Discover by Big Ideas

Discover

The Magazine of The National Trust for Jersey « Spring 2010 »

› Explore Victoria Tower › Jersey Oysters › Frog or Toad? › Landmark Trust › Wild Spring Flowers

HERITAGE | WILDLIFE | ENVIRONMENT | LIFESTYLE | CULTURE

Discover Contact Discover Get in touch! We would love to hear your questions, comments, and ideas. The National Trust for Jersey, The Elms, La Chève Rue, St Mary, Jersey JE3 3EN Telephone 01534 483193 ghunt@nationaltrustjersey.org.je

Please can I advertise? Have a read and see if this hits the mark for you as an advertiser. If it does, call us to book your space in the autumn edition of Discover: 01534 483193. For a ratecard or a booking form, email Geraldine Hunt on ghunt@nationaltrustjersey.org.je

Making it happen... Design and Production Team Side-on / 01534 721630 stevew@side-on.co.uk Learn more: www.side-on.co.uk

An unpredictable journey requires preparation and flexibility to stay the course. Our investment teams have the freedom to adapt to market conditions, and harness opportunities to create long-term performance for investors. That’s what drives Ashburton’s active investment management approach. In a world of uncertainty, insight is everything. www.ashburton.com

For more information contact Tom Zambon on +44 (0)1534 512010 or tom.zambon@ashburton.com A member of the FirstRand Group

Editorial Team The National Trust for Jersey. With thanks to Sara Job, Julia Meldrum, John Pinel, Antony Gibb, Bob Tompkins and Paula Thelwell. Photographers The National Trust for Jersey, Side-on, Richard Perchard, Gregory Guido, Bob Tompkins, Planning and Environment Department and the late Pete Double.

Contents 4 View from the Top 6 - 9 In the News 10 - 12 Explore Victoria Tower 14 Tell us your Story 15 Dates for your Diary 16 - 18 Jersey Oysters 19 Why Look for this Mark? 20 - 21 Decorating 16 New Street 22 - 23 Landmark Trust 24 - 25 Frog or Toad? 26 - 27 Wild Spring Flowers 28 Elderflower Champagne

©2010. Discover Magazine is published by The National Trust for Jersey. The publisher, editor, and authors accept no responsibility in respect of any products, goods, or services which may be advertised or referred to in this magazine, or for any errors, omissions, misstatements, or mistakes in any such advertisements or references.

29 Low Water Fishing 30 - 31 Emporium 32 Reviewed 33 Energy Saver

Discover is printed on Evolution 75 Satin which is manufactured using 75% FSC certified recycled fibre and 25% Virgin Fibre. This magazine can be recycled, and we encourage you to do so at your recycling point. Passing the magazine on to a friend counts as recycling, too! Typeset in Slimbach and News Gothic.

Active On Your Behalf

This advertisement is for professional financial advisors only and should not be relied upon by private investors. Issued by Ashburton (Jersey) Limited, PO Box 239, 17 Hilary Street, St Helier, Jersey JE4 8SJ, Channel Islands. Regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission. The value of investments and the income from them can go down as well as up and you may not recover the amount of your original investment. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future returns. Where an investment involves exposure to a currency other than that in which it is denominated, changes in exchange rates may cause the value to go up or down.

Swallowtail Butterfly

Patron: HRH The Prince of Wales

V I E W F RO M T H E TO P

iscover provides a great chance to offer my personal thoughts on the highs and lows that affect the Trust.

Certainly, as far as these opening comments are concerned, there’s been little shortage of either during the first part of this brand new year. Realising that 2010 was likely to offer untold challenges we were, at least, all fully aware that the art of preparation would be of significant importance. However, as with most things in this modern topsy-turvy age we live in, while some situations can be confidently and resolutely dealt with, others stubbornly drag on with little sign of an agreeable ending. Sitting at the very top of the Trust’s ‘difficult tray’ is the seemingly endless saga of Plémont which, at the time of writing, has still refused to resolve itself. Because of this lack of conclusion, it is extremely frustrating for me not to offer any positive or personal comment other than to reaffirm that the Trust, and countless other supporters and organisations, continue to work tirelessly to secure the Plémont headland as an open public space of wild maritime beauty. Whatever the outcome – if indeed in the interim there has been one – we can rest assured that when it comes to promoting the true value of Jersey’s priceless natural assets, the Trust has done its honest level best to bring about a better public and political understanding of the significance of the Island’s magical coastline. Future generations will, I am absolutely certain, fully appreciate and endorse the Trust’s protective endeavours so tirelessly given on their behalf.

Certainly, 16 New Street continues its progressive journey to final completion, although there is still much to financially secure with regards to interior bits, bobs and general furnishings. The Trust is hugely grateful to all those extremely generous supporters who have already sponsored a wide range of necessary items but, with other essential features still awaiting ‘adoption’, there’s still time for members and friends to leave a personal mark on this fine early Georgian house. Finally, to end on an upbeat tempo, it would be quite remiss of me not to mention the success of our New Year’s Day Turkey Buster walk which, this year, celebrated its 8th birthday. Although the day dawned cool and overcast, well-clad Islanders of all ages arrived in their hundreds to enjoy the delights of country lanes, Le Mourier Valley and the stunning coastal domain of our Manx Loaghtan long-horned sheep, the appearance of the latter courtesy of shepherd Aaron Le Couteur and his dedicated sheepdog, Roy. With a quarter of 2010 having already passed into history, one thing we can, I’m sure, certainly agree upon is that the Trust is maintaining its promise to protect and promote all that is best about Jersey. With your valued support, dear member, we shall continue to do precisely that!

Mike Stentiford MBE President, The National Trust for Jersey

Despite the preoccupation with the Plémont campaign, however, management, maintenance and other socially-agreeable deliberations by the Trust continue at a sterling pace. At Alex Picot we’ve been successfully applying passion to the individual accountancy, audit and taxation needs of private individuals, businesses and family offices for over 100 years. We seem to have made a habit of forming long established relationships through delivering a highly professional service at a very reasonable cost. We find that placing emphasis on close personal contact with our knowledgeable people and providing a friendly exacting service keeps our clients very happy. Why wouldn’t it? If you’re looking for a locally focussed partner with a shared passion of protecting and enhancing your wealth for a secure future then get in touch.

Jersey 95-97 Halkett Place, St Helier Jersey, Channel Islands JE1 1BX T +44 (0) 1534 753753 Guernsey Le Foulon Business Centre Le Foulon Road, St Peter Port Guernsey, Channel Islands GY1 1YR T +44 (0) 1481 725495 www.alexpicot.com

I N T H E N E WS

From Small Acorns... In 1649, 23 Jerseymen loyal to the Crown, were the first in the British Isles to bravely proclaim Charles II as the new King of England. Amongst them was Laurens Hamptonne and to commemorate and celebrate this fine event The National Trust is planting 23 Royal Oak saplings in the small field to the rear of the existing car park at Hamptonne Country Life Museum. The trees have been sourced with acorns from Great Windsor Park and are available for sponsorship at £500 each as a means of raising funds for the internal refurbishment of the Syvret House. A labyrinth kindly designed by Ian Rolls will feature within the centre of the oak grove and a suitable plaque will be erected to interpret the history and acknowledge people’s donations. The Trust is very grateful to the Channel Island Co-operative Society and CS Conservation for their generous support and to Frank Falle for helping to organise the project.

Hamptonne Country Life Museum

eel Spinning Wh ptonne am at H

Keeping Hamptonne’s Doors Open

Charles Alluto

Many members will have been alarmed to see that Hamptonne is threatened with closure, as a means of helping to secure savings of £100,000 per annum in relation to Jersey Heritage’s budget. However, please be assured that your Council is actively working with Education, Sport and Culture, the Société Jersiaise and Jersey Heritage to try and secure a sustainable future for Jersey’s Country Life Museum. Undoubtedly this may involve the creation of a number of discreet self-catering units, reduced opening times and more volunteer input. Above all, the vision and aspirations of Joan Stevens and her many colleagues over 20 years ago are certainly just as worthy today, and we sincerely hope that the means can be found to ensure that the doors at Hamptonne remain firmly open. Charles Alluto

«6»

Bloomin Marvellous! If you were asked where to find Jersey orchids, it is likely that Le Noir Pré would spring to mind. However, unbeknown to many there are a number of meadows at La Blinerie in St Clement which used to be carpeted in Jersey orchids well in excess of the numbers that you find in St Ouen. Unfortunately, due to a lack of suitable grazing, the orchids have declined in recent years but the owner of the land has recently joined forces with The National Trust, Jersey Royal and Freedom Farms Limited to manage the meadows in order to secure their floral diversity. Works are already taking place to

improve drainage, clear scrub and, establish a suitable g ra z i ng reg i me, and with any luck, we may soon have two orchid fields to open to the public in mid-May.

Bird Hide Project

Spring Lambs

We are delighted to announce that the Channel Island Co-operative Society together with Geomarine have kindly agreed to help sponsor the cost of constructing the new bird hide by the scrape at St Ouen’s Pond.

We are delighted to announce that about 18 of the Manx Loaghtan ewes are expecting lambs this spring. Without a doubt the flock goes from strength to strength and we are very grateful to the shepherd, Aaron Le Couteur, for his continuing enthusiasm and unstinting commitment to the project.

Works are already under way and will result in a much improved facility with easier access, new interpretation and increased capacity for small school groups. St Ouen’s Pond and the surrounding area is undoubtedly considered to be one of the prime locations in the whole of the British Isles for watching Marsh Harriers. It is very heartening that this bird hide will enable more people to enjoy the pleasure of seeing these fine birds of prey in their natural habitat.

Jersey Orchid

Investing i our Enviro n nment If y

ou are inte rested in h elping to support so me of our key projec for 2010, th ts en please b e advised that The Nation al Trust h as produce a sponsors d hip bookle t e n t it led Investing in our Enviro nment. The booklet de tails a ran ge of proje requiring s cts ponsorship from adopti a meadow ng to funding a n e w vehicle. Copies are available at our office online or s , imply give us a call a we will po n d p one in th e post.

« 7»

C OA S T L I N E CA M PA I G N N E WS

Pledges for Plémont At the beginning of the year The National Trust was amazed to receive an anonymous pledge of £1 million towards the potential acquisition of Plémont for the benefit of the Island. This was soon matched by a further pledge of £200,000 which, together with the Coastline Campaign’s existing pot of £90,000, means the Trust has approximately £1.3 million pledged for the site. Without a doubt this is a long way off from the dizzy heights of £14.7 million being suggested by the owners, or even the independent valuation figure of £8 million. However, it is a most welcome and significant moment in our ongoing campaign to safeguard Plémont. If nothing else it clearly demonstrates that the spirit of altruism is still very much alive in our Island community and that people genuinely recognise the need to invest in the future protection of our coastline. During the recent States debate regarding compulsory purchase, it was easy to appreciate the Chief Minister’s concerns regarding public expenditure in the current economic

climate, but what was most disappointing was the clear and evident lack of willingness among the Council of Ministers to try and find an innovative solution in partnership with The National Trust and the Connétable and Deputy of St Ouen. The National Trust has suggested using dormant bank account funding, land/property swaps, tax credits, and fund raising, but unfortunately to no avail. We therefore sincerely hope that the 19 States members who recognise the value of Plémont may well be able to urge the Council of Ministers to give Plémont the serious attention it truly deserves. Charles Alluto

Devil’s Hole Update

Astonishing beautif ul north coast - Plém on

Conservation Awards 2010 Last year The National Trust and CS Conservation were fortunate enough to be jointly awarded the top prize in the Insurance Corporation Conservation Awards for the Manx Loaghtan grazing project at Le Don Paton. The Insurance Corporation judges recognised the long-term ecological benefits that would accrue from actively managing the coastal heathland with livestock. As a result, the much-needed sum of £2,000 was given towards a new livestock trailer. Being present at the awards ceremony, it was clearly evident that the scheme not only inspired the likes

If you have a

conservation project

of Trees for Life, Durrell and the Probation Service, but also many of the Island’s primary schools, whose innovation and enthusiasm for ‘breathing wildlife’ into their playgrounds was truly astounding.

in mind, large or small ...you could

The Conservation awards are there to help recognise and encourage anyone who has undertaken a project, however big or small, to help our natural environment. If you are one of our ecological champions in the making and need some more money for your project, please consider entering as without a doubt the awards are well worth supporting.

WIN £2,000

ENTRY FORMS from Insurance Corporation, 26/30 Queen Street, St Helier or email jim@LRandD.com

For further information on how to enter the Awards, please contact Jim Delbridge on 01481 246668.

Manx Loaghtans enjoying the North Coast

for t he Tou r ism Devil’s Hole Development Fund panel and so no funding was available from that direction. Although extremely disappointing, given the substantial number of visitors who go to Devil’s Hole, I hope you will agree that as ever The National Trust can be truly proud of having independently secured and improved one of our key coastal attractions for the benefit of everyone. Charles Alluto

Works are nearing completion on improving the access and interpretation at Devil’s Hole and it is hoped that the site will be up and running in time for the Easter holidays. New fencing, steps and a superb viewing platform have been put in place and this could not have been achieved without the sterling work of our Lands Team, the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers, Bob Le Mottée, HSBC and most importantly our members whose support has helped fund the project. Unfortunately the project did not tick all the boxes

Closing date for entries is Friday 21 May 2010 JsyConsDiscover10.indd 1

« 8»

18/02/2010 11:21

« 9»

IN THE FIELD

Explore

Victoria Tower

Jon Horn, National Trust Lands Manager shares his fondness for a popular and special corner of Jersey steeped in the Island’s history and a haven for wildlife.

ont Orgueil Castle within the Royal Bay of Grouville always instills a feeling of pride and passion.

This building steeped in history, defended the Island for centuries from foreign invasion and was once described as impregnable. However, that was in the days of bows and arrows, ballistas and trebuchets. By Elizabethan times its impregnability was shattered by the development of new canon technology and suddenly it became vulnerable to the potential on slaught of canon balls blasted from a rather ‘Mighty Hill’ - according to the Defence Council of 1593 - overlooking the castle to the north. This Mighty Hill, which had largely been disregarded up to this time, was better known as Mont St Nicholas. A site of early-Neolithic settlement and then later becoming a leper colony, the hill became of key strategic importance to the military. Although the Elizabethans recognised its threat to Mont Orgueil, the castle was still being used as a defensive structure right through to the mid 17th century. However, its weakness was recognised during the English Civil War, when battle-hardened Parliamentarian troops - fresh from the victory at the Battle of Worcester - positioned their canons on top of Mont St Nicholas and the castle surrendered after a siege of only four days. Over the subsequent years it became clear that, in order to defend the eastern part of the Island from invasion, Mont St Nicholas would need to be fortified. In 1837, the year of Queen Victoria’s accession to the throne, the last Martello tower to be constructed in the Island was completed at Mont St Nicholas. With its fearsome 32-pounder gun on a traversing platform, stationed on top of the tower, this fortification was key to defending Anne Port beach from French invasion. The tower is a true Martello Tower, so called because the British military were so impressed by the defensive qualities of a Genovese Tower at Mortella Point in Corsica that had successfully repelled a British naval attack for several days of 1794, that they copied the principle of the design and constructed dozens of similar towers along the length of the south coast of England and the Channel Islands. Its round structure and thick walls of solid masonry made it extremely resistant to canon fire and Victoria Tower is exceptional from the other Martello towers in the Island by having a defensive dry moat and drawbridge to prevent the undermining of the walls.

« 10»

Occupied by a gun crew of five, the central hall was used as living accommodation, with sleeping in hammocks slung from hooks in the vaulted ceiling. A coal fire was available for heating and cooking, and rain water was collected from the roof in a cistern in the lower chamber. During the Second World War, Mont St Nicholas and Victoria Tower were further fortified by the occupying forces. The hillside became the headquarters of the German 2nd Battalian Artillery Regiment with a warren of bunkers, artillery positions and trench systems put in place. Much of this remains in situ although sealed shut and hidden behind gorse and bramble. However, one particular gun emplacement remains exposed half way down a steep eastern sloping field, providing superb views of the castle and a nice picnic spot to boot, as long as you don’t mind the concrete! Victoria Tower and its surrounds are much more than a place in history as it’s also a wonderful place to visit and enjoy today. Not only is it a popular spot for people to come for a walk, exercise their dogs, to picnic or have a barbecue, it also offers fantastic views of St Catherine’s Bay, across to France and the Écréhous, the castle and as far as La Rocque harbour. In fact the vista to La Rocque, is in my opinion, one of the best in Jersey, but it has to be captured at the right moment, when the sun is low in the sky on a sunny winter’s afternoon and when the tide is out. The winter light makes everything so crisp and clear and the shimmer of sunlight off the wet sand with its streams meandering down to the sea is a view of true beauty and is simply hypnotic. The site has been in the care of The National Trust for Jersey since 1980 and it can be accessed by the narrow track leading eastwards off Rue de la Pouclée et des Quatre Chemins passing by le Haut de la Garenne and Seymour Farm. There is also a footpath leading up through the woods to the hilltop from Jeffrey’s Leap at the southern end of Anne Port Bay. The other thing about Mont St Nicholas is that it is surprisingly good for wildlife. Essentially it is a coastal grassland, which has a good species diversity without being anything remarkable that surrounds a cluster of oak and sycamore trees. However, it is a place that seems to throw quite unexpected and remarkable wildlife at you.

« 11»

8143_tree_surgery_repeat_ad.qxd

31/10/08

10:05

Page 1

Swallowtail Caterpillar

I recall visiting the site a few summers ago and as soon as I stepped out of my car I was blasted by the raucous chirping of crickets. The entire grassland was blanketed with them and, as I made my way down to the tower, it was like the parting of the Red Sea as crickets were jumping and gliding in all directions. For me it was as equally impressive a sight as when the Painted Lady’s paid our Island a visit last spring. The Trust’s primary management concern is to improve the quality of the grassland. The grassland is a mixture of acid loving fescue and bent grasses together with a varied coastal flora including Common Knapweed, Yellow Bartsia and Lesser Burdock. During the summer months the grassland is allowed to bloom and then seed creating a haven for insects. In September a hay cut is taken and all of the cuttings are removed from site. This is important as it lowers the nutrient levels of the soil, which is ideal for creating a varied and rich species diversity.

Another wildlife treasure found on the site is the beautiful Swallowtail Butterfly, which you are fairly likely to see feeding on the nectar rich flowers such as Buddleia during the high summer months. Until recently it was widely believed that all of Jersey’s summer Swallowtails were migrants from France, but the discovery of Swallowtail Caterpillars near to Mont St Nicholas proved that the Island supports its own resident population. In Jersey the caterpillars are known to feed on the wonderfully scented fennel plants. The hilltop is also home to a resident pair of kestrels that can often be seen perching on top of the small sycamores or hovering over the grassland trying to catch themselves a tasty morsel.

A PROFESSIONAL TEAM OF EXPERTS AVAILABLE TO ASSIST YOU WITH ALL YOUR ARBORICULTURAL REQUIREMENTS

Mont St Nicholas is such an interesting and wonderful place to come at any time of year. It’s a place that never disappoints and you may even be lucky enough to spot a school of dolphins playing in the waves in La Déroute channel between us and France. Jon Horn

FOR THE FULL FACTS CONTACT JONO ON 867992 OR 07797 711762 OR LOG ON TO TREES.JE

Painted Lady

Living inside out!

Make the most of summer relaxing outside, yet enjoying the comforts of inside. Extend your home into your outside space with all-weather rattan weave furniture. We have the largest selection of outdoor furniture on the island.

« 12»

Gra

nde Ro

ute d e

Faldou e

ed t, St. Ma ights W rtin. Telepho . Late n ne: 856699 Open Monday - Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm

til y un nesda

m. 0p 8.0

OUT & ABOUT

Tell us your story September 2009

M y North Coast

rtunistic hermit essoir rather like an oppo Pr s Elm e Th at dio stu e air whistled I took over th of a space. The March ell sh pty em ld, co e th o m my feet. crab, scuttling int or drained the warmth fro flo e ret nc co e th d an re than under the barn door licen ce to paint was mo nth mo six a of t ec sp But the exciting pro e cold. enough to overwhelm th r Jerse y allow ed me r The Na tional Trust fo fo ce en sid Re in t tis Ar rk the organisa tion Working as t upon, the valuable wo ec refl to d an , of rt pa ectious concern to be a small to me the genuine and inf nt are app me ca be on so stimulating carries out. It the sta ff embo dy. This at th on ati erv ns co d an journe y for local heritage na turally feed my artistic uld wo ent nm viro en ing an d thought pro vok over the residency. spiders. Cohabiting with e space with snails and th ng ari sh to ted us adj in multi- coloured I soon their no cturnal activity of s ce tra ve lea uld wo as discussing the mice that te. Conversa tions such let pa my m fro g ilin tra became normal. foot prints longevity of heritage paint e th and s ing pp dro bat richn ess of crumbliness of co vered th e beauty an d dis I io, ud st e th nd yo hidden pa ths On ven turin g be solita ry mean dering along om Fr . es rti pe pro d an eking out the Trustʼs lan ds tion with my children se edi exp l fu joy e th to nd trees aroun d St Ouenʼs Po I even learnt how to hug and ily fam My . rel So at rangers. the Manx Loaghtan sheep tchful eye of the expert wa e th der un ts po ng fyi and suck bugs into magni in my work. Mo ving unters prompted a shift co en ing pir ins of h alt lan dmarks to Such a we rated local an d person al leb ce r se les of ion ict ibility towa rds from th e dep of our collective respons eak sp uld wo at th ce voi s an d in searching for a t in th e fabric of building den evi d, an isl e th of ry at across th e intrin sic histo ostly figures began to flo Gh n. tio era en reg d an h th e cycle of growt ke on our surroun dings e potential impact we ma th of l fu nd mi s, nva ca time. the in the greater passage of e nc se pre ng eti fle r ou an d of d abiding impression The truly remarkable an ncy has to be the made on me by the reside seeing its central affirmation of my work and with the viewer. concerns strike a chord over the six months This grew in momentum of spiders an d from the initial compan y visitors including Trust staff to an array of ildren, open en thusiastic scho ol ch ants, an d those minded workshop pa rticip io an d fin al atten din g th e open stud e and interaction exhibition. Their respons en d the truth was amazing. But in the ters betw een lies in the silent en coun rk. the viewer an d the wo

“Sheep at Sorel”

Sara Job

« 14 »

Dates for your Diary Stepping Out with The National Trust for Jersey

Friday 4th to Thursday 10th June 2010

Come along and experience a walk or activity whilst discovering all about the varied and extensive work of The National Trust. Our knowledgeable, local guides give their time voluntarily. All the walks are free to National Trust members, so please bring your membership cards. Non-members will be asked to make a minimum donation of £2.00 per person per walk. The 2010 programme offers something for everyone. Discover herbal remedies in May, learn about volcanic Jersey in October and once again meet the four horned sheep... one year on! Please dress with an eye to the season, sensible footwear is recommended. Generally the walks last for approximately 2 hours. Full details available on the enclosed leaflet or visit www.nationaltrustjersey.org.je/walks

Saturday 1st May 2010

Spring Outing – Low Water Fishing with Bob Tompkins When it comes to Marine life on the medium to small scale, Grouville Bay and its tidal eco-system ranks amongst the very best that nature has to offer. This outing offers you the chance to find out how man, over the ages, has learnt to sustainably harvest this bounty. So if you are moderately fit and over the age of twelve, why not join Bob and discover the traditional low water fishing methods which have been handed down through the generations. This is an event for members only and numbers will be limited to 24 people.

Artist in Residence at The Elms Exhibition Our artist in residence, Virginia Colback, will be hosting an art exhibition this June to mark the end of her period of residence at The Elms. The exhibition will be held within The Elms Pressoir, and will be a perfect opportunity to see how a local artist has been inspired by her surroundings and the work of The National Trust. Venue: The Pressoir Studio, the Elms, St Mary Time: 11.00am - 4.00pm. Free.

