Greater protections are now in place to ensure the conservation of ten geologically important areas of Jersey.

An additional ten parts of the island have been designated 'Sites of Special Geological Interest'. 

The label is given to areas to protect their special biological or geological features.

Some sites, such as the sand dunes of Les Blanches Banques or the heathlands of Les Landes can encompass entire landscapes.

They can also be much smaller; identified areas may contain an important population of a specific rare species or a remnant of a threatened habitat.

When a site receives this special status, it means that landowners might need to apply for permission to carry out works that affect these places, such as making excavations, or removing rock.

This effectively makes it more difficult to disrupt these special sites. 

 Fliquet in St Martin is one of the new Sites of Special Geological Interest.

Here are the areas that are joining the protected list:

• Dolmen de Faldouet

• Noirmont Point

• Les Varines

• St Peter's Valley near Gargate Mill

• St Peter's Valley near Le Moulin de Quetivel

• Fliquet Bay

• La Rocque

• Le Dicq to the Lido (Havre des Pas)

• Beauport and Fiquet

• Petit Portelet

• Mont Orgueil Castle Headland

 Beauport

These sites join previously identified areas require protection such as La Mare au Seigneur (St Ouen’s Pond), Bouley Bay and Les Hurets.