopped still in 1870. It wants people to experience a place that is unique and full of surprise, as a journey from room to room reveals the faded elegance and honest decay of a traditional Jersey farmstead. Ultimately they will experience and understand the accumulated layers of habitation, abandonment, replacement and reuse all present at this remarkable site. Unlike Hamptonne Country Life Museum, the Trust is seeking to preserve the time capsule as is and present to the public a building lost in time, similar to such projects as Calke Abbey in Derbyshire, Chastleton House in the Cotswolds and Newhailes in Scotland. To date the Trust has secured a highly skilled professional team to assist with the project including Professor Warwick Rodwell OBE (Archaeologist), Ptolemy Dean OBE (Conservation Architect) Ed Morton (Conservation Engineer) and Ingham Pinnock Associates (Economic Development & Regeneration Consultants). Their fees have been generously covered by the Roy Overland Charitable Trust and the Trust has already prepared a Feasibility Study and Conservation Master Plan. However, if Le Marinel is to have a sustainable future the Trust now needs to secure the necessary funding to start undertaking urgent repairs. The clock is ticking and sadly time is rapidly running out for this historic site.
room layouts. In 1860 the house was inherited by Philippe Vaudin who was responsible for building the new house. As a result the former residential buildings were modified and adapted for general agricultural use with a new bread oven added to the former kitchen. Remnants of old newspapers on the window frames suggest that the rooms were also used for the storage and standing of seed potato. In 1912 a range of outbuildings to the north east were reconstructed comprising fine horse stables and a milking parlour, but these remained largely unused as members of the Vaudin family pursued different interests and career paths. Thereafter the buildings were largely abandoned and used for storage including vehicles, family ephemera and the drying of onions!
Please note Le Marinel is a private property and is not accessible to the public at this time. “This would provide such an important addition to Jersey's visitor offering, and stimulate much interest in Jersey's unique and compelling cultural narrative, that I know our target audiences, especially the Culturally Curious market, would be very interested in. The combination of a visitor attraction, accommodation, restaurant, and shop that would be conserved and developed in an authentic way would undoubtedly create much interest and attraction from visitors and islanders alike, allowing them to appreciate the very best that Jersey has to offer.”
DISCOVER | 33 DISCOVER | LE MARINEL - THE HOUSE THAT TIME FORGOT…..
34 | DISCOVER34 ENJOY | INTO THE WILD
This autumn half-term sees the return of the much-loved family events ‘Woodland Wonders’, which are to be staged by our Senior Education Officer, Erin, in St Peters Valley and Waterworks Valley. We hope to see you at one of these events, or out ‘in the wild’ in one of the other natural spaces that we are blessed with on our Island.
Over recent years, there have been some exceptions to this, with the growth of nature schools for pre-school age children which allow them to spend their whole day outdoors. These do, unfortunately, remain exceptions instead of the norm in the UK.
Over a four year study into outdoor education in 2012, the University of Plymouth reported that 92% of pupils involved in the project said they preferred their outdoor lessons and 90% expressed feeling happier and healthier. Ofsted now demand a rich and stimulating outdoor area in schools and the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework provided by the Department of Education states that there must be access for children to an outdoor area and that there must be daily outdoor
The term ‘forest school’ is used to describe an engaging and motivating approach to play and learning outdoors, and was first developed in the UK in the 1990’s by staff at Bridgewater College, following an inspirational visit to Denmark. Whilst children in the UK, particularly during school-time, have reduced access to outdoor play, for Scandinavian children it has long been rooted in their everyday lives.
Unfortunately,activities.despitethese regulations, and the evidence of the need to be outdoors and connected with nature in order to feel happy and confident; the outside, learner-led play that underpins the principals of Forest School is still far off being embedded into UK primary and secondary schools, as it takes a backseat to curriculum and exam requirements. This is where Forest School can come in, as it has been shown to increase a child’s confidence and self-esteem through exploration, problem solving, and being encouraged to learn how to assess and take appropriate risks depending on their Henceenvironment.theimportance of our Woodland Wander sessions to our local community. The half-terms will still feature many of the much-loved creative activities, and we plan to enhance these using Forest School principles and activities.
Having spent a week last year completing her Advanced Forest School Training, with the founder and creator of the Forest School Movement in the UK, John Blaney, Erin will be offering a range of activities to encourage children of all ages to explore the wonders of some of the rich woodlands that are cared for by the Trust.
DISCOVER | 35 Into The Wild ENJOY | INTO THE WILD
and Everyday Plastic ran a huge citizen science Plastic Count this year and found that on average, each household throws away 66 pieces of plastic packaging per week, and this is with the option to recycle them.
It’s increasingly hard when you are busy to lead a more sustainable lifestyle, particularly when many of the sustainable options are the most expensive. Furthermore, I agree with the need to pressurise local and national producers to stop using plastic packaging, instead of it being a burden we as consumers have to bear. However, until this is the case, I would love to stop sending my ‘recyclable’ plastics to the incinerator. That’s why I have created a petition so that our government has to explore the possibility of recycling other plastics here as well. Please consider signing it on the government petitions website, so that it reaches 5,000 signatures and can be debated in the States Assembly.
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Surely it is time for us to catch up with our sister Island?
Perhaps I am already ‘preaching to the converted’ regarding fake grass, and like me, you are trying to live as zero plastic a life as possible. I regularly refill old jars and plastic bottles with household products, I only buy loose vegetables and always bring my own bag to the supermarket. However, on the occasional Sunday I’ll need something such as bread or tomatoes, which are nearly impossible to buy from local supermarkets unwrapped, even if supplied by local growers! Then later I am either rinsing out the plastic container to add to the stock of materials for craft workshops I run for the Trust, or end up throwing them in the bin. They have a ‘recyclable’ logo on them, but I can’t recycle them here in Jersey, as the only plastic we can recycle is bottles. Whereas, across the pond in Guernsey, they can recycle most plastics and boast the highest recycling rate in the world Greenpeace(73%).
www.Petitions.gov.je/petitions/200813
ENJOY | PLASTIC NOT-SO-FANTASTIC Plastic
Our Island has come a long way in starting to tackle some of our environmental challenges. We have also seen an upsurge in green innovations which help us live in a way which is kinder to the planet. However, there is one thing that all of us, and not just in Jersey, are having a hard time getting away from – plastic. Take plastic grass, which for a busy family with no time to mow can seem like the ideal solution, and now adorns many of our public places, even a busstop on La Grande Route de St Jean. However, it heats up in the sun, and so is too warm to walk on in bare feet, needs vacuuming, and that’s not to mention the environmental impact (flooding, biodiversity loss and loss of carbon capture) of replacing a grass lawn with plastic that can’t be recycled, will release these pollutants into the soil and has a significant carbon footprint.
By Erin Cowham not-so-fantastic
Embrace the art of candle making with Kim Davidson. Learn how to repurpose your old candles jars, how to create wax and fragrance and decorating just in time for in time for Halloween. Glass jars, wax and essential oils all provided and participants will leave with their own candle and armed with the know how to create many more scented candles at home!
Monday 19th December
ENJOY | ACTIVITIES TO TRY Activities
Enjoy an evening of creativity and conviviality with Textile Artist Beverley Speck and create a lovely felt Father Christmas decorative banner for the festive season for your tree, garland or anywhere else you choose to display it…
Thursday 15 September
TEDDY BEAR REPAIR
The Trust’s practical workshops are always popular and enable members to learn a new skill and have fun trying. Workshops take place in our historic buildings such as the Pressoir at The Elms and 16 New Street. Many events are members only but if not, there is always a price reduction for members of the Trust – so another reason to encourage others to join.
Do you have a beloved Teddy Bear or furry toy that is long cherished but in need of a makeover? If so, then come along with your cherished toy to this workshop run by Teddy bear restorer Christine Witham and learn how you can bring your toy back to life with a Teddy Bear ‘makeover’.
Meeting Point: The Elms Time: 6.00 - 9.00pm Price: £20 to include refreshments
WITH BEVERLEY SPECK
Meeting Point: The Elms Time: 6.00 - 9.00pm Price: £20 to include refreshments For lots more ideas on activities to try go to the Activity Hub www.nationaltrust.je/activity-hub/ To book on any of these activities please go to www.nationaltrust.je/events to try
WORKSHOP
ART AND LOVERSCRAFT
Wednesday 26 October
DISCOVER | 37
HALLOWEEN CANDLE MAKING
CHRISTMAS CRAFTS
Meeting Point: The Elms Time: 6.00 - 9.00pm Price: £20 to include seasonal refreshments Glass jars, wax and essential oils all provided.
16
DISCOVER | 16 NEW STREET A LASTING LEGACY
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Catherine Ward, Museums Manager
In the case of 16 New Street, the building started life as a three-storey family home in the 1730s. However, as St Helier expanded during the mid-19th century the owners sold off the valuable land to the south and south-west for retail use and repurposed the historic building as the headquarters of the Liberty Gentlemen’s Club. Following the closure of the Club in 1909, 16 New Street was leased to a sports and social organisation, the Jersey YMCA, and shortly afterwards in 1919 permission was granted to remove some of the historic partitions on the first floor to make room for billiard tables. Thankfully for the Trust, who acquired the building in 2003, much of the orginal fabric of the building remained intact - and today one of the things visitors
comment on most is the high-quality repairs that were carried out by the Trust’s craftsmen in order to preserve as much of the ancient fabric as possible. When the Trust first took on the project of repairing 16 New Street, many Islanders were sceptical about repurposing the derelict building as a museum. But when you look at the range of activities that have taken place this year alone, it is evident that the decision to reuse the building - and open it up to the public as a museum and community space - has garnered lots of local support. New Street A Lasting Legacy
The skyline in St Helier is changing as new buildings compete with one another to dominate the Waterfront, Commercial Street and Broad Street. But in the historic back streets, there is evidence of a more sustainable approach to development involving the reuse of old buildings that have outlived their original purpose. Repurposing historic buildings, while retaining the building’s architectural integrity, lies at the heart of what the Trust does. And as we look to the future with the restoration of the historic Morel Farm complex, it is exciting to look back at the past to discover how one of the Island's iconic buildings, 16 New Street, has been adaptively reused to make space for a changing demographic.
