wildlife

Jersey is home to a wide variety of native wildlife that each play and important role in maintaining the biodiversity of jersey. However, there are some non-native species who can cause damage to environments and outcompete some native wildlife for recourses which causes a huge disruption in the ecosystem. Unfortunately, Jersey contains some of these organisms that damage the environment, these organisms have been named an invasive species. 

Wildlife recording can take place at any time of day or night and is a great way to appreciate nature around you. Nature is everywhere and taking notice can help with our mental wellbeing. We asked our local wildlife recorders what top tip they would give to someone starting their journey of wildlife recording for the New Year. 

Almost everything we do has an impact on the world around us. When we think about pollution, we will often think about vehicle exhaust fumes or plastics contaminating beaches. You may not realise that noise and light can also be a form a pollution if they become harmful to wildlife.

Why are they harmful to wildlife?

Spring is the perfect time to start your wildlife recording journey. Whether you are watching wildlife from your window or out for a walk there is always plenty to see if we slow down. 

Wildflowers are showing up all along the lanes in Jersey. Whilst social distancing doesn't mean you can't get outside to enjoy the fresh air. There are plenty of walks to enjoy out in the countryside. 

Introduction on Sense Organs:

What is meant by urban? In Jersey we think of urban areas as the large sections of buildings making up St Helier and Les Quennevais areas. I too have said that I live in the countryside, but do I really? Looking at the Urban Map created by Jersey Mapping (2007) our island’s urbans areas are all over the place, reaching out into our countryside habitats.

Biodiversity in Jersey draws people from around the world. We are a unique island with a rich marine ecosystem, a hot spot for bird spotters and have flora and fauna species that are not found in the UK.

Many locals and tourists when the weather is bright and sunny make their way to the wilder areas of the island for walks in biodiversity hot spots such as the North Coast and St Catherine’s Woods.

The Jersey toad (Bufo spinosus, known locally as the Crapaud) has an iconic status and was once a familiar sight in island ponds and waterways. Recently numbers have declined and so, since 2005, conservationists have been using information from Jersey residents to create an island-wide picture of the toad’s distribution, abundance and breeding patterns.

The Société Jersiaise Marine Biology Section is holding their annual public lecture on Tuesday 28th March, 7.30pm, no.7 Pier Road.

Entry is free 

The talk is held by Dr Richard Unsworth who is an eminent scientist in the world of seagrass, marine ecology and ecosystem services.

He will be presenting a talk about seagrass meadows in Jersey.

Come see us at Wild About Jersey where we will be looking at earthworms with UK experts Emma and Kerry from the Earth Worm Society of Britain.  

Throughout the day we will have earthworms on the show so you can your practice measuring skills and learn about their biology and life underground.

At 12:30-13:00 on Saturday and Sunday you can join in with an earthworm survey. Which involves digging and checking which of the three groups they belong to, checking soil types so be prepared for muddy hands (but gloves will be provided!).