If you only need one reason to visit Jersey, this could be it - Jersey Zoo! It opened as the world’s first ever conservation-themed zoo by author and naturalist Gerald Durrell in 1959 and has thrived ever since. Today in the news again due to the recent airing of the ITV series, The Durrells, there’s also the publication of Michael Haag’s The Durrell’s of Corfu, the latest volume about the family’s life on the Greek island.
It welcomes about 170,000 visitors a year and has 130 different species. Since 1964, the zoo has been home to the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (formerly the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust). One example of the success of the conservation process here is the Mauritian Kestrel. In 1976 there were only four birds in the wild with one female and Durrell took the risk of successfully hatching a clutch of eggs thus rebuilding the species. Conservation of the species has moved on to the next stage in Mauritius, re-establishing the species in the community.
In the summer, enjoy Durrell’s at Dusk on 4th August 2017 which includes a guided tour, live music and dinner.
The zoo, just five miles north of St.Helier, is open every day except Christmas. In summer it is open 09.30 – 18.00 and the entrance price is £16 for adults and £11.50 for children.
Just nine miles by five, Jersey’s size makes it easy for visitors to explore the island in its entirety. Heritage sites abound from the ancient castles and forts to the Martello Towers, built to keep the French at bay or during wartime. Or discover the history of the German occupation at the Jersey War Tunnels. The Channel Islands were the only part of the UK to fall into enemy hands during WW2.
Close by to Jersey, just fifteen minutes in a RIB, explore Les Ecréhous and Les Minquiers, miles of reefs, sandbanks and rocky islands revealed at low tide. Spanning an area of sixteen kilometres by eleven kilometres, the area is home to seabirds, oyster catchers, cormorants and curlews - as well as bottlenose dolphins and grey seals.
Then there’s the food. As a small island famous for its food, Jersey’s bursting with flavour from abundant local produce and rich creamy milk to seafood straight from the island’s clear waters. From beach cafes to chic restaurants, farm stalls to village delis, Jersey is packed with amazing eating experiences to add an authentic local flavour to your stay. The freshest biggest catches and the harvest all happen in the autumn months so it’s the perfect time to visit.
For something completely different try the Muck Murder & Mayhem tours that take place at dusk every Tuesday throughout the summer in St Helier revealing the murkier side of the islands history.
Another interesting tour is the Behind Enemy Lines Walking Tour which runs every Sunday until October 2017. This describes what it was like in the Second World War during the German occupation. Tours leave from Liberation Square.
Then back to the zoo for the Durrell Dash on 29th October – run either six or thirteen kilometres starting and finishing at the zoo. This year is the 10th Anniversary.
Jersey is a four and a half hour journey from Poole or Portsmouth with Condor Ferries seven days a week. You can also travel over to France from Jersey. The Vedettes de Cotentin sails to Dielette near Cherbourg. Compare and book your crossings with AFerry.co.uk.
Photo credit: Images courtesy of Visit Jersey.
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