Enjoy Nature with Walk in the Park this May

As nature awakens this spring, it’s the perfect time to wander through the Jersey National Park. The season sees the return of ‘Walk in the Park’, featuring an array of guided explorations throughout May to celebrate National Walking Month.

This year’s theme, ‘Nature, at your own pace’, invites everyone to step outside and enjoy the natural world at a leisurely pace, exploring all that our coastal National Park has to offer.

The public is invited to explore the breathtaking beauty of the landscapes that sit within the boundaries of the Jersey National Park. With 18 expert-led guided walks to choose from, there’s something for everyone.

Walks are being provided from a selection of the Park’s partners including: Anneville Farm, Aspiring Jersey Island Geopark, BAM Perspectives, Birding Tours Jersey, Boarder and Binney, Jersey Uncovered, Jersey Walk Adventures, Joy by Jess, Mind Jersey, The Good Life Jersey, The Government of Jersey’s Natural Environment Department, The Reserve, The Société Jersiaise Botany Section, Vitality40Plus and Wild Adventures.

The programme spans an impressive range of themes, all designed to enlighten and engage. Ensuring a diverse exploration for participants of all ages and abilities, the programme offers a variety of experiences: from serene walks at dawn and dusk, that allow participants to immerse themselves in the tranquil appeal of the natural world; to guided tours that explore Jersey’s history in detail, revealing stories embedded in the landscapes; through to a dedicated photography walk, where enthusiasts can capture the breathtaking landscapes of the Park through their own lens.

There is also the opportunity to learn about flora and fauna, foraging, agriculture as well as sustainability. And this year, emphasising inclusivity, the programme proudly includes accessible walks for hearing-impaired and sight-impaired participants, ensuring everyone can experience nature, at their own pace.

Families, groups of friends, and individuals can select from the guided walks from Saturday 20th April by going to: jerseynationalpark.com. Booking is essential: tickets are £5, with under-18s free.

For those unable to join the expert-led walks, 16 self-guided routes and a series of audio guides are available, ensuring everyone can stroll among nature’s beauty and enjoy the various locations in the Jersey National Park.

Honorary Chair of the Jersey National Park, Jim Hopley, MBE, said: “This year’s Walk in the Park is an invitation to deeply connect with the landscapes of the Jersey National Park. Our aim is to encourage everyone, locals and visitors of all ages and abilities, to discover its diverse beauty as well as the many features it has to offer. Partnering with a wide array of experts, we’ve crafted experiences that showcase the best of what the Park has to offer including its rich biodiversity, diverse history, and unique geology.”

Mr. Hopley continued: “Spanning from our rugged coastline to the picturesque countryside, the Jersey National Park includes over fifty miles of paths which are a cherished privilege to explore, thanks to the co-operation of local landowners. To all our visitors, we extend a reminder to tread carefully using the marked paths, keep a respectful distance from wildlife and always follow the Jersey Countryside Code, ensuring our Park remains a beautiful environment for all to enjoy.”

Dr. Patricia Tumelty, CEO of Mind Jersey, said: “This year, Walk in the Park brings to life the stories of Jersey National Park, offering engaging walks that are not just physically stimulating but also mentally enriching. It’s an adventure into learning and leisure, wrapped in the scenic quality of our Park.”

She added: “Being a part of this initiative highlights the benefits of exploration in our natural environment on our mental wellbeing. The restorative power of nature can significantly contribute to reducing stress and improving mental health. It’s a reminder to all of us to slow down, to take the time to immerse ourselves in the unparalleled beauty that surrounds us, and to let the calmness of the natural world guide us to a place of peace and rejuvenation. In doing so, we not only enhance our mental health but also deepen our connection with nature, fostering a sustainable relationship with the world we live in.”

To take part in Walk in the Park, or to learn more, visit: jerseynationalpark.com/walkinthepark

Whilst getting your steps up, share your favourite moments by posting photos on Facebook or Instagram and tagging @JerseyNationalPark #JerseyNationalPark #WalkInThePark