Royal Gazette: No to residential units at Fairmont Southampton

Letter to the Editor:

Dear Sir,

The Bermuda National Trust is pleased that the renovation of the Fairmont Southampton hotel will apparently begin in the near future, which will bring much needed economic benefit to the island and restore hundreds of jobs.

BNT strongly supports the Bermuda tourism industry, which is such an important part of our economy and of our cultural heritage. For this reason, we understand that building additional fractional tourism units on the Fairmont Southampton site may be necessary to make the hotel renovation more financially viable and to increase visitor beds and local job opportunities.

However, we are extremely concerned with the proposed new Special Development Order, which would double the number and height of the buildings proposed in 2009 from 130 to 261 units, some of them six storeys high, saturating all the remaining open space on the site — apart from the golf course — in concrete.

Our primary concern is with the addition of the 147 proposed residential units, most of which will be sold to foreign buyers as second homes and would bring very limited benefit to Bermuda and Bermudians. Gencom will gain from the sale of these units, but everyone else would lose, as they would have a severe negative impact on the tourism amenity at Fairmont Southampton and our environment overall. The golfing experience and the views from and of the hotel will be impacted, and the infrastructure and facilities of the whole site will be overburdened. In exchange, Bermuda gets a short-term bump in construction business, and some low-paid cleaning jobs.

It is important to note that the land on which these residential units are proposed is zoned “recreational”, which does not allow for residential development. That is why Gencom needs a Special Development Order. It argues that the residential element of the development is essential for its economic viability. But it is simply not sustainable for Bermuda, as it may damage the visitor appeal of the hotel and fractional tourism units, which generate much greater income for the island and provide attractive careers for Bermudians. What is more, having massive construction projects in the immediate vicinity of the hotel over a 20-year time frame would also do enormous damage to the hotel’s visitor experience.

Gencom is only doing what companies do: trying to maximise profits. That is to be expected. It is up to the Government of Bermuda, guided by the voices of Bermudians, to determine the appropriate parameters in which it is allowed to do that, weighing up the delicate balance between the economic benefits of development and protection of the natural beauty on which our tourism offering and the quality of life of all Bermuda residents depend.

BNT strongly believes that to allow the Special Development Order as proposed would not respect that balance. We urge the people of Bermuda to make their voices heard loudly against the residential portion of this proposed development.

KAREN BORDER

Executive director

Bermuda National Trust

View article online.

Bernews: BNT Hosts Palm Sunday Walk

The Bermuda National Trust’s annual Palm Sunday Walk took place yesterday [April 2], with crowds of people taking part.

A spokesperson previously said, “It is expected to draw hundreds of residents and visitors to explore parts of the parish not usually open to the public.

“The walk will start from Port Royal School at 1:00pm [latest start 2:00 pm], with parking on the school field. The route is about 6 miles and should take around two-and-a-half hours to complete, but there will be a clearly marked short-cut back to the starting point for those who wish to walk a shorter distance.”

View full article and images online.

Royal Gazette: Palm Sunday Walk draws 1,000 participants

The Bermuda National Trust Palm Sunday Walk attracted more than 1,000 participants, organisers said.

The two-hour ramble took in Seymour’s Pond, and Vesey nature reserves.

Walkers also took a look at a planned new nature reserve at High Point that was bought recently by Buy Back Bermuda.

Karen Border, the executive director of the BNT, told The Royal Gazette: “It was a great community event where people come together to experience and share parts of the island they may not be familiar with.

“The event attracts a wide range of people, young and old, Black and White, and it’s an interesting day.”

This year’s route was put together by Myles Darrell, the head of natural heritage at the BNT.

About 1,100 people registered to take part in the annual event.

View full article online

Bernews: Nominations Invited for National Trust Awards

The Bermuda National Trust is inviting the public to submit nominations for its annual awards, which recognise individuals, organisations, groups or schools that have worked to protect and promote appreciation for Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage, or whose work has enhanced Bermuda heritage awareness or understanding.

A spokesperson said, “Heritage Education Awards are given to educational institutions [pre-school through college]. Teachers, students and parents are encouraged to nominate their school for an award if they have a successful curricular or extra-curricular programme that demonstrates conservation or other care of Bermuda’s natural or cultural heritage.

“Cultural Heritage Awards are given for positive impacts to Bermuda’s cultural heritage through conservation, advocacy or education. Nominations are invited in this category for protecting or advocating for cultural heritage; restorations or renovations of, or sensitive additions to, historic buildings; conservation of heritage sites or artefacts; projects or programmes promoting appreciation or awareness of cultural heritage; research that adds to our understanding of Bermuda’s heritage.

“Natural Heritage Awards are given for positive impacts to Bermuda’s natural heritage through conservation, advocacy or education. Nominations are invited in this category for protecting, restoring or advocating for the natural environment; for inspiring appreciation and awareness of Bermuda’s natural heritage; research that adds to our understanding of Bermuda’s natural heritage.

“The Outstanding Young Environmentalist award is presented to a young person [must be less than 26 years as of 31 December 2022] who has made an exceptional contribution to the preservation of Bermuda’s natural environment for a considerable length of time and has been consistent in this regard.

“Nominations must be submitted by 28 April and will be accepted in all categories for the period June 2022 to May 2023. Nomination forms can be downloaded from bnt.bm, or can be picked up at BNT’s office “Waterville” at 2 Pomander Road.

“All nominations will be carefully researched and considered by BNT committees. The award presentation ceremony will take place on 1 June, 2023.”

View full article online

Royal Gazette: Registration open for BNT’s Palm Sunday Walk

Registration is open for the Bermuda National Trust’s Palm Sunday Walk, which will be held in Southampton.

It is expected to draw hundreds of residents and visitors to explore parts of the parish not usually open to the public.

A BNT spokesman said: “The walk will start from Port Royal School at 1pm, latest start 2pm, with parking on the school field.

“The route is about six miles and should take around two-and-a-half hours to complete, but there will be a clearly marked shortcut back to the starting point for those who wish to walk a shorter distance.”

The walk will cross the planned new nature reserve at High Point, where ten acres was recently acquired by Buy Back Bermuda, a joint initiative of the BNT and the Bermuda Audubon Society.

As well as High Point, the walk will take in the Audubon Society’s Seymour’s Pond nature reserve, Wadson’s Farm and parts of the Railway Trail.

“The Palm Sunday Walk is always a fun community event and we encourage everyone to come and participate and see parts of our island that they might never have seen or can’t usually access,” said Myles Darrell, the trust’s head of natural heritage, who has planned the route.

“As always, we are grateful to the private property owners who have kindly allowed the walk to cross their land.”

Walkers are asked to register and donate at runsignup.com to help the trust to cover the cost of organising the event and to support its year-round work protecting Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage.

The registration fee for the walk on April 2 is $20 for BNT members, $25 for non-members and $10 for children aged 6 to 12.

Registered participants can pick up their bibs at Waterville, 2 Pomander Road, during business hours on Friday, March 31, or on Saturday, April 1, from 10am to noon. All participants will be eligible to win an iPad, and the draw will take place at Waterville at 10am on April 3.

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Bernews: BNT Palm Sunday Walk Scheduled on April 2nd

Registration is now open for the Bermuda National Trust’s popular Palm Sunday Walk, which will be held in Southampton Parish on April 2nd.

A spokesperson said, “It is expected to draw hundreds of residents and visitors to explore parts of the parish not usually open to the public.

“The walk will start from Port Royal School at 1:00pm [latest start 2:00 pm], with parking on the school field. The route is about 6 miles and should take around two-and-a-half hours to complete, but there will be a clearly marked short-cut back to the starting point for those who wish to walk a shorter distance.

“The walk will cross the planned new nature reserve at High Point, where 10 acres was recently acquired by Buy Back Bermuda, a joint initiative of BNT and the Bermuda Audubon Society.

“A map will highlight points of cultural and natural interest along the way. As well as High Point, where there are fabulous views of the south shore and Great Sound, it will take in the Audubon Society’s Seymour’s Pond nature reserve, Wadson’s Farm and parts of the Railway Trail.”

“The Palm Sunday Walk is always a fun community event and we encourage everyone to come and participate and see parts of our island that they might never have seen or can’t usually access,” said Myles Darrell, the Trust’s Head of Natural Heritage, who has planned the route. “As always, we are grateful to the private property owners who have kindly allowed the walk to cross their land.”

The spokesperson said, “Walkers are asked to register and donate at runsignup.com to help the Trust cover the cost of organising the event and to support BNT’s year-round work protecting Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage. The registration fee is $20 for BNT members, $25 for non-members, $10 for children 6 to 12. Registered participants can pick up their bibs at Waterville, 2 Pomander Road during business hours on Friday 31 March, or on Saturday, 1 April from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. All participants will be eligible to win an iPad with the draw taking place at Waterville at 10:00 am on Monday, 3 April, 2022.

“Participants are advised to wear sensible shoes and bring their own water bottles. Water will generously be donated by John Barritt & Son Ltd to refill the bottles, but no single-use plastic water bottles or cups will be available. Hot Cross buns and orange quarters will be available for a donation along the route. The route is not suitable for strollers and dogs are not permitted.”

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Bernews: CURB & BNT On Watlington House Demolition

A BNT spokesperson said, “The news that Watlington House in Devonshire has been demolished has come as a shock. In 2021, the Bermuda National Trust, along with a number of other groups, objected to the proposed demolition of the house, due to the site’s historical link with National Hero Mary Prince. In August 2021 it was announced that the Ocean View Golf Club had revised its plan and would site the new warehouse elsewhere, saving the house. It seems there was a change of heart about saving the house and this significant site has been torn down.

“The Trust is saddened by the loss of this important piece of Bermuda’s cultural heritage, which came about due to the neglect of yet another historic building to the point that it was allowed to become unsafe. We would like to see steps taken to recognise the significance of the site in Mary Prince’s legacy in some appropriate way. In addition, the Trust has advocated for Historic Monument listing of the nearby Watlington tomb and we wait to hear if that will be done.”

We asked the Ministry of Public Works for comment and if they respond we will update.

Update March 10, 11.35am: Minister of Public Works Lt/Col David Burch said, “The building in question was not a listed building and had deteriorated to a state where we had no choice but to demolish it.

“I am a Black man and a descendant of enslaved people in this country. And so it touches me greatly when I hear the story of a 12-year-old girl, Mary Prince, who was housed there while she was being prepared to be sold.

“I, therefore, struggle to understand why this building would be historically significant to Black people.

“I think the building was more of a tribute to the slave master than the slaves who were imprisoned there, in my opinion.”

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Royal Gazette: Pupils join archaeological experts and volunteers to learn more about island’s past

An archaeological dig aims to shed light on the history of enslaved Bermudians who lived and worked in St George’s.

The Bermuda National Trust has joined forces with the University of Rochester, based in western New York state, for a combined research project at the Globe museum to better understand the island’s history and World Heritage Site.

A team of staff, students and volunteers led by Michael Jarvis is doing targeted archaeological testing in cellar rooms.

The dig underneath parts of flagstone floors could provide answers to several historical and architectural questions about the building and BNT museum on King’s Square.

Diana Chudleigh, a BNT author, and fellow researchers are working on a book called History of a House about the Globe museum which the excavations will inform.

The dig will also help to shape future excavations of the museum – a pivotal part of the historic town and a known site of enslavement.

Anna Stevenson, BNT’s heritage education coordinator, has partnered with the Ministry of Education to present an overview of archaeology at school assemblies this week.

Primary schools in the east and all middle schools will later visit the dig.

Field trips to the Globe museum and surrounding World Heritage Site will feature live tours, dig demonstrations and practical lessons.

Charlotte Andrews, the BNT’s head of cultural heritage, said: “This week’s dig at Globe brings trained teams together with local volunteers and schools to unearth new discoveries about the outstanding universal value of our World Heritage Site and Bermuda’s past.

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Royal Gazette: BNT publishes historic Bermuda slave registers online

The Bermuda National Trust has published historic Bermuda slave registers online in a searchable spreadsheet format.

The spreadsheets, available through the Bermuda National Trust website, were transcribed from original, handwritten Bermuda Slave Registers for 1821, 1827, 1830, 1833 and 1834 with the permission of the Bermuda Archives.

They include the number, names, sex and occupation of enslaved people alongside the names and sex of enslavers.

The ages and birth places of enslaved people may be searched in microfilm of the originals at the Bermuda Archives.

Karla Ingemann, acting archivist at the Bermuda Archives, said: “These transcriptions are the product of diligent labour undertaken by former Bermuda Archives staff Kristy Warren and Catherine Lamiere, which built upon the work of Virginia Bernhard who generously donated two of the original spreadsheets.

“It is the intention of the Bermuda Archives to have a website in the upcoming year which will highlight more of the original records we have diligently collected and conserved.

“In the meantime, we are grateful these vital records will now be accessible to the world.”

A BNT spokesman said British Colonial Dependencies, including Bermuda, were required to create slave registers under the Slave Trade Act 1807 to distinguish people who were “lawfully enslaved” from those who were illegally trafficked from Africa to the colonies.

“The registers were usually revised every three years up until the Slavery Abolition Act 1833 led to the emancipation of all enslaved people in the British Empire – including Bermuda – from August 1, 1834,” the spokesman added.

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Royal Gazette: Peace tree planted in Somerset as Theatre Boycott is recalled

A Peace Tree Campaign launched close to a year ago to promote peace locally and globally was marked with a presentation attended by one of the founding members of the Progressive Group.

Izola Harvey, 97, gave a speech at a tree planting in Springfield, Somerset about how in 1959 she did not let the fact that she was pregnant at the time limit her contribution to the Theatre Boycott, which led to the end of legalised segregation in Bermuda.

The Peace Tree Campaign began at Government House last year and involved the presentation of young native olivewood trees.

Members of the community gathered for an “insightful” tour of Springfield as well as Gilbert Nature Reserve and the Clyde Best Way mural wall bordering the property on February 18 to coincide with the formation of the Progressive Group.

The area at Springfield will now form an official part of a Bermuda National Trust tour.

Glenn Fubler, co-ordinator of the Peace Tree Campaign, said: “This latest presentation was done in collaboration with the Bermuda National Trust, the stewards of this centuries-old venue.

“They welcomed the Peace Tree Campaign to be a part of their scheduled tour of the area, which was wonderfully guided by BNT’s head of natural heritage, Myles Darrell.

“The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation’s Somerset office also played an invaluable role in the effort.”

Dennis Lister, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, also attended the ceremony and spoke of the importance of Bermuda’s shared legacy and joining together in promoting a positive sense of community. Mr Lister, who is the area MP, said that the issue remains at the top of his agenda.

Mr Fubler said: “In keeping with the strategy of promoting the rich legacy of civic engagement in Bermuda, the timing of this peace tree presentation spoke to the beginning of the Progressive Group.

“That small group of youngish Bermudians first gathered in February 1959 on a weekend to secretly map out a strategy to transform our society to the benefit of all.

“Three of those pioneers were Somerset residents Gerald and Izola Harvey, as well as the late Dr Stanley Ratteray, founder and chairman of the group.”