May 2022 16 New Street reopens for the 2022 ‘season’, operating two days a week as a Georgian House Museum. “What a surprise! We really enjoyed our visit to this restored Georgian mansion - full of character, full of history. Lovely period rooms, each with a fascinating story to tell.... and sounds too! The guides were welcoming, helpful and informative and special mention needs to be given to the housekeeper/cook in costume and in role with her descriptions of foods/meals in the lifetime of the house. We are in awe at the technical expertise, time and trouble taken to breathe new life into this property. Thank you benefactor! Thank you National Trust!” TripAdvisor Review, July 2022 June 2022 16 New Street is hired out for the wedding ceremony of Aoife Barr and Ryan Godel (whose sister, Ashleigh, got married at 16 New Street in 2020). In the first six months of 2022, £10,000 is raised from Islanders hiring out 16 New Street for special occasions. “We absolutely loved the venue and had so many comments about how great the location of the ceremony was. Thank you for helping to make our day so special.” Sandra and Ashley Aziz
DISCOVER | 39
16 New Street is transformed into a crime scene with 24 performances of Butterfly Theatre Company’s "Going Once, Going Twice… Dead!" – a site-specific murdermystery, performed promenade-style around the house. Thanks to the generous support of the Jersey Community Foundation, 360 complimentary tickets are distributed to local schools and charitable associations. “The eight of us who were lucky enough to attend had such a delightfully immersive, as well as funny, theatre experience. The Butterfly Theatre Company are to be congratulated for writing and performing such an original play, specially made for 16 New Street. The house truly came alive as the home of Philippe Journeaux…albeit fictionally.” Jersey Friends of Antony Nolan
April 2022
Spotlight on 16 New Street
March 2022 16 New Street is transformed into a concert hall with four performances by pianist Nick Miller and soloist Jonathan Hill, performing on a rare £1m Stradivarius violin. Over £1,000 is raised towards the museum’s running costs, and an additional £600 towards the Bailiff’s Ukraine Appeal.
DISCOVER | 16 NEW STREET A LASTING LEGACY
“The joy of timetabling community activities at 16 New Street is the building is so versatile. In the summer we have National Trust members visiting us from around the world to see the restoration work and learn about Jersey during the Georgian period. In the winter we welcome more than 300 visitors a day to soak up the festive atmosphere – and see Father Christmas dressed in green. And in between we host lectures, music recitals and theatre productions to attract new audiences and bring the house to life.” Catherine Ward, Museums Manager Photograph © The Jersey Evening Post
Photograph copyright Victoria Hall Photographers
DISCOVER | SPOTLIGHT ON THE MUSEUM VOLUNTEERS
Moulin de Quétivel Team of 2022: Welcome Hosts/ Gift Shop/ Tearoom Volunteers: Jill Bartholomew, Carol Canavan, Chris Charman, Judy Collins, Sarah Measday, Gill Morgan, Chris O’Hagan, Barbara Pitman, Trevor Rayson, Wendy Riley and Ruth Tuck. Volunteer Millers: Mac Macready, Stuart Mason and Gill Morgan. School Workshop Volunteers: Jo Fancourt, Barbara Pitman, Martin Pitman and Trevor Rayson. Millers’ Wives: Sue Gorin and Dian Mezec.
Chris Charman
Welcome Hosts / Gift Shop Volunteers: Maureen Boyle, Carol Canavan, Trudy Mirza, Chris O’Hagan, Barbara Pitman, Ann Raffray and Wendy Riley. School Workshop Volunteers: Jo Fancourt, Barbara Pitman, Martin Pitman and Ruth Tuck. Cooks/Housekeepers: Sue Gorin, Dian Mezec and Lindsey Noble.
Q What do you love about volunteering at Le Moulin de Quétivel?
Q Why are museums such as Le Moulin de Quétivel so important for local Islanders?
40 | DISCOVER40 16 New Street Team of 2022: Volunteer Stewards/ Room Guides: Daphne Aubert, Linda De Ste Croix, Roy le Hérissier, Martin Pitman, Ruth Tuck and Bev Wilding.
A I really enjoy meeting and chatting to the people who frequent the mill and also with the lovely people who volunteer there, also the people who work so diligently for the Trust.
With only one full-time member of staff overseeing the museums, the Trust is wholly dependent on its team of volunteers to look after the day-to-day running of the sites: from welcoming guests and manning the gift shops / tearoom to acting as room stewards, assisting with events and delivering the museums’ education programmes.
Q What inspired you to start volunteering for the Trust?
A I was keen to find something useful to do after I retired as a legal PA. Mike and Angelika Stentiford suggested I might enjoy volunteering at Quétivel Mill and perhaps baking cakes for them to sell.
Spotlight on the Museum Volunteers
A I think that the museums are vital to the population. The public, the visitors and especially our children need to know the history of this, our Island home. Also we, as volunteers, can make people’s visits to the mill more interesting if we can tell them about what went on temps passé.
Q What do you love about volunteering at Le Moulin de Quétivel? A Top of my list would be meeting so many different people from all walks of life. Not only the great volunteers I work with, but the many visitors who come and go. Many are regulars who I’ve got to know over the last six years. I’ve loved finding out about the history of the mill and how it works. Researching past census material has helped bring the mill to life, imagining the lives of various millers in the past. Working with school children at the mill has been equally rewarding as we teach them how the mill operates and help them make their own mill wheels.
Q What do you love about volunteering at Le Moulin de Quétivel?
Q What inspired you to start volunteering for the Trust?
DISCOVER | SPOTLIGHT ON THE MUSEUM VOLUNTEERS
Q Why are museums such as Le Moulin de Quétivel so important for local Islanders?
A When I retired from the Jersey Prison Service, Wendy Riley suggested I might enjoy volunteering with the National Trust. The Mill was suggested as I live in the vicinity in St Peter’s village.
DISCOVER | 41 Barbara Pitman
A On retirement I was keen to keep a ‘structure’ to my time; a regular volunteering slot, as well as involvement in Schools’ Weeks, Candlelit Tours and occasional gardening has all helped to keep the variety I wanted. The camaraderie of being one of a small group of volunteers with a shared purpose is very enjoyable, as is the contact with a wide variety of visitors: often conversations stray from the immediate subject (16 New Street) to broader local topics. Positive feedback makes the role of a volunteer worthwhile.
Q Why are museums such as Le Moulin de Quétivel so important for local Islanders?
