Articles | Geopark

Geology

Get Behind the Geo-scenes

Jersey Island Geopark isn’t a single destination-it’s the entire Island. From rugged cliffs and hidden coves to sweeping dunes and winding trails, every corner of Jersey reveals a chapter in a story of survival, transformation, and deep connection to nature. Each stone and shoreline is a witness to ancient volcanic fires, shifting continents, and the relentless power of the sea. Explore the Geosites that inspired 'A Symphony of Creation' and imagine walking on granite forged in the heart of the Earth, gazing out over waters that have sculpted the Island’s shores. Here, every tide whispers a story, every breeze carries the promise of adventure. Step behind the geo-scenes and discover Jersey’s dramatic birth for yourself-where nature and history collide in spectacular fashion.

Geology

Self-Guided Geowalk Around L’Etacq

This self-guided geowalk explores the deep history of the North West corner of Jersey from a time when we were a deltaic environment through millions of years of volcanic activity to ice ages and a time when prehistoric people populated the land. It starts on the beach and then takes you up on to the headlands above the Pinnacle and can be extended to take in Grosnez Castle and the bunkers of the Second World War German Occupation. Developed by walking guide Nicky Mansell, it tells the story of climate change and man's impact on the land. This geowalk is about 4.5 miles and will take about 2 and1/2 hours. It is dramatic at all times of the year, but Nicky's favourite is when the thrift and gorse is out in the late spring.

Geology

Raised Beaches

There are many raised beaches around Jersey's coastline. These mark the level of past sea levels and are made up of pebbles, flints and sea bed chalk deposits.

Geology

Rozel Conglomerate

The Rozel Conglomerate Formation can be seen along the northeast of the Island and is made up of beds of pebbles which have been cemented together.

Geology

Jersey Granites

Jersey is famous for its granites, which have been favoured as a building material for thousands of years.

Geology

Jersey Shale Formation

The shales are the oldest rocks in the Island. You can see them in the west, across the centre and in the south of Jersey. They were formed by mud, silt and sand brought together on the sea floor about 600 million years ago. These sediments were transformed into rock by being pushed together, hardened and folded.

Geology

Minerals of Jersey

Minerals are made from elements like silicon, oxygen, aluminium, iron and other metals.