A former Environment Minister is among a group of islanders pushing for a transformation of Les Creux Country Park to enable “thriving” community and biodiversity use of the area.
Deputy Jonathan Renouf said there was “an unprecedented opportunity” to reimagine the Country Park – which is also where Jersey Property Holdings is looking for proposals to manage the Les Creux Pavilion building.
The former Environment Minister made the comments while highlighting the work of a group of environmentalists who have developed an idea for the site and wider park area, which spans approximately 45 hectares and includes a diverse variety of habitats.
“We need to hear what the public think”
Those behind the ‘Les Creux project’ have suggested the former bowls club building could become “a thriving community hub” with a café and farm shop, facilities for environmental-based education, health and wellbeing opportunities and a space for exhibitions.
Additionally, the group believes the park contains opportunities for a village green and community gardening space, as well as pollinator patches, a wildflower meadow with paths and a picnic area, among other things.
Environmentalist Sheena Brockie, the co-founder of Grow Jersey, said there was “a unique opportunity” to revisit the use of the site to “benefit both our people and our wildlife in a cohesive way”.
“According to the Mental Health Foundation, research shows that people who are connected with nature are usually happier in life, generating many positive emotions such as calmness, joy and creativity,” she continued.
“The biodiversity crisis will require co-operation at all levels of society, from governmental
interventions to local community action.
“We must connect our community to nature, in order to protect it, and in this project, we enhance the experience for both the people and the biodiversity.”
Deputy Renouf added: “It is clear that we have an unprecedented opportunity to reimagine the Les Creux Country Park, so it becomes an extraordinary community resource.
“I am profoundly grateful to Sheena Brockie and her colleagues for their inspiring work to show one possible vision of what Les Creux could become.
“Now it is over to the community. We need to hear what the public think, what they want from the site, to see what other great ideas are lurking out there.”
