Skip to content

Islanders asked to identify sites for Unesco bids

BBC Portelet - a beach and rocky shore with calm seaBBC
Visit Jersey says Portelet is an example of a potential geosite based on its geology

People living in Jersey are being asked to identify areas that make the island special, so sites can be nominated for an internationally recognised status.

Jersey Heritage is working on an application to gain accreditation as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Global Geopark.

There are currently 213 Unesco Global Geoparks across the world, with 109 in Europe.

Jersey Heritage also thinks individual sites could be worthy of geopark status, and wants islanders to make suggestions.

Janvrin's Tomb in Portelet Bay in Jersey. A tomb on a rocky shore and surrounded by calm sea
Janvrin's Tomb in Portelet Bay in Jersey

The group said there were two categories in which sites could be considered.

It said places such as Anne Port or Portelet Bay could fit in the geological category which focussed on the natural history of the site.

The non-geological category, which focussed on historical features such as buildings, monuments and sites of cultural significance, also included myths and legends.

Jersey Heritage said potential examples could include the Le Dolmen des Geonnais, Hamptonne and St Clement’s Church.

'Flexibility'

A spokesperson for Jersey Heritage said: “There is flexibility when selecting geosites and we are keen to ensure we capture as many ideas as possible..."

Four sessions are being held for islanders to learn more and share ideas:

  • Tuesday 5 November, 19.00 – 20.30 GMT at St Ouen’s Parish Hall
  • Tuesday 12 November, 19.00 – 20.30 at St Lawrence Parish Hall
  • Thursday 14 November, 19.00 – 20.30 at St Martin’s Public Hall
  • Thursday 21 November, 19.00 – 20.30 at St Clement’s Parish Hall

Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to [email protected].