Saturday 19th June 2010

The Sundowner at Le Câtel Fort Within the sheltered walls of Le Câtel Fort, members are once again invited to enjoy fine seaward views of the setting sun, a delicious buffet prepared by Christine Poingdestre and a glass or two of Pimms, whilst listening to the finest jazz Jersey has to offer. Venue: Le Câtel Fort. Parking: Grève de Lecq Barracks Time: From 6pm. Price: £13.50

Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd July 2010

Sunset Concerts at Grantez in Association with Ashburton

Le Noir Pré, The Trust Orchid Field, will be open to the public with local botanists on hand to provide information about the orchids and the management of the wet meadow site. Le Noir Pré is on Le Chemin de L’Ouziere which branches inland from the Five Mile Road, St Ouen’s Bay. The orchid field will remain open until mid-June whilst the Jersey Orchid, Spotted Orchid and Southern Marsh Orchid are in bloom.

Building on the success of last year’s concerts The National Trust will once again be hosting two evenings of exceptional music, held at the beautiful natural amphitheatre of Grantez, St Ouen. The event will be a Genuine Jersey showcase of music Concert at Grantez s with two local bands with astonishing view providing a rich variety of musical entertainment. So why not come along with friends and family, and a picnic whilst enjoying a fun evening of music and panoramic views of the bay, hopefully with an outstanding sunset! Further details regarding the artists will be posted on our website shortly www.nationaltrustjersey.org.je

Meeting Point: Le Noir Pré. Time: 2pm - 5pm. Free.

Venue: Grantez, St Ouen. Time: From 5.45pm. Free.

Meeting Point: La Rocque car park Time: 12.15pm. Price: £10.00 Duration: Approximately 4 hours Clothing: Wellies or old trainers/old trousers or shorts

Sunday 16th May 2010

Le Noir Pré Orchid Field – Open Afternoons

« 15»

IN THE FIELD

rchaeological discoveries show us that Jersey folk have had a liking for oysters since Neolithic times.

Six thousand years ago our ancestors harvested oysters as a source of food, for use in rituals and as offerings in burials. The oyster shells discovered in the excavation of La Hougue Bie are most likely to have come from the Royal Bay of Grouville where the Jersey Oyster Company’s oyster and mussel farms cover 26 hectares. They also farm two hectares of oysters at Le Hocq and Icho Tower. There is no denying that oysters are an acquired – and unique – taste because they have to be eaten alive so the squeamish, vegetarians and vegans are advised to turn to the next article. You either love them or hate them but whatever the verdict there is no denying our insatiable appetite for them.

To capture the essence and health-giving properties of an oyster they should be eaten as fresh as possible as Chris advises. When asked: ‘How do you like yours?’ he replied: ‘Raw and on the beach every day! It is all part of our quality control but on land I like them with a squeeze of lemon or red wine vinegar and chopped shallots. I don’t think that eating them with a dash of Tabasco is good as all you taste is the Tabasco and not the oyster. However, when the oyster is big, I really like them cooked with garlic butter and grated cheese on the top - under the grill or on the barbie – and they are lovely.’ Chris and Steve have been business partners since 1997 when they acquired Dennis Le Brocq’s oyster beds at Le Hocq. Steve, the older of the duo, has since diversified Jersey Oyster into egg production and growing asparagus, but is still very active on the oyster front.

‘Oyster’ is the common name for a number of different groups of bivalve molluscs. The edible varieties are excellent sources of essential minerals including zinc and selenium, which are in short supply in the modern diet, and oysters are also packed with Vitamin D.

Oyster fishing is not a new industry. From 1810 to 1871 it was a foundation of the local economy as more than two billion tons were exported to the UK. In those times oysters were cheap and a mainstay of the diet of the poor. In 1840 Jersey oysters sold on the London market for 8d a bushel (150 to 180 oysters). By 1864, as over-fishing drastically reduced stocks, Londoners were paying 2d to 3d an oyster and they became a luxury for the rich.

Ditch the apple a day in favour of an oyster and like the men behind Jersey Oyster, Chris Le Masurier and Steve Luce, you can be a picture of health. Spending their working lives in the open sea air is also a bonus but not when they are more than a mile offshore and an easterly wind of Siberian chill proportions is blowing in from France - especially when it is laced with snow. Fast forward to a summer day and it’s a different story.

Chris has lived and breathed oysters since childhood as his grandfather, Jack Le Gresley, set up commercial oyster and mussels farms back in the 1970s. Early in his working life he spent six months in France learning his trade in some of the most famous oyster producing areas in Europe. The company’s seed mostly comes from France, which is also its biggest market, though they do source oyster seed and young mussels from the UK.

Jersey Oysters

The Jersey Oyster Company is one of the largest producers and exporters of oysters in the British Isles, as Paula Thelwell discovered.

« 16»

« 17»

IN THE FIELD

Why Look for this Mark?

Council Member, Paula Thelwell, meets Genuine Jersey’s Chief Executive Officer, John Garton to discover the true value of Genuine Jersey.

In seven days from 28 January they exported 72 tons of oysters to France for consumption or exporting to other countries such as Italy, Switzerland and Dubai. Last year they exported 550 tons of oysters and 100 tons of mussels, most of which were going to traditional producing areas. So what makes the Jersey oyster so attractive to local and foreign taste buds? The ‘secret’ ingredient, Chris explained, was beyond their control and comes absolutely free – the extreme tidal conditions that rise and fall twice in every 24 hours and the constantly moving fresh seawater of the Royal Bay of Grouville. ‘The Jersey oyster has a unique taste as it is quite salty but it is more than just the taste that makes them so sought after. It is also the quality of the meat and the fact that they are easier to open than oysters produced elsewhere,’ he explained. As with any method of farming, life is not always a beach and there are times when Chris and Steve wonder if it is all worth it. For the past five years they have been trying to establish a base closer to the bay. At the moment their tractors and trailers face lengthy journeys along main roads and narrow lanes from Seymour and Le Hurel slips to St Catherine and St Martin. The latest application for a processing plant in a standard agricultural shed behind La Rocque Methodist Church is still under consideration. As the lease on the St Catherine’s site runs out at the end of next year it is easy to understand their frustration with officialdom. It was oyster fishermen’s frustration with officialdom that led in 1837 to riots in Gorey at the height of the 19th century oyster boom, but Chris and Steve aren’t quite ready to man the barricades. All they ask is that Planning give due recognition to their contribution to the local economy – not to mention their part in promoting the Island as a place that produces far more quality produce than just potatoes and dairy products. Oysters need plenty of TLC from arriving in the Island - no bigger than a fingernail - to harvesting about 18 months later. They have to be bagged and size graded before being laid on frames at low water. This is an ongoing ‘beach to

packhouse’ process of resizing and rebagging until they are eventually laid closer to shore to harden the shells. ‘It is not unrealistic to expect 40 to 50 million oysters of various sizes to pass through our packhouse in St Martin in any one year,’ Chris said. ‘Which is why it would be more convenient and cost-effective from a business point of view to have a packhouse closer to the beach.’ Farming on a beach also comes with threats beyond the company’s control such as pollution and disease. The oysters and mussels undergo rigorous health checks and are subject to UV treatment before going to market. Disease – and the daily attention of hungry seagulls – is another matter to contend with. Seagulls striping young mussels from the poles were less of a worry last year when the oyster herpes virus, which has hit French producers, arrived in Jersey. Even though the disease does not prevent oysters being consumed, nonetheless the outbreak cost the company in the region of 15 million oysters. ‘The disease only kicks off when the sea temperature rises above 16°C,’ said Chris. While the temperature here is normally 14°C to 15°C quite often, down in the gutters and gulleys in Grouville Bay, it gets much higher. As the beach is flat and sandy the temperature can increase and that is what happened.’ To combat any further outbreaks Jersey’s oyster farmers are working together and have agreed not to import seed oysters between April and September when conditions are ideal for infection. The Jersey Oyster Company is a member of the Genuine Jersey Product Association, which has been championing the benefits of supporting local producers, products and produce long before ‘buying local’ became a popular movement. Jersey Oyster has also proudly flown the flag and displayed the mark at the UK’s premier foodie’s event, the Real Food Festival in London. Before we knew it the tide was dropping and Chris donned his waterproofs at the start of yet another busy weekend. Spring tides and time wait for no man but with neap tides the next weekend the luxury of relaxation and leisure time beckoned for the 16 strong workforce and their equally hard-working bosses. Paula Thelwell

« 18»

slanders have been familiar with the idea of supporting the local economy long before it became a worldwide movement.

