Historical sites get new and improved signage

Sunday 16 June 2024

Visitors to Jersey’s dolmens and other historic monuments will be greeted by new signs promoting the island’s rich heritage.

Outdated signage has been replaced and revamped to provide the most up-to-date information about the special sites, including details of their excavations.

The signs were erected as part of the Aspiring Jersey Island Geopark project, which is angling for Unesco Global Geopark status.

They feature Jèrriais, local artwork, and facts about surrounding wildlife and geology.

Pictured: Example of the new signage at Portelet Bay

Sites, including Jersey's dolmens – prehistoric ritual stone monuments around 6,000 years old – with the new signs are:

• Les Monts at Grantez and Le Dolmen des Géonnais (St Ouen)
• Le Couperon and Le Pouquelaye de Faldouet (St Martin)
• Le Mont Ubé (St Clement)
• La Table des Marthes and La Sergenté (St Brelade)
• La Ville-és-Nouaux (St Helier)
• La Hougue des Platons (Trinity)
• The Centre Stone (St John)
• La Motte (St Clement)
• Grosnez Castle (St Ouen)
• L’Île Agois (St Mary)
• Portelet Bay (St Brelade)

The project involves Jersey Heritage, the Société Jersiaise, Jersey National Park, the Government, the National Trust for Jersey and Megalithic Routes.

Geopark development curator Millie Butel said: “The new signs replace old signage that was over ten years old and very weathered.

"They bring together all sorts of fascinating information about the historic sites themselves and the surrounding areas in which they remain today with the aim of sharing the complete story of each monument with anyone visiting one of the sites."

She added: “Care has also been taken to ensure that the signage is as accessible as possible and we have worked closely with local access providers to achieve this.

“The installation of the new signage is the first phase of activity to raise awareness about Jersey’s incredible geo-heritage by enhancing existing infrastructure and increasing visibility.

“We have started with a handful of historic sites and this work marks another positive step forwards for Jersey’s application to become a Unesco Global Geopark.”

Mike Stentiford of Jersey National Park said: “The arrival of new instructive and uniform interpretation signs around the Island will undoubtedly be warmly welcomed by the visiting public.

“The Jersey National Park fully acknowledges the comprehensive research undertaken by the Geopark working team and is delighted to be one of the partners involved in this excellent initiative.”