Bird watching, foraging, rock pooling and stargazing are some of the events happening at the National Trust’s sixth #LoveNature festival starting this week.
The five-day festival gives a ‘behind the scenes’ look at various Trust sites in and around St Ouen’s Bay, including the Wetland Centre and St Ouen’s Pond. The wild orchid meadows at Le Noir Pré will also be open especially for the event.
Hosted over the half term holiday, the festival runs from 28 May to 1 June.
Nature walks and talks
Wildlife is at the heart of the festival. There will be puffin watches, scientific bird ringing and nature trails with the Trust’s Land Manager. The Jersey Bat Group will also host a bat ‘experience’ talk at the Wetland Centre and those wishing to see these elusive creatures can test out bat detectors near the pond. Other activities include forest bathing, foraging and stargazing.
Children and younger environmentalists can take part in rock pool rambles and pond dipping and get up close and personal with birds of prey. There will also be nature themed art and craft activities at the White House, Le Don Hilton.
Orchids in bloom
Another highlight will be experiencing the riot of colour at the wild orchid meadows at Le Noir Pré. The orchid fields will be opened to the public especially for the event and will showcase the wild orchids in all their glory.
There are three species of orchids found growing in Le Noir Pré: the Southern Marsh Orchid, Jersey Orchid and the Spotted Orchid.
Wild Jersey
The film ‘Wild Jersey’, produced by hobbyist filmmaker Pierre Krizan, will be screened at the start of the event at the Frances Le Sueur Centre. ‘Wild Jersey’ was filmed over 13 consecutive months, starting in January 2020.
It was conceived with the purpose of witnessing and capturing the changing landscapes and wildlife of the island, season after season. It initially began as a personal project, but now provides the opportunity to communicate about the beautiful wildlife of Jersey, and the need to protect it.
“Take time out to appreciate the good things”
The festival is being funded by Jersey Electricity and CEO Chris Ambler, said: ‘The Trust’s work to preserve Jersey’s natural environment is immense and we are pleased to continue our support for such meaningful, positive action on sustainability.
‘The #LoveNature Festival is a fantastic event. A true celebration of everything the Trust stands for and we want to see protected.
‘It encourages all of us to take time out to appreciate the good things this Island offers naturally.’
Download the #LoveNature Festival Programme on the National Trust website.