The credit is, in part, due to the Genuine Jersey Products Association which has been championing growth, sustainability and innovation by ‘buying local’ products since it was launched nine years ago. Membership has grown from the founding 12 producers to stand at 76 at the beginning of the year and is rising. While some members ensure the survival of Jersey’s heritage and traditions others are at the forefront of introducing pioneering farming methods, new crops or exploring previously untapped international markets. The day-to-day development and management of Genuine Jersey falls to the Chief Executive Officer, John Garton, who explained his role: ‘I work closely with all the members, industry bodies and relevant associations - as well as the Rural Economy and International Trade and Inward John Garton Investment Teams within Economic Department - to ensure that the Association’s resources are effectively used to create business opportunities for Jersey producers. Underlying these activities are the core interrelated aims of promoting the Genuine Jersey brand as the symbol of local provenance and helping members to turn opportunities into successful outcomes.’

Mr Garton explained that establishing the brand as the symbol of local provenance in the eyes of Islanders and visitors is paramount to encourage everyone to buy local wherever possible. ‘For example I am working with the Co-op, which is very supportive of Genuine Jersey, to promote our members’ products by displaying the brand on supermarket shelves, through instore tastings and by introducing key staff to producers,’ he said. ‘In addition, a related initiative with Island restaurants will soon result in the mark appearing in menus alongside dishes which contain members’ produce so diners can make an informed choice to support local producers.’’ Opportunities for Islanders and visitors to buy Genuine Jersey products are increasing with more than 50 farm and craft markets being organised this year. Mr Garton said that these activities were not just about enabling members to market their products; they also helped stimulate local economic activity and reduce food miles. ‘When Islanders and visitors buy produce and products bearing the mark they can do so in the knowledge that they are supporting local jobs, boosting the Island’s economy, embracing seasonality and reducing their carbon footprint. For further details of Genuine Jersey members, their produce and products and where it can be bought go to www.genuinejersey.com Paula Thelwell

Islanders who want to enjoy the best Jersey has to offer – while also supporting the Island’s economy and local initiatives - should look for the Genuine Jersey mark. This guarantees that products and produce carrying the distinctive mark have been reared, grown and caught in Jersey or created by accredited Islanders and local businesses who qualify to be members of the Association. The mark appears on a diverse range of products including oysters, fish, meat, vegetables and fruit, dairy products, preserves, cakes, fudge, pottery, embroidery and wood crafts.

« 19»

B R I C K S A N D M O RTA R

Decorating

16 New Street B

elieve or not deciding on decorative schemes for historic interiors can be a tricky business.

So over-loaded are we with images of ‘period’ buildings, and assailed by advertisements from manufacturers of ‘traditional’ paints in ‘historic’ colours, that we march into the local paint shop with trepidation and ask for sample pots of ‘Hay wain’ and ‘Poussin.’ The decision-making process at 16 New Street has been no less complicated, although some guiding principles have helped. From the start, authenticity has been a key concept. This means examining and reproducing what is known to have been present rather than applying the colours of some fabricated, mythical past.

So paint analysis has been carried out. This archaeological exercise involves taking scrapes from surfaces throughout the building such as skirtings, wall panelling, architraves and so on. Paint flecks are then set in epoxy resin and dissected to provide a clean surface, which is then examined under a microscope. Colours appear in cross-section like a dirty rainbow, with Georgian blues and greens next to Victorian browns and modern creams and whites. From these the National Trust’s paint consultant, Catherine Hassall, who is also involved in the restoration of Strawberry Hill, has prepared colour swatches based on the likely colours used. As some fade more than others, educated guesses have to be made based on the chemical composition of the paint. Colours have been matched and are now being applied, transforming the house from an exercise in joinery repair to something

like the interior it once was. Paint is about more than just colour. As a record of social history it is every bit as important as the type of moulding on a skirting, the sort of door handle or a date stone. In the early years of the 19th century the principal room on the first floor was painted three times in quick succession in pinks of different hues. The use of pink – which replaced a pale Prussian blue - probably reflects developing theories of colour at the time, which advocated contrast. The Delft tiles in the fireplace are blue and white and a pink scheme would have set these off a treat, perhaps coupled with blue curtains. The approximate date being chosen for New Street’s restoration is 1820-30, so the style is ‘Regency.’ The colours are quite different from the restrained early Georgian palette of pale greys, browns and white used in the building during most of the 18th century. Extraordinarily just four colours were used throughout the building when it was first built about 1740. The grey walls of the Georgian hall were blue above the dado and buff below, with the top of the dado picked out with a new mahogany trim. All the grey joinery became off-white, except the doors, which were grained to imitate oak in place of the chocolate brown used before. The stairs to the first floor remained more or less as they had been in the previous century, with off-white distempered walls, white joinery and grained doors. On the first floor the principal Drawing Room were painted pink - as we’ve seen – and the two bedrooms a pale buff. The top floor, which had not been painted at all when the house was first built, was painted in soft distemper in pale greens and white. Although the bulk of the house is broadly as it was in the first half of the 19th century, there is one exception: the ‘Club Room’. 16 New Street became a Gentlemens’ club - the Liberty Club – in about 1870 and billiards and smoking (along with talking presumably) were the two main pastimes. Rooms were progressively knocked through to accommodate billiard tables and an arch still links two rooms on the first floor. A ventilation system was introduced around 1890 to try to remove some of the smoke and a rich new decorative scheme was applied at the same time. Grained walls and doors were offset by scarlet and black highlights and gold leaf was applied on the columns supporting the arch and, on a decorative rope, moulding stuck on to a section of the earlier cornice. Paint not only gives us an insight into people’s lives, but can help accurately date phases in a building’s life too. Pigment type can be identified, for example. At New Street chrome yellow is found in layers of oil paint in the

« 20»

hall, a pigment first introduced into paint in 1818. When combined with the presence of London stock bricks in the lower half of the walls (they were imported in large quantities for the construction of Fort Regent and other fortifications in the early 19th century) this gives us a date after which repairs took place and that particular scheme of redecoration was applied.

Of course authenticity has its problems. Until the mid-20th century almost all oil paints contained lead. Lead carbonate is toxic and the formulation of modern paints – including many of the ‘historic’ and ‘traditional’ ranges - are not traditional for good reason. However, one truly authentic paint type is on the outside of the building, which has been lime washed a pale ochre. The colour comes from a sample preserved behind the walls of the demolished 19th century bathroom block. Oil paints for external use on buildings did not really come in until the middle of the 19th century, initially as a response to the smoky atmosphere of the rapidly growing conurbations of industrial Britain. Colour washes and lime wash were common before that. Not only are they supremely breathable – some 100 times more than modern micro-porous paints - but they have the delightful effect of changing colour depending on whether they are wet or dry and also fade with time. With sand-coloured railings on top of the new wall enclosing a Regency garden - full of wild greenery with jewel-like spots of colour - the façade should provide a wonderful counterpoint to the hard painted render of most of central St Helier. It will also hint at what lies within and will hopefully tempt passers-by in to enjoy the recreation of an interesting historic interior. Antony Gibb Building Conservation Consultant

« 21»

O F F T H E RO C K

Landmark The Grange

Auckinleck

Nicolle Tower

icolle Tower at St Clement has been in the Landmark Trust’s care for the past 28 years.

safe in the knowledge that they are contributing towards the maintenance of the building. Built into the rocks around it, the Fort was originally designed for ten 64-pounder guns in four open batteries, manned by two officers and 50 men, it is now available for 13.

During these years many thousands of people have lived, if only for a few days, in this pretty Gothic tower while at the same time generating an income to keep the building maintained.

Some of Landmark’s buildings were never built to be lived in but have now been carefully adapted to make them interesting places to stay. The Ruin in North Yorkshire was originally conceived as an eye-catcher in the landscape and the destination for refreshments on a tour of the Hackfall Gardens. The three rooms of this banqueting house never connected with each other so, rather than resort to unseemly alterations, Landmark asks for a sense of adventure from its visitors as they flit between the rooms across the external terrace.

This is how the Landmark Trust has saved over 180 historic buildings across the UK since 1965. The Landmark Trust is a building conservation charity that rescues and restores historic buildings at risk and gives them new life and a future by making them available for self-catering holidays. Each Landmark is remarkable in some way for its architecture, history or setting. In its portfolio Landmark cares for towers, fol l ie s, for t s a nd castles. On Alderney, the sprawling Fort Clonque provides a happy destination for many family holidays. Guests can relax and enjoy their visit while

Each building has played its own role in the past and has a story to tell. Buildings which were once simple homes help us understand the lives of an estate worker, a lock keeper or a stocking maker. The gamekeeper for the Shuttleworth estate lived at Keeper’s Cottage in Bedfordshire with his family. From there he orchestrated the estate shoots, raising pheasants in the outbuildings and keeping his dogs in the nearby kennels. Staying here you can appreciate the sensible accommodation wealthy Victorians built for their employees and can understand more about the life of Gamekeeper Aireton.

Keeper’s Cottage

Clavell Tower

The Ruin

While estate cottages show us one side of the past, a grand building such as Auchinleck House demonstrates another. This eighteenth-century country villa in Ayrshire is one of the finest to survive in Scotland. It was the family home of the renowned biographer James Boswell and the scene of Dr Samuel Johnson’s famous argument with Lord Auchinleck. The restoration project was one of the most challenging that Landmark has ever undertaken. Externally the roof and stonework required extensive repair and internally the fine plaster work had suffered from water ingress. Large pieces which had fallen from the ceilings and cornices were carefully stored for reinstatement, but extensive sections, especially in the library and stairwell, had to be completely replaced by special hand-made mouldings. Most of the buildings that the charity takes on are in very poor states of repair and careful restorations must be undertaken. In doing this Landmark employs specialist craftspeople who use traditional skills and materials to repair each building. This ensures the restorations are carried out to the highest standards of conservation practise and that traditional skills are passed forward. During a recent project to restore Clavell Tower in Dorset stonemasons could be seen wielding chisel and mallet in a traditional on-site workshop know as a bankers’ shed. They were reproducing the fine quatrefoil piercings for the tower just as their predecessors would have done when the first tower was built. Clavell Tower

is now a cosy retreat for two people and its future is secured but Landmark has other buildings needing its help. The highest priority being a row of herring fisherman’s cottages in Caithness for which a fundraising appeal is underway and the restoration plans are being drawn up. Landmarks offer the chance to dine like a lord in a medieval manor house or be king of your own castle. You could find inspiration in the house Augustus Pugin designed for himself or where John Betjeman once lived. Landmarks come in all shapes, sizes and ages. There is a Radio Room on Lundy Island which sleeps one person and a Palladio villa in Italy sleeping 16 but each has its own story to tell and its own reason for having been rescued by the Landmark Trust. A holiday in a Landmark provides the opportunity for people to step into the shoes, for a short time, of someone who has lived another life in another time.

ey Fort Clonque, Aldern

« 22»

« 23»

For further information about any of the 186 buildings available to stay in through the Landmark Trust please visit www.landmarktrust.org.uk or call 01628 825925. Alternatively, the Landmark Trust Handbook contains photographs, maps and plans as well as histories and information about its restoration work. The 232 page book costs just £10 plus p&p.

CURIOUS? Want to find out more or get involved in the conservation programme? Then contact the Environment Department on 441600.

IN THE FIELD

Frog or Toad? J

ulia Meldrum provides a fascinating insight into the annual rites of the Island’s amphibians.

The agile frog Rana dalmatina is Jersey’s only native frog, although it is one of three amphibians which naturally occur here, the other two being the common toad or Crapaud Bufo bufo and the palmate newt Triturus helveticus. Amphibians do not, as many people think, spend all their time in water. Most of their life is spent foraging for food on dry land, hibernating, or otherwise loitering in damp, shady places - they are often found under stones, in log piles, down rabbit holes etc. However, they must return to the water each year to breed and often return to the exact place where they were born. After waking from hibernation, which in Jersey is usually late January/early February depending on the temperature, a frog’s or toad’s thoughts turn to love,

so they head for the nearest pond where the males start calling for females. In readiness for spawning, which often takes place at night, a male will grab a female behind her forelegs Male Agile Frog in a hug known as amplexus. The duo may remain like that for several days until the female releases her eggs, which the male immediately fertilises. In toads, this can be a tough time for the female, as, although bigger than the male, she will often find herself out-numbered by huge groups of males jostling to grasp her prior to spawning, in some instances females are killed by being drowned under the weight of over-enthusiastic males.

The eggs are laid on vegetation in water, where their coatings swell to form a protective jelly resulting in round clumps of frog spawn or long strings of toad spawn. The spawn hatches in roughly Frog Spawn Clump 12 days with the minuscule tadpoles feeding off the remaining egg gel from which they hatched. They then eat submerged vegetable matter while absorbing oxygen directly from the water using their gills. Over the next few weeks an amazing gradual transformation takes place which is known as metamorphosis. Lungs develop inside the tiny tadpoles and they can begin to visit the surface in order to breathe in oxygen from the air. As their bodies continue to grow, their diet becomes more carnivorous and they start eating small insects in the water. At the same time, tiny legs develop and the tail starts to shrink in preparation for a new life on land, until eventually the tadpole has changed completely into a mini frog or toad when it can leave the water. In Jersey, it is a race against time for these changes to take place before their watery home dries up in the summer sun, or they become dinner for hungry predators like dragonfly nymphs! However, by late August, most amphibians will have completed the epic development from egg to tiny adult and have left the water to start a new chapter of their life - on land.

Frogs and toads will reach sexual maturity in their second or third winter when they return to the water to breed. In the wild they can live to about eight years of age. However, it’s not easy being an amphibian as there are many threats to them living long and happy lives. In Jersey, they are under constant pressure from the development of land and from pollution in many forms including garden herbicides and other polluted run-off. They suffer from poor water quality and quantity, and from our disturbance. They are preyed upon by domestic pets and by the wild and feral animals, such as ducks, which people go to great lengths to feed. However, by artificially increasing these populations we also boost the number of predators of the Island’s amphibians. It is widely stated that the health of a country’s amphibian population is a good indicator of the health of its environment as these animals are so vulnerable to the pressures that a human population puts upon its surroundings. Amphibians throughout the world are threatened by disease, and in some places populations have crashed. The main cause is the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which is believed to interfere with respiration and water uptake. It is vital that Jersey’s populations are protected from this devastating disease as well as other threats if we are to safeguard our local amphibian species for the future. For a number of years the States of Jersey Environment Department has been working together with Durrell under the auspices of the Jersey Amphibian and Reptile Group (JARG) on the conservation of Jersey’s agile frog and crapaud. Julia Meldrum

agi l e f ro g

« 24»

c om mo n t oa d

A du lt s i z e

60-90mm in length

Male: 60-75mm in length Female: 70-90mm in length

Skin

Smooth and moist

Rough and warty

Bac k l e gs

Relatively long with dark stripes

Relatively short with no stripes

M ov e m e n t

Jump – up to 2 metres

Walk, but will hop if startled

H a bi tat

Historically woodland, but in Jersey it breeds in seasonal ponds on coastal heath.

In the wild, they seem to prefer heath lands. Urban toads look as if they favour gardens.

s paw n

Laid in clumps 5-10cm diameter

Laid in long strings

Ta dp ol e s

Start black, becoming mottled as they develop. Size: 45mm when full grown

Remain black Size: 30mm when full grown

« 25»

IN THE FIELD

Wild Daff odil

Snowdrop

Wild Spring Flowers The Chairman of the Société Jersiaise Botany Section, John Pinel, looks forward to a glorious show of spring f lowers.

he spring brings a new flush of growth from animals and plants, all across our Island.

