Jersey - Final Post.

This is the final post of our recent trip to Jersey (Channel Islands) and here are a few more views of the northern coast. [Please click any image in this post to enlarge].

I couldn't resist including one of the many Herring Gulls that patrolled the cliffs during our various walks along the coastal pathways.
This fellow was not very co-operative but I managed a record shot of this Green Hairstreak.

This Mallard family was sighted during a gentle stroll to one of the reservoirs.

Most days we took a circular walk around the roads close to our hotel and one morning the 'kia..kia" call of a Common Buzzard prompted me to look up and catch this individual flying overhead.

This was the closest we got to seeing a Puffin.

A "Maid of the Meadows, a true Jersey cow.

A Magpie keeping the insect numbers down - something I don't recall seeing before.

Dammed shame I can't move very far!

This was the only cockeral that didn't wake us up in the mornings!

Foxgloves were abundant alongside the coastal paths. The lilies were a present to Anita from Charlie (a daffodil grower friend) who we visited and were brought home in a large box packed in one the cases together with some Jersey spuds.

Thank you Jersey for a pleasant break away from work. Maybe we won't leave it another 30 years before returning.

Jersey - Coastal Towers

Until 1204 the Channel Islands were a part of the Duchy of Normandy. When Normandy was lost to France by King John, Jersey chose to remain loyal to the English Crown. The island was only 14 miles from the coast of France, so the fear of French invasion was a constant concern to the islanders over the centuries during which England and France were at war. The cliffs on the island's north coast provided a natural defence but the bays of the east, west and south coasts were vulnerable to potential invaders.

The Governor of Jersey, General Sir Henry Seymour Conway, decided to build 30 round towers to protect the island's coastline. The inspiration for these towers came from an ancient stone tower in the Bay of Martella in Corsica which held out against a British naval attack. They were round as this shape was regarded as stronger than square ones. However Jersey’s round towers are unique as unlike their English counterparts they have a more elegant design with tall tapering walls. In addition they are generally constructed of local granite and have machicolations (projecting beak like structures high up on the towers and walls) allowing the defenders to protect the base of the tower. The ground floor was used to store ammunition and weapons whilst the upper floor housed up to ten troops and their commanding officer.

You will note that the towers are painted on the seaward side, obviously as an aid to coastal navigation.

Jersey - Day 3: Museum Visit

On our 3rd day on Jersey (Channel Islands) it was our day to look after Anita's mum and dad and they decided that they wanted to visit the Battle of Flowers Museum.

The museum was founded by Florence Bechelet (now 91 years young) a prolific exhibitor in the Wild Flower class for some 60 years. She only uses two grasses; Marram & Harestails, originally picked from the wild but now, for conservation reasons, she has to grow everything she needs.

After picking the thousands of grasses, each seed head is individually colour dyed before being glued onto a wire frame covered in material for each piece that makes up the whole display. In addition the wooden float base, which can measure up to 25 feet long has to covered. This has to be a labour of pure love and takes months to complete. It was incredible to see the detail achieved and that many of the exhibits are still dropping seeds from the grass heads. As you can appreciate rodent control is paramount to prevent damage but all the exhibits are also protected by chicken wire to stop visitors touching the flowers but this doesn't help when you want to take photos!

ArcticExplorer

A very colourful Totem Pole

'Caged' animals

Below a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II - impressive detail.

At the end of our tour Anita's mum and dad had another surprise as the museum owner, Florence Bechelet, who is secretly working on this years exhibit, came out to meet them for a chat.

Jersey - Day 2. Samares Manor

On our 2nd day on Jersey (Channel Islands) all of Anita's family visited Samarès Manor’s Summer Festival and Jersey Rose Show. Throughout the day there were various events including Morris Dancing, Dog Obedience & Gymnastic races and Story Telling.

A selection of the vintage vehicles parked in front of the Manor house.

The Jersey Rosarians were holding their annual Rose show and these a just a few of the glorious flower displays.

All the roses were exhibited inside a marquee but far too many to photograph so here is just one of the fabulous blooms.

