| Jersey Sand Works and St. Ouen's Pond | The company extracts about 70,000 tons of sand per year at the sand works. It’s the only place in the Channel Islands where Sand Martins breed. Experts say at least 500 birds thrive in the area. St. Ouen's Pond is the largest natural water in Jersey at 300m by 200m. It's partly open to the public but people asked not to pick plants or disturb the area. St. Ouen's Pond is one of only two places in the island where the Jersey Orchid is found. |
In the third of a series of five articles, Simon Ward introduces us to the inland water at St. Ouen's Pond and the Jersey Sand Works. There's also a chance to listen again the original radio broadcast, by clicking on the audio link at the top right hand side of this page. Jersey Sand Works  | | Birdwatching at the sand works. |
A stretch of water which most members of the public don’t get to see was created as a result of an industrial operation. The Simon Sand Gravel company is now Jerseys only supplier of sand for building and other uses. It’s a haven for birds and is the only place in the Channel Islands where Sand Martins breed. There are about sixty pairs that return to the site each year. Fish such as Fresh Water Eels have found their way into the water providing food for a number of birds including Cormorants. The birds have got used to the heavy trucks that rumble up and down tracks near the water. The works are on sand dunes not far from St. Ouen bay.  | | Jason Simon at his family's Sand Works |
John Banks from La Société Jersiaise Ornithology Section describes it as the most important stretch of fresh water for birds in Jersey. He and fellow Ornithologist Tony Paignton regularly visit the sand works to monitor the birds.  | | St. Ouen's Pond |
It’s not open to the general public but that could be set to change in future. Jason Simon the managing director of Simon Sand and Gravel says bird hides could be constructed and part of the site made into a nature walk. St. Ouen's Pond  | | Just the place for birdwatching! |
St. Ouen's Pond is the biggest area of naturally occurring water and reed bed in Jersey. It’s a very important wetland for wildlife. Some of the bird species that can be seen there are Warblers, Buntings, Lapwings and birds of prey. The wetland also supports a range of plant life including the Jersey Orchid which is only found in one other place in the island. The site is owned and managed by the National Trust for Jersey and is a popular place for people to visit. There are bird hides for looking out over the pond and reeds while remaining under cover. It’s a great place for photography, birds of prey can often been seen hunting in the area, hovering over the reeds waiting to dive on an unsuspecting creature.
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