Conservationists are moving forward with plans to acquire additional land in St Clement to enlarge a vital "green lung" serving one of Jersey's most densely populated parishes.
The National Trust for Jersey announced it had obtained the rights to purchase a field adjacent to Maupertuis Farm in St Clement, with completion expected in the near term. According to local reporting, the acquisition—identified as Field 80—was scheduled to proceed through the courts on 3 October 2026. The chief executive, Alan Le Maistre, described the purchase as
a tremendous opportunity to expand our work in St Clement, emphasising its role in preserving the area's rural character.
A green lung functions as an area of fields, parkland or vegetation embedded within an otherwise built-up urban setting, serving dual purposes: it provides habitat for wildlife and helps mitigate air pollution in densely developed zones.
Why is this expansion significant?
The acquisition will help safeguard the agricultural heritage of Maupertuis Farm and its surroundings at a time when green spaces are becoming increasingly scarce.
It is a privilege to have the opportunity to extend this green lung for both the wildlife and people of the area,Le Maistre said. The Trust's efforts reflect a broader trend across the UK and Channel Islands of protecting threatened rural land from development pressures. Earlier in 2026, Avon Wildlife Trust purchased Ebdon Farm near Wick St Lawrence with a £5 million grant to convert it into wetlands and a nature reserve, demonstrating similar conservation priorities in the region.
What is the Trust's track record in St Clement?
The National Trust for Jersey has demonstrated sustained commitment to expanding green spaces in this parish. The latest acquisition follows the Trust's 2021 purchase of a nearby field on Samares Lane, which was saved from development. That earlier campaign raised £50,000 in just 37 days, reflecting strong community support for conservation efforts in the area.
What is the scale of the Trust's island-wide work?
The National Trust for Jersey, which marked its 90th anniversary in August 2026, currently manages approximately 1,800 vergées of land distributed across the island. This latest acquisition represents a continuation of its mission to balance development pressures with environmental stewardship in Jersey's most urbanised zones.
How can the public support this project?
The Trust has invited individuals interested in supporting the acquisition to contact the charity directly. Such community engagement has proven effective in previous campaigns and remains central to the organisation's fundraising strategy for land conservation.
What happens next?
The purchase was due to complete its legal proceedings on 3 October 2026, according to reporting on the transaction. Once finalised, the field will be integrated into the Trust's existing green-space network in St Clement, expanding habitat connectivity and public access to natural areas within this built-up parish.
