Campaign launched to help rare field crickets

Conservation Effort Aims to Protect Rare Field Crickets in Jersey

A conservation initiative is set to take place in Jersey this weekend to support the endangered field cricket species, Gryllus campestris.

The National Trust for Jersey is organising a habitat restoration event at Grantez on Saturday, focusing on clearing gorse and tall vegetation to create more open grassland, which is essential for the crickets' survival.

Conservation officer Louise Whale highlighted the importance of the project, noting that these crickets have seen a decline in population and a shrinking habitat range. "Grantez is the only place in Jersey where they can be found in high numbers," she said.

She emphasized that maintaining short grass areas is key, as it allows the crickets to dig their burrows and continue to thrive. The project aims to improve their habitat and ensure the species' long-term survival.