There are a number of places in the countryside which provide a fantastic display of wild spring flowers; these include the heathlands and sand dunes. Both habitats tend to be very dry in the summer and so, for many of our diminutive, annual plants, the best way to get through the summer is to have flowered and set seed early in the year. This sensible strategy enables the dormant seed to survive the dry months with no need for deep roots or succulent leaves so they can again provide us with a glorious spring flower show. Another habitat which often brings forth a display of spring flowers is, of course, our woodlands. Many of the early flowering woodland plants live by a different strategy to those which populate the dryer habitats. Spring flowering woodland plants tend to be perennial species and are usually supplied with very good perennating organs such as fleshy basal leaves (bulbs) or swollen stems (corms). These plants will have spent much of the past year producing food, which they store in those special organs, ready for the warm, spring days. They can then burst from the ground, pushing leaves and flowers towards the sky before the dense blockade of leaves in the canopy prevents all important sunlight from reaching the woodland floor. These plants include our native daffodils or lent lilies, snowdrops and our native bluebell. Daffodils of various cultivars are found all over the Island, in woods, hedges, near cliffs and in gardens. Many are escapees from fields where they were grown for the cut flower trade. These tend to be large, stiff stemmed, showy varieties, good for picking and export and many are delicately marked or double flowered. However, in some areas, if you ‘wander lonely as a cloud’ - especially in older woodlands or areas of coast which may well have been woodland at one time - you will find a smaller more delicate daffodil, Narcissus pseudonarcissus ssp. Pseudonarcissus - our native daffodil, called ‘des g’zettes’ in Jersey French. This beautiful little flower can carpet areas of woodland, and seeds freely, unlike most of the cultivated varieties. Bluebells are another plant that provide a show for us in the spring. Our native bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta is a delicate flower, and on inspection quite unlike the large bluebells that we find in gardens and

« 26»

as garden escapees all over the Island. The garden species is the Spanish bluebell Hyacinthoides hispanica and is an introduction, though you will often find it growing in the wild. Unfortunately it is increasingly found in natural situations, either having been thrown away or more often, purposefully planted by often well meaning people who are trying to do the right thing, by increasing the diversity of woodland. Unfortunately this robust invader hybridises with the more delicate native, and we are close to seeing the local extinction of our native plant. Wouldn’t it be ironic if this extinction was caused by Islanders trying to help the Jersey’s flora to survive? The lesson is to avoid planting things that have been purchased either from shops or over the internet in any natural situation. If you own a natural piece of land or are involved in planting in a natural environment, I strongly recommend getting in touch with The National Trust for Jersey to ask for advice before inadvertently doing something that may have disastrous long-term consequences. No article on spring flowers would be complete without mentioning the snowdrop Galanthus nivalis, one of the first flowers of the year to raise its head above the ground. The species was almost certainly introduced into Jersey, and most commonly occurs as a garden escapee often seen in hedges and on roadside banks. Nonetheless, snowdrops do occur in some woodlands, where they were most commonly planted in times past. All of these plants should be left in situ for everyone to enjoy, as the removal of bulbs has become an international trade, resulting in many UK woodlands being literally stripped of their flowers. If you do wish to purchase any of our native species for your gardens, it is best to carefully look at the origin of the pants, ask the seller where the plants come from and only buy from a sustainable source. Early spring flowers are a very important source of food for insects that have survived the winter, curled up in a sheltered nook or cranny, and have woken up on a warm winter day and gone out exploring, thinking that spring is already here. Those carpets of lent lilies and bluebells will often be visited by large queen bumble bees or ragged butterflies seeking a breakfast of nectar to kick start their year, adding to the delight of our early spring woodlands. I hope that you find the time to enjoy this show of natural beauty whilst walking this spring. John Pinel

« 27»

THE GOOD LIFE

« W I L D H A RV E S T »

Elderflower Champagne Elder can be found in many of our hedgerows and this deciduous shrub or small tree will be coming into flower in April and May. The large flat heads of tiny creamy white flowers are a joy to behold and have a bewitching aroma, as well as a subtle flavour often compared to the Muscat grape. So why not celebrate the beginning of summer with this easy recipe for making elderflower champagne.

Recipe:

Collect your elderflower heads when they are in full bloom and be careful to shake off any insects, as well as removing leaves or branches.

2. Place in a large bucket and cover with the

sugar or honey, before adding the zest and juice of the lemons.

Proceed to boil the water and then pour this over the mixture before stirring well. Cover with a tea towel and allow to cool for at least 24 hours, stirring occasionally.

Sieve the mixture through a muslin cloth and decant into sterilised screw-top bottles, such as those used for lemonade.

Leave the tops slightly loose for a couple of weeks. Keep for a couple of months before drinking on a warm summer’s evening.

nts: Ingredie ds ower hea fl r e d l e 15 sugar 700g of or honey 2 lemons r of wate 4 litres

Low Water Fishing with B ob Tompk in s

Palourdes & Le Manchot: Praires & Razor Fish I am a firm believer in putting into practice the saying: ‘To kill two birds with one stone’ especially when it applies to low water fishing, anything to save a bit of labour. Often when raking for praires I uncover razor fish which despite their shape are yet another form of clam. Both will give away their presence by squirting jets of water into the air as you come close to them and both are wonderful to eat. While praires need to be raked for far out in the low water sands of the Royal Bay of Grouville, razorfish can be found much closer to shore and are a source of great fun when you include children in the fishing mix. Arm yourself with an old washing up liquid bottle filled with a very strong salt solution. Next, look out for jets of water shooting up or for a key hole in the sand and then squirt some solution down into the depression. With luck a razor fish will rise from the sands thinking that the tide has come in early. You must be ready to seize it though, as it will pop back into the sand just as quickly as it emerged.

It is important to rid the clams of any sand or grit before cooking by soaking them for at least 3hrs in sea water. When they are ready, chop at least four cloves of garlic and fry lightly in butter. Make sure that the garlic is not burnt.

Ingredie

nts:

4 cloves of garlic Butter White w ine Parsley

2. Add the cleansed clams ensuring that they are

not piled one on top of the other as this will prevent opening, pour in a quarter bottle of white wine per dozen, then cover the praires and steam for no more than four to six minutes, dependant on size.

It will be well anchored into the sand so, having taken a firm grip, draw it out very slowly, ease it back a little and then draw out steadily to avoid losing the lower portion of the foot.

Place all open clams into a bowl, discarding any that remain closed. Serve with the sauce adding finely-chopped parsley and raise a toast to wild food at its very best with a glass of dry white wine. Bon Santé.

Le’ Lanchon: The Sand-eel

Recipe:

That first shiver passing up through the handle told me that at last I had found the spot. Drawing the rake head clear of the water confirmed the sensation as the silver eels slid off the tangs into the box and I reflected that at times like this, standing as I was waste deep in winter water, it made the effort all worthwhile.

Remove and discard the heads and innards, rinse-off and leave to soak in milk for 20mins.

As with many of the traditional low water fishing methods, raking for sand-eels can be a lonely pastime. However, for those that have the passion it brings its own rich rewards. Not only do you have the chance of catching your own food but you are also surrounded by fantastic views and given an insight into the amazingly abundant life to be found among the reefs. Though these bars of silver may not make your fortune, they will provide you with a meal which is hard to surpass.

« 28»

Recipe:

2. Dry lightly and coat

in flour before deep frying (475F/230C). To maintain oil temperature only put in a few at a time.

