The Aspiring Jersey Island Geopark aims to educate the story of Jersey’s geological heritage, with the aim of encouraging Islanders and visitors to explore Jersey and see first-hand how geology has shaped the Island we know today.

‘The aim of the centre is to introduce the Aspiring Geopark project and encourage people to explore Jersey and discover its stories along the way. The Island has been shaped by tide and time over millions of years. Jersey’s exceptional geology and important cultural heritage form the outstanding surroundings we enjoy every day.’ 

With the new threats of climate change and further urban developments- Geopark sites are heavily protected and are spread around the island, they include dolmens, heritage sites-such as Gronez Castle- and rocky outcrops. All sites are significant in Jersey’s heritage- with some sites dating back to over 6,000 years ago.

WHAT IS A GEOPARK?
UNESCO defines a Geopark as:

‘Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic
concept of protection, education and sustainable development. A UNESCO Global Geopark uses its
geological heritage, in connection with all other aspects of the area’s natural and cultural heritage, to enhance awareness and understanding of key issues facing society, such as using our Earth’s resources
sustainably, mitigating the effects of climate change and reducing natural disasters-related risks. The purpose of a UNESCO Global Geopark is to explore, develop and celebrate the links between that geological heritage and all other aspects of the area’s natural, cultural and intangible heritages. It is about reconnecting human society at all levels to the planet we all call home and to celebrate how our planet and its 4,600 million year long history has shaped every aspect of our lives and our societies’. For Jersey, the intention is for the Geopark to extend across the Island and its territorial waters, including the offshore reefs.

I plan to have my first photoshoot in the areas surrounding L’ Etacq, Le Pinacle and Stinky Bay which are all Geopark sites.

SCHOOL TRIP- GEOPARK VISITOR CENTRE

We attended a talk about Jersey’s geology which was conducted by Ralph Nichols, referencing places of interest to Jersey’s Geopark sites and places that would be good for photography.

The visitor centre displayed images of the various sites around Jersey, with information about their geology such as their mineral composition and rock type (metamorphic etc). Attention was also drawn towards the sound scape which as playing in the centre- which focused on ‘natural Jersey sounds’ such as birds singing, the sound of the sea and even Jersey’s own language- Jèrriais– which can be heard on this link.