View full article online

Royal Gazette: National Trust’s Annual Auction and Jumble Sale Returns

The Bermuda National Trust’s annual Auction and Jumble Sale will be held at the Jack King Building and Commercial Slat House in the Botanical Gardens in Paget.

Known as Bermuda’s largest recycling event, the sale draws a wide range of customers, including antique collectors.

All items are donated, with the money raised going to the trust’s mission to protect and promote Bermuda’s unique natural and cultural heritage.

Sales will be held today and on Friday, with the auction of quality antiques and Bermudiana set for Saturday.

Items sought by the trust include housewares, porcelain, decorative items, ceramics, Bermuda boxes and trays, antique silver items, hurricane shades, maritime items, fine linens, good small furniture and upholstered pieces and oriental rugs.

The Jumble Sale and Auction Preview is tomorrow from 8.30am to 6.30pm and on Friday from 8.30am to 2pm.

The auction on Saturday starts at 10am and ends when the final items are sold.

Details can be found on the trust website, by e-mailing palmetto@bnt.bm, or by calling 236-6483.

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Royal Gazette: Photographers urged to enter architecture calendar contest.

Photographers with an eye for architecture are being asked to take pictures for the Bermuda National Trust’s 2024 calendar.

Entries for the Built Heritage Calendar Photo Contest featuring Bermuda’s unique architecture will be judged based on creativity, originality, portrayal of the theme and overall impact. The People’s Choice winner will also receive $500.

Karen Border, the trust’s executive director, said: “The trust’s annual calendar has often showcased the work of one photographer or artist. For the 2024 calendar we aim to invite all members of the community to contribute.

“We would love submissions from amateur photographers of all ages, and professional photographers are also welcome to submit. We invite anyone to use their artistic skills to capture the unique appeal of Bermuda’s architecture in whatever way they are inspired.”

Submissions should be sent here along with contact information by Tuesday, February 28. To be featured in the calendar, photographs must be submitted in jpeg, jpg or gif format, at least 640 pixels on the short side and no more than 2,000 pixels on the longer side. Images should be no bigger than 10 MB.

For more information please visit here or call 236 6483.

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Bernews: BNT Built Heritage Calendar Photo Contest

Are you a talented photographer? If so, the Bermuda National Trust [BNT] invites anyone with an interest in photography to submit entries for its 2024 Built Heritage Calendar Photo Contest, featuring Bermuda’s unique architecture, with the People’s Choice winner set to receive $500.

“The Trust’s annual calendar has often showcased the work of one photographer or artist. For the 2024 calendar we aim to invite all members of the community to contribute,” said Karen Border, Executive Director.

“We would love submissions from amateur photographers of all ages, and professional photographers are also welcome to submit. We invite anyone to use their artistic skills to capture the unique appeal of Bermuda’s architecture in whatever way they are inspired.”

A spokesperson said, “Entries will be judged based on creativity, originality, portrayal of the theme and overall impact. Finalists will be featured in the Bermuda National Trust Calendar 2024. The People’s Choice winner will also receive $500.

“Submissions should be sent to palmetto@bnt.bm along with contact information by February 28th, 2023. To be featured in the calendar, photographs must be submitted in .jpeg, .jpg or .gif format, at least 640 pixels on the short side and no more than 2,000 pixels on the longer side. Images should be no larger than 10 MB.
For more information please visit bnt.bm or call 236-6483.”

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Bernews: Bermuda National Trust Auction & Jumble Sale

The Bermuda National Trust [BNT] Auction & Jumble Sale is back after a two-year hiatus.

A spokesperson said, “After a two-year hiatus, the Bermuda National Trust [BNT] is delighted to host its annual Auction & Jumble Sale at the Jack King Building and Commercial Slat House in the Botanical Gardens again.

“Bermuda’s largest recycling event, the Auction & Jumble sale has long been a popular part of the community calendar, attracting a large and diverse group of customers, from bargain hunters to antique collectors.

“All items are donated and the money raised helps the Bermuda National Trust to fulfill its mission to protect and promote Bermuda’s unique natural and cultural heritage for everyone, forever.

“The BNT Auction & Jumble sale is the perfect reason to start your spring clean-out early and pass on items you no longer need. Donations can be dropped off at the Jack King Building in the Botanical Gardens from Sunday to Tuesday,” said Dr. Dörte Horsfield, Head of Development. “The Trust will recycle it all into funding for its natural and cultural heritage programmes. We invite everyone to come out to the Botanical Gardens next Thursday and Friday to pick up amazing bargains and treasures, and to join us on Saturday 25 February for the auction, which will feature high quality antiques and Bermudiana.”

“BNT is looking for donations of everything but clothing. Good housewares, porcelain, decorative items, ceramics, Bermuda boxes and trays, antique silver items, hurricane shades, maritime items, fine linens, good small furniture and upholstered pieces, oriental rugs and are particularly sought after.

“Donations can be dropped off at the Jack King Building and Commercial Slat House in the Botanical Gardens on Sunday February 19th from 1pm – 4 pm, Monday February 20th from 8:30 am – 6:30 pm and Tuesday from 8:30 am to noon. Please enter the Botanical Garden from South Road across from Peace Lutheran Church and exit on Berry Hill Road.

“The Jumble Sale and Auction Preview is held on Thursday February 23rd from 8:30 am – 6:30 pm and Friday February 24th from 8:30 am – 2:00 pm. The auction will take place on Saturday February 25th from 10:00 am to end. For more information visit bnt.bm or email palmetto@bnt.bm or call the team at Waterville at 236-6483.”

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Built Heritage: The Old Sunday School

BUILT HERITAGE | FEBRUARY 2023

By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust

This is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that will highlight some of Bermuda’s endangered historic buildings.

Our last article covered the risks of leaving a lifetime interest in a property to a person not the ultimate beneficiary of a will. This one looks for solutions to historic and perhaps listed buildings falling into disrepair and for which no obvious current use exists.

The prime example of this is the old Sunday School at St James’ Church in Sandys. The vestry minutes of April 14, 1865 include “This was the first meeting held in the above named Sunday School Room, a building erected and completed though the exertions of some benevolent ladies of Sandys aided by liberal contributions by gentlemen of the parish and other individuals. Independent of it being used as a Sunday School, all vestry and parish meetings will in future be held therein.”

A handsome little building in the style of the simpler lodges of the period but with arched Gothic windows, it is listed Grade 2. In the southeast corner of the churchyard, it is easily visible from the main road. However, once the new church hall was built in 1964 on the north side of the property its usefulness was in doubt. Access to the toilets was from the exterior, there is no easy wheeled access to the entrance and because of this the building was difficult to rent.

View Full Built Heritage Article on St James Sunday

Royal Gazette: Children fall in love with nature

Children were given the opportunity to fall in love with nature on Valentine’s Day as part of an annual outdoor event organised by the Bermuda National Trust.

About 200 children, parents, grandparents and camp leaders gathered for the Children’s Nature Walk at Spittal Pond where they learnt about the reserve’s different habitats and cultural features from local experts.

Dr Dörte Horsfield of the BNT, who talked to the children about pond life, said: “This annual event is so important as it gets children outside for a couple of hours in a natural space which enhances their learning and their attention span, and connects them with nature so that they might become good stewards of the environment.”

Mahtorrie Wilkinson of Camp Pioneers described the event as “peaceful, very informative and eye opening,” highlighting the hands-on approach to learning. Children used magnifying glasses, binoculars and refractometers – instruments that measure fluid concentrations.

Spittal Pond, a 64-acre reserve, is Bermuda’s largest bird sanctuary and provides a diversity of habitats and variety of birds, especially during the migration seasons. It’s also a cultural heritage site with Portuguese Rock, the oldest evidence of humans on the island, and Jeffrey’s Cave, where an enslaved man was said to have hidden from his enslavers for several weeks.

Dr Alex Amat of the Bermuda Zoological Society talked about the different salt levels in the large and small ponds while Dr Miguel Mejias, and Erich and Janice Hetzel of the Bermuda Audubon Society, talked to children about birds helping them to observe them through scopes and binoculars.

Kim Dismont Robinson, director of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, told the story of Jeffrey’s Cave and Dr Charlotte Andrews talked about the significance of Portuguese Rock.

Dr Robbie Smith, curator of the Natural History Museum at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo explained the geology of the “checkerboard” rock formation and the natural forces that shaped the island.

Spittal Pond is owned by the BNT while the Government owns the surrounding parkland.

Anyone interested in learning more about Spittal Pond or taking part in private tours can do so by contacting education@bnt.bm

View full article and images online

Bernews: BNT Annual Children’s Nature Walk

The Bermuda National Trust’s [BNT] hosted the annual Children’s Nature Walk yesterday [Feb 14] at Spittal Pond.

A spokesperson said, “Valentine’s Day was the perfect day for children to grow their love for nature at the Bermuda National Trust’s [BNT] Children’s Nature Walk at Spittal Pond, sponsored by Arch.

“Around 200 children, parents, grandparents and camp leaders enjoyed the sunshine and fresh air at Spittal Pond on Tuesday 14 February. They were guided in small groups to several different stations in the reserve, where they learned about its different habitats and cultural features from local experts.

“This annual event is so important as it gets children outside for a couple of hours in a natural space, which enhances their learning and their attention span and connects them with nature so that they might become good stewards of the environment,” said Dr. Dörte Horsfield of BNT, who talked to the children about pond life.

“Mahtorrie Wilkinson of ‘Camp Pioneers’ said that her campers had a wonderful time and that the walk was peaceful, very informative and eye opening. She liked the hands-on approach to learning – children were allowed to use magnifying glasses, refractometers and binoculars. They had so many questions and were very much engaged.

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Royal Gazette: Sun Comes out for Plant Sale

A popular annual fixture at the Bermuda National Trust went down a treat at the charity’s Paget headquarters this morning.

Karen Border, executive director of the trust, said the plant and bake sale got “lucky with the weather”.

“We got a good turnout bright and early looking for plants you could not necessarily get at the nurseries – and our baked goods were flying off the shelves,” she said.

“We have our regulars who have been coming for years and know that our best plants and baked goods are there for the early worms. It was a lovely morning at Waterville.”

All funds raised go towards the trust’s mission to protect and promote Bermuda’s unique natural and cultural heritage.

View full article and images online

Royal Gazette: National Trust plant and bake sale takes place today

Gardeners who want to get a jump on spring planting and anyone with a sweet tooth should head to the Bermuda National Trust’s plant and bake sale today.

The event will go ahead between 8.30am and noon at the trust’s Waterville headquarters on Pomander Road, Paget.

Karen Border, the BNT executive director, said: “We invite everyone to Waterville this Saturday to choose from a fabulous selection of plants, from bedding annuals to unusual trees and shrubs, native and endemic species, Bermuda roses, succulents, orchids, palms and much more,” she said.

“There will be plant experts on hand to help you select plants suitable for your needs and explain the best conditions for growing them successfully.”

In addition to plants, there will be fresh vegetables and fruits for sale, donated by local farmers, as well as home-made preserves, local honey and flowers.

There will also be a wide selection of home-made sweet and savoury baked goods, including breads, scones, cakes and cupcakes, cookies, muffins, gluten-free items and Valentine’s Day-themed items.

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Bernews: BNT Plant & Bake Sale To Be Held On Feb 11

The Bermuda National Trust’s [BNT] Plant & Bake Sale is “set to go ahead rain or shine” this Saturday [Feb 11] from 8.30am to noon at BNT headquarters at Waterville on Pomander Road in Paget.

“We invite everyone to Waterville this Saturday to choose from a fabulous selection of plants, from bedding annuals to unusual trees and shrubs, native and endemic species, Bermuda roses, succulents, orchids, palms and much more,” said Karen Border, BNT Executive Director.

“All items are graciously donated by Bermuda’s plant nurseries, private plant growers and landscape companies. There will be plant experts on hand to help you select plants suitable for your needs and explain the best conditions for growing them successfully.”

A spokesperson said, “In addition to plants, there will be fresh vegetables and fruits for sale, donated by local farmers, as well as home-made preserves, local honey and flowers.

“There will also be a wide selection of home-made sweet and savoury baked goods, including breads, scones, cakes and cupcakes, cookies, muffins, gluten free items and Valentine’s Day themed items. You can purchase a coffee or tea and enjoy your treats on site or take them home with you. Don’t forget to be green and bring your own re-usable bag.

“All funds raised by the Plant & Bake Sale help the Bermuda National Trust to fulfill its mission to protect and promote Bermuda’s unique natural and cultural heritage for everyone, forever.”

View article online

Royal Gazette: Judge orders removal of containers blocking church

A pastor locked in a legal battle over his church lease has won a court victory after a judge ordered that “eyesore” shipping containers placed in front of his church should be moved.

Their removal was ordered to allow the pastor, Leroy Bean, to regain use of Hamilton Parish Temperance Hall after his ministry was put out of commission for more than a year.

The Supreme Court heard that a “frustrated” trustee of the building broke with other property administrators and left the “eyesore” containers in front of the church as an obstacle to Mr Bean, preventing him from carrying out services.

Read full article online

Read full built heritage article on Temperance Hall

Royal Gazette: Spaces available in BNT’s Climate Change Agents Camp

Free spaces are open for the Bermuda National Trust’s “climate change agents” camp over the upcoming half-term break for government schools.

Twelve extra places remain for children aged 11 to 14 from families in financial need, during the break from February 13 to 17.

The camp will be held at the trust’s headquarters, Waterville, on Pomander Road in Paget.

Anna Stevenson, the heritage education co-ordinator, said the offer came thanks to sponsorship from the Garden Club of Bermuda with individual and business donors.

Campers will spend the week exploring the causes and impact of climate change.

Activities include learning about renewable energies from wind farms to solar power, and building and using solar ovens.

Campers will visit Grape Bay to clear up ocean plastics with Keep Bermuda Beautiful and use ocean plastics to create awareness posters.

The children will explore the importance of mangroves and map their location at Waterville.

With a theme of “Grow Your Own”, participants will finish the week learning about seasonal crop growth and planting their own seedlings, as well as making bread by hand.

Application forms can be found on the BNT website.

Applications should be accompanied by a short paragraph from the child saying why they would like to attend the camp, and a letter of recommendation from a teacher.

Applications should be submitted by next Wednesday.

View article online

Bernews: BNT Offers Free Half-Term Camp Spaces

The Bermuda National Trust invites applications for free places on its Climate Change Agents camp over the Government school half term break from 13-17 February.

A spokesperson said, ” The fully sponsored camp for children aged 11-14 will be held at the Trust’s headquarters, Waterville, 2 Pomander Road.”

“We are pleased to offer 12 free places at this camp for children of families in financial need, thanks to sponsorship from the Garden Club of Bermuda and a number of other businesses and individuals,” said Anna Stevenson, Heritage Education Coordinator.

The spokesperson said, “The application process is very simple. The form can be found on the BNT website bnt.bm. It should be accompanied by a short paragraph from the child saying why they would like to attend the camp, and a letter of recommendation from a teacher. Applications should be submitted by 8 February.

