Custodians of the Park. Understanding of the special qualities of the Jersey National Park, and in particular, recognising those who make an essential contribution to its identity.
Celebrating the farmers that nurture our landscapes
Jersey’s agricultural traditions are deeply rooted in our history and culture. From our iconic Jersey cows to the lush fields that blanket our landscapes, agriculture is not just an industry; it nourishes our bodies, shapes our shared identity, and connects us to the land.
In an age of digital connectivity, where our existence often slips through the gaps between endless notifications and screen time, it’s more crucial than ever to reconnect, rediscover, and rekindle the bond that roots us all.
This year, we’re inviting you to ‘Reconnect with our Land’. We’ll recognise the farmers who shape our Island’s unique landscapes and nourish our community, and we’ll be highlighting their unique stories.
Meet our custodians and find out about rural matters
We are working alongside a range of rural partners – the custodians – to enhance public understanding and awareness of the dynamics of the rural environment.
To launch the 2022 campaign, you are invited to discover more through a series of expert-guided educational and thought-provoking events. These will take place during Autumn half term, from Saturday 22nd to Saturday 28th October.
A Société Jersiaise Éditions Emile exhibition will also be available for those attending the events at the Frances Le Sueur Centre. The exhibition, ‘Agriculture – looking back to go forwards’ depicts scenes of rural life from the 1960s through to the 1990s. The collection is made up of images by Société Jersiaise past president Maurice Richardson, who donated his archive to the Société upon his death in 2022.
Each event is £5 per adult and free for children under the age of 16.
Click on the link to find out more and book your place.
| Date & time | Event | Location | Guides | More info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 22nd Oct, 10.00 | Linking our environment and farming | Les Maltieres Wetlands | Piers Sangan, Sangan Conservation | Click here |
| Sun 23rd Oct, 11.00 | Rewilding, or habitat management? | Sorel | Aaron Le Couteur, The Reserve | Click here |
| Mon 24th Oct, 11.00 | Why we should care about our puffins | Plémont | Cris Sellarés de Pedro, National Trust for Jersey | Click here |
| Mon 24th Oct, 14.00 | The future is rural | Frances Le Sueur Centre | Alasdair Crosby, RURAL Magazine | Click here |
| Tues 25th Oct, 10.00 | A history of rural innovation | Social History Store | Helena Kergozou, Jersey Heritage | Click here |
| Tues 25th Oct, 14.00 | Sharing our space with nature | Les Landes | Tim Liddiard, Natural Environment Department | Click here |
| Wed 26th Oct, 11.00 | Can we re-wild Jersey? | Bouley Bay | John Pinel, SustainablEco-Solutions | Click here |
| Wed 26th Oct, 14.00 | A simpler way | Bird Song Garden | Carolien Colbeck, BirdSong Garden | Click here |
| Thurs 27th Oct, 11.00 | Why the provenance of your food, matters | Frances Le Sueur Centre | John Garton, Genuine Jersey | Click here |
| Fri 28th Oct, 15.00 | Reviving hemp cultivation in Jersey | Jersey Hemp | David Ryan, Jersey Hemp | Click here |
| Sat 29th Oct, 11.00 | Our food’s ecological footprint | Grow | Sheena Brockie, Sustainability Consultant | Click here |
This year, we shine a spotlight on the heroes of our agricultural community
In October we will announce our 2023 Custodians. These dedicated individuals embody the principles of sustainable farming, environmental stewardship, and the preservation of our Island’s natural beauty.
How you can support
Support our farmers. Look for local produce when and where you can, in supermarkets, farm shops and hedge veg stalls.
Click here to find a hedge veg stall near you.
And keep an eye out for the Genuine Jersey stamp, a guarantee of local provenance. Genuine Jersey members are crucial to the survival of Jersey’s heritage and traditions, with some at the forefront of introducing pioneering farming methods, new crops or exploring previously untapped markets. Find out more about Genuine Jersey, here.
Without the generosity of some landowners who allow the public to access their land, we would be limited in where we can go and the places we enjoy. When out in the countryside, please remember to….
To help everyone to share, respect, protect and enjoy the outdoors, ensure you follow the Countryside Code: