Comment: You don’t know what you have until it’s gone…

Wednesday 04 April 2018

An avid coastal campaigner and hands-on nature conserver, Mike Stentiford MBE has spent six decades of his life committed to nurturing the island’s environment.

While his dedication has remained tireless since he first set foot in Jersey in 1958, he’s now wondering how far the feeling extends across the island – and, with elections looming, into political circles.

Express’ newest columnist argues that, while many might not notice it, Jersey is a treasure trove of environmental delights – plentiful SSIs and Ramsar sites – and shares his thoughts on why islanders ought to take pride in (and care of) the island’s rich green heritage. If we don’t, it might just slip away unnoticed… 

“Few subjects have the power to prick the conscience or divide public opinion as that of ‘environmentalism’. First coined in 1827 as a reference to our natural surroundings, the phrase ‘environmental concern’ is now purportedly embedded in the public psyche.

Whether we accept it or not, there’s a tinge of ‘eco-green’ in every one of us especially when threats to even a modest area of nearby open space can be countered with surprising passion. With scores of recent examples confirming that Jersey is more than adept at exhibiting such ‘eco’ concern, it would be encouraging - pleasantly surprising, even - to find that environmental issues start reaching the political high ground in the forthcoming elections.

Pictured: St. Ouen's Bay - the largest area within Jersey's National Park. With nature, commerce, sport, recreation and agriculture all in one zone, it is a perfect example of Jersey's 'specialness'. (Mike Stentiford)

But, being aware of the Island’s myriad social and economic challenges, wishing to see ‘concern for the environment’ writ large on a candidate’s manifesto might prove a wish too far. And this despite the reality that getting a firm grip on all those seemingly tiresome environmental responsibilities we’re told either to do or not to do, are fast becoming a fixture on the international agenda. 

There’s also the global conundrum of climate change which, despite extreme spikes in weather patterns, does little to lessen the gap between the doubters and the believers. Add to this the question of population and its unknown consequences and it’s easy to see why politically dealing with environmental issues is demanding of understanding, reason and a clarity of vision.

Let’s also not forget that the overriding factor determining our general health and mental wellbeing is the island’s natural environment. Offering respect and appreciation towards both our landscape and its equally important terrestrial and maritime biodiversity ultimately proves the key to a caring society.

Promoting what we proudly proclaim as our own bonafide environmental credentials can only be sanctioned if proof of our commitment is seen and accepted by those elsewhere.

Pictured: Seymour Tower, which serves as a symbol of the maritime and heritage richness of the Ramsar designation. (Mike Stentiford)

While most islanders value Jersey for its countless ‘free to roam’ natural benefits, some show disdain that finances are ‘squandered’ on their management and upkeep. But without the constant input of determined stewardship from farmers, landowners and a handful of dedicated charitable organisations, Jersey would no longer hold fast to its wealth of natural attractiveness and cultural heritage.

The depth of public awareness might best be gauged by posing a fairly straightforward question: does either the Jersey National Park, Ramsar designation or a Site of Special Interest (SSI) induce any feelings of pride, purpose or interest? Or, indeed, do they mean anything at all?

Of course they do – such status is significant, and demands gaining a raft of internationally demanded qualifications.

Jersey’s as yet undeveloped coastline and countryside is - without any shadow of a doubt - its largest natural asset, proving precisely why our population is as high as it is. Accepting this factual observation poses another interesting question: if we abandon our obligations to respect and manage the landscape for public fulfillment, would the island be a far less attractive place to live or to visit?

Pictured: Noirmont coastal headland, which is one of Jersey's major Sites of Special Interest (SSI). (Mike Stentiford)

Many would quickly accept that, with a neglected landscape given neither concern, support or recognition, it most certainly would be.

Whether it’s our National Park, Ramsar or one of over 15 current local SSIs, all have been officially designated for a reason. If we value them for the diversity of excellence each of them obviously has, then their future protection must be acknowledged and recognised at the highest public and political level.

So why is it only when something special disappears that the conscience kicks in as to what on earth possessed us to ever lose it?"