This can be a rather windy headland but, during the summer, it’s a glorious place to visit. To pinch and paraphrase Shakespeare, it will enchant your senses. Well, three of them - sight, smell and sound.
Attractions Les Landes and St. Ouen
The main sight is the spectacular covering of purple heather and bright yellow western gorse, when first in bloom the gorse has a wonderful strong smell of coconut.
Listen and look for skylarks, meadow pipits, linnets and the occasional stonechat.
The open ground also provides small rodent prey for kestrels.
During July the pretty five-spot burnet moth is much in evidence.
There are two car parks off the main road from L’Etacq to Grosnez. One is along a rough track, the other is at the end of a metalled road that leads to the model aircraft airfield (watch out for potholes); the latter is the best for seeing the heather and gorse.
Grass pathways meander throughout the headland and above the granite cliffs. The standard of access is mixed, so proceed with caution but don’t be afraid to explore, although much of the area’s natural history can be enjoyed from or near the car parks.
PTGH wish to thank Jersey Tourism for their help in providing the above information. 22/11/05