3. Serve with fresh crusty bread, spread with Jersey butter and wash it all down with a good, cold dry white wine.

« 29»

Sand-eel s (Ammodyte

dubius)

Ingred ie Milk, fl nts: our an d oil Serve w Jersey ith: bread, b dry wh utter and ite win e

THE GOOD LIFE 6

Emporium

w ith Su e Har r i s of A sh Inte r i ors

1 Emma Bridgewater China

New Auricula Design Jug £19.50, Mug £13.60, Cup £13.60, Saucer £7.60

From The Potting Shed, Ransoms

2 Theresa Robinson Pottery Bottles Genuine Jersey £140 From The Belvedere Terrace, St Aubin 3 Egg-Shaped Soaps £22.75

In a porcelain nest dish From David Hick Interiors, St Lawrence

4 Beach Hut Cushion £49

Handmade by Beverley Speck (30 x 40cm) From Ash Interiors, St Mary

5 Chicken Tray £25

To serve or to hang on your wall From Bijoux, Gorey

6 Parlane Felted Hearts

Hug them and feel the Love Large £12.99, Medium £8.99, Small £5.99 From The Potting Shed, Ransoms

7 Cockeril Bookends £26.90

Add a rustic feel to your bookshelf From Bijoux, Gorey

8 The Original Raggy-Tag £19.99

Made with ‘Liberty’ fabric From The Potting Shed, Ransoms

9 Rosemary Blackmore Ceramic Boat (64cm high) Genuine Jersey £295

www.rosemaryblackmore.com

« 30»

THE GOOD LIFE

T H E G O O D L I F E « sustainabilit y »

Reviewed

Energy Saver

Jersey – Portrait of an Island

Handmade Homemade Recipes From Jersey

by Anna Le Moine Gray

by Jersey Pottery

The author’s keen eye for detail as an exceptionally talented artist quickly becomes evident at each turn of the 125 beautifully crafted pages. Hardly any corner of the Island appears to have escaped Anna’s close attention as the beauty of the seashore, lush meadows and flower strewn gardens are brought vividly to life through the texture of her paintings. In addition to capturing the moods of the four seasons and recording her inner thoughts, her observations on all aspects of the natural world have been captured in the most delicate of ways. In every way, this charming book captures the very essence of what is so very precious about the natural face of Jersey. Mike Stentiford Publisher: Anna Le Moine Gray. Price: £39

Much has been written about buying local, and this cookery book is a perfect example of why we should do exactly that. Brought to us by Jersey Pottery this book will enable even the less discerning cook to discover the pleasure of preparing locally produced ingredients. I chose three recipes, a task in itself because everything I read sounded amazing! I made Sweet Potato, Pumpkin and Mascarpone Soup, the Slow Pot Roast Leg of Jersey Lamb with Rosemary and Garlic and the Jersey Butter Shortbread Biscuit. All three recipes were stunning, easy to follow and had a wine suggestion for each dish. The layout is clear and the index is very easy to understand as it is set out in categories rather than an alphabetical list of recipes. A perfect Mothers Day Gift. Gina Rive Publisher: Jersey Pottery. Price: £20

Jersey Round St Helier by Robin Pittman Robin Pittman has returned to the successful formula that he has made his own in two earlier Journeys and other books. With an eye to interesting items of architecture and an awareness of the important issues of our time, this respected writer provides the reader with concentrated information in an easy style. He is admirably skilled at asking the “right” question, one that extracts relevant commentary from the people he meets. He organises his walks and conversations so that the reader can share, and enjoy, his experiences.

Across the Pond DVD A Film by Hall TV So often we hear of how the cod trade funded the construction of some our finest early Victorian houses, created a substantial local ship building industry and established trade routes as far as Belize. However, to date little has been publicised about the day-to-day people involved, how the industry developed and how our ancestors colonised Gaspé, and brought a little bit of Jersey and Guernsey to Quebec.

The production is smart, neat and clear, with outstandingly attractive drawings provided by David Barlow. Excellent as it is, this book would benefit both from tighter editing and an index – the latter to assist many readers who will want to refresh their minds about some particular insight. In our fast-changing times this snapshot of a particular moment is an invaluable addition to the series. Sue Lissenden

Across the Pond seeks to redress the balance, successfully exploring the trials and tribulations of the Le Page family, as they established a new life in Gaspé. This film also acknowledges the enormity of Charles Robin’s entrepreneurial achievement in establishing an off-shore industry which accrued immense benefits for his fellow Islanders. With stunning footage of the Quebec coastline this film will undoubtedly encourage more Islanders to visit Gaspé... a home from home.

Publisher: Seaflower Books. Price: £7.95

Running Time: Approximately 60mins. Price: £10

« 32»

eomarine’s Richard continues his series on energy saving – how to harness the power of nature.

At the end of last year the world’s attention was drawn to Copenhagen as world leaders met to try and reach an agreement to ‘help save the earth.’ The summit was not the success many had hoped with few agreements forged. Nonetheless, even though a unilateral agreement was not forthcoming, all the participants agreed on the need of carbon reduction. We all aware of the need to reduce carbon - and we know that to reduce carbon we need to save energy - so what can we do? In the last issue of Discover I discussed ways to save energy and, therefore, money by insulating our homes. This time I am looking at a more active approach - using Renewable Energy Systems (RES). There has been much chat about ‘environmental bling’ - wind turbines, solar cells, its quite a list - but these systems can be a benefit if applied to the correct property. As with anything the type of system(s) you can use vary from location to location; you would not put a solar panel or solar cell on a small building surrounded by large buildings which block out light. First of all you need to know what methods are suitable and available in Jersey and secondly, you need to know what will be best suited for the Island and for residents. The answer to the first question is pretty simple, in Jersey you can pretty much use most land-based systems such as solar heating and solar power, wind power, ground source heating, air source heating, biomass and even geothermal energy. To answer the second question I will discuss the different options and how they can be used in homes and work places. This article will cover the first three options and in the next issue I will complete our tour of RES.

Solar Heating

works with a secondary boiler to ensure hot water and even if there is not enough sun; the system still heats the water and reduces the required energy to heat the water to an acceptable level. These systems cost normally under £5,000 for a normal size house and can save £50 to £100 of energy bills per year as well as saving up to 500kg of CO2 per year. They can be utilised in homes and offices and even flats/apartments for communal heating systems.

Solar Power These systems use free solar energy to make electricity. A series of panels are placed on the roof of a building and convert sunlight into electricity. A typical home Photo-Voltaic (PV) system costs between £8,000 and £15,000 and requires little work after installation. It can contribute up to 40% of the household electricity bill and any excess energy can be stored in batteries or sold. These systems save up to 1200kg of CO2 per year and in a 25-year life time can save over 30 tonnes and can be installed on any building and provide power to the residents.

Wind power As 40% of wind energy blows over the British Isles, wind turbines can be a very powerful tool for domestic use. While most people think of wind turbines as big windmills and would not want one in their back or front garden, there is another option: roof mounted systems. These vary in design from miniature versions of typical wind turbines to horizontal helical bars along the ridge of the roof. These systems can cost from anything from £1,500 to £20,000 depending on the type and size and can save up to £400 a year for a 2.5kv unit. Like PV systems there is an option to store and/or sell excess energy. These systems can also save approximately 2.5t on CO2 per year and are best situated where there is a good wind source. However, they are less of an option in town areas as buildings may act as a windbreak . Richard Sutton

Required on all houses in places like Greece and Cyprus, this system also works very well in Jersey, even if we have a poor summer and a cold winter. These units use sunlight to heat water for the home. This system

« 33»

Eating in. Eating out. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reared, grown, caught or made in Jersey, Genuine Jersey is the guarantee of local provenance. In a nutshell, the Mark allows you to make an informed choice to support the local economy, embrace seasonality and reduce your carbon footprint. www.genuinejersey.com

CIVIL ENGINEERING CONTRACTORS

2169 Discover Magazine (Feb 20101 1

www.hartigan.co.uk

Engineering excellence The Hartigan team wholeheartedly endorse and promote the conservation of Jerseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s built heritage in all its forms. This is exemplified in our employment of specially trained Historic Building Conservation Engineers who ensure good conservation ethics are followed at all times. We regard the restoration of historic buildings as our contribution to retaining the unique character of the island. Consulting civil, structural, mechanical and electrical engineers t: 766655 f: 766650 e: admin@hartigan.co.uk

Look for the Mark before you buy

23/2/10 15:25:53

HSBC Premier – The world’s first truly joined up Global banking service Your own Premier Relationship Manager – there to help you get the most out of your money Independent financial advice – we could help you grow and protect your hard earned money HSBC Premier MasterCard® – your passport to a world of experiences Relocation without complication – you can open a Premier account in over 41 countries worldwide Consistent help, support and recognition, wherever you travel Call: Ailish Nardone on 606663 Visit: our Premier Centre, King Street Branch Click: hsbc.co.uk/premier

Issued by HSBC Bank plc. HSBC Premier is subject to status and our account opening criteria. Terms and conditions apply. In the Channel Islands HSBC Bank plc is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission for Banking, General Insurance Mediation and Investment Business and licensed by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission for Banking, Insurance, Collective Investment Schemes and Investment Business. Calls may be monitored and recorded for security and services improvement purposes. ©HSBC Bank plc.2010. All rights reserved. ACS758 SH0110