Jersey National Park

The Channel Islands Heritage Festival celebrates a group of small islands with a big history; the 2016 festival will honour the Islands’ timeless relationship with their coastline and the sea. The Channel Islands past is woven into its present and its heritage is just one of its many outstanding features.

Capture the spirit of the Islands’ history and plan your short break today taking in what each of our islands has to offer.

The 2015 Channel Islands Heritage Festival takes place between Friday 25 March and Tuesday 10 May.

In 2016, Jersey will launch its very own National Park

Jersey has invested in the development of a National Park, which has been years in the making, protecting the natural environment that Jersey is so privileged to enjoy for future generations of visitors and locals.

What is The Jersey National Park? 

Covering 1,925 hectares, it conserves highly sensitive and valuable coastal landscapes vulnerable to change and damage, whilst embracing opportunities for you to enjoy the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of Jersey, in areas which warrant the highest level of protection.

What can you do in The Jersey National Park?

Enjoy a wealth of experiences in stunning settings, walk along cliff tops overlooking the French coast, go ‘land sailing’ on the five mile west coast beach or eat sumptuous local seafood in coastal cafes or Michelin star restaurants and stay in coastal fortifications or quirky historic buildings.

South Coast Kayak Jersey

Top 6 things to do in Jersey’s National Park during the Channel Island Heritage Festival 

1. Written in the Sand – Les Blanches Banques Uncovered

Sunday 10 April

Coastline campaigner Mike Stentiford MBE will re-tell the stories of this large open area of sand-dune, from dolmens to drama groups, from islanders’ playground to coastal park status, journey back in time on a one hour circular meander.

Time: 10.30-11.30

Price: Free Trust Members, £5 Non Members

Meeting point – Le Carrier car park

2. People of the Sea – with Jersey Kayak Adventures

Sun 27 March, 3, 10, 17, 24 April & 1 May
Throughout history Jersey-men and women have turned to the sea as a source of their livelihood. Join us as we explore the rich maritime history of Jersey by sea kayak. Discover ancient fish traps, oyster beds and hear about the exploits of fisher-folk. Novices welcome.

Time: 14.00 – 16.30

Price: £40

Booking essential

Meeting Point: Weather & tidal dependant, will be confirmed the night before via SMS

Distance: 2-3 miles

3. Behind the Wire: St Ouen’s Bay and the Great War 

   

   St Ouen Bay

Wednesday 30 March, 6 April, 13 April, 20 April and 27 April

Learn about the men who served in the bay between 1914 and 1918 on this revealing walk, their training, weapons and defences. Hear stories of spying, sea battles and secret tunnels. Visit the fascinating remains of a huge WW1 prisoner of war camp, and discover the lives and experiences of more than 2,000 enemy soldiers who ended up caught behind the wire in St Ouen’s Bay.

Time: 14.00-16.00

Price: £10.00

Meeting point: Le Braye Slip (outside public toilets)

Distance: 2.5 miles

4. Sea to Sea Cycle Tour

   

   Coastal National Park view of Channel Islands from Jersey

Every Thursday during the Festival

Join local Blue Badge Guide Arthur Lamy as he take you on a cycle tour from St Helier on Jersey’s South Coast to Les Platons, on Jersey’s North Coast, where we can see the nearby coast of France and the other Channel Islands.  En route, we stop to discover dolmens, manor houses, and even where the Jersey Royal early potato was created.

Time: 10.00 – 13.30

Price: £15.00 – don’t forget to bring your bike!

Meeting point: Given at time of booking

Grade: Moderate

Distance: 15 Miles

5. ‘Land Sailing’ with Pure Adventure

2, 4, 8 & 23 April
Come along and experience Land Sailing – a wind fuelled adrenaline rush.  St. Ouen’s Bay, with its fresh winds and 5 miles of beach, provides a perfect location for this activity in Jersey. Land Sailing is exhilarating, either as a solo activity or in a group, as you get the chance to race your friends or family around the triangular course.

Price Adults £25.00 Children £15 ( 9+years)

Meeting point: Le Braye, St Ouen’s Bay

6. Coastal Forage with Kazz Padidar

7 April & 9 April

This coastal forage along a stretch of St Ouen’s beach taking in the tide and shoreline will identify edible plants, seaweeds and shellfish as we go. Cooking on a beach fire, we will then prepare the foraged foods and learn about any healthy properties they may hold.

Time: 13.00-15.30

Price: £15.00

Meeting point: Given at time of booking

Duration: 2 1/5 hours

For more information about these events and other events happening during the Channel Island Heritage Festival visit www.visitchannelislands.com