The Environment
Jersey Wildlife and the Environment
By John Pinel - September 2004
With its mild climate, its complex geological history, the ebb and flow of
the ice sheets removing and recreating our land bridge to the European mainland,
and its long history of human habitation Jersey has developed a unique and
rich flora and fauna. The geological and meteorological history has created
a rich diversity of habitats for such a small island, within which myriad
plants and animals have found a home, and the rugged coastline has evolved
into an exciting playground for its human inhabitants.
Jersey is blessed with a dramatic coastline, that provides excellent nesting conditions for a wide range of wild birds, as well as an abundance of climbing routes for wild humans. Unfortunately for the birds, we are bigger than they are, and consequently our presence on the cliffs can cause a great deal of disturbance to them.
All nests and dens of wild birds and animals are protected in Jersey under legislation in the 'Conservation of Wildlife (Jersey) Law, 2000'. This protects the birds and their nests from harm.
Article 5 of the law states "...it shall be an offence for any person knowingly to kill, injure or take any protected wild animal or protected wild bird or destroy or take the egg of a protected wild bird". Article 6 states "...it shall be an offence for any person knowingly to - (b) take, damage or destroy the nest of any protected wild bird while that nest is in use or being built" and "(d) disturb any protected wild animal occupying a den or any protected wild bird occupying a nest".
There are many other provisions against harming Jersey's wildlife, but it is unlikely that climbers will be out collecting wild animals or using semi-automatic weapons whilst climbing, but be aware that if you do - these things and more are illegal too.
Our wildlife Law is necessarily strict, many species of wild birds are declining in numbers, seagulls are leaving the cliffs in droves, and finding quieter quarters in Town, where roof top nests are not regularly visited by walkers, fishermen and climbers. It should also be noted that all birds are protected except for Carrion crow, magpie, Wood pigeon and starling, and that none of them should be disturbed, particularly during their nesting season.
The nesting season is difficult to define, as weather conditions influence this to a large extent.
Also, in good years, birds may try to raise two or even more broods, extending the nesting season into the summer, however, it is suggested that between the months of end of March to end of June, special care is required when climbing on our cliffs, and some areas are best avoided altogether.
Our coastline provides habitat for rarities such as Peregrine Falcon, Razorbills, Fulmars and Puffins, and many more birds such as Yellow Hammers, Stonechats and Whitethroat nest on the cliff tops and heathlands through which people must travel to gain access to the cliffs. Many of these species are declining in numbers, including others such as Shag, Black-backed Gulls, Herring Gulls and Raven all of which are far less common than they have been in the past.
Common sense dictates that climbing or accessing a climb through an area obviously populated by nesting birds should be avoided, and of course groups of people are likely to create more disturbance than two or three people walking alone. However there are areas, such as the northwest and south-west cliffs where large (but declining) bird colonies exist, and several sites along the north coast where small colonies or isolated nests or vulnerable bird species occur through out the area. All of these should be avoided during the nesting season.
Rubbish is, of course, a perennial problem. Not only does it create a risk to wildlife, particularly by tangling or otherwise trapping them, or by choking on a tasty piece of chocolate smeared plastic, litter also creates a visual eyesore, and one piece of litter tends to attract more. One hopes that climbers are not the most likely people to drop litter, but we can also help to improve the situation. Not only should we not add our own mess, but if everyone who uses the cliffs, brings back one piece of litter that someone else has dropped, we can have a positive impact on the environment in a very simple and effective way.
Details of specific areas which are best avoided during the nesting season, which may change year to year, are available from the Société Jersiaise Bird Section Tel. +44 (0) 1534 758314 or the Environment Department on Tel. +44 (0) 1534 866200. Remember it is our responsibility to ensure that the cliffs remain open for access to all of the many species that inhabit this island of ours.
Act responsibly and enjoy your climbing.
If in doubt, find another route.