“Campers will spend the week exploring the causes and impact of climate change, learn about renewable energies from wind farms to solar power, and they will build and use solar ovens. They will visit Grape Bay to clear up ocean plastics with KBB and use ocean plastics to create awareness posters. The children will explore the importance of mangroves and map their location at Waterville. With a theme of Grow Your Own, children will finish the week learning about seasonal crop growth, planting their own seedlings, and make bread by hand.”

View article online

Royal Gazette: Environmental Groups raise fears over new hotel plans

Environmental groups have raised concerns about plans for a hotel and retail development on Warwick’s South Shore.

The application, submitted by OBM on behalf of applicant George Grundmuellar, seeks in-principal approval for a branded 56-unit residential hotel on the lot immediately east of the Bermudiana Beach Resort, along with a large retail building.

The Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce, the Bermuda National Trust and the Bermuda Audubon Society raised concerns about the project’s use of coastal reserve and proximity to an eroding cliff face.

View full article online

Bernews: Guided Walk At Southlands Park

The Bermuda Audubon Society and the Bermuda National Trust will hold a guided walk at Southlands Park in Warwick on Saturday [January 28].

The walk, starting at 8.30 am, is free for members of both groups. Non-members are encouraged to donate.

A flyer for the event reads: “Birds, trees, plants, history and whimsy – all in one place. What could be better than time spent in nature?”

Parking is available at the field by the beach access road at the park’s western end.

To sign up, email info@audubon.bm.

View article

Built Heritage: Mount Pleasant & Ratteray Homestead

BUILT HERITAGE | JANUARY 2023

This article attempts to highlight the perils of leaving life interests in properties. In most cases the house tends to become neglected or eventually derelict because there is no incentive for the life tenant to maintain the building when it will eventually go to another beneficiary.

Mount Pleasant is one of the oldest and most handsome houses in Pembroke. The main section is an excellent example of traditional 18^th century architecture. There is a long low roofline with a massive chimney at each end. In 1797 the property was 13 acres and extended south to the swamplands at the eastern end of Mill Creek. It belonged to sea captain and sail maker Benjamin White. After passing through several owners it was purchased in 1881 by planter Cato Smith and was inherited by his daughters Serena Alexandrina Smith and Beatrice Mabel Smith Daniels when he died in 1900. The sisters lived in Bermuda until 1910 when they went to New York for employment. Beatrice worked as a domestic servant while Serena was employed as a nursemaid. In 1930, in the middle of the Great Depression, they returned to Bermuda and began to make changes. They added a rear wing and painted the house a striking deep red rust colour, off-set by white buttresses and chimneys. To finance these improvements they sold a number of lots, reducing the property’s acreage. Serena died in New York City in 1949 and Beatrice at her home Mount Pleasant in 1967. She left gave life interests to her foster son Howard Richardson and a great niece. After their deaths the house was to be sold. Mount Pleasant was well maintained until Howard’s death in 2014. Beatrice’s will stipulated that the property should eventually pass to St Paul AME Church and the trustees of the Packwood Home but the executors of her will (including Howard Richardson) who should have implemented the sale have long-since died. What should happen and who should take the initiative? Today, Mount Pleasant appears empty and is in danger of becoming a ruin. It is a Grade 3 listed building and, in view of its age, should probably have been graded higher.

The Ratteray Homestead on Sound View Road in Somerset was built around 1786 by Thomas Tucker, second son of Chief Justice John Tucker. In 1857 the property was sold to shipbuilder and businessman Charles Ratteray. Born in the Bahamas in 1799, Charles and his mother were sent to Bermuda by his white father, who was at the time the Acting Governor of the Bahamas. His mother died shortly after they arrived and he was brought up by three white women, probably the Watson sisters of Watch House on Somerset Road. He became the godson of Captain Roach, adopting the name of Charles Roach Ratteray and was apprenticed to learn ship and house building. It was the former that he was expert at. He built the noted sloop Morning Star and the small schooner Rose of Sharon and raced them successfully. He became easily the richest black man in Somerset. Smooth-roofed wings were added to the house either by Charles who died in 1872 or his descendants. The property was inherited by a grandson who in turn left life interests to two nephews, the children of his sister Mary. After the death of the second of the two it was to go to the African Methodist Episcopal Trustees of Sandys Parish. One nephew died in 1980, the other in 2013. Once again, the executors of the grandson’s will had died before the life tenants and it is not known whether the property is now owned by the church. In any case an exceptionally fine house, both architecturally and historically, has been lost. The Ratteray Homestead was in derelict condition by the 1990s because there was no incentive for the nephews to maintain the house. Today, 30 years later, it is beyond saving.

Perhaps the lesson to be learned from these two cases is that if you intend to leave a life interest in your property you should choose executors, such as a bank or legal firm, who will outlive the beneficiaries and ensure that the property is maintained, thus carrying out your wishes.

View Full Built Heritage on Mount Pleasent and Ratteray Homestead

Royal Gazette: Island’s newest nature reserve will be wild, educational and a place to enjoy

A 10-acre plot of land home to invasive plants and sheep could open as the island’s newest nature reserve in 2024.

Buy Back Bermuda – a collaborative initiative by the Bermuda National Trust and the Bermuda Audubon Society – announced earlier this year it had purchased the land on Alton Hill with the goal of making it the High Point Nature Reserve.

Jennifer Gray, chair of Buy Back Bermuda, recently showed The Royal Gazette the Southampton property as the charity works to raise funds to transform the area into it’s fourth nature reserve.

Royal Gazette: Plan to turn nature reserve into endemic plant stronghold

The Bermuda National Trust wants to make a Warwick nature reserve a stronghold for native and endemic species, according to a Conservation Management Plan.

The voluntary plan, submitted to the Department of Planning this week, is intended to set out a long-term plan to cull invasive species from the Sherwin Nature Reserve, which is located off Middle Road and replace them with native plants.

“It is worth noting that steps have already been taken to increase the number of desirable plants, with juvenile palmetto, cedars and olivewoods having been planted near the parking area and a small ornamental display in the southern woodland,” the plan states.

Read full article

Royal Gazette: Buildings that speak: Architecture series brings our history to life

Bermuda’s Architectural Heritage: Southampton

It was more than 30 years ago that a small group of dedicated volunteers at the Bermuda National Trust began to make a list of Bermuda’s old buildings. The task they set themselves was first to identify, then photograph, sketch the roof plan and note the condition of all the surviving structures marked on the island’s first ordinance survey, a six-sheet map by Lieutenant A.J. Savage of the Royal Engineers, published in 1901.

The project, known as the Historic Buildings Survey, provided both the inspiration and the foundation for further research that would result in the steady production of the parish-by-parish series of books, Bermuda’s Architectural Heritage. The final volume in the series, Southampton, was published by the Trust this month.

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Royal Gazette: Environmental groups oppose car park at Southlands

Environmental groups have launched formal objections in an effort to halt the construction of a parking lot and events lawn on a national park.

The Bermuda Audubon Society and the Bermuda National Trust have objected to the proposal’s use of the southeastern corner of the Southlands National Park – which is zoned a woodland reserve — and urged the Development Applications Board reject it.

The plan is intended to support the neighbouring Bermudiana Beach Resort as well as improve public access to Southlands.

The application stated: “Given that the hotel site was originally constructed for residential use only, various hotel function aspects could not be incorporated on the site, and this includes a formal outdoor events venue.

“The proposed events lawn is an integral component of the hotel use, while the parking area will be accessible to the public for accessing Southlands Park and Beach.

“Currently, all park and beachgoers park along South Road, creating safety issues in some instances.”

The Bermuda Audubon Society said it remained strongly opposed to any development in that section of the parkland.

“Bermuda’s iconic and beautiful South Shore ‘golden mile’ starts at the boundary of Bermudiana Beach Resort and the Southlands Park and should not be compromised for the benefit of a commercial development,” the organisation said.

“Effective conservation efforts for the retention of the cliff area along the shoreline dictates no structures within the coastal setback, which was implemented to protect Bermuda’s vulnerable coast.

“The bay grape trees on the top of the site at present are good stabilisers of cliff-top environments and should not be disturbed. Casuarina is known to set roots down into the limestone and are often the reason cliffs are cleaved away in high winds and storms.

“Allowing development in the vicinity of eroding cliffs in the face of sea level rise and increased intensity and frequency of storms is irresponsible.”

While the charity accepted that there was a need for parking to support the park and the beach, it said the southwestern end of the Southlands property would be better suited for amenities.

“This area is already clear of native and endemic plantings, offers a panoramic view of South Shore and has existing concrete pad and utility connections to develop park amenities without disrupting nature,” the charity said.

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Bernews: BNT Christmas Shop Features Local Vendors

The Bermuda National Trust is holding its annual Holiday Pop-Up Shop at the BNT headquarters in Paget, offering a variety of items made and designed by locals, with the shop open until Christmas Eve.

A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Trust is holding its annual Holiday Pop-Up Shop at BNT headquarters and historic home, Waterville located on 2 Pomander Road, Paget [across from Aberfeldy Nurseries]. This is the sixth year BNT has held its Pop-Up Shop, which features items made and designed by local vendors. Each item is unique and created by locals, offering Bermuda-centric gifts, some of which are one-of-a-kind exclusive.

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Royal Gazette: Unique works by local artists for sale at BNT’s annual Christmas Pop-up shop

Local artists will have their products on sale at the Bermuda National Trust’s annual Holiday Pop-Up Shop in the run up Christmas.

The sixth annual market features items from almost 20 local vendors and will take place at the BNT headquarters and historic home Waterville, in Paget.

A spokeswoman for BNT said: “Each item is unique and created by locals, offering Bermuda-centric gifts, some of which are one-of-a-kind exclusive.”

Royal Gazette: Campaign launched to transform land into new public nature reserve

A $1.5 million fundraising campaign has been launched to transform 10 acres in Southampton into a new public nature reserve.

Buy Back Bermuda, a collaborative initiative between the Bermuda National Trust and the Bermuda Audubon Society, announced last year that it has purchased the property on Alton Hill.

The site, which would be renamed the High Point Nature Reserve, would become the fourth nature reserve managed by the group after Somerset Long Bay East Nature Reserve in Sandys, the Vesey Nature Reserve in Southampton and Eve’s Pond Nature Reserve in Hamilton Parish.

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Bernews: Campaign to ‘Buy Back’ Southampton Land

Buy Back Bermuda, a collaborative initiative between the Bermuda Audubon Society and the Bermuda National Trust, announces a “$1.5 million campaign to create a public nature reserve at the recently acquired 10 acres in Southampton, and to maintain it and other Buy Back Bermuda nature reserves for the enjoyment of all.”

A spokesperson said, “Buy Back Bermuda strives to acquire land that is threatened by development, to conserve habitats for biodiversity, natural open space for human health and enjoyment, and to mitigate climate change.”

“An exceptional individual gift, and funds from our acquisition account has boosted Buy Back Bermuda into first gear to restore ten pristine rural acres of arable fields, woodland and spectacular coastline at High Point in Southampton,” said Jennifer Gray, Chair of Buy Back Bermuda.

“This site was long at the top of Buy Back Bermuda’s list of prospects to save and was on the market with in-principal approval for development of three detached dwellings and an estate road. It is a dream come true to be able to save this stunning piece of land from development. The property holds incredible value in terms of recreation, agriculture and biodiversity.”

“The $1.5 million campaign is needed to make this beautiful property available for the public to enjoy and to reclaim it from invasive species, restoring this and all Buy Back Bermuda nature reserves. We must have a maintenance fund to ensure the best possible protection for wildlife whilst providing places of beauty, serenity and environmental learning for the whole Bermuda community today and for generations to come.”

“We will be counting on gifts at all levels from across the community and encourage everyone to visit www.buybackbermuda.bm for details on how to donate. For Christmas, give your loved ones the gift that keeps on giving – you can make a donation in their name and get a certificate certifying that they are a supporter of Buy Back Bermuda Campaign Three.”

View full article

2022 Raffle Winners

We are pleased to announce the winners of our 2022 Raffle.

Congratulations to our 2022 winners. Many thanks to everyone who supported us and helped make this year’s raffle possible!

BMW i3 Electric Car – Ticket Number: 1004 – Winner: Jacob Estis

Pedego Bike – Ticket Number: 0738 – Winner: Carol Feathers

Lindo’s Voucher – Ticket Number: 0118 – Winner: Mark & Helen Orchard

Belco Voucher – Ticket Number: 356 – Laura Amaral

If you see your name and have not been contacted please reach out to Jordan Smith at jsmith@bnt.bm or call 236-6483 x 215.

Royal Gazette: Thousands throng to St George as National Trust Christmas Walkabout returns

All eyes were on St George’s last night as thousands of revellers took in the sights of the Old Town at the return of the Christmas walkabout.

Restaurants, bars and shops were open late with historic Bermuda National Trust properties at their festive finest.

Karen Border, executive director of the charity, said the Trust had been gearing up for “a big crowd” after the pandemic put the popular event on hold.

The crowd did not disappoint, according to George Dowling III, the Mayor of St George, who strolled among guests to the East End with Rena Lalgie, the Governor.

“Turnout is absolutely fantastic,” said Mr Dowling just after 6.30pm yesterday.

“It’s actually exceeding my expectations at this point – the parking lot at Tiger Bay is full, and right now we are walking through a sea of humanity.”

The Trust eased traffic this year with a free shuttle bus service taking guests from Ferry Reach just before the Swing Bridge.

The new arrangement worked well, according to Dorte Horsfield, the Trust’s head of development and engagement.

“Absolutely phenomenal – it is just an utter success,” she said as entertainment kicked off at 6pm.

“The Town Crier is just starting introducing the night’s events. There will be three hours of beautiful performances – everything’s looking very festive and people are very excited to be here.”

King’s Square had music and dance directed by E Michael Jones, the Town Crier – culminating with the Bermuda Island Pipe Band, the Highland Dancers and followed by the Royal Bermuda Regiment Band.

View full article 

Bernews: Photos & Video: 2022 BNT Christmas Walkabout

The Bermuda National Trust Christmas Walkabout event was held last night in [Dec 2] in St George’s, with a large crowd coming out to enjoy the always popular event.

A spokesperson previously said, “For over 40 years, this highly anticipated event has signaled the start of the festive season in Bermuda.

“BNT historic homes including Tucker House, The Old Rectory, Bridge House, Buckingham, Reeve Court and Stewart Hall will all be beautifully decorated and open free for the public to enjoy. Join us at the Globe Museum for some Christmas cheer, where you can also browse our Trustworthy Gift Shop.

“Many other buildings and cultural sites in the Old Town will also be open to the public and providing entertainment on the night, including St Peter’s Church, the St George’s Historical Society’s Mitchell House, Stella Maris Church, State House and more.”

View full article

Royal Gazette: Planned development puts Devonshire Marsh at risk

Letter to the Editor 

Dear Sir,

Bermuda’s environmental organisations continue to do all we can to advocate for conservation of our island’s environment, but sometimes we lose – and Bermuda loses too.

