The Countryside

The Island of Jersey covers a compact 45 square miles (116 square kms), much of it unspoilt countryside. And since this countryside plays a such a big part in Jersey's appeal, strict planning laws are in place to protect it. The Island Plan, as it's known, limits the kind of development that can take place in a particular area:

• In Green Zones, no development is permitted.
• In Sensitive Landscape Areas, there's a strong presumption against development, with occasional exceptions to agricultural development.
• In Agriculture Priority Zones, only agricultural development is permitted.

Jersey's rural environment consists largely of open fields, woodland, cliffs and headland, trees and hedgerows. Most of the fields are small, bordered by granite walls or hedgerows. Steep south-facing slopes, or cotils, can be seen all around the Island and are used extensively for farming of the Jersey Royal potato and other crops.

Getting around

Even the remotest corners of Jersey are easily accessible, however, with 450 miles (720 kms) of road covering the Island. While St Helier and the main arterial routes can be busy, most are much quieter, with 45 miles (72 kms) of inland country roads designated as 'Green Lanes'.
These have a speed limit of 15 mph (24 kph), with priority given to walkers, cyclists and horse riders, and exist in all but three of the Island's parishes. 'Green Lanes' will hopefully be extended to all 12 parishes over the next few years, to provide an island-wide network.
Cyclists, meanwhile, will delight in 96 miles (154 kms) of cycle routes, ranging from coastal to rural and including one to the Airport. Most routes are on-road, though there's an off-road track running all the way along the south coast to La Corbière. Bicycles are available for hire and cycle tours can be arranged privately through the Island's many tour guides.

Wildlife

Jersey positively teems with wildlife, including rare species not seen in any other part of Britain.

Woodland

Flora including the bluebell, primrose, stitchwort and wild daffodil abound in spring. And many species of birds, such as the chiffchaff, blackcap, willow warbler, goldcrest and spotted flycatcher, can all be seen in summer.

Hedgerows

In spring the hedgerows come alive with daffodil, stitchwort, three-cornered leek and alkanet, while in summer the hawthorn, sorrel, campion and hogweed burst into bloom.

The only resident owl is the barn owl, but most common species of birds can be spotted throughout the year. Among the less familiar ones making their home in the Island are the short-toed treecreeper, Cetti's warbler, the Dartford warbler, cirl bunting and serin.

You may also be lucky enough to see a red squirrel in Jersey, as the grey squirrel - which has caused their numbers to dwindle on the UK mainland - may not be imported.

Dunes

In these areas you'll find the dwarf pansy, shepherd's cress, early-purple orchid and loose-flowered orchid. In the summer months, the dunes are home to common centaury, evening primrose and sand crocus.

Cliffs/headlands

Wild daffodil, thrift, horseshoe vetch and sea campion can be found from February to April, and in the summer months foxglove, bird's-foot-trefoil, tormentil, autumn squill, wild golden rod and sand crocus are all in abundance. In autumn, betony, bell heather and saw-wort prevail, and in winter, yellow gorse can be seen.
The cliffs and headlands are also home to various species of birds. These include the puffin, razorbill, fulmar, petrel and common tern in summer, and the redstart, yellow wagtail, hoopoe and wheatear in autumn.

Open field/inland habitats

In spring you might spot the wheatear, sand martin, pied flycatcher, redstart and yellow wagtail. In summer, swallows, swifts, cuckoos, linnets and whitethroats are common sights.
Walks are arranged for members of the public giving them the opportunity to see, learn about and enjoy natural history at close quarters. These 'walks on the wild side', led by experienced guides, explore sand dunes, woodlands, coastal cliff areas, beaches and maritime heath. Three areas of particularly high ecological value - Les Quennevais Dunes, Les Landes and Le Lande du Ouest (Gorselands) - have been approved as Sites of Special Interest (SSI), under an amendment of the Island Planning Law in 1983 aimed at protecting such spots.
 
There are also several reservoirs within the Island which can be walked around. These include:

• Queen's Valley
• Val de la Mare
• Millbrook
• Grands Vaux
• Handois
• Mourier Valley
• Dannemarche

That's not forgetting the many rugged headlands to explore, ideal for walks and affording spectacular views. Among them are:

• Portelet
• Noirmont
• Beauport
• La Corbière
• Les Landes
• Plemont
• Le Col de la Rocque
• Sorel
• Ronez
• Fremont
• Belle Hougue
• Vicard Point
• Jardin D'Olivet
• L'Etacquerel
• Tour de Rozel
• La Coupe
• Verclut

The Jersey countryside is also home to a range of National Trust properties, which include:

• Hamptonne - Jersey's country life museum, located in the Parish of St Lawrence. Hamptonne consists of a collection of historic houses and dwellings which have been restored to their former glory.
• Morel Farm
• La Pierre de Baissières
• Le Rât Cottage
• Le Moulin de Quétivel
• Dolmen du Mont Grantez
• La Fontaine de St Martin