The gardens were created in the 1920's by millionare shipping magnate and philanthropist, Sir James Knott. They offer exceptional environmental conditions for growing an extensive range of plants and much of the original planting still remains.

We headed into the walled Vegetable Garden which contained this 'Apple Barge'.

This is a 2/3rds scale representation of a spritsail rigged Thames barge or 'Channel Barge'. Two reasons for it's construction: Firstly, a pratical frame for training apple trees; and Secondly as a reminder that these vessels were crucial to the Channel Islands economy before steam was invented. Mainly used for carrying granite as the flat bottom and massive strength enablem them to load and discharge on Jersey's tidal flats and sand banks.

Calendula's through the bottom of the barge.

During our stroll we met and chatted to a 'real' Jerseyman. This was the 'Storyteller' who is a close friend of the Signour of the Manor and his beaming smile tells you everything about his inner spirit and love for this place.

These are annuals in the Exotic Garden (sorry forgot the plant name!).

Yeh, I need a rest from the heat as well!

A view down onto the pathway that splits the Herb and Rose & Lavender Gardens. Established for over 20 years and and one of the most comprehensive in Europe this was the inspiration of John Brookes, the internationally renowned garden designer and author.

Aeonium in the "Hot Garden" enjoying the baking conditions.

A peaceful location to meditate.

Part of the Shade Garden.

An friendly 'Australasian' imigrant enjoying the cool, if muddy water, on one of the small pools.

Part of the Japanese Garden.

One of the many Water Lilies.

I took a rest in the shade with the gentle sound of water at my feet.

...and finally, Percy, the carthouse in the paddock.

An very interesting few hours and then Anita & I headed off for a drive around the east coast.

Jersey - Day 1 pm.

Day 1 continued: This is the north-easterly view from above Greve De Lecq as we began our descent to the car park.
One of a few Herring Gulls waiting patiently around the car park for a hand out.

We then drove west to Grosnez, another good sea-watching site at the right time of the year. On this occassion there was a very strong westerly wind and apart from a few gulls nearly everything else was keeping under cover. We did however get brief sightings of Linnets, Meadow Pipit, Rock Doves and heard a Skylark.
This was the scene way below our feet.

A rocky outcrop covered in a variety of wild flowers, grasses etc.

From Grosnez we followed the winding road southwards to the northern end of St Ouen Bay. Despite scanning all possible areas we failed to spot any wildlife.
Parking out on the water is no problem.

The final part of day 1 was spent further south at St. Ouen Bay were we enjoyed a welcome ice cream while scanning towards St.Ouen Pond (You may just be able to make it out in the distance).

This is a Nature Reserve but access is very limited. We followed a path to a very tiny hide but again there was nothing to photograph. We did however get a brief view of a Cetti's Warbler sculking in the hedgerow plus Grey Heron, Little Egret and two Marsh Harriers but all too far away for the camera.

Jersey - Day 1

Anita and I headed north to Greve De Lecq and commenced the steep climb up onto the coastal path heading east. This is the view of the small sandy bay from the cliff top path...the view would be totally different on the weekend with everyone flocking to any available sandy spot!

Herring Gulls patrolled the cliff tops. A Chiffchaff was singing from a high tree perch and we heard the sounds of Chaffinch, Blue & Great Tits plus a Wren.

Around the potato fields we spied over 20 sickle shapes dashing low over the crops and moments later the Swifts climbed high into the sky chasing their insect prey. Then a Kestrel flew overhead hunting for a meal.

An unexpected sighting was four Red-legged Partridge who promptly flew into cover as soon as they felt our presence. Small numbers of House Martins and a single Swallow passed by.

The coastal path took us past a number of properties with gardens to die for...full of colourful blooms.

Well worn Painted Lady's were basking in the sunshine.

Erigeron (Fleabane) growing in the granite walls.

This garden was created within the ruins of an older building.

The pathway twisted and turned with brief views of the sea.

Speckled Wood butterflies were very common.

Just two of the many wild flowers that graced our walk.

During a rest stop we watched the stiff winged flight of Northern Fulmars using the updrafts around the rocky cliffs (but too far away for pictures).