Jersey’s beaches can be lit by the amazing glow of glowworms, creating a natural wonder that few people including locals know about. Glow worms are rare in Britain, but you can see them in Jersey all year round, especially at low tide on La Rocque Beach. The 4 mm worms, Caulleriella bioculata, look pretty dull and worm-like by day. Like their earthworm counterparts they perform a vital function in burrowing through the sand keeping it aerated and soft, and making a large contribution to the texture of the beaches we love to visit. At night these remarkable creatures turn into glowing beauties. When disturbed a chemical reaction occurs in their bodies that emits a greenish glow, known as chemiluminescence, through their transparent skin that can be easily seen in the dark. The glow lasts up to 20 seconds. Scientists are not sure why they emit this, but think it’s most likely a form of defence.
The best way to see this incredible natural phenomenon is to escape the light by walking 200 metres or so away from La Roque Harbour on the beach at low tide on a moonless night. Gentle sweep the surface sand away with your feet and look out for the glow.
Bioluminescence walks cost £19 for adults and £10 children under 18 yrs; they last 90 minutes (tel. 07797 853 033, jerseywalk adventures.co.uk).
Visiting Jersey
Check out our island page for Jersey for more information on getting to Jersey, and getting around Jersey and our favourite food and drink in Jersey.
You may also be interested in:
- Walks from Rozel Harbour to St Catherine’s Breakwater or Bonne Nuit Bay
- Discover Jersey’s Occupation story
- Walk to tidal L’Islet (Elizabeth Castle) from St Helier
- Discover the horrible histories of Mount Orgueil
- Go glamping at the Durrel Wildlife Park
- Try some of the best seafood in the Channel Islands
- Swim or walk on the best beaches in Jersey
- Enjoy a seafood BBQ in a WW2 bunker
- Visit one of the ten oldest buildings in the world
Islands nearby
The other Channel Islands are also excellent walking destinations and, together with Jersey, walks around their coast paths form the 110 mile Channel Island Way.
Guernsey – find out about walking in Guernsey, Guernsey’s outdoor activities, cafes and more here
Sark – find out about walking in Sark, Sark’s outdoor activities, cafes and more here
Herm – find out about walking in Herm, Herm’s outdoor activities, cafes and more here
Alderney – find out about walking in Alderney, Alderney’s outdoor activities, cafes and more here
Other islands in the British Isles
We have explored nearly 600 islands in the British Isles and are trying to write them up as fast as we can. Check more here or contact us as we are happy to share our info.
Further information
Our two books are stacked with more ideas on what to do in the Channel Islands and more more info here
