The National Trust for Jersey turns 90 with '90 faces' exhibit

A '90 Faces' photographic exhibit celebrating the National Trust for Jersey's 90th birthday has been unveiled by the Lieutenant Governor on behalf of The King, the Trust's Patron.

It features portraits of members of the Trust aged 0 to 90 - to show its reach and legacy across the island - in a collage forming the elm leaf emblem, put together by local photographer Ollie Jones.

Individual stories also feature in a short film, created in partnership with Slingshot Films.

Amongst them is 16-year-old Jake Le Fondre, who volunteers at the Educational Events for young people.

He said:

"I've been doing National Trust educational events since I was two or three; my mum bought me along when I was very young, 

"And I got to 11 or 12, and I'd grown out of doing the events as a participant. I've had plenty of time to take in Jersey's nature, especially through the Trust, and now I can give that to younger people.

"We go rockpooling a lot, and we catch crabs and fish, and showing them to the kids, they're usually quite scared or run away, but they are interested; it's good fun.

"This is a celebration of our outreach and how we reach Jersey's population in so many ways and at different ages."

To celebrate, a free Summer Fête on Saturday 1 August at Grève de Lecq will be inspired by a traditional 1930s seaside celebration, featuring music, vintage games, local stalls, food, drink and beach activities. Islanders can also see the 90 Faces Exhibit, and other stands showing the Trust's work and history.

On 3 August, a free musical evening at Grève de Lecq will raise money for its Coastline Campaign, with a free glass of Pimms and music from some of the Island's leading local choirs.

Additionally, at The Elms in St Mary, 90 trees have been planted to mark the occasion, alongside hundreds more being planted across the island.

Founded in 1936, the Trust began with a small group of passionate islanders who came together to protect a wooded côtil in Vallée des Vaux and make a stand against the uncontrolled development threatening Jersey’s countryside and coastline.

Since then, the Trust has grown into one of the island’s leading heritage and environmental organisations, shaped by generations of people who believe Jersey’s unique character should be safeguarded for all.