The latest casualty is property on Devonshire Marsh zoned Open Space at 79 Middle Road, Devonshire, owned by Island Construction Services. For more than 20 years the Trust has been battling to uphold the protective zoning at this site, despite its history of industrial use, because of the ecological importance of the marsh in which it sits and Bermuda’s largest freshwater lens beneath its soil.

Despite having turned down previous versions of this development application three times before and an application for rezoning under the 2018 Bermuda Plan, the Development Applications Board has recently given the go-ahead for extensive additional development at this sensitive site, including three two-storey maintenance and storage buildings and five one-bedroom staff apartments, parking (for 55 cars and 44 bikes), and a driveway. All of this is on a three-acre site on the Marsh.

The Bermuda Audubon Society, Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce and the Bermuda National Trust have jointly submitted an appeal against the decision.

The proposed development well exceeds what would be permitted on protectively zoned property; in fact, this intensity of development would not even be allowed under the terms of land with “industrial” zoning. Ironically, permission has been given on the basis of the historical sifting of aggregate on the property. And yet, aggregate sifting is not the proposed use for the site. It will now be a mix of industrial use (a base for trucking services including shipping and container haulage), and residential use that would not normally be allowed on an industrial site.

Devonshire Marsh is the largest area of open space in Bermuda, with the largest peat marsh habitat, notably one of the few marshes that was never used for dumping trash. It sits above the island’s largest freshwater lens. The marsh assists in purifying rainfall run-off from the roads, to become our drinking water. To allow the intensification of industrial use on this site threatens the marsh with increased fire risk, and increases the risk of environmental pollution in the marsh and water contamination.

To say we are disappointed with this decision is an understatement. We hope that the Minister of the Environment will heed our appeal and choose to turn down this expanded development, in the interests of the whole Bermuda community.

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Royal Gazette: Environmental Groups appeal to minister to stop Devonshire Marsh plans

Environmental groups have called on the Minister of Home Affairs to overturn a decision to allow development on Devonshire Marsh.

Island Construction was given the green light by the Development Applications Board in August to erect three two-storey warehouse buildings near the company’s Middle Road headquarters by the junction with Parson’s Lane.

However, a coalition of the Bermuda National Trust, the Bermuda Audubon Society and the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce have launched an appeal hoping to halt the project.

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Bernews: BNT Christmas Walkabout Set for Tonight

The Bermuda National Trust [BNT] Christmas Walkabout will be held today [Dec 2] from 6.00pm to 9.00pm in St. George’s.

A spokesperson said, “The World Heritage Site of St. George’s is the place to be tonight for the Bermuda National Trust Christmas Walkabout from 6.00pm to 9.00pm.

“BNT historic homes including Tucker House, The Old Rectory, Bridge House, Buckingham, Reeve Court and Stewart Hall will all be beautifully decorated and open free for the public to enjoy. Join us at the Globe Museum for some Christmas cheer, where you can also browse our Trustworthy Gift Shop.

“Many other buildings and cultural sites in the Old Town will also be open to the public and providing entertainment on the night, including St Peter’s Church, the St George’s Historical Society’s Mitchell House, Stella Maris Church, State House, and more.

“Musicians and dancers of all ages will entertain the crowds from the stage at King’s Square, with Town Crier E Michael Jones acting as MC for the evening.

“Local shops will be open on the night, so you can get some Christmas shopping done too. When you need refreshment, there are several local eateries and bars to choose from or you can head over to Ordnance Island, where there will be a food court featuring Four Star Pizza, Ashley’s Lemonade, De Graff’s food truck, Funnelicious, and Casa Acores.

“Goslings will have a bar with festive cocktails on Ordnance Island and in the Globe Museum garden, and an opportunity for wine tastings at various stations in the town.

“The event is sponsored by HSBC, Goslings, Butterfield & Vallis, the Department of Culture and Belco, and supported by the Corporation of St. George.

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Royal Gazette: Christmas is coming to St George’s

St George is getting into the Christmas spirit with a series of activities promising to bring new life to the old town.

The St George’s Stakeholder Committee has released a schedule of events to take place in the town in the coming weeks including annual favourites such as the Bermuda National Trust Walkabout on December 2 and the town’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Tonight, Long Story Short will continue its Story Time event series with a performance by local singer and songwriter Sinead the Flower.

Activities continue tomorrow with the return of the town-wide Shop n Stroll event with Christmas shopping, dining and more between noon and 4pm. The event series will continue every Sunday until December 18.

The St George’s Dance Studio will host movie and karaoke nights from 7pm until 10pm on December 2 and 16 offering family-friendly fun.

Santa will make a visit to the East End on December 3 for the Corporation of St George’s Santa Comes to Towne event between 6pm and 9pm.

The schedule also includes a variety of workshops hosted by LaGarza, Green Tara and Cirqle Circus, all located on Somers Wharf, along with Helen Sawden Flowers.

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Royal Gazette: National Trust completes building series with Southampton Book

The architectural heritage of Southampton has been highlighted in the latest – and final – edition of the Bermuda National Trust’s Architectural Heritage book series.

The series, which started in 1995, took a parish-by-parish look at the island’s buildings and the people who built, lived and worked inside them.

Southampton was written by historian Edward Harris, edited and co-written by Alistair Border and features photographs by Robin Judah and Katie Berry along with plans and historic illustrations.

The book is the tenth edition of the series, sponsored by Bacardi, which now covers all nine parishes and the City of Hamilton.

A BNT spokeswoman said: “In its entirety, it is a fascinating record of Bermuda’s architectural heritage that records the continuous historical process of modification and transformation of Bermuda’s landscape from the time of settlement.

View full article 

Bernews: BNT Christmas Walkabout Set for December 2

The Bermuda National Trust [BNT] Christmas Walkabout is set to take place next Friday, December 2 in St George’s.

A spokesperson said, “St. George’s is the place to be on the evening of Friday 2 December to enjoy the magic of the Bermuda National Trust Christmas Walkabout in the World Heritage Site. For over 40 years, this highly anticipated event has signaled the start of the festive season in Bermuda.

“BNT historic homes including Tucker House, The Old Rectory, Bridge House, Buckingham, Reeve Court and Stewart Hall will all be beautifully decorated and open free for the public to enjoy. Join us at the Globe Museum for some Christmas cheer, where you can also browse our Trustworthy Gift Shop.

View full article

Royal Gazette: Ascot staff put corporate muscle into museum clean-up

Staff from a reinsurance firm rolled up their sleeves to help spruce up a St George landmark.

Volunteers from Ascot Bermuda Limited joined the Bermuda National Trust during the Trust’s volunteer day last week to clean out all four floors and the gardens of the Globe Museum.

Charlotte Andrews, the BNT’s head of cultural heritage, who led the team-building exercise, said that the group was instrumental in offering ideas to reimagine the space.

Dr Andrews added: “With our volunteer days designed to connect the corporate team more deeply with one another, and with Bermuda’s heritage, we hope the Ascot team got great value out of their day, which they generously supported with a corporate donation.”

The teams helped clean out exhibit cases, weed the gardens and cleaned out the cellar space.

Ian Thompson, Ascot CEO, said: “I was delighted to learn that Ascot was the largest corporate group hosted by the Bermuda National Trust at their museums.

“This strong showing by the Ascot team illustrates our ardent willingness to get involved with community initiatives.

“I am also grateful to the BNT for their hospitality – it was a very enjoyable day, and we were honoured to play our part in preserving Bermuda’s rich heritage.”

Brittany DeMelo, who helped co-ordinate the volunteer day, added: “The Bermuda National Trust plays an important role in preserving Bermuda’s heritage.

“Dr Andrews delivered an enlightening talk about the World Heritage Site and its value to Bermuda and all of humanity.

“Every Christmas I attend the Christmas Walkabout in St George, and it will be even more special this year knowing our Ascot team has played a part in supporting our World Heritage Site.”

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Bernews: New Southampton Architectural Heritage Book

The Bermuda National Trust is launching ‘Southampton,’ the tenth and last in its Bermuda’s Architectural Heritage series.

A spokesperson said, “The series, begun in 1995, covers every parish and the City of Hamilton. It highlights the architecture of the most interesting buildings on the island and the people who built, lived and worked in them. In its entirety, it is a fascinating record of Bermuda’s architectural heritage that records the continuous historical process of modification and transformation of Bermuda’s landscape from the time of settlement.

“The entire series has been sponsored by Bacardi, which will host the launch of the Southampton book at its Bar under the Stars on Friday, 25 November.

“Southampton was written by Dr Edward Harris and edited/co-written by Alistair Border. Its production was managed from research to publication by Linda Abend and Margaret Lloyd. The modern photographs were taken by Robin Judah and Katie Berry but there are also many plans and historic illustrations.

“The book includes information about the history and architecture of Southampton’s most interesting houses, including some, such as those on the former Naval Operating Base, which sadly have disappeared. It also covers a wide range of other topics such as farming, fish ponds and whaling. The cover features a painting of Waterlot Inn and the Lighthouse by W F Snow.

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Bernews: Ascot Staff Volunteer at Globe Museum

Some 30 employees of Ascot Bermuda Limited took part in volunteering to provide a “corporate lift” to the Globe Museum.

A spokesperson said, “Ascot Bermuda Limited came out in force for Bermuda National Trust’s latest corporate volunteering day, just in time to help prepare for the Christmas Walkabout happening in the World Heritage Site on Friday, December 2.

“Some 30 staff stepped away from their desks at this especially busy time of year to give another corporate lift to the Globe Museum, which is part of the Outstanding Universal Value of the UNESCO Site. The Ascot team worked across Globe’s four floors and gardens, cleaning exhibit cases, preparing the cellar space for new heritage and tourism uses, and weeding and planting in the garden.”

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Royal Gazette: Ascot step up for corporate lift to globe museum

About 30 Ascot Bermuda Limited staff stepped away from their desks to give another corporate lift to the Globe Museum, which is part of the Outstanding Universal Value of the Unesco Site.

It was in support of the Bermuda National Trust’s latest corporate volunteering day, just in time to help prepare for the Christmas Walkabout happening in the World Heritage Site on Friday, December 2, 2022.

The Ascot team worked across Globe’s four floors and gardens, cleaning exhibit cases, preparing the cellar space for new heritage and tourism uses, and weeding and planting in the garden.

Trust Head of Cultural Heritage Dr Charlotte Andrews, who led the team building day, said: “The Ascot team gave us another round of corporate muscle to continue our overhaul of the Globe Museum for visitors to the World Heritage Site and contributed ideas to help us reimagine this important space located right at King’s Square.

“With our volunteer days designed to connect the corporate team more deeply with one another, and with Bermuda’s heritage, we hope the Ascot team got great value out of their day, which they generously supported with a corporate donation.”

Ian Thompson, CEO of Ascot Bermuda Limited, who was at Globe with his team for the day, said: “I was delighted to learn that Ascot was the largest corporate group hosted by the Bermuda National Trust at their museums.

“This strong showing by the Ascot team illustrates our ardent willingness to get involved with community initiatives. I am also grateful to the BNT for their hospitality – it was a very enjoyable day, and we were honoured to play our part in preserving Bermuda’s rich heritage.”

Brittany DeMelo, who coordinated the BNT volunteer day for Ascot with fellow committee members, added: “The Bermuda National Trust plays an important role in preserving Bermuda’s heritage. Dr Andrews delivered an enlightening talk about the World Heritage Site and its value to Bermuda and all of humanity.

“Every Christmas, I attend the Christmas Walkabout in St George’s, and it will be even more special this year knowing our Ascot team has played a part in supporting our World Heritage Site.”

View full article

Royal Gazette: Free Shuttle bus to operate as St George’s walkabout returns

The traditional start of Christmastime in St George’s, put on hold by Covid-19 since 2020, returns next month with free shuttle buses serving the East End for the night.

The Bermuda National Trust’s Christmas Walkabout, bringing guests to the World Heritage Site on December 2, will offer three shuttles running on a loop from parking at Kindley Field from 5pm to 9.30pm.

No parking will be permitted in the centre of the town.

The walkabout, a favourite across more than 40 years, gets under way at 6pm with the public invited free into Trust-owned historic homes including Tucker House, The Old Rectory, Bridge House, Buckingham, Reeve Court and Stewart Hall, as well as the Globe Museum and Trustworthy Gift Shop.

Visitors can enjoy Christmas decorations and entertainment at cultural sites including St. Peter’s Church, the St George’s Historical Society’s Mitchell House, Stella Maris Church, and the State House.

King’s Square will be the scene of music and dance directed by Town Crier and MC E Michael Jones.

The shops of the town, along with bars and restaurants, will open for the walkabout, as well as a food court on Ordnance Island with Four Star Pizza, Ashley’s Lemonade, De Graff’s food truck, Funnelicious and Casa Acores.

The night out comes with prepaid parking offered at Tiger Bay and Penno’s Wharf at $20 per car.

Tickets required for parking are now on sale to BNT members, and can be purchased by the public from Friday.

Free parking is available at St. George’s Prep and East End Primary.

But spaces are limited and likely be filled by 5.30pm, with parking at Kindley Field advised.

Questions on the night’s events can be e-mailed to palmetto@bnt.bm.

The Trust thanked its sponsors HSBC, Goslings, Butterfield & Vallis, the Department of Culture, and Belco.

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Royal Gazette: Tree planting to recognize ‘incredibly generous community and their response to covid 19’

The first tree has been planted as part of an annual initiative to recognise Bermuda’s philanthropists and the help they provided during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals of Bermuda recently partnered with the Bermuda National Trust to plant the tree in the Royal Naval Dockyard Cemetery in honour of AFP’s National Philanthropy Day.

Ann Spencer-Arscott and Katie Bennett, AFP Bermuda co-presidents, said: “This year, the AFP Bermuda wants to recognise our incredibly generous community and their response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Over the past two and a half years, individuals, community groups, and corporate and foundation donors have stepped up to help our entire island face an unprecedented pandemic.

“From charitable donations to food supplies and volunteer hours to the work of local non-profits, we celebrate this year’s National Philanthropy Day honourees – everyone who has been working hard since March 2020 to support Bermuda.”

Karen Border, executive director of the BNT, added: “As a local non-profit, we rely heavily on donations from many supporters, both private and corporate, in order to fulfil our mission to protect and promote Bermuda’s unique natural and cultural heritage for everyone, for ever.

“Planting a tree a year seems a most appropriate way to honour the generosity of the Bermuda community.”

AFP Bermuda invests in supporting the mentoring, training and development of professionals involved in raising funds ethically in Bermuda.

For information, visit https://afpglobal.org/

View full article 

Royal Gazette: National Trust announces student art competition winners

The winners have been announced for the Bermuda National Trust’s student art competition, sponsored by the insurance firm Sompo International and entitled “Bermuda Roots”.

Artwork from primary, middle and senior school students was judged by artists Jahbarri Wilson, Jill Amos Raine and Tiffany Banner.

