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Exploring the Island 

Did you know... Jersey's famous ‘Black Butter’, a traditional preserve, is made from cider, apples and spices.

Nature

Jersey attracts because it is an island of breathtaking natural beauty, unspoilt sandy beaches, and dramatic coastal scenery. Wherever you are on the Island, you are never far from the sea.

The sea has strong influences on the environment. Daily tides, some of the highest in the world, sweep around the 45 mile coastline, changing the Island’s aspect.

So dramatic is the tidal change that at low water, on a spring tide, the land mass increases by almost a third. This tide exposes vast areas of sand and rock that are the home to many plant and animal species.

The coastal areas are highly valued as one of the natural resources of the Island. In 2000, over 12 square miles of unique coastline on the south east corner of the Island were designated as a United Nations 'Ramsar' wetland of international importance. The EU also recognises this as a priority marine ecosystem. On the west of the Island, there is an extensive dune system designated as a site of Special Scientific Interest. This area is the home of over 400 species of wild plant, as well as green lizards, grass snakes and numerous birds. The north coast of the Island offers dramatic coastal scenery of steep granite cliffs punctuated by picturesque fishing harbours and hidden coves.

The Island has an ultra violet sewage treatment plant which helps to ensure that the waters around the Island are a pristine maritime environment, which is so important in maintaining a wide variety of marine life. This has helped the Island gain awards for having some of the cleanest beaches in Europe.

Jersey has won international recognition for preserving the environment, including the coveted ‘Green Globe’ status for developing the extensive coastal network of footpaths. The Island is a walker's paradise, from coastal and woodland walks to relaxing strolls through country lanes. It’s unique 15mph ‘green lanes’ gives priority to walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

Nature conservation is increasingly important to the Island, with over 1,112 acres (450 hectares) of ecologically important habitats - including wetlands, woodlands, maritime heath, sand dunes and grasslands.

Sites of Special Interest (environment and greener living section)

Leisure and entertainment
Environment and greener living
Jersey Tourism website

Recreation and leisure

There are a wealth of sport and leisure opportunities in Jersey, with a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities, on land and sea, for all ages and abilities. Plus many formal and informal clubs and associations providing many sporting facilities.

The department for Education Sport and Culture administer leisure facilities in the island. These include Fort Regent, Les Quennevais Sports Centre, Springfield Stadium and Community Hall as well as several outdoor playing facilities.

Fort Regent is the flagship of the Sport and Leisure Department. It provides a host of facilities ranging from a 2,000 seater concert hall to one of the largest indoor children's soft play areas in Europe. Other facilities include; a fabulous fitness centre, with the very latest in high tech equipment; squash courts, plus 20 acres of outside walks, attractions and play areas with unrivalled views over the south of the island.

Les Quennevais Sports Centre and Playing Fields is a modern purpose-built complex incorporating a 25metre, 8 lane swimming pool, with a learner pool and water spa features. Within the centre, you will also find a dance studio, health suite, weights and fitness rooms plus two glass backed squash courts and an all purpose sports hall. Outside, in the extensive grounds, you can relax and enjoy a host of activities including rugby, football, cycling, cricket, tennis, hockey, netball and croquet. Bowls is particularly popular and petanque is also provided for with 5 rinks and a clubhouse.

Springfield Stadium is the latest sport and leisure venue, to providing a superb football pitch with grandstand and seating for 960 and a total viewing capacity of 7,000.

Golf

The island offers 6 courses including three 18 hole championship courses and three 9 hole courses.

La Moye is an 18 hole Links Course, par 72 in the southwest of the island with spectacular views over the impressive three mile sweep of St Ouen’s Bay. This course has a golf shop, club house, restaurant, putting green and driving range.

Les Mielles is an 18 hole, American-style Parkland Course, par 70, on the west of the island in St Ouens Bay. This course has a golf shop, bar and restaurant, practice putting green and bunker and a 24 bay driving range.

Les Ormes is a 9 hole Parkland Course, par 33, overlooking St Ouen’s Bay and is close to the airport. Facilities include a 17 bay covered driving range, a practice green and bunker, golf and tennis shop, 8 indoor tennis courts, health and beauty salon, fitness complex, bar and restaurant.

Royal Jersey is an 18 hole Links Course, par 70. This course is situated on the east coast of the island looking over
The Royal Bay of Grouville. Facilities include a golf shop, club house, restaurant and putting green.

Jersey Recreation Grounds is a 9 hole Parkland Course, par 3 and 4. This course is just inland from the south east coast. Facilities include a putting green, crazy golf, bowls tennis and a restaurant. Close by is the newly built Longueville Driving Range.

Wheatlands is a 9 hole/18 tees Parkland Course, par 54. This course is situated inland in the south of the island. Facilities include, a golf shop, practice putting green and bar.