The Aspiring Jersey Island Geopark Visitor Centre aims to encourage Islanders and visitors to go out and explore Jersey and see how geology has shaped and influenced the Island. The visitor centre is in the John de Veulle Gallery on the ground floor and entry is free.
Millie Butel, Jersey Heritage’s landscape engagement and geopark development curator, explained that the attraction celebrates the links between people and the earth.
A geopark is a single area which gives protection to sites of geological significance. Geopark status is granted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
Mrs Butel added: ‘Jersey is more than just the rock it is made of – our Island is an incredible combination of natural, built and intangible heritage.
‘A geopark can tell the whole story and, if Jersey is successful in achieving a designation, it will be a statement of commitment to protect the Island we all love and to promote the landscapes, seascapes and heritage that are important to Islanders.
‘The aim of the visitor 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.’
Organisations including Jersey Heritage, the Société Jersiaise, Jersey National Park, Young Archaeologists’ Club, Jersey Biodiversity Centre and the Blue Marine Foundation have all been involved in the project.
Mrs Butel said: ‘Every stakeholder organisation is key to the success of the Aspiring Jersey Island Geopark project.
‘As part of the visitor centre, the guardians have shared their favourite parts of Jersey to highlight some of the reasons why the Island is so special.’