The judges also included Meredith Ebbin and Vincent Chaves, of the Bermuda National Trust, and representatives from Sompo International.

Anna Stevenson, the Trust’s heritage education coordinator, thanked the competition sponsor for supporting the island’s young artists and said the judges were hard pressed to choose the winners.

Interpretations of the theme encompassed both natural and cultural heritage.

Along with the first, second and third places, there were several honourable mentions in each age group.

In the 9 to 12 year age group, first place and a prize of $300 was awarded to Tallulah Morris, who is home-schooled, for her mixed media piece entitled Stories the Cedar Sees.

In second place, with a prize of $175, was Amaris Munya of Warwick Academy for her multifaceted portrait depicting the varied heritages of Bermuda’s people.

In third place, with a prize of $75, was Isabella Goodall of Bermuda High School for Restriction of My Roots.

Honourable mentions went to Seri Fisher, Connor Miskiewicz, Turi Philpott, Quincy Ratteray, Julia Stoppa and Legend Robinson.

In the 8 to 13 year age group, first place and a prize of $500 went to Samantha Rance from BHS for her earth-tones painting of 1920s Front Street.

In second place, with a prize of $300 was Chelsea Scarth from Mount Saint Agnes Academy for her artwork entitled Bermuda Then & Now.

In third place, also from MSA, was Liana Franco, who won $175 for her piece entitled Portuguese in Bermuda, 1849.

Honourable mentions were awarded to Reece Percy, Callum Adams, Brianna Jones and Ivanna Young.

The winning artwork will be exhibited in the lobby of Waterloo House at 100 Pitts Bay Road, where Sompo is headquartered, from November 14 to 25.

All entries to the competition can be viewed on the Bermuda National Trust’s website.

View full article

Bernews: BNT ‘Bermuda Roots’ Art Competition Winners

A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Trust is pleased to announce the winners of its student art competition sponsored by Sompo International. This year’s theme was ‘Bermuda Roots.’

“Submitted artwork from primary, middle, and senior school students was judged by artists Jahbarri Wilson, Jill Amos Raine and Tiffany Banner; Meredith Ebbin and Vincent Chaves of Bermuda National Trust; and representatives from Sompo International.”

BNT Heritage Education Coordinator Anna Stevenson said, “The Bermuda National Trust is extremely grateful to Sompo International for sponsoring this opportunity for Bermuda’s young artists to display their talent.

“The quality of the entries was again truly impressive and there were a wide range of interpretations of the ‘Bermuda Roots’ theme that encompassed both natural and cultural heritage. The judges had a very hard time choosing the winning pieces. In addition to the first, second and third places, there were several honorable mentions in each age group.”

The spokesperson said, “In the 9-12 year age group, first place and a prize of $300 was awarded to Tallulah Morris, who is home-schooled, for her mixed media piece entitled ‘Stories the Cedar Sees’. In second place with a prize of $175 was Amaris Munya of Warwick Academy for her multi-faceted portrait depicting the varied heritages of Bermuda’s people.

“In third place with a prize of $75 was Isabella Goodall of BHS for ‘Restriction of My Roots’. Honorable mentions were given to Seri Fisher, Connor Miskiewicz, Turi Philpott, Quincy Ratteray, Julia Stoppa and Legend Robinson.

“In the 13-18 year age group, first place and a prize of $500 went to Samantha Rance from BHS for her earth-tones painting of 1920s Front Street. In second place, with a prize of $300 was Chelsea Scarth from MSA for her artwork entitled ‘Bermuda Then & Now’.

“In third place, also from MSA, was Liana Franco, who won $175 for her piece entitled ‘Portuguese in Bermuda, 1849’. Honorable mentions were awarded to Reece Percy, Callum Adams, Brianna Jones and Ivanna Young.

“The winning artwork will be exhibited in the lobby of Waterloo House, 100 Pitts Bay Road, where Sompo is headquartered, from November 14-25. All entries to the competition can be viewed on the Bermuda National Trust’s website.”

View full article

https://bernews.com/2022/11/afp-bermuda-bnt-honor-bermudian-philanthropists/

The Association of Fundraising Professionals [AFP] of Bermuda recently partnered with the Bermuda National Trust [BNT] to plant a tree in the Royal Naval Dockyard Cemetery.

A spokesperson said, “The tree will become part of a larger plot for an annual planting by AFP Bermuda to recognise Bermuda philanthropists in honour of AFP’s National Philanthropy Day.

“National Philanthropy Day [NPD] celebrates the charitable work that everyone does to make a difference and impact their communities through donations of time, talent and financial contributions.”

AFP Bermuda Co-Presidents Ann Spencer-Arscott and Katie Bennett shared: “This year, the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Bermuda wants to recognise our incredibly generous community and their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past two and a half years, individuals, community groups, and corporate and foundation donors have stepped up to help our entire Island face an unprecedented pandemic. From charitable donations to food supplies, and volunteer hours to the work of local non-profits, we celebrate this year’s National Philanthropy Day honorees: everyone who has been working hard since March 2020 to support Bermuda.”

“The Bermuda National Trust is delighted to partner with the AFP on this tree-planting to recognize Bermuda philanthropists,” said Karen Border, Executive Director of BNT. “As a local non-profit, we rely heavily on donations from many supporters, both private and corporate, in order to fulfill our mission to protect and promote Bermuda’s unique natural and cultural heritage for everyone, forever. Planting a tree a year seems a most appropriate way to honour the generosity of the Bermuda community.”

The AFP Bermuda Chapter is committed to investing in and supporting the mentoring, training and development of professionals involved in raising funds ethically in Bermuda. For information about the AFP, visit afpglobal.org.

View full article

Bernews: Bermuda National Trust to hold Archaeology Talk

Archaeologist Dr Michael Jarvis will discuss the discoveries from the Smith’s Island Archaeology Project at a Bermuda National Trust event on Monday [November 21].

The Trust Talk, After the Dig: Smith’s Island Archaeology Project, Discoveries and Myths, starts at 6 pm, costing $20 for members and $25 for non-members.

The Trust Talk flyer reads: “Come and hear about this hidden side of heritage studies and the exciting work involved in making sense of a fragmented past, and that relating to the Smith’s Island Archaeology Project in particular.

To sign-up, visit bnt.bm.

View full article

Winners of ‘Bermuda Roots’ art competition

The Bermuda National Trust is pleased to announce the winners of the student art competition “Bermuda Roots”, sponsored by SOMPO International.

Click here to view all entries!

Royal Gazette: Environmentally friendly scheme launched to rent a Christmas Tree

An environmentally friendly programme offering live cedar trees for rent over the Christmas season has been launched for the second year by the Bermuda National Trust.

The trees, grown by Bermuda Green Thumb on Brighton Hill, are just under 4ft. Once returned to the trust in January, they will be replanted in nature reserves across the island.

Myles Darrell, BNT’s head of natural heritage, said: “The trust will plant your returned cedar in one of our 13 publicly accessible nature reserves across Bermuda.

“You will be able to visit your Christmas tree for years to come and watch it grow, knowing that you have also helped mitigate climate change. Why purchase a cut and imported Christmas tree this year, or a plastic one, when you can choose a real, sustainable local option?”

A spokesman for the Bank of Butterfield, which is sponsoring the event, added: “Butterfield is pleased to support the Bermuda National Trust again and provide a more sustainable holiday tree tradition in Bermuda.

“Last year, having sponsored the pilot programme, we took the opportunity to dedicate a Butterfield cedar tree in memory of Marcia Woolridge-Allwood and her contribution to the success of the island’s financial services industry.

“The tree was planted at the new Eve’s Pond Nature Reserve in Hamilton Parish with a special plaque and is a fitting example of how the programme can benefit the present and the future as a lasting tribute.”

The trust has 120 trees to rent at a cost of $125, of which $50 will be refunded when the tree is returned. Care instructions will be provided.

To reserve a tree and for further details, click here. Tree pick-up will be from the BNT headquarters on Pomander Road on Saturday, November 26.

View full article

Royal Gazette: Letter to the editor: Planning regulations are there for enforcing

Dear Sir,

A landowner cuts down a swath of protected nature reserve, including mature and dense native and endemic species, to create a “viewing corridor” to the sea. Against the decision of the Development Applications Board and the recommendation of the Director of Planning, the minister responsible for the environment allows him to get away with just a stern warning not to do it again. What kind of message does this send to other landowners who would seek to remove “inconvenient” areas of nature reserve or protected woodland on their property?

The Bermuda National Trust is extremely disappointed that the minister has allowed the retroactive application for “remediation of unauthorised woodland clearance” at Lot 9 Tucker’s Point.

Bernews: BNT & Clarien Tree Planting in Sandys

Clarien employees embarked on their tree planting initiative in partnership with the Bermuda National Trust [BNT] with an aim to “plant 100 native and endemic trees per year for the next three years”

Michael DeCouto, Clarien’s EVP, Chief Marketing & Digital Officer, previously said, “We are extremely pleased to be able to partner with Bermuda National Trust and help in its mission of protecting and promoting Bermuda’s unique natural and cultural heritage.

“Through this three-year tree planting initiative, we look forward to planting trees and shrubs – not only to increase wildlife habitat and improve air quality, but also to ensure the future sustainability of the Island’s native and endemic species.”

Myles Darrell, Head of Natural Heritage, previously said, “Bermuda National Trust is delighted to partner with Clarien for this initiative. As the owners of a significant amount of open space in trust for Bermuda, much of it publicly accessible, we believe these plantings can benefit the whole community.

“Drawing on our woodland management expertise, Bermuda National Trust will assist Clarien with the planning, appropriate species selection, planting and after-care, all of which are critical to ensure this long-term project is a success.”

View full article

Royal Gazette: Tree-planting drive launched as expert says ‘go native’

Turks & Caicos, a sister jurisdiction to our south, has offered lessons for Bermuda in bringing about regrowth from ecological disaster.

On the eve of a three-year tree-planting drive to be launched tomorrow by Clarien Bank with the Bermuda National Trust, a leading conservationist from the Caribbean island group shared what real environmental recovery looked like.

Bryan Naqqi Manco, assistant director of research and development for the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources in the Turks & Caicos Islands, said the islands had been scourged just as Bermuda lost much of its endemic cedar forest to the scale insect blight from the 1940s.

View full article

Bernews: Rent a ‘Christmas Tree’ Programme

Noting it is a “sustainable local option,” the Bermuda National Trust is offering a Christmas cedar tree rental programme, allowing people to ‘rent’ a tree for the holiday season, which can be returned in January, when it will be planted in a nature reserve.

A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Trust’s [BNT] popular live cedar tree rental programme piloted last year is back again, sponsored by Butterfield.

“BNT has 120 beautiful, healthy Bermuda cedar trees to rent for Christmas this year. In January, the tree can be returned and you will get your deposit back.”

“The Trust will plant your returned cedar in one of our 13 publicly accessible nature reserves across Bermuda,” said Myles Darrell, BNT’s Head of Natural Heritage.

“You will be able to visit your Christmas tree for years to come and watch it grow, knowing that you have also helped mitigate climate change. Why purchase a cut and imported Christmas tree this year, or a plastic one, when you can choose a real, sustainable local option?”

“Butterfield is pleased to support the Bermuda National Trust again and provide a more sustainable holiday tree tradition in Bermuda,” said a Butterfield spokesperson.

“Last year, having sponsored the pilot programme, we took the opportunity to dedicate a Butterfield cedar tree in memory of Marcia Woolridge-Allwood and her contribution to the success of the island’s financial services industry. The tree was planted at the new Eve’s Pond Nature Reserve in Hamilton Parish with a special plaque and is a fitting example of how the programme can benefit the present and the future as a lasting tribute.”

The spokesperson said, “The cedar trees, grown by Bermuda Green Thumb on Brighton Hill, are just under four feet high including the pot. They rent for $125 [$100 for Bermuda National Trust members] of which $50 will be refunded on return of a healthy tree. Care instructions will be provided.

“To reserve a tree and for further details, go to www.bnt.bm [click on Events]. Tree pick-up will be from BNT headquarters, “Waterville”, on Pomander Road on Saturday 26 November.”

See full article

Built Heritage: Temperance Hall

BUILT HERITAGE |Temperance Hall, 93 North Shore Road, Hamilton Parish | OCTOBER 2022

By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust

This is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that will highlight some of Bermuda’s endangered historic buildings.

The Hamilton Parish Friendly Temperance Society was founded in 1846 and its first meetings were held in a building opposite Burchall’s Cove. On August 13, 1850 the corner stone was laid for a new building which was to be erected a little further north and across from Davis’ Pond. The land was conveyed by the Hon John William Foggo for the token sum of one shilling. Members of the Atlantic Phoenix Lodge No. 271 joined in the ceremony. The Society’s trustees were six dedicated Hamilton Parish men: Benjamin Hill Sr, George Burgess, Daniel Bascome, Thomas Smith, Richard Augustus Burrows and Benjamin Hill Jr.

In May 1851 the building had reached to the wallplate when the Society’s funds ran low and it was necessary to appeal to the community. Among those who came forward was Governor Charles Elliot with the very generous donation of £20.

Read the full Built Heritage article on Temperance Hall

Royal Gazette: Volunteers from two firms help out the National Trust

A nature reserve and a museum run by the Bermuda National Trust were recently bolstered by volunteers from two firms.

A team of 45 staff members from Walkers (Bermuda) Limited spent a day planting trees, removing trash and clearing pathways at the BNT’s Gilbert Nature Reserve in Sandys.

Meanwhile, eight staff members from Markel Bermuda Limited helped to spruce up the Globe Museum in St George by cleaning windows and storm residue, clearing debris and planting donated roses.

Rachel Nightingale, the Walkers charity committee chair, said: “This was a fantastic day out for the Walkers team and we are proud to support the national trust in its wonderful work in conserving and enhancing Bermuda’s special natural landscape.

“The team very much enjoyed spending time outdoors and working together on something tangible that will hopefully be of real benefit to the local community and environment.”

Miles Darrell, head of natural heritage at the BNT, said the charity was delighted to receive support from corporate groups to maintain their various nature reserves.

“With over 250 acres of open space in the Trust’s care, this support is very important to us,” he said.

Charlotte Andrews, the BNT head of cultural heritage, said the support for the charity’s museums was equally valuable.

“These corporate teams provide capacity to help us manage our museums, enhancing the experiences offered to visitors,” Dr Andrews said. “Companies benefit by furthering their ESG goals and team building, so it is a win-win for all.”

Companies interested in corporate team building with BNT should contact Dorte Horsfield, the BNT head of development and engagement, at dhorsfield@bnt.bm or 236-6483.

View full Royal Gazette 

Bernews: Walkers, Markel Teams Make Difference For BNT

A Bermuda National Trust [BNT] nature reserve and a museum have benefitted from the time and energy of teams from Walkers Limited and Markel this month.

A spokesperson said, “A team of 45 staff from Walkers [Bermuda] Limited spent a day tree planting, removing trash and clearing pathways at BNT’s Gilbert Nature Reserve in Sandys.”