Q What inspired you to start volunteering for the Trust? A Visiting National Trust properties - whether a historic house or for a country walk, or even a stop for lunch to break a journey - has given me a huge amount of enjoyment over many years. I found many of the volunteer guides I encountered to be very enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge and on retiring thought my keen interest in history and local knowledge could be put to good use in this way.
A Interacting with the public and fellow volunteers and passing on information about the mill, its workings and its history.
Trevor Rayson Q What inspired you to start volunteering for the Trust?
Q What do you love about volunteering at 16 New Street?
Photograph © The Jersey Evening Post Martin Pitman
A Quétivel Mill is important as it is an excellent example of ‘living history’ in Jersey and a superb example of the work of the National Trust for Jersey.
A For many Islanders the ability to see how lives were so different in the past is a fascinating insight. Many families visit and wonder at ancient technologies that appear so cumbersome in today’s hi-tech world. Conversations are inspired by memories that the museum conjures up, especially with older generations. When the mill is operating and flour is produced visitors are amazed at how efficient water power can be. The museum as a tool for schools covers many aspects of the curriculum: history, science and design technology being just three areas. Without the mill the Island would be a poorer place.
Q Why are museums such as 16 New Street so important for local Islanders? A Anywhere and anyone - be it museum, historic house or TV presenter – who is dedicated to broadening interest in history is a good thing. All too often knowledge and understanding of history is confined to national or international events, so encouraging interest in local history and how people in the past lived is vital. Just by visiting 16 New Street, you appreciate how fortunate you are in comparison to those who lived in the 18th century.
A Over the years I’ve visited many UK National Trust properties, loving every one. On each occasion I thought how great it would be to volunteer at such historic places. When I retired as a primary school teacher my first job was to find out about volunteering in Jersey. I’ve been lucky enough to volunteer both at 16 New Street and Le Moulin de Quétivel.
Un mio d'aigrîn est bouon pouor tous dans la vie, mais tout comme nou peut bein s'enronchi en tchilyant des mouaithes. Autrément, des chérîthes dé seu, des hagues, et des hagues dé rôsyi, sans pâler d'preunelles, sont des frits d'fôssé qu'nou-s'a fait sèrvi avaû l's années pouor des pâtchieaux ou d'la g'lée ou des r'mièdes. En av'-ous, bouonnes gens, des r'chettes dans vot' fanmil'ye?
Here's a recipe that Granny would never have offered me: Bramble apple brandy îngrédgeins: • 2kg blackberries • 250g sugar • 1l apple brandy Divide the blackberries between 2 kilner jars or similar; pour into each jar half the sugar and spirit; place the jars in a cupboard and shake every couple of days until the sugar dissolves. After that, the pots should be shaken every couple of weeks. At the end of 3 months, strain off the juice and bottle. To be drunk perhaps around Christmas and the hearth.
DISCOVER | 43 43
- Geraint Jennings
Né v'chîn eune èrchette qué Manman n'm'éthait janmais offèrt: L'ieau d'vie d'cidre ès mouaithes îngrédgeins: • 2kg dé mouaithes • 250g dé chucre • 1l dg'ieau d'vie d'cidre Ch'est dé sparti les mouaithes entre deux pots d'manniéthe kilnèr; vèrser dans châque pot la maîntchi du chucre et d'l'ieau d'vie; pliaichi les pots dans eune armouaithe et châtchi touos les deux-trais jours entréchîn qu'lé chucre dêpense. Auprès chenna, ch'est d'châtchi les pots toutes les deux-trais s'maines. À la fîn d'trais mais, êputher l'jus et l'emboutilyi. À baithe ofûche dans l's ambettes dé Noué à l'entou d'l'âtre.
MoneyCross-countrydoesn'tgrow on trees, but blackberries grow in Autumn. When I was little, Granny used to take the gang of us kids blackberry picking, then she'd make a big blackberry pie. But Granny's recipe was a bit tart for me, I confess.
Harvest EnglishBountytranslation:
Aller à travèrs ronches et bîssons
Nou n'trouve pon les sou pitchis au but des ronches, mais au Stembre nou peut bein y trouver des mouaithes. Quand j'tais mousse, Manman soulait nos dêhaler toute la mauvaise troupe: mé, man fréthe, et mes couôthîns - pouor aller tchilyi des mouaithes, épis ou soulait faithe un grand pâté d'mouaithes. Mais j'ai à confêsser qué d'pis chu temps-là j'n'ai janmais aimé du pâté d'mouaithes tch'avait trop d'aigrîn pouor mé (au mains à la faichon d'Manman).
ENJOY | HARVEST BOUNTY
It can't be all sweetness in life, but you can get caught in brambles. Otherwise, elederberries, haws, rosehips, not to mention sloes, are hedgerow fruits that have been used down the years for pies, jams and jellies, or remedies. Have you got any family recipes, folks?
44 | DISCOVER44 The wonder of the Jersey Orchid DISCOVER | THE WONDER OR THE "JERSEY ORCHID"
DISCOVER | THE WONDER OF THE “JERSEY ORCHID”
Like other members of the Anacamptis orchid family, among the traditional deep purple coloured orchids were a number of variations including baby pink and fuchsia hues. A trip well spent taking in the beauty of Jersey’s wild orchid fields. All I can say is encourage anyone with an interest in nature and the beauty of wild flowers to take a trip out to La Blinerie and Le Noir Pré in May and take a look for yourself at the results of the wonderful work done by the Jersey National Trust to protect and promote these rare and stunning Orchids.
