Durrell generated an estimated £12.5 million for Jersey’s economy in 2024 while supporting almost 200 jobs, according to a new economic impact assessment.
The report, produced by consultancy Derros, is the first in a planned series examining the wildlife charity’s impact on the Island, with future studies set to focus on its social and environmental contributions.
Researchers estimate Durrell’s activities contributed £12.5 million to Jersey’s economy last year across areas including employment, local spending, research, tax revenue and tourism.
The organisation employed 188 people in 2024 – equivalent to 144 full-time roles – making it one of Jersey’s larger charities and placing it among the Island’s biggest employers by workforce size. Staff received a combined £6.5 million in pay during the year.
The assessment found Durrell’s spending also benefited other local businesses. Around £3.4 million was spent with Jersey suppliers on goods and services, with the knock-on effect estimated to support about 80 additional full-time equivalent jobs across the wider economy.
Volunteers were also found to play a significant role. During 2024, 342 volunteers contributed more than 45,600 hours of work, which the report estimates was worth around £875,000. Durrell also received at least £50,000 of specialist pro bono support from partner organisations.
The report found that Durrell generates more economic value from its spending than the Jersey average because much of its procurement is with local businesses. It is estimated that every £1 spent by the charity creates £1.77 of economic value on the Island, compared with an average of about £1.55 across Jersey’s economy.
Researchers also highlighted the charity’s role in research and conservation, estimating that it invested more than £450,000 in research and development locally in 2024. The report said that this helps Jersey attract and retain specialist scientists and conservation experts whose skills might otherwise be difficult to sustain on the Island.
According to the assessment, Durrell’s activities generated an estimated £1.3 million for the Government of Jersey through income tax and social security contributions, after accounting for government funding received by the charity.
The report also estimates that Durrell brought £1.13 million of new income into Jersey from outside the Island, including spending by tourists, international memberships and accommodation linked to visitors.
It added: “Closer collaboration with Visit Jersey and island accommodation providers could help unlock further revenue of this kind, supporting both conservation activity and the wider visitor economy.
“But it also creates exposure: tourist visitor numbers are not Durrell’s to control, and that financial dependency is worth recognising and understanding.”
While the study focused on economic impact, the authors said it did not measure the wider benefits of Durrell’s conservation work, education programmes and community engagement. Those areas would require separate assessment and are expected to be explored in later reports.