“We are always delighted to have corporate groups help us to maintain and enhance the nature reserves that we hold in trust for the Bermuda community,” said Myles Darrell, Head of Natural Heritage. “With over 250 acres of open space in the Trust’s care, this support is very important to us.

“During the day we planted more than 100 native and endemic trees, shrubs and ground covers. If you are in the Somerset area, enjoy a walk through the Anita Wingate trail and take in the diversity and splendor of this lovely green space.”

“This was a fantastic day out for the Walkers team and we are proud to support the National Trust in its wonderful work in conserving and enhancing Bermuda’s special natural landscape. The team very much enjoyed spending time outdoors and working together on something tangible that will hopefully be of real benefit to the local community and environment,” said Rachel Nightingale, Walkers Charity Committee Chair.

View full Royal Gazette Article

Royal Gazette: Bank and charity pair up for tree-planting project

Hundreds of trees will be planted in a three-year partnership between a financial institution and a preservation charity.

Clarien Bank announced that it will team up with the Bermuda National Trust to add native and endemic specimens as well as shrubs in public places.

A company spokesman said that 100 trees would be planted each year for the next three years.

He explained: “The tree planting initiative, which launches next month, is a core part of the values of Clarien+ – a premium banking service and product offering for qualifying clients – as well as part of Clarien’s wider efforts to support ecological sustainability on the island.

“Clarien’s total commitment of $10,000 a year, for three years, includes the cost of the plant specimens – 50 trees including cedars, palmettos and olivewoods, and 50 shrubs – as well as labour and materials for planting and aftercare.

“To ensure this project will benefit the entire community, the plantings will be in three spaces that are all open to the wider public – primarily Scaur Lodge Nature Reserve, which can be accessed by individuals and groups at any time for relaxation, wellness and family activities.”

The spokesman said that the property, in Sandys, had three open-space areas including nature, woodland and agricultural reserves.

He added: “According to BNT, the plan is to increase the presence of native and endemic flora within the reserve, which will help to reduce the effects of climate change as well as increase biodiversity.

“Some invasive species removal will also be required to enable planting, which is why Clarien employees and several Clarien+ clients have stepped up to give of their time on two upcoming dates: Friday, November 4 and Friday, March 31, to get this project off the ground successfully.

“Other locations for the plantings include Royal Naval Dockyard Cemetery and Watford Island Military Cemetery.”

View full Royal Gazette Article

Bernews: Clarien & BNT To Plant Native and Endemic Trees

Clarien Bank announced a partnership with the Bermuda National Trust to “plant 100 native and endemic trees per year for the next three years.”

A spokesperson said, “The tree planting initiative, which launches next month, is a core part of the values of Clarien+ — a premium banking service and product offering for qualifying clients — as well as part of Clarien’s wider efforts to support ecological sustainability on the Island.

“Clarien’s total commitment of $10,000 a year, for three years, includes the cost of the plant specimens [50 trees including Cedars, Palmettos and Olivewoods, and 50 shrubs], as well as labour and materials for planting and aftercare.

“To ensure this project will benefit the entire community, the plantings will be in three spaces that are all open to the wider public – primarily Scaur Lodge Nature Reserve, which can be accessed by individuals and groups at any time for relaxation, wellness and family activities.

“Known for its beauty, the Scaur Lodge property is comprised of three open space zonings: Nature Reserve, Woodland Reserve and Agricultural Reserve. According to BNT, the plan is to increase the presence of native and endemic flora within the reserve, which will help to reduce the effects of climate change as well as increase biodiversity.

“Some invasive species removal will also be required to enable planting, which is why Clarien employees and several Clarien+ clients have stepped up to give of their time on two upcoming dates: Friday, November 4th and Friday, March 31st, to get this project off the ground successfully.

“Other locations for the plantings include Royal Naval Dockyard Cemetery and Watford Island Military Cemetery.”

View full Bernews Article

Bernews: Fashion Show Fundraiser at Verdmont

A fashion show fundraiser last Saturday [Oct 1] at the Bermuda National Trust’s Verdmont property.

A spokesperson said, “Verdmont, a Bermuda National Trust historic house and garden, was the splendid setting for a one-of-a-kind fabulous fashion show on Saturday October 1st. Most likely for the first time in its 300-year history it hosted a Fashion Show Fundraiser!

“Sharon Nannini of Nannini’s Fashion showcased a variety of garments from European designers from Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and Ukraine. Eleven Bermuda models showed off more than 50 outfits beautifully to a group of women interested in elegant yet comfortable and relaxed fashion. All outfits were designed and made in Europe with only natural fibers such as raw linen, cotton and viscose.

“Donna Pink moderated the event in the most entertaining fashion and brought her locally made custom jewelry to complement the outfits of the models. The garments and jewellery were on sale after the show and part of the proceeds were donated towards the Bermuda National Trust’s cultural and natural heritage programmes by Nannini’s fashion. Gosling’s kindly donated refreshments for the afternoon.

Head of Development Dr. Dörte Horsfield stated, “This was such a well-received and fun event. The guests, many of whom had never set foot into Verdmont, loved the elegant setup, the warm autumn breeze blowing through the open windows and doors, the cool Prosecco and the beautiful models walking through the rooms showcasing the fabulous pieces Sharon Nannini selected for the show. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect afternoon!”

If you are interested in renting Verdmont for your next even, please visit here.

Click here to read Bernews article.

Built Heritage: Nonsuch Island

BUILT HERITAGE |Nonsuch Island | September 2022

By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust

This is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that will highlight some of Bermuda’s endangered historic buildings.

The mention of Nonsuch Island spontaneously brings to mind images of the Bermuda cahow, or petrel, especially their oh-so-cute fluffy chicks. The island however has played other important roles in Bermuda’s history.

The 15½ acre island of Nonsuch is marked on the 1636 map drawn by Willem Blaeu using Richard Norwood’s 1616/1617 survey. With its high cliffs and difficult approach it is not the most accessible of islands and remained part of the ‘common lands’ of St George’s, which generally meant for the use and maintenance of the governor, until 1759 when its lease was sold to Jonathan Burch for £25 plus an annual ‘quit rent’. By 1811 the lease had been acquired by Henry Todd who forbade persons from landing or bringing dogs as he was planning to raise deer. It doesn’t look as if this venture was successful and Nonsuch may have gone through a few more lease owners before being purchased for £15 in 1856 by barrister Duncan Stewart who lived at Ardsheal in Paget.

The yellow fever epidemic that began in the 1850s hit St George’s the hardest. Crewmen and passengers from arriving ships had to be isolated and treated. By 1862 there was a need for a Quarantine Hospital at the East End, and Nonsuch Island, with its elevated situation open to the sea breezes and remoteness from the mainland, was chosen. Duncan Stewart had died in 1861 and it wasn’t until 1865 that his widow sold the island to the Colonial Government for £300.

Click here to read the full Built Heritage article on Nonsuch Island

Royal Gazette: Groups hope government RFP will breathe new life into Southlands

A conservation group has expressed hope that a recent government procurement notice would mean new life for empty buildings at the Southlands national park.

However, the Bermuda National Trust echoed concerns voiced by the Bermuda Audubon Society about plans for an event lawn and parking area on the southeast corner of the property.

Karen Border, BNT executive director, said: “BNT is pleased that there is finally a focus on renovating most of the buildings at Southlands, in particular the Grade 2 listed main cottage, which was allowed to deteriorate to a very bad state.

“We hope that any approved redevelopment of buildings will indeed be complementary to the park, as stated in the request for proposals.

“Southlands is a wonderful community amenity and as a very large site it offers the potential for the public to enjoy it many ways while still protecting its natural and undeveloped appeal.”

The charity also said the proposed siting of a café and parking area to the west of the beach entrance was appropriately placed on brownfield land.

“However, we continue to be concerned about the potential for an events lawn and parking area being built on woodland immediately west of the Bermudiana Beach Resort,” Ms Border added.

“A previous planning application for that development was rejected, but another application has since been submitted.”

That application, submitted in August, was listed yesterday as “on hold” with no documents attached.

View full Royal Gazette article

Royal Gazette: National Trust to open pop-up shop at Paget headquarters

Furniture, art and housewares will be on sale at “affordable prices” when a heritage charity reopens its second-hand pop-up shop this week.

The Bermuda National Trust will welcome customers from Thursday, when they are invited to “seek out ‘treasures’ ranging from glassware and china to artwork, antiques and curios”.

Dörte Horsfield, the charity’s head of development, said: “We are excited to reopen the shop again this autumn with a fabulous selection of items for sale, generously donated by members of the public.

“The shop fits perfectly into our natural and cultural heritage mission.

“It helps the environment by finding new owners for items that certainly shouldn’t be thrown out, and we have a specific focus on Bermuda-related items such as cedar furniture and old Bermuda books.

“Everyone in the community benefits from the opportunity to buy beautiful housewares, furniture, artwork and other decorative items at very affordable prices.”

Items on sale will include crystal, porcelain and ceramics, silver, jewellery, rugs, ornaments, antique chairs and tables, Bermuda books and bound sets of classics.

Donations can be dropped off at Waterville, 2 Pomander Road, Paget, on weekdays from 9am to 5pm, or on Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.

Trust Treasures will be open for sales at Waterville every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm until the end of November.

Funds raised will go towards the care of historic buildings and nature reserves that BNT holds in trust for the community, as well as its education and advocacy programmes

Click here to view Royal Gazette article

Bernews: BNT To Re-Open ‘Trust Treasures Shop

The Bermuda National Trust is reopening its second-hand pop-up shop on Thursday [Sept 29] and invites the public to come and seek out ‘treasures’ ranging from glassware and china to artwork, antiques and curios.

A spokesperson said, “Trust Treasures” at Waterville, 2 Pomander Road will be open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm until the end of November. All funds raised by the shop go towards caring for the historic buildings and nature reserves that BNT holds in trust for the community, as well as its education and advocacy programmes.”

“Items on sale include crystal and glassware, porcelain and ceramics, silver, jewellery, rugs, ornaments, artwork, antique chairs and tables, Bermuda books and bound sets of classics, and much more.

“BNT is still accepting donations for the shop. If you are moving house, redecorating or just looking for new homes for quality items you don’t know what to do with, you can drop them off at Waterville on Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, or Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. For more information visit bnt.bm.”

“We are excited to reopen the shop again this autumn with a fabulous selection of items for sale, generously donated by members of the public,” said Dr. Dörte Horsfield, Head of Development.

“The shop fits perfectly into our natural and cultural heritage mission. It helps the environment by finding new owners for items that certainly shouldn’t be thrown out, and we have a specific focus on Bermuda-related items such as cedar furniture and old Bermuda books. Everyone in the community benefits from the opportunity to buy beautiful housewares, furniture, artwork and other decorative items at very affordable prices.”

Click here to view Bernews Article

Royal Gazette: Church slated for mismanaging graveyard alterations

Retroactive plans for works at a Southampton graveyard which raised concerns about the handling of remains have been rejected by the Development Applications Board.

St Anne’s Church had sought retroactive planning approval for the addition of two gravesites and refurbishment of two existing gravesites in the church’s graveyard, along with the creation of a retaining wall and a new paved walkway.

But the application sparked an objection from the Bermuda National Trust, which voiced concerns about the disturbance of graves.

Click here to view Royal Gazette article.

Royal Gazette: Government defends Coopers Island Cup Match access

The Minister of Public Works has defended the Government’s decision to grant access to camping and vehicular traffic at Cooper’s Island Park and Nature Reserve during the Cup Match holiday.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch was speaking in response to calls by environmentalists to halt the practice of granting access on the basis of protections given to the nature reserve portion, and questions from this newspaper about whether protocols were followed.

Responding to questions sent seven weeks ago, Colonel Burch referenced the Bermuda National Parks Amendment Act 2017 which classifies part of the area as park and not reserve.

He said: “While the status of a portion of Cooper’s Island has been designated as a ‘park’, it continues to be managed as a nature reserve for most of the year except for the Cup Match holiday.

“This strikes a balance between giving the public greater access to a section of the island and ensuring its pristine condition and natural environment are safeguarded.

“These safeguards include locking the main entrance gate to restrict vehicular access, except for the recent Cup Match holiday period when the main gate was opened to permit vehicles to drive a short distance for drop offs and alleviate the burden of people having to carry heavy items.

“This decision also eliminated traffic bottlenecks and ensured that emergency vehicles would not be obstructed.”

The reserve portion of land – Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve – is categorised as a Class A protected area which is afforded the greatest environmental protections.

The Act states: “Class A protected areas and shall be managed to protect special or fragile natural features and provide limited public access.”

While parks are managed by the Department of Parks under the Ministry of Public Works, nature reserves are managed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

It remains unclear which ministry gave the authority to grant the access but it was Colonel Burch who issued an advisory about the access to the park and reserve.

No response was given to whether the National Parks Commission approved of the granting of access on the reserve.

Colonel Burch added: “During the Cup Match holiday, additional protective measures were enacted, including the increased presence of park rangers who patrolled the area from early morning until late at night and prohibiting bonfires and dogs.

“While the main gate to Cooper’s Island was opened and monitored by park rangers, the secondary entrance, located just after the Nasa building, was cordoned off with cones, jersey barriers and signage to prevent vehicle access and parking.

“Cars were allowed to park either along the grass verge or in the parking lot by the Nasa building.

“The Class B amenity park designation is listed under the Bermuda National Parks Amendment Act 2017.

“This change was made as the area is essentially industrial in nature, with the US space agency Nasa, the Bermuda Weather Service radar, and a compound which is shared with DENR in the old power station, the Department of Parks in the main warehouse building, and there is also a trailer that the European Space Agency operates to track rockets and satellites.

“Following its inspection of the park following the Cup Match holiday, the Department of Parks was satisfied that its procedures and guidelines successfully prevented any long-term disturbance to the island’s habitats.

“The park and nature reserve were and are always patrolled on a regular basis by units from the Bermuda Police Service, with whom the department closely works. This enables an added level of protection for the area.“

At the time, Karen Border, the executive director for the Bermuda National Trust, said: “The nature reserves have been given special protection for good reasons and it is imperative that those protections are upheld at all times.

“The Bermuda National Trust is very concerned that part of the Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve was open for camping over Cup Match. Camping is a high-impact, inappropriate use of such a space.

“We hope that this will not set a precedent for future years and that the regulations that have been put in place to protect our nature reserves will be respected and upheld in the future.”

Colonel Burch continued: “The department will continue to work with local communities to provide as much public access to protected areas as possible, while ensuring that wildlife, natural habitats and history, are preserved.

“I am satisfied that the appropriate steps were taken to allow access to Cooper’s Island Park over the Cup Match holiday.

“Those who enjoyed the site – did so with respect for nature and left the area clean.

“The Department of Parks is well aware of the risks to the nature reserve and will continue to take the necessary steps to ensure its protection.”

Colonel Burch said the BNT, this newspaper and the One Bermuda Alliance, which also questioned the use of the reserve, “got it wrong”.

