The National Trust for Jersey Wetland Centre

The Wetland Centre at St Ouen’s is built within a sand dune, overlooking La Mare au Seigneur nature reserve providing the perfect setting for viewing birdlife. With panoramic views of the reed bed and pond, the centre has 16 viewing windows located at different heights providing adults, children and visitors with disabilities incredible views without disturbing the wildlife.

As well as being a state-of-the-art bird hide it acts as a wetland interpretation centre. All ages can learn all about the wetlands with a range of interpretation panels and interactive exhibits as well as the diverse wildlife and human history of La Mare au Seigneur SSI nature reserve.

There is a large tv screen displaying live footage of the wildlife inhabiting the reserve captured by a series of high definition cameras with one such camera allows visitors to navigate within the reed bed. All this provides visitors with the previously unseen insights into the secret lives of some of the reserve’s inhabitants such as the majestic Marsh Harrier and the ever-elusive Bittern.

Interactive multimedia touchscreen displays are showcasing the wildlife of the area giving visitors the chance to learn the calls of some of the birds that are commonly sighted in the reserve. To help with identification there are beautiful birds painted by local artist Anna Le Moine Gray on panels with information about the habitats and threats that they face around the world along with the natural history of some iconic flora and fauna found in the area.

When the Wetlands Centre was built in February 2014 one of the walls has been specially constructed from recycled materials to provide nesting and roosting opportunities for birds and bats. Apart from giving the birds and bats nesting and roosting sites it gives us the chance to learn more about the resident species.

There is also a World War II bunker classroom incorporated into the Wetland Centre which provides space for a classroom for local and visiting students to benefit from. National Trust Jersey provides a programme of learning events throughout the year.

There is plenty of free parking and visitors can also reach the beach via bus route 22 of the public bus service.