Jersey glow-worms shine brightly in the national press

Tuesday 14 March 2017

They are only 4mm long and were one of Jersey's best-kept secrets - at least until they caught the eye of the Sunday papers.

This weekend, the Observer featured Jersey glow-worms and the bioluminescence that gives them their dazzling shine.

Jersey Walk Adventures, and their guides Derek Hairon and Trudie Hairon-Trox, were praised for their work in the article that also mentions St. Brelade's Bay, Jersey Zoo's infamous aye-aye and, on a less positive note, taxi prices.

Both Derek and Trudie, holders of Jersey Tourism Bronze badge, are passionate about the sea and its creatures and they happily share their knowledge with islanders and visitors alike, as the article mentions.

"There are many remarkable creatures inhabiting the inter tidal area around Jersey, so it is good to see just how special Jersey is being recognized", Derek said. "This is a good example of how you do not need to go to far away places or watch nature programmes on TV to see and experience remarkable things. It's great to see our walks on the seabed featuring in a national publication and is also thanks to the work being done by Visit Jersey to highlight our great little island."

Commenting on the article, Adam Caerlewy-Smith, Visit Jersey’s Head of Marketing said: "It was great to have Jersey’s bioluminescence covered by Lizzy Denning following a Visit Jersey media visit in January. The Observer has a circulation of 193,953 and the Observer online has 50,335,800 unique users, making it one of the most highly-read UK Sunday newspapers and news websites. The online pieces has already had 560 shares and 20 comments since going live yesterday."

Derek and Trudie started their bioluminescence walks over six years ago and organise them all year around.  They take place at least one month and you can already book online for the next dates up to October. 

"They are not just a summer thing", assures Derek who wants to clear any confusion. "These creatures are not to be mistaken with phosphorescence that can be observed during the summer in some bays. The glow-worms creatures inhabit the lower shore and are revealed as the tide goes out."