have been smitten with wild British orchids for many years, ever since seeing an avenue of vividly coloured pyramidal orchids winding their way along Kent’s chalk Downland on an “A” level Botany field trip many moons ago. Since this first encounter with our stunning wild orchid I have had the opportunity to experience and photograph many of Britain’s natural jewels. One of the species that I have never seen, due to the fact that they only thrive within the wet flower meadows of the Channel Islands, are the enigmatic Lax Flowered Orchids, Anacamptis laxiflora or the “Jersey Orchid” So when I got the opportunity to come and see these beautiful orchids for myself as part of a wildlife trip to Jersey my heart skipped a beat. Usually when one has an opportunity to visit a new orchid species you commonly travel around the countryside for hours trying to find the site. Once there, the orchid spotters ‘walk’ takes over, you know the one, hunched over like Quasimodo looking at the ground, camera in one hand marching backwards and forward over the same piece of ground and when you do finally find the species you are looking for, nine times out of ten it’s a disappointing couple of spikes and just going over! Not in the case for the “Jersey Orchid” and this can be put down to the magnificent management of the wild orchid meadows by the Jersey National Trust. The two main sites, La Blinerie in St Clement and Le Noir Pré at St Ouen are an orchid lover's dream, with footpaths and walkways laid out so you can really get up close and personal with these stunning orchids. It was a seasonal celebration laid out in perfection. The first meadow visited straight from the airport was La Blinerie, even the taxi driver knew where to go such is the importance of these sites. It had rained heavily the night before so the air was clean and crystal clear. The view of Mixed in among the Jersey Orchids were also a small number of Southern Marsh and Common Spotted but more was to come when the next day I visited the second wildflower meadow at Le Noir Pré. I arrived early the next morning but could not quite get my bearings. I asked a local dog walker, a relaxed surfer looking dude, if he would direct me to the orchids. “Come this way” he said, “there are a few over here” He walked me through a large population of deliciously scented prostrate dog roses and we appeared by a low spinney of trees and there in front of me was a mass of exotically coloured mixed wild orchids, “speechless” he said and speechless I was. In three separate fields were footpaths, again sympathetically cut through the wild grasses and horse tails allowing perfect access to really enjoy the wild Jersey Orchids. But also on site were a fabulous population of Early and Southern Marsh Orchids, as well as Common Spotted’s and because the family Dactylorhiza are so promiscuous, all hybrids in between!
Mark Sewell About the author. Mark has worked for the NHS as a Superintendent Radiographer and Nuclear Medicine Technician for 30 years. Due to being diagnosed with an incurable genetic condition he retired in November 2021 to pursue a career in wildlife photography, writing and conservation. His work can i
Swimming has always been my preferred form of exercise but sea swimming has taken this to a higher level of enjoyment. The freedom that the sea affords blows my mind.
The cold water shock was there to tolerate and I kept swimming and mentally worked against the urge to get out. I’m not saying I was hooked immediately but the euphoria, sense of achievement and laughter lured me back into the sea and I soon ventured out on my own or
46 | DISCOVER
come on in water'sthelovely
DISCOVER | BENEFITS OF SEA SWIMMING
Getting undressed at the top of the steps I was warned to tread carefully as they were green with algae. All was well until I slipped, fell and cut my foot and ankle, examined them both and walked into the water leaving my dignity and embarrassment behind!
I moved here In December 2017 and feel so lucky to be able to swim in such fantastic waters.
Sandra Rycroft Year Round Swimmer
My sea journey began in February 2019 when a work colleague invited me to join his weekly lunchtime swim at Havre des Pas. It was of course a wintery cold day and I carried with me apprehension and thoughts that I was clearly mad!
Whether I keep my feet on the ground and exercise, ‘bob and gob’, (tread water and have a chat!) swim near the shore or out a kilometre or two; each swim affords a different experience and creates a lovely memory. Sandra Rycroft
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DISCOVER | BENEFITS OF SEA SWIMMING
Since then I have swum all year round. I recruited friends to join in. Initially they may have been resistant but now share this passion. We have had some amazing swims and we encourage each other with lots of laughter along the way. My absolute favourite swim is sunrise at Anne Port. The serenity of this bay holds my heart. I find each swim there peaceful, joyful and particularly mindful. Anne Port is my ‘go to swim’ when I need to de-stress or work through a problem. I have shared laughter, tears, squeals of delight and a few choice mutterings within her waters and always leave feeling better than when I entered!
Following on from the '30 Bays In 30 Days' event last year, I have recently completed '30 Bays in a Day' with 2 friends. We found this to be a fun challenge with such a sense of Theachievement.bestchallenge for me though was completing the '12 Bays of Christmas' last year, with my swim 'tribe'. I penned a swim song for each bay to the tune of a Christmas carol, which we then sang as a very poor choir, taking pictures and videos to capture the camaraderie and fun we all had! These women are amazing individually and collectively and the extension of our friendships from sea to land has led to many sharing of brunches, birthday fun and trips away together. We all keep going back for more and often have ‘FOMO’ (fear of missing out!) if personal and family commitments prevent us from going to every swim! As our saying goes… you never regret a swim. My recommendation to anyone thinking of taking the plunge is to just do it! There are opportunities to improve your physical and mental well-being, improve self-confidence, make new friends and discover hidden views of Jersey. with friends, discovering the different bays that this lovely island has to offer.
Woodland Bowls
4 Coat the side of the leaf that you want to attach with your PVA mix and start to arrange your leaves, coating them with glue on the other side as well. The inside of the bowl will be the area closest to your balloon, so make your nicest arrangement here.
6 Put a final layer of leaves on top of your tissue paper layer and coat with the glue mix. Save a couple of leaves and your glue mix.
48 | DISCOVER
YOU WILL NEED 1. A balloon 2. A mug 3. Masking tape 4. PVA glue and a bit of water 5. Coloured tissue paper 6. A paintbrush 7. Some colourful autumn leaves
5 Once you have a layer of leaves, do the same with a layer of tissue paper, this will make your bowl sturdier.
These woodland bowls are easy to make, don’t require lots of materials, and are a great way to bring the vibrant colours of autumn into your home.
7 Leave in a warm, airy place to dry and once completely dry, pop your balloon and carefully remove it from the bowl. The bowl may crinkle slightly when the balloon pops, but should reform its shape once removed completely.
8 If you have any gaps from removing the balloon, patch these up using your spare leaves and PVA.
3 Mix a small amount of water into your PVA glue – less than a teaspoon.
1
Soak your leaves in water for a couple of hours to soften them up. Then, when you are ready to start making your bowl, dry them with some tissue and cut the stems off.
ENJOY | WOODLAND BOWLS
2 Inflate your balloon and sit it (with the tied end downwards) on your mug and attach with the masking tape, to stop it rolling away.
Events JOIN & GET INVOLVED
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 Ofoffice team.courseif you would prefer not to book online you can telephone 483193 or call into the office between the hours of 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Log onto: www.nationaltrust.je/events
Embrace the art of candle making with Kim Davidson. Learn how to repurpose your old candles jars, how to create wax and fragrance and decorating just in time for Halloween. Glass jars, wax and essential oils all provided and participants will leave with their own candle armed with the know how to create many more.
BLACK BUTTER
Meeting Point: Le Moulin de Quétivel Time: 18:00 - 19:30 Price: £10 for members Suitable for ages 5 - 11 Please ensure that children are accompanied by an adult (accompanying adults go free) and note that tickets are only required for children although refreshments will be provided for adults.
CANDLEHALLOWEENMAKING
Children are invited to join the Jersey Bat Group upstairs in the exciting biodiversity exhibition in the attic of Quétivel Mill just before dusk, to learn all about Jersey's local bat species, then when darkness falls, grab some bat detectors for a walk through the woods to see if they can spot any of our nocturnal friends. We will then finish up back at the Mill to warm up with a hot drink, and the chance to chat to the Bat Group. Spooky fancy dress is optional but encouraged!
Visit Le Moulin de Quétivel to commemorate and celebrate the 'Corn Riots' by Jersey country folk, which led to a change in the course of the Island's history. Talks, sights and sounds of ‘temps passé’. The cafe will also be open.
Meeting Point: 16 New Street Time: 19:00 - 20:00 Price: £12 for Members; Non-Members £14 including a drink on arrival Proceeds shared between the Jersey Gilbert & Sullivan Society and the National Trust for Jersey.
Meeting Point: The Elms Time: Thursday: 14:00 - 17:00 Friday: 10:00 - 22:00 Saturday (Market Day): 10:00 - 16:00 Price: Free Thursday 14 and Friday 15 October COMIC OPERA ‘COX AND BOX’ AT 16 NEW STREET
Saturday 1 October JERSEY CORN RIOT DAY AT LE MOULIN DE QUETIVEL
Meeting Point: 16 New Street Time: 18:30 - 19:30 Price: £10 for Members; £12 NonMembers including a drink on arrival Kindly Supported by Ogier Autumn half-term (25th – 27th October)
Children are invited to explore the wonderful woodlands in St Peters Valley and Waterworks Valley. Learn about the different tree and plant species, take part in a variety of creative forest school activities to explore these rich habitats, and collect chestnuts or acorns to grow your own trees at home for planting in one of our new woodlands next year. Suitable for children aged 4 -11 years-old (children must be accompanied by an adult)
SPOOKY BAT WALKS
Enjoy Bernand and Sullivan’s one-act comic opera, first staged in 1867, in the splendour of the Victorian Club Room at 16 New Street. Sergeant Bouncer, an old soldier, has a scheme to get double rent from a single room: by day he lets it to Mr Box, a printer who is out all night; and by night to Mr Cox, a hatter who works all day. Bouncer’s plan works well…until Mr Cox is, unexpectedly, given a day’s holiday. The compact cast of three creates an intimate and amusing experience.
WOODLAND WONDERS
Meeting Point: Le Moulin de Quétivel or Le Don Sinkins Time: 10:00 - 12:00, and 14:00 - 16:00 Price: Free for Members; Autumn half-term (27th and 28th October)
Wednesday 26 October
october JOIN & GET INVOLVED DISCOVER | 51
Embrace the community spirit and participate in the ancient art of making Black Butter which takes place over three days at The Elms, the headquarters of the National Trust for Jersey. Apples grown for cider were once Jersey's main crop. Today fewer cider apples are grown but the making of black butter (Le Nièr Beurre) carries on. Come along and peel apples, which are then cooked in a large copper pan or ‘bachin’ over an open fire or help to stir the mixture which is cooked until dawn. The event culminates in a produce market where the freshly made Black Butter is put into jars and sold.
Thursday 27 October PETER LE ROSSIGNOL LECTURE SERIES – EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY
From tea and coffee to macaroni and pineapples, historian Peter Le Rossignol takes you on a cultural journey across continents and back in time to find out about the Georgian craze for all things exotic. Learn about the emergence of the first coffee house in London, how refined ladies and gentlemen drank their tea –and the raucous drinking games Georgian folk enjoyed on Twelfth Night.
Meeting Point: Le Moulin de Quétivel Time: 10:00 - 16:00 Price: Free for Members; Non-Members £4 / £2 Thursday 6 to Saturday 8 October
Meeting Point: The Elms Time: 18:00 - 21:00 Price: £20 to include seasonal Glassrefreshmentsjars,wax and essential oils all provided. Max 15 persons.
52 | DISCOVER Thursday 17 November CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT 16 NEW STREET Discover the magic of Christmas at 16 New Street. Enjoy mulled wine and mince pies as you browse for Christmas decorations, games, treats and gift ideas for everyone. Meeting Point: 16 New Street Time: 16:00 - 20:00 Thursday 24 November CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT 16 NEW STREET Discover the magic of Christmas at 16 New Street. Enjoy mulled wine and mince pies as you browse for Christmas decorations, games, treats and gift ideas for everyone. Meeting Point: 16 New Street Time: 16:00 - 20:00 Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 November FESTIVE MUSIC BY CANDLELIGHT – WITH JONATHAN HILL AND NICK MILLER For their final music recital of the year, violinist Jonathan Hill and pianist Nick Miller will be performing an evening of festive favourites at the Georgian House to get you in the mood for Christmas. Meeting Point: 16 New Street Time: 18:00 - 19:00 or 19:30 - 20:30 Price: £14 for Members; £16 for NonMembers including mulled wine and mince pies on arrival november JOIN & GET INVOLVED
Thursday 1 December
Meeting Point: The Elms Time: 18:00 - 21:00 Price: £25 to include seasonal refreshments
Meeting Point: The Elms Time: 18:00 - 21:00 Price: £20 to include seasonal refreshments. Glass jars, wax and essential oils all provided. Max 15 persons.
TREE FAIRY
Saturday 10 December FATHER CHRISTMAS AT 16 NEW STREET
FATHER CHRISTMAS AT 16 NEW STREET
Meeting Point: 16 New Street Time: 16:00 - 20:00
Join Claire Evans from Eden by Claire Flowers and learn how to make a beautiful Christmas garland, either for your mantelpiece, Christmas table or for use as a swag around the house and/or a wreath if you prefer. The afternoon will be very relaxed and will include seasonal refreshments.
Come along to The Elms for an evening of Christmas fun with textile artist and teacher Christine Witham. You will create a beautiful fairy to sit atop your tree made out of wire, paper, fabric, ribbons and wool. All materials will be provided but please feel free to bring along cherished ribbons or other decorations that you may wish to add.
Kindly supported by Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management
Meeting Point: 16 New Street Time: 16:00 - 20:00
JOIN & GET INVOLVED DISCOVER | 53
Discover the magic of Christmas at 16 New Street. Enjoy mulled wine and mince pies as you browse for Christmas decorations, games, treats and gift ideas for everyone.
Christmas in Jersey wouldn't be complete without a special visit to see Father Christmas at 16 New Street. Please note that due to the popularity of this event, tickets are reserved for members of the National Trust for Jersey only.
Price: £10 for adults and £5 for children under 12 and swimmers are encouraged to raise a minimum of £12 in sponsorship.
Christmas in Jersey wouldn't be complete without a special visit to see Father Christmas at 16 New Street. Please note that due to the popularity of this event, tickets are reserved for members of the National Trust for Jersey only.
Thursday 15 December CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT 16 NEW STREET
Thursday 15 December CHRISTMAS CANDLE MAKING Embrace the art of candle making with Kim Davidson; learn how to repurpose your old candles jars, how to create wax and fragrance and decorating just in time for the festive season and present giving. Glass jars, wax and essential oils all provided and participants will leave with their own candle and armed with the know how to create many more scented candles at home!
Saturday 3 December
december
Discover the magic of Christmas at 16 New Street. Enjoy mulled wine and mince pies as you browse for Christmas decorations, games, treats and gift ideas for everyone.
Meeting Point: 16 New Street Time: 16:00 - 20:00 1st - 31st December 12 BAYS OF CHRISTMAS Hot off the heels of the ‘30 Bays in 30 Days’ summer sea swimming event the 12 Bays of Christmas is aimed at encouraging the hundreds of intrepid Islanders who brave the chilly waters of the channel every day throughout the year to meet a new festive challenge.
Meeting Point: 16 New Street Time: Various – see website for how to book Price: £10 for Members to include a gift (one adult admitted free of charge with every paying child) Kindly supported by Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management
Sunday 4 December GARLANDS AND GIN WORKSHOP
Meeting Point: 16 New Street Time: Various – see website for how to book Price: £10 for Members to include a gift (one adult admitted free of charge with every paying child)
Thursday 1 December CHRISTMAS
Thursday 8 December CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT 16 NEW STREET
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT 16 NEW STREET
Discover the magic of Christmas at 16 New Street. Enjoy mulled wine and mince pies as you browse for Christmas decorations, games, treats and gift ideas for everyone.
Meeting Point: The Elms Time: 14:00 - 16:00 and 17:00 - 19:00 Price: £60 to include seasonal refreshments. Max 15 persons. Please bring secateurs/ scissors and any special decorations you would like to include in the garland.
Families are invited to the beautiful Le Câtel Fort to learn how to turn household rubbish into all kinds of festive-themed decorations. Join our Education Officer and local artists beside the fire, and learn how to make festive friends, snow globes, crackers and much more.
T’WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS – A FEAST OF CHRISTMAS POETRY AND CAROLS AT 16 NEW STREET
Meeting Point: Le Câtel Fort Time: 10:00 - 12:00 and 14:00 - 16:00 Price: Free for members (unless there is a fee for the artist) Suitable for children aged 5 - 15 years-old (children must be accompanied by an adult – adults go free)
Wednesday 21 December WINTER SOLSTICE WALK As we prepare for Christmas why do our thoughts turn to Holly, Ivy and Mistletoe?
Come and enjoy the stillness of the Solstice on this seasonal flora and folklore walk. See what is growing, what may be flowering and what is emerging as the Sun prepares to return to us. End with a warming glass of mulled wine to take off the chill!
Come and enjoy the stillness of the midwinter on this seasonal flora and folklore walk. See what is growing, what may be flowering and what is emerging as the Sun prepares to return to us. End with a warming glass of mulled wine to take off the chill!
Saturday 17 December
Monday 19th December
WASTE-FREE-FESTIVITIES
FATHER CHRISTMAS AT 16 NEW STREET
CHRISTMAS CRAFTS WITH BEVERLEY SPECK
Meeting Point: The Elms Time: 14:00 - 16:00 Price: £5 for Trust Members; £10 for Non-Members to include seasonal refreshments Max 20 persons.
Wednesday 21 December
Meeting Point: 16 New Street Time: Various – see website for how to book Price: £5/£10 for Members; NonMembers £6/£12 Kindly supported by Ogier
MIDWINTER WALK
Tuesday 20 December
Meeting Point: 16 New Street Time: Various – see the Trust’s website for how to book Price: £5/£10 for Members; Non-Members £6/£12 Kindly supported by Ogier
T’WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS – A FEAST OF CHRISTMAS POETRY AND CAROLS AT 16 NEW STREET
Thursday 22 December
Meeting Point: 16 New Street Time: Various – see the Trust’s website for how to book Price: £10 for Members to include a gift (one adult admitted free of charge with every child) Kindly supported by Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management
Inspired by Clement Clarke Moore’s muchloved poem, the Trust brings 16 New Street to life with live poetry and Christmas carols. Expect laughter, verse... and a generous sprinkling of festive magic.
Meeting Point: The Elms Time: 18:00 - 21:00 Price: £20 to include seasonal refreshments Christmas holidays (20th – 22nd December)
Inspired by Clement Clarke Moore’s muchloved poem, the Trust brings 16 New Street to life with live poetry and Christmas carols. Expect laughter, verse... and a generous sprinkling of festive magic.
Wednesday 28th December
T’WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS – A FEAST OF CHRISTMAS POETRY AND CAROLS AT 16 NEW STREET
Christmas in Jersey wouldn't be complete without a special visit to see Father Christmas at 16 New Street. Please note that due to the popularity of this event, tickets are reserved for members only.
december
Meeting Point: 16 New Street Time: Various – see website for how to book Price: £5/£10 for Members; Non-Members £6/£12 Kindly supported by Ogier
Meeting Point: The Elms Time: 14:00 - 16:00 Price: £5 for Trust Members; £10 for Non-Members to include seasonal refreshments. Max 20 persons.
Inspired by Clement Clarke Moore’s muchloved poem, the Trust brings 16 New Street to life with live poetry and Christmas carols. Expect laughter, verse... and a generous sprinkling of festive magic.
Enjoy an evening of creativity and conviviality with Textile Artist Beverley Speck and create a lovely felt Father Christmas decorative banner for the festive season for your tree, garland or anywhere else you choose to display it…
JOIN & GET INVOLVED 54 | DISCOVER
You may have read of the concerns over the decline of hedgehog numbers in Britain, with numbers estimated to be falling by up to 30% in urban areas and 50% in rural areas over the last 20 years. This has led to one of Britain's best loved mammals being listed as “Vulnerable” on Britain's red list of mammals.
The Jersey Hedgehog Preservation Group is concerned that a similar decline is taking place in Jersey and as such we are asking the public of Jersey to record any sightings of hedgehogs, dead or alive, through an online survey which will be available between the end of April and end of November 2022. Previous surveys were carried out in 2007 and 2012 and this survey will help to ascertain whether numbers have declined significantly over the last 10 years.
Jersey Hedgehog Survey 2022
While we do not hypothesise on the reason for falling numbers it is obvious from other wildlife surveys that loss of habitat from building work and farming practices, increased traffic, pesticides, and even the trend for low maintenance gardens could all contribute to the decline. Strangely, despite the increase in traffic on the island, there appear to be fewer road casualties around this year, but this may be a result of declining numbers rather than the hogs gaining road sense at last.
DISCOVER | 55
The Jersey Hedgehog Survey requests information on location, numbers seen together and frequency of sightings. We also want negative replies. Perhaps you used to see hedgehogs, but have not seen any for some years. Please let us know.
If you wish to participate in the Jersey Hedgehog Distribution Survey 2022 please go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/86YTG6G or the Website: http//jerseyhedgehogs.co.uk
CONTACT
The National Trust for Jersey The Elms La Chève Rue St JerseyMaryJE3 3EN Telephone 01534 DESIGNMAKINGenquiries@nationaltrust.je483193ITHAPPEN&PRODUCTION
TEAM The Idea Works Limited Regency House Regent Road St JerseyHelierJE2 4UZ Telephone 01534 EDITORIALinfo@theideaworks.com755400TEAM
PHOTOGRAPHS Credits to: Tommy Pengilley, Gary Grimshaw, Visit Jersey, John Lord, Erin Cowham, Sandra Rycroft, John Ovenden, Society for the Protection of Ancient Puffin Sculpture by Berni Martin ©2022 – 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 September 2022
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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.
DISCOVER Get in touch. We would love to hear your questions, comments and ideas.
Contributors: Susana Rowles, Sarah Hill, David Pett, Jersey Hedgehog Group, Robin Kelly, Louise Whale, Matthew Slocombe (SPAB), Donna Le Marrec, Jon Parkes, Judith Querée, Chris Kelleher, Charles Alluto, Erin Cowham, Catherine Ward, Geraint Jennings, Sandra Ryecroft, Mark Sewell.
Donna Le Marrec and Charles Alluto.