Island Wildlife & Nature

A Rare Encounter Above Beauport Bay

Walking the cliff paths near Beauport Bay on a warm morning, you might catch a swift rustle of dried gorse or a flash of brilliant emerald disappearing into the granite rock.

Jersey holds a unique place in British natural history as the only part of the British Isles where western green lizards (Lacerta viridis) occur naturally. Thriving in the sun warmed coastal heathland, sand dunes, and granite headlands around St Brelade, these striking reptiles are a quiet testament to the island's mild microclimate and ancient land links to continental Europe.

During late spring, the coastal slopes come alive as the breeding season begins in April and May. Male lizards display remarkable turquoise blue throats, a vivid shade that brightens to attract mates and signal strength to rivals. Territorial disputes among males are a frequent sight as they stake out the sunniest granite ledges above the sea. The females, distinguished by softer, yellowish green throats, carefully hide clutches of up to twenty eggs in warm soil during midsummer, leaving the sun to incubate them until tiny hatchlings emerge in early autumn.

For guests exploring the cliff paths between Mont ès Croix Cottage and Beauport Bay, keeping a quiet eye on south facing rock faces during mid morning is often rewarded with a rare glimpse of these radiant, sun loving residents.