He provided an excerpt from Hansard of Cole Simons, Opposition Leader, supporting the amendment act and saying he took it through Cabinet when the OBA was in power.

Click here to view article on Royal Gazette

Built Heritage: Victoria and Albert Lodge

BUILT HERITAGE | Victoria and Albert Lodge No. 1027 G.U.O. of O.F., 84 Somerset Road | AUGUST 2022

By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust

This is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that will highlight some of Bermuda’s endangered historic buildings.

The Grand United Order of Oddfellows was founded in Bermuda in 1848 when a lodge building was built in St George’s called Somers Pride of India Lodge No. 899.  Brother lodges, Alexandrina Lodge No. 1026 in Hamilton and Victoria and Albert Lodge No. 1027 in Somerset, were formed in 1852. The members of Victoria and Albert Lodge met on the first and third Fridays of each month at an unknown Ely’s Harbour location.

In 1896 William Alexander Swan, Henry Thomas Cann, Henry Anderson Simmons, John Saunders Wilson and Albert Smith Gilbert, as Trustees of Victoria and Albert Lodge No. 1027 Grand United Order of Oddfellows, purchased land near St James Church for £160 from tavern keeper Albert James Williamson. On 24^th May 1899 the steamer Syren was chartered to convey passengers to Somerset for the laying of the corner stone of the new lodge building.

What was called ‘The Great Hurricane’ hit Bermuda on September 12^th/13^th, 1899. The Royal Gazette reported on the island-wide damage. “The premier wreck is that of the new Lodge of Oddfellows, the corner stone of which was laid with so much eclât on 24^th May last. The building was right up to the wall plate, and is a structure of 69 ft x 34 ft. The whole has been razed to the ground and presents a sad, sad picture. We found a few workmen around the building, completely down-hearted over the loss, and who can refrain from sympathizing with them in this rude put-back to their hard endeavours? It is estimated at £500 to place the building in its former stage. The work had progressed very rapidly; “too rapidly”, as a very prominent official informed us, and perhaps the rawness of the as-yet unplastered stones had much to do with the slight resistance against the hurricane. The work is likely to come to an indefinite standstill, as the society’s funds are not proof against so serious a loss.”

Click here to read the full Built Heritage Article on Victoria and Albert Lodge

Bernews: BNT Launches Student Art Competition

The Bermuda National Trust [BNT] and Sompo International are inviting students to explore ‘Bermuda roots’ through art.

A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Trust is pleased to announce the launch of its second Student Art Competition, sponsored by Sompo International.”

Karen Border, Executive Director, said, “We are delighted to invite Bermuda’s young people to use their artistic talents to explore the theme Bermuda Roots, whether that’s aspects of the island’s natural heritage, its cultural heritage or their own local connections.

“Last year we were amazed at the quality of artwork submitted and we are excited to see what this year’s theme inspires.”

The spokesperson said, “Entries can be in the form of painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, collage, multi-media and digital art [excluding video]. The competition is divided into two age groups: 9 to 12 years old, and 13 to 18 years old, with cash prizes for the top three entries in each category chosen by a panel of independent judges.

“Entries must be delivered to the Bermuda National Trust office, Waterville, 2 Pomander Road by 5pm on Friday 28 October 2022. Entry forms and information on prizes and competition rules can be found at www.bnt.bm.

“The winners will be contacted on Friday 4 November and invited to an awards ceremony at BNT’s office, Waterville, on Thursday 10 November. The artwork will be exhibited in the reception of SOMPO International’s offices from 14 to 25 November and will also be featured on the Bermuda National Trust’s website.”

View full article

Bernews: National Trust to Reopen Treasures Shop

The Bermuda National Trust is accepting unwanted items ahead of the reopening of the Trust Treasures Shop.

Items will be sold or go under the hammer at the Trust Treasures auction with proceeds going towards protecting and promoting Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage.

Clothing, books [except old hardback books], toys, electrical goods or plastic items will not be accepted.

Donations can be dropped off at Waterville, 2 Pomander Road, Paget, from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday and between 10 am to 12 pm on Saturday.

The Trust Treasures Shop opens Saturday, September 24.

For more details, visit bnt.bm or contact Jordan Smith at jsmith@bnt.bm or 236-6483.

View article online.

Part-Time Shop Manager

Part-Time Shop Manager

19 September – 23 December

The Bermuda National Trust is seeking a part-time, temporary manager for its Trust Treasures shop and Christmas Pop-Up Shop at Waterville, 2 Pomander Road, Paget. This job may suit a retired person with retail experience.

Trust Treasures

The shop will be open from 23 September to 26 November. It sells donated items of high quality such as artwork, fine china, ornaments, silver and brass, jewelry, rugs, general antiques and curios, especially Bermudiana. It will open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and the sales staff are primarily volunteers. The manager will work ten hours a week for this period.

Christmas Pop-Up Shop

The Christmas shop will open from 3 to 23 December, Tuesday to Saturday and is primarily staffed by volunteers. It sells Christmas ornaments and decorations, gifts and stocking stuffers, including many Bermuda-made items. The manager will work 12 hours a week for this period.

Responsibilities include:

• coordinating and overseeing volunteers, including covering for absences
• managing the finances, with weekly reconciliation of cash and credit card sales
• sorting and pricing donated items (with volunteer help)
• sourcing, ordering and pricing merchandise for the Christmas shop
• keeping the shop well-displayed and attractive

Preference will be given to those with retail, volunteer management and administrative experience. A warm and friendly personality and good customer service skills are essential.

Hours are flexible but will include times the shop is closed (for sorting and organizing) and times it is open (to support volunteers or cover shifts if necessary). Salary is $20 per hour.

Letters of application should be sent to Karen Border karen.border@bnt.bm by 5pm on Thursday 8 September. Please provide contact details for two referees.

Download the Shop Manager Advertisement

Royal Gazette: Birdies for Charity

Butterfield Bermuda Championship Birdies for Charity continues fundraising drive

The Butterfield Bermuda Championship Birdies for Charity programme is in full swing.

Tournament organisers have already partnered with 40 local charities who are now poised to benefit from the charity programme, established by the PGA Tour in 1971 as an integral part of many official tournaments to help raise millions of dollars for host communities.

Last year’s Butterfield Bermuda Championship raised nearly $650,000 for almost 50 charities, which organisers hope to exceed this year.

Royal Gazette: BNT Raises Concerns over Church Graveyard Plans

The Bermuda National Trust has raised concerns about potential disturbance of graves at a Southampton church after work was carried out in the graveyard without planning permission.

Earlier this summer, St Anne’s Church sought retroactive planning approval for the addition of two grave sites and refurbishment of two existing grave sites in the church’s graveyard.

The project also included a new 8ft retaining wall, a new concrete paved walkway with a 4ft concrete block wall and the relocation of an 8ft-high concrete pillar to the walkway.

In a letter sent to the Department of Planning, churchwardens for St Anne’s apologised for the retroactive application.

“It was our understanding that a permit to erect the two retaining walls on the edge of the newly created ramp was not required since the walls are under 4ft,” the churchwardens said.

“The purpose of the ramp was to allow for easier access to the upper level of the gravesite for burials.

“It is difficult to secure the excavating machine for this work and we felt that doing both projects – ramp and new build graves – would be efficient use of and be of least disturbance to the graveyard and all parties concerned.

“We wish to apologise for any inconvenience our actions may have caused and sincerely thank the planning department for their guidance and direction with respect to this matter.”

The Bermuda National Trust, however, objected to the retroactive plans as the work had been done on a Grade 1 listed building and raised concerns about potential impacts on human remains.

Charlotte Andrews, head of cultural heritage for the BNT, said: “We are highly concerned about the damage done to the cemetery boundary and burials, including the possible disinterment or other disturbance of human remains, as well as negative impacts to the church and cemetery setting due to the works listed above and carried out without planning permission.”

Dr Andrews added that there was no plan attached to the application on how the impacted areas of the site would be “appropriately and ethically” treated moving forward.

“In developing this plan, we recommend referencing any guidelines on human remains developed by the Bermuda Department of Planning,” Dr Andrews said.

“We also recommend a close review of the Bermuda Ombudsman’s 2014 investigation and report A Grave Error, particularly in terms of the rights of descendants and the appropriate commemoration, memorialisation or restoration of burial sites.”

The church has been asked for comment.

View full article

Built Heritage: Archlyn Villa

BUILT HERITAGE: July 2022 By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust

This post is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that highlight some of Bermuda’s endangered historic buildings. 

Hiding behind a high wall on St John’s Road is a house with a lot of social history. Built in 1826 by mariner John Gibson, it was advertised for sale by public auction in 1833 to pay off his creditors. Described as “that handsome and well-built dwelling house with a good and large tank”, the original section of the house has neo-classical symmetry and impressive corner pilasters. There were several interim owners until 1871 when the house on one acre appears in Benjamin William Watlington’s estate. After a family dispute caused by the disappearance of his will, the house was transferred in 1917 to Benjamin’s son, dentist Dr Francis William Watlington. It was then named Virginia Manor after Frank’s American wife, Virginia Harrison. They lived in the Fairylands area and the house was often tenanted by officers for nearby Admiralty House, among them Commander Lyson of the Royal Navy who was secretary to Admiral Sir Michael Seymour. The close proximity to the Hamilton Golf Links on North Shore also added to its appeal. After Watlington’s death in 1941 there were two subsequent owners until 1953 when the house was purchased by Archibald and Lillian Minors.

The Minors had married in 1934 and in 1944 they started the Archlyn Villa guest house out of their home in St George’s catering to Black tourists, many of whom were friends from their time studying in the US, who wanted to visit Bermuda but were not welcome in the island’s hotels in the era of segregation. In 1953, desiring a more central location, the Minors bought Virginia Manor, added eight bedrooms with baths and opened the new Archlyn Villa.

Click here to read the full Built Heritage article on Archlyn Villa.

Royal Gazette: Interns contribute to vision for National Trust historic house

University students interning at an accounting firm offered a community perspective and hands-on assistance to help an historic landmark.

PwC interns spoke last week with the Bermuda National Trust about the role that Verdmont Museum in Smith’s could play within the community.

The students shared their ideas of how the African Diaspora Heritage Trail site could be interpreted, such as reimagining it as a site of enslavement.

Later, the interns helped to clean the museum from top to bottom, including clearing out the attic and cellar areas.

Caitlin Bean, PwC’s senior associate of human capital, who helped to organise the event, said that the team-building exercise was “very rewarding”.

She added: “Our team was able to learn more about Verdmont and the historical importance of the property, while also assisting the trust with tasks that required multiple hands.

“When participating in our team-building days, our people are encouraged to have open communication, knowledge share and actively build more meaningful connections outside of our day-to-day working relationships.

“Through this we are able to give time and support back to initiatives that are of greater importance to our island while also building trust with each other.”

Charlotte Andrews, the BNT’s head of cultural heritage, said: “We loved working with PwC’s interns and are very grateful for all the work they accomplished.

“Such group team-building does so much to assist BNT’s small non-profit staff with both its everyday work and visionary ideas.”

Dr Andrews added: “Any company interested in corporate team-building with the Bermuda National Trust should get in touch with us.

“We have plenty of heritage team-building opportunities, including at the museums, historic cemeteries and nature reserves that we hold in trust for everyone in Bermuda.”

Opening hours for the Verdmont Museum are available at bnt.bm

Admission throughout the summer is free, though donations are appreciated.

Click here to view the article online.

Bernews: BNT To Host Talk & Book Launch On August 11

A talk and book launch featuring Dr Michael Jarvis will be hosted by the Bermuda National Trust entitled: Digging into Early Bermuda.

Dr Jarvis and a team of 15 Bermudian, British and American students have recently performed excavation work at Smith’s Islands, the long-term project’s ninth field season.

They will present their findings to BNT members and the public at Waterville, Pomander Road, Paget, tomorrow [August 11] from 6 to 7 pm.

Dr Jarvis will also discuss his recently published book, Isle of Devils, Isle of Saints: An Atlantic History of Bermuda.

Admission is $20 for members and $25 for non-members.

To sign-up visit bnt.bm.

Click here to view the article online.

Bernews: PwC Interns Assist At Verdmont Museum

Bermudian university students interning at PwC this summer made their mark on the heritage of Verdmont museum in Smith’s Parish on Friday 5 August.

A spokesperson said, “Working with the Bermuda National Trust Heritage Team, the interns provided hands-on help and insightful input for the Trust’s ongoing efforts to expand community and cultural tourism experiences at the African Diaspora Heritage Trail site.

“After touring the historic house and gardens with the Trust’s Heads of Natural and Cultural Heritage, the group engaged in a lively discussion about the site’s community uses and interpretive needs, including reimagining Verdmont as a site of enslavement. After that strategic brainstorming, the interns rolled up their PwC t-shirts and cleared out the attic and cellar, then cleaned the whole museum from top to bottom.”

Caitlin Bean, Senior Associate of Human Capital, who coordinated the teambuilding day from PwC’s end, said, “Supporting the Bermuda National Trust and their efforts to preserve Bermuda’s cultural and natural heritage while working together as a team was very rewarding. Our team was able to learn more about Verdmont and the historical importance of the property, while also assisting the Trust with tasks that required multiple hands.

“When participating in our team building days, our people are encouraged to have open communication, knowledge share and actively build more meaningful connections outside of our day-to-day working relationships. Through this we are able to give time and support back to initiatives that are of greater importance to our island while also building trust with each other.”

Click here to view the article online.

Royal Gazette: Shark Hole cliff excavation stopped

A “stop work” order has been placed on a controversial project to clear an area of Harrington Sound Road that was once protected as coastal reserve.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that the “stop work” order was signed at the Shark Hole site in Hamilton Parish on July 22 owing to specific criteria under the Building Act 1988 23B (2) not being met.

The issue is under “active investigation” and the works – the development of a four-bedroom house and pool – will be halted pending the outcome of the investigation.

The spokesman said: “Work stopped when the owner, agent and contractor were aware of the notice.

“Concerning advising of the criteria not met, as these site issues are still under active investigation, we cannot conclusively confirm this.”

Kim Smith, the executive director of the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce, said that she did not know the basis for the stop order but added that the organisation had questioned the Department of Planning about why there did not appear to be the required building permit number posted on the site.

BEST also shared a photograph with the department it had been sent that appeared to show evidence of either a “cave or void“.

The home affairs ministry spokesman said: “The ministry can advise that the building inspector would have confirmed that the permit sign was posted to commence work.

“Should any failures in meeting any criteria be identified, the Development and Planning Act and the Building Act have many actions that may be taken. However, as the site is still under active investigation, no decisions have been made.

“Following the investigation, work may resume once the issuing authority lifts the stop work notice.“

The Shark Hole site was rezoned as residential through the Tucker’s Point special development order more than ten years ago.

Read More..

Royal Gazette: Minister visits site of Bermuda’s ‘first capital’

The Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Ernest Peets, recently visited Smith’s Island, in St George’s, where archaeologists have been uncovering remnants of the possible first capital of Bermuda.

