Sites of Interest
Les Landes
Coastal heathland is the most distinctive and spectacular aspects of Jersey’s wild environment. Developing largely on exposed cliff tops, heathland stretches for almost the entire length of Jersey’s northwest and southwest coastline.
Located on the northwest coast, Les Landes is Jersey’s largest single expanse of maritime heathland. It covers an area of 160 hectares and is bound to seaward by 3km of rugged granite cliffs. The reserve contains a variety of habitats supporting rarities such as the Dartford Warbler and the plant life features Cross-leaved Heath, Spotted Cat’s Ear and many other rare species. The reserve was designated a Site of Special Interest (SSI) in 1996.
The Human History
There is evidence that man has used Les Landes for at least 5,500 years. La Cotte de la Chevre in the east, is one of the few remaining middle Palaeolithic occupation sites in northwest Europe. Le Pinnacle, an impressive geological feature was occupied during the Neolithic period, the Bronze Age and by the Romans. Grosnez Castle, constructed in the 14th century, was designed as a medieval refuge during sea raids. Gun emplacements, bunkers and observation towers were constructed as part of Hitler’s Fortress Europe (1940-1945). Grazing areas for sheep and cattle and the collection of Gorse and Bracken by the local community for fuel and bedding has helped shape the habitats we see here today.
Flora
Dominant plants include Common Gorse, low-lying Western Gorse, Heather and Bell Heather. In addition, the reserve supports over 200 species of heathland plants, several of which are considered rare in Britain. The Gorse is controlled to prevent it dominating the thick carpet of heather and gaps between the patches of Gorse provide niches in which other plants can thrive. The Heather is in full bloom at Les Landes during July and August. The rich purple hues of millions of tiny flowers are in rich contrast to the bright yellow blossoms of western Gorse.
Fauna
The wetland area at Le Canné de Squez attracts a variety of dragonfly species and is an important breeding site for the Common Toad (please do not disturb this area). Look out for Green Hairstreak butterflies in sheltered areas and from the cliff path a variety of seabirds can be seen at all time of the year including the occasional Gannet from the Garden Rocks colony off Alderney. The Gorse provides cover and nest sites for Dartford Warbler, Linnet and Stonechat. Kestrel, Raven and Peregrine Falcons are recorded here regularly too.
L’Ouaisné Common
L’Ouaisné Common is one of Jersey’s richest and most diverse nature reserves, the area was once a dune system but, since the construction of a defensive sea wall during World War II, the dunes have stabilised and are gradually progressing to heathland.
The area contains large blocks of Gorse, dwarf shrub heath, open sand, grassland and wetland. The reserve boundary features mature Willow Carr in several areas and there is a large pond and reed bed on the eastern edge of the site. To the west the site is bounded by a sea-defence wall build in World War II.
The Human History
A little south of the Common is La Cotte; a cave formed when the sea level was some 18m higher than it is today. Excavations here have produced traces of human occupation dating back 80,000 years. Over many centuries the tenants of the Common held the right to graze cattle, cut Gorse, for fuel and fodder and Bracken for bedding fuel and thatching. The rights of the tenants of L’Ouaisné Common were published as late as 1889. Today the management of the Common helps provide a balance between the rich diversity of flora and fauna that exists here and the more gentle recreational activities pursued by the community.
Flora
A total of 163 plant species have been recorded on the Common and this may be attributed to the diversity of habitats. Included are at least 5 species listed in the British Red Data Book. Compared to nature reserves of similar size in Jersey, its species is unparalleled. Rarities include; Marsh St John’s-wort, Lesser Skullcap, Cross-Leaved Heath and Greater Spearwort.
Fauna
Among the Gorse thickets and Willow at the heart of the Common are freshwater slacks that provide the Island’s last remaining natural breeding site for the Agile Frog Rana dalmatina. Captive breeding takes place at a number of compounds around the Island for later reintroduction to other potential sites. The Gorse provides ideal habitat for Dartford Warbler, Meadow Pipit, Linnet and Stonechat. Birds of Prey include Kestrel, Sparrow hawk and occasionally, Peregrine Falcon. Reptiles include the Slow Worm, Green Lizard and Grass Snake and, although the Rabbit is the dominant wild mammal, Lesser White-toothed Shrew, Common Shrew, Bank Vole and Wood Mouse are also present.
La Lande du Ouest
La Lande du Ouest is an integral part of the dry coastal heathland lying above the cliffs along the greater part of the southwest coast of Jersey. It was designated a Site of Special Interest in 1996 and the rich flora and fauna is considered an important contribution to the island’s landscape and biodiversity. The heathland has developed over millennia and man’s interaction with it, by using it as a rich source of food, fuel, bedding and cattle grazing has shaped the landscape we see today.
The Human History
There is evidence of early human occupation of La Lande du Ouest. A flint scatter site, where stone tools were made, has been here dating back to the Mesolithic period (c.7000 BC). There is also what is believed to be an early Bronze Age burial site, the remains of which can still be seen at La Tables des Marthes.
In the 19th Century the area was a major source of granite and the remains of the quarry workings and its magazines can still be seen. There are also the remains of old quarry cottages, a stone crusher aand loading piers. The quarry, where the Desalination Plant now stands once supplied high quality pink granite for the Thames Embankment in London.
During the 20th Century, a number of German fortifications were constructed on the reserve including two large bunkers by La Corbiere lighthouse car park. These are occasionally opened to the public. A large signal tower overlooking La Corbiere now houses Jersey's maritime radio station.
Flora
116 plant species have been identified showing the rich diversity of flora on the reserve, Many of the plants are extremely rare on the British mainland and although less so in Western Europe, some species are at the edge of their northernmost range in Jersey.
In early summer the cliffs are dusted with Ox-eye Daisy, Thrift and Sea Campion cling to rocky outcrops and the deep yellow flowers of Prostrate Broom contrast sharply with the surrounding green-grey foliage.
Among the rarer plants such as Autumn Squill, Dwarf Rush, Sand Crocus and Yellow-horned Poppy, Look out for Spotted Rockrose too. This delicate, low-growing flower blooms in the morning and casts its petals by noon. The heath also supports a variety of lower plants including mosses, lichens and liverworts.
Fauna
A number of small mammal species throve on the heathland including Rabbits, Mice, Shrews and Voles. Green Lizards can also be found beside the footpath basking in the sun. For the bird watcher; Dartford Warbler, Stonechat, Meadow Pipit, Linnet, Raven and Kestrel are recorded regularly in the reserve.
There is also constant activity out to sea, Shag, Cormorant, a variety of gull species and occasionally Fulmars and Terns can be seen from the footpaths.
Portelet Common
Portelet Common presents a mix of dramatic sea views and a habitat typical of an area subjected to the prevailing southwesterly wind. The common has been managed for nature conservation since the 1980s and is a proposed Site of Special Interest.
The habitat is a mixture of thick gorse cover, dwarf shrub heathland and lichen-rich grassland. The Common lies 54-61m above sea level and covers an area of some 31 hectares. On the reserve’s northern edge there is a panoramic view over-looking yet another reserve, L’Ouaisné Common, where the habitat is quite different to that of Portelet’s elevated plateau.
The Human History
There is an internationally important archaeological site situated below the slopes on the north facing side of the Common. La Cotte de St Brelade is one of the major middle Palaeolithic sites in Europe. Finds from the site confirm that man has been present here for many thousands of years. The remains of Neanderthal man, Woolly Mammoth and Rhinoceros have bene uncovered by archeologists over the years. Such is the importance of the site that public access is not permitted.
Portelet Common has been tenanted land for hundred of years. The tenants grazed tghjeir sheep, cattle, goats and horses here until the 20th century. This traditional form of land management has played a major role in forming the habitat we see today.
The tenants no longer exercise their right to graze the Common, subsequently, managemetn is essential in order to control evasive species such as Bracken, Bramble, Holm Oak and Birch.
Granite quarrying prior to the First World war has contributed to the present shape of the reserve and work carried out by German forces during the occupation, when constructing fortifications, also had considerable impact on the area.
Flora
Portelet Common supports some 125 plant species and at least 30 of these have restricted distribution either in the British Isles or on Jersey. The dwarf-shrub heath and heath-litchen grassland areas are particularly rich in plant species. There are four species listed in the British Red Data book, three of which are found in these habitats - Dwarf Rush, sand Crocus and Early Sand Grass.
Other species of note include Green-winged Orchid, Heath Pearlwort, All-seed, Autumn Squill and the Jersey sub-species of spotted Rockrose. Such plants are just part of the wildness of this very special place.
Fauna
Around the perimeter of the common the cliffs provide ideal nesting and roosting sites for a number of sea birds and waders. Among the most common are the gulls. Three species breed regularly, Greater and Lesser Black-backed Gulls and the herring Gull. Amongst the crevices and ledges of the lower cliff faces, Shags, Oystercatchers and the Rock Pipits can be seen most times of the year. Ravens will often appear on the thermals in early summer.
On the plateau, the thick areas of gorse provide an ideal habitat for Dartford Warbler, Linnets and the occasional Stonechat. Updraughts of air from the cliffs also encourage the Kestrel to hunt the steep slopes and heath for a variety of small mammals and insects.
St Catherine’s Wood
St Catherine’s Wood, 18 hectares of mixed woodland is one of the largest in Jersey. Although parts of the site are still in private hands, the owners have granted public access, making it essential that the area is treated with respect. A stream running through the valley floor has helped develop a wide-range of habitats within the woodland. This constant flow of water culminates in a small reservoir (Le Maseline) built during the German Occupation.
The Human History
There are few records of past land use and management within the Wood although the hunter gatherers of pre-history may well have used the area. During the German Occupation (1940 – 1945) much of Jersey’s woodland was felled and the timber used to for fuel and for building. By 1944, Island fuel supplies were exhausted and few trees were spared as the need for cooking and heating fuel grew. It is estimated that around 200,000 trees were lost during this short period. St Catherine’s wood suffered somewhat less than other areas although hundreds of trees were felled. Occasionally some areas of the reserve may be cordoned off to protect sensitive sites whilst conservation work is in progress.
Flora
The footpaths leading through the woodland edged with wild flowers. Bluebells, Wood Sorrel, Wild Daffodils, Greater Stitchwort and Celandine can be found in spring and later, as the sun gains a little warmth, herb Robert, Red Campion, Foxglove and Spurge continue the woodland colour scheme. Ivy is prolific in the wood, both on the ground and on the trunks of trees. Contrary to popular belief, ivy is not a parasitic plant, it sends down roots like any other tree or shrub. Its thick foliage provides cover, nest sites and food for birds, mammals and insects.
Fauna
For the bird watcher, the wood presents a particular delight. It is home to the Great-spotted Woodpecker, Short-toed Treecreeper, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk plus a variety of smaller songbirds such as Blackcap, Chiff Chaff and Willow Warbler. The highlight of the woodland’s mammal population is the Red Squirrel. There are no Grey Squirrels in Jersey so if you see a squirrel, it will be this species. Rabbit, Wood Mouse, Common Shrew and Hedgehog share the undergrowth and root systems of the woodland floor. Fish too share the habitat. There are Brook Trout and Common eels in the stream and the reservoir is stocked with Mirror Common and Crucian carp.
Les Blanches Banques
The sand dune system at the southern end of St Ouen’s Bay, known as Les Blanches Banques, is recognised as a Site of Special Interest. More than 400 plant species have been identified here. 16 are recorded in the British ‘Red Data’ book as nationally endangered species. Standing stones bear witness to man’s long-term association with the beautiful landscape. The fight to protect the dunes from over enthusiastic use by man really began in 1954 but it was more than 20 years before cars and motorcycles were banned from the dunes. The seemingly innocent pastime of dune surfing was also forbidden. Careful management means Les Blanches Banques has largely returned to an oasis of calm.
Flora
Millions of crushed seashells helped to form these dunes making this a calcium-rich environment, ideal for a number of specialised plants. Marram grass is abundant and helps bind and build the dunes. Its tough spiky foliage acts as a barrier to wind blown sand. Millions of grains accumulate around the plants and this interaction is fundamental to the development of the dunes. Burnet Rose is a familiar sight, providing a surface fabric, which tends to hold the dunes together. The leeward side of the dunes provide protection for plants. The Dwarf Pansy can be found here and the Lizard Orchid presents a stunning contrast to the tiny ground-hugging species. The miniature marvels of the dunes, the lichens, mosses and tiny flowering plants are often best appreciated on hands and knees with a magnifying glass!
Fauna
The dunes also provide an ideal habitat for the Green Lizard. Rabbits provide a natural management team for this habitat. They crop the grasses providing the right conditions for the smaller plant species, which would otherwise be overwhelmed.
