The Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary is home to Graeme Hall Swamp, a mangrove swamp, near Christ Church, Barbados. It is an example of the coastal swamps which once dotted the leeward coast of Barbados from Speightstown to Chancery Lane. It is with extreme regret that we closed the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary on December 15, 2008. Over the past 15 years we were able to help restore the Graeme Hall Wetland, now designated as an official RAMSAR site under the Convention on Wetlands. At the same time, we created the finest nature park in Barbados, home to the last significant mangrove and sedge wetland on the island of Barbados. To preserve the area, less than 10% of the Sanctuary's habitat has been developed with interpretive exhibits, trails and support facilities. We have been a haven for photographers and landscape and wildlife artists, hosted graduate scientific studies, and have provided philanthropic support to government to help increase technical capacities within various Ministries to manage the wetland. Maintained in a protected environment, the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary is set in some 1,100 acres of lakes and woodland. The Sanctuary is well described as “one of the last significant wildlife habitats on Barbados”, and is well worth a visit by residents and visitors alike. Access to the Sanctuary’s resources has been well planned with visitors in mind - the walkways are paved and provide easy access to points of interest. In addition, for those who prefer a leisurely stroll on their own rather than a guided one there are numbered posts placed at strategic points along or near to the walkway and these indicate specific plants, animals or other items of interest. A pleasant feature of the Sanctuary is that its pathways are generally shaded by vegetation, but there is also ample viewing space for bird watchers who can enjoy their hobby without distraction. The air is frequently “brightened” by the calls of various birds. There are numerous appealing aspects of the Sanctuary, like a delightful little waterfall in an attractive setting. Divergent paths lead to specific habitats like Gully Aviary, Marshland Aviary and Migratory Bird Exhibit, all carefully planned so as to allow the visitor the pleasure of seeing these small creatures in something close to their natural habitats. One very valuable resource available to every visitor is interesting but little-known information about birds. Did you know that the Arctic Tern can fly as much as 29,000 km. on a round trip: Arctic-Antarctic-Arctic, or that the Blackpoll Warbler is capable of as much as 60 hours of sustained flight, and that small numbers of them stop in Barbados to rest?
The Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary is home to Graeme Hall Swamp, a mangrove swamp and popular tourist attraction in Christ Church, Barbados. It is an example of the coastal swamps which once dotted the leeward coast of Barbados from Speightstown to Chancery Lane. Two species of mangroves occur in the area, red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) and white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa), both of which thrive in the brackish water of the swamp.
Many species of rush-like sedge also flourish in the waterlogged ground. The water contains large fish as well as a smaller fish similar to mollies, commonly kept in aquaria. Particularly striking are large numbers of small fiddler crab, Uca burgersi, which scurry along pathways. A great attraction of the swamp is the return of egrets each evening to nest. Many migrating birds rest here each year and bird shooting no longer occurs at this site.
The attraction also includes a collection of captive birds, including parrots (originally from neighbouring St. Vincent), the brilliantly coloured Scarlet Ibis and Flamingos.
Visitor facilities (planned and existing) include catering, souvenir shop, information boards, written guides, and an education room.
In July, 2006 plans by a major developer have been circulating around Barbados, the plans were to construct a theme-park named Caribbean Splash Waterpark in close proximity to the Graeme Hall Swamp, but the plan was doused by the government.
Radar information shows that some birds fly as high as 3,000 metres and some have been recorded at a height of 6,000 metres, more than 3 miles above the earth. Hummingbirds may have as many as 1,000 feathers but swans may have as many as 25,000. What is more some birds can fluff their feathers to regulate body temperature, and moulting serves the very useful purpose of getting rid of worn feathers which are then replaced.
Finally, did you know that some birds have “trace amounts of magnetite in their brain tissue”? This serves as a built-in compass which orients them to the earth’s magnetic field. Some even use the sun and “spatial relationships between stars” to navigate by. Fascinating! All this and more is yours for the asking during a visit to the Graeme Nature Hall Sanctuary. But one would be amiss not to mentions in particular the beautiful birds such as the St. Vincent Amazon Parrot, the island’s National Bird and, of course, the very beautiful Pelicans of which there are several and which provide real food for the eyes. Also worthy of note are the Egrets, for the Barbados Sanctuary “is the only documented location where Little Egrets nest in the Western Hemisphere”. All in all the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary is a “must” whether because of one’s interest in birds as a hobby or as a means of pleasant and most enjoyable relaxation. See for yourself. Pay the Sanctuary a visit real soon.