Michael Jarvis and his team of students from the University of Rochester, as well as Bermudian volunteers and a group from the University of Southampton in England, have been working on the site this summer.

The Smith’s Island Archaeological Project has partnered with the Bermuda National Trust, the Bermuda Government, the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo and the St George’s Foundation.

“[The purpose of this project] is to better understand Bermuda’s shared world history within a global, Atlantic world context,” a government spokesman said.

Dr Jarvis said that the team had a “compelling argument” that the site, spotted in April when ground-penetrating radar was brought to the island, is Bermuda’s first town of 410 years ago.

British settlers on their way to England’s Jamestown colony in Virginia stumbled upon Bermuda in 1609 when their ship, Sea Venture, got separated from its fleet in a hurricane and wrecked off the then uninhabited island.

The group managed to build two new ships and continue on to Virginia in 1610, leaving three settlers alone on Bermuda, on Smith’s Island, with the ship’s dog for company.

Read more.

Royal Gazette: National Trust says Cup Match Camping at nature reserve must not be allowed to happen again

An environmental charity has raised serious concerns over Government’s decision to grant access to a nature reserve for campers and their vehicles over the Cup Match holiday.

The reserve – Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve – is categorised as a Class A protected area under The National Parks Act 1986 and as such camping and vehicular traffic is not normally permitted within the site.

Karen Border, the executive director for the Bermuda National Trust, said: “The nature reserves have been given special protection for good reasons and it is imperative that those protections are upheld at all times.

“The Bermuda National Trust is very concerned that part of the Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve was open for camping over Cup Match. Camping is a high-impact, inappropriate use of such a space.

“Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve is one of the last preserves of the critically endangered Bermuda skink, some of the islands on which Cahows nest are just offshore of the beaches, and there are hundreds of longtails nesting along the shore of the reserve.

“Many local schoolchildren, community groups and corporate groups have given hundreds of hours of volunteer time to replant the nature reserve with native and endemic species – some of that vegetation has been trampled and damaged due to the camping activity.“

Click here to read the full article.

Help us choose Springfield’s new colour!

The community helped us choose the new colour for BNT headquarters ‘Waterville’ a few months ago. This time Bermuda National Trust property ‘Springfield’ in Somerset will have a facelift. Please help us choose one of the following colours from our palette of historic colours!

To place your vote, click here.

We’ve narrowed it down to three colours, and sample patches have been painted on the South side of Springfield adjacent to the entrance arch. Should you wish to see what they look like on the building, you are most welcome to stop by and visit before placing your vote.

In 2018, a team of experts analysed the very old paint layers on some of the Trust’s historic buildings. From this research, we were able to create a palette of historic colours based on organic materials available in the past to create different pigments.

All votes must be in by 5 pm Friday 12 August.

We are also looking for names for these colours, so please send us your suggestions for those too!

For more information on the paint analysis, please visit bnt.bm.

Royal Gazette: Government hits back over ‘desecration’ of waterfront

The Government has pushed back at allegations that it is rubber-stamping the development of environmentally sensitive land, insisting that safeguards are in place to ensure the public is consulted on any development before the bulldozers move in.

In a statement on Friday, a spokesman for the Ministry of Home Affairs, said that laws that came into effect earlier this month would “ensure openness and transparency” to Special Development Orders.

Earlier this week, the Bermuda National Trust said that the public needed to protest against “ the desecration of Bermuda’s remaining open spaces”.

Royal Gazette: Girl power unleashed to clean up west end beauty spots

A team of Girl Scouts from the US is on the island to take part in an international clean-up operation.

The group, consisting of around 100 members, teamed up with Bermuda’s Girl Guides to clear debris from a beach and neighbouring nature reserves.

The partnership came about through Troop FriendSHIP Bermuda – a five-night cruise during which US guides will be involved in a number of activities on the island.

The clean-up project – which focused on Somerset Long Bay, the Audubon nature reserve to the west of the park, the Buy Back Bermuda nature reserve to the east of the park, and the Gilbert Nature Reserve, was co-ordinated by the Bermuda National Trust.

Myles Darrell, the trust’s head of natural heritage, said: “A project of this magnitude with such a large group requires a lot of help. I’m happy to say that Keep Bermuda Beautiful, Bermuda Audubon Society, Buy Back Bermuda and Greenrock are all actively engaged.

“We will have eight groups of between 15 and 20 people working.

“This is such a great opportunity to clear up these beautiful natural spaces in time for Cup Match, which is in Somerset this year. We really hope the community will enjoy these areas over the holiday – and respect them, leaving them as they found them.”

After Cup Match, environmentalists will revisit the properties to monitor the impact of the holiday activity and record the results.

Click here to read the full article.

Bernews: Girl Guides & US Girl Scouts Clean Up

Girl Scouts from 23 US states will collaborate with Bermuda’s Girl Guides in a clean-up of west end beaches and nature reserves, and the project, coordinated by the Bermuda National Trust, scheduled for today.

In total, the environmental exercise will involve more than 150 Girl Scouts, Girl Guides and their leaders. The American Girl Scouts will be on the island as part of Troop FriendSHIP Bermuda – a five-night cruise during which they will be involved in a number of activities.

Myles Darrell, BNT Head of Natural Heritage, said that when he was contacted by the organisers with the community project request, he knew it could only be achieved through collaboration with other environmental organisations.

Click here to read the full article.

Built Heritage: Garrison Hospital

BUILT HERITAGE: June 2022 By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust

This post is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that highlight some of Bermuda’s endangered historic buildings. 

Located to the east of what once was the Royal Barracks with views of the sea on one side and the parade ground on the other is the old Garrison Hospital. It was built away from the barracks to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and to benefit from the ocean breezes then thought to be essential to the recovery of invalids. The Garrison Hospital was the largest and the last of the four military hospitals in St George’s and was built around 1819 on nine acres purchased from the Honourable Joseph Hutchison. A Member of Council and the health officer for the port of St George’s, Hutchison sold the War Department another ten-acre tract in 1830 before he returned to England.

The new hospital was intended to cope with the yellow fever epidemic which was proving particularly devastating to garrison personnel. It is interesting to compare the sentiment of some then to some in our current Covid situation today. When the Bermuda Gazette of 23 October 1819 reported that the number of deaths had exceeded 250, it was accused of an “invidious attempt to exaggerate the destructive effects of fever … and having no scruples of injuring the mercantile interests of St George’s”.

Click here to read the full Built Heritage article on Garrison Hospital

Royal Gazette: Huge public outcry needed to halt ‘desecration’ of island’s green spaces says BNT

The “desecration” of Bermuda’s environment will continue unless there is a huge public outcry to stop development of green spaces, according to the Bermuda National Trust.

The comments came after work started to clear a site on Harrington Sound Road for a four-bedroom house on an area that used to be protected as coastal reserve.

The site, overlooking Harrington Sound near Shark Hole in Hamilton Parish, was re-zoned as residential through the Tucker’s Point special development order more than ten years ago.

Karen Border, executive director of the Bermuda National Trust, said: “The development of a four-bedroom house and pool on the very narrow strip of land between the road and Harrington Sound at Shark Hole is a prime example of the environmental damage that can arise from SDOs.

“Prior to the granting of the 2011 Tucker’s Point SDO, this land was zoned as coastal reserve with additional protection as a cave protection area and water resources protection area.

“The SDO removed those protections and 11 years later we see the result.”

Ms Border said that the BNT and others objected to the project, but the development was approved by the Department of Planning.

“Until there is a loud enough outcry from the Bermuda public as a whole that will sway decision-makers to rule against such developments, we are likely to keep on seeing the desecration of Bermuda’s remaining open spaces,” she said.

Ms Border said the BNT and other local environmental organisations are now keeping a close eye on the potential SDO for the Fairmont Southampton site.

A 2009 SDO for the Fairmont Southampton gave planning permission in principle for 130 fractional tourism and residential units. However, the developer, Gencom, has said it intended to propose amendments to that SDO to support investment in the hotel.

Click here to read the full article

Bernews: Emancipation Walkabout Start In Sandys

The ‘Emancipation Cup Match‘ walkabout was held in Sandys today [July 3] taking people on a route which tells the “stories of yesteryear” including pre-emancipation, Cup Match observances, the Friendly Society in Somerset, Somerset Cricket Club and more.

A Friends of Sandys spokesperson previously said, “The route will include sites which tell stories of yesteryear…times pre-emancipation; the story of Emancipation Day and Cup Match observances from 1834 to 1947; the story of the Friendly Society in Somerset which was directly involved in the creation of Cup Match; the story of the earliest years and locations of the Somerset Cricket Club; the story of the first Cup Match, the story of the relationship between West End Primary School, the Somerset Cricket Club and Cup Match, and a few highlights of Somerset Cricket Club’s more recent Cup Match history, bringing us to the 120th anniversary of the Annual Cup Match Classic in 2022, July 28, 2022, Emancipation Day and July 29, 2022, Mary Prince Day.”

If you missed the event this morning — and please note our video is just a small snippet and in no way represents the full walk — you can attend the next one, as the organisers will be hosting the event again on July 17th.

The walk, which will take place from 8.00am to 10.00am, is free and for more information, please email friendsofsandys@gmail.com.

Click here to read the full article 

Bernews: BNT’s Annual Heritage Awards Winners

The Bermuda National Trust heritage awards were recently presented after a two-year gap.

A spokesperson said, “Larry Mills, Richard Spurling, Chaplain Dr. Kevin Santucci and 15-year-old Luke Foster were amongst those receiving top awards for their contribution to Bermuda’s cultural or natural heritage.

“The annual awards, sponsored by Butterfield & Vallis, recognise individuals, organisations or groups which have worked for the benefit of Bermuda and its people, to preserve places of beauty, environmental significance or historical interest, buildings or artefacts, or animal and plant life, and to promote their appreciation.

“The top Environment Award, the Bermudiana trophy, went to Chaplain Dr. Kevin Santucci for the Grow-Eat-Save Programme, which he started in 2015. Since that time over 500 Bermudians have learned to grow their own food and reconnected with nature in the process. Chaplain Santucci was recognized for “making a very positive contribution to a more sustainable Bermuda”.

“The Outstanding Young Environmentalist award was presented to Luke Foster, a 15-year-old student who has shown exceptional commitment and contribution to the preservation of Bermuda’s natural environment. Luke is a driving force within the Warwick Academy Natural History Club and an active member of the Bermuda Audubon Society. He has already made significant accomplishments as a local birder and has been tipped by David Wingate as likely to become one of Bermuda’s foremost conservationists.

“Richard Spurling, and the St. David’s Island Historical Society which he chairs, were awarded the DeForest Trimingham Awareness Award for exceptional heritage conservation and interpretation at Carter House, St. David’s. In recent years there have been major enhancements to the museum and its exhibits, as well as a conservation project to replant the grounds with endemic and native trees and plants to recreate the early settlement environment. Rick Spurling has been the driving force behind ensuring that Carter House remains an extremely interesting and informative place for locals and tourists to learn about Bermuda’s – and particularly St. David’s Island – heritage.

Click here to read the full article.

Royal Gazette: National Trust honours work of people benefiting Bermuda

A chaplain who has taught people how to grow their own food has been honoured for “making a very positive contribution to a more sustainable Bermuda”.

Kevin Santucci was one of several people recognised at the Bermuda National Trust heritage awards, which were held on Wednesday after a two-year gap owing to the pandemic.

The annual awards recognise individuals, organisations and groups which have worked for the benefit of Bermuda and its people to preserve places of beauty, environmental significance or historical interest, buildings or artefacts, or animal and plant life, and to promote their appreciation.

Dr Santucci, who also a pastor, picked up the Bermudiana trophy for developing the Grow-Eat-Save Programme, which he started in 2015. More than 500 residents have learnt to grow their own food and reconnected with nature in the process under Dr Santucci’s guidance.

The Outstanding Young Environmentalist award was presented to Luke Foster, who has shown exceptional commitment and contribution to the preservation of Bermuda’s natural environment.

A trust spokeswoman said that Luke, 15, “is a driving force within the Warwick Academy Natural History Club and an active member of the Bermuda Audubon Society”.

“He has already made significant accomplishments as a local birder and has been tipped by David Wingate as likely to become one of Bermuda’s foremost conservationists.”

The St David’s Island Historical Society and its chairman, Richard Spurling, were awarded the DeForest Trimingham Awareness Award for exceptional heritage conservation and interpretation at Carter House in St David’s.

The spokeswoman said: “In recent years there have been major enhancements to the museum and its exhibits, as well as a conservation project to replant the grounds with endemic and native trees and plants to recreate the early settlement environment

Click here to read the full article.

Built Heritage: Watlington House

BUILT HERITAGE: May 2022 By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust

This post is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that highlight some of Bermuda’s endangered historic buildings. 

Watlington House has been much altered and it not known exactly when it was built. However a house on the site is believed to have been built by Francis Watlington whose grave is located behind the house. The inscription on the tomb reads ‘Sacred to the memory of Francis Watlington – Native of Wales – 1679’. Francis’ father came to Bermuda in 1622 as Provost Marshal (an early term for chief of police). By the early 1800s it was the home of mariner William Watlington and his wife Elizabeth.

In 1867 the Watlingtons, along with many other Devonshire families, had to sell their ancestral home to the War Department under the Bermuda Defence Act of 1865. Benjamin William Watlington’s house and 11¾ acres of wood and arable land was just one of the many Devonshire properties that appeared in The Royal Gazette of 17 December 1867. Many more followed and although properties were taken throughout Bermuda, Devonshire, the most centrally-located parish, was the most heavily affected. John Cox, in his book The Best of Old Bermuda, shares a letter by Aubrey Cox in which he wrote “about a third of the parish was taken by the War Department for the use of its garrisons and the families concerned loyally gave up all they had had for the betterment of the empire and tried to build their lives afresh in new places…. It was the beginning of the end.” John Cox explains that this expropriation effectively split the parish and had a tragic impact on Devonshire’s whole make-up, both physically and socially.

Click here to read the full built heritage article on Watlington House

Built Heritage: Convict Bathhouses

BUILT HERITAGE: April 2022 By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust

This post is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that highlight some of Bermuda’s endangered historic buildings. 

When the building of the Dockyard began in 1809 the British Admiralty had a desperate need for labourers. So, 74 English and 54 Bermudian craftsmen were hired along with 164 labourers and an unspecified number of enslaved persons who were hired from their Bermudian owners. In 1823 it was decided that employing convicts from the over-populated English prisons would be a better solution. The HMS Antelope was fitted out to accommodate 300 convicts to be employed at Dockyard and other fortifications on the island. In 1826 the Dromedary arrived with another 300 convicts, followed by the Coromandel in 1828 with yet another 300. By the end of 1846 the Tenedos and Thames had arrived and the convict population totalled 1,759. In total, some 9,000 convicts were employed and were quartered in old warships known as ‘hulks’.

At Boaz Island and at the southern end of Ireland Island are the remains of some of buildings erected by the convicts in hard Bermuda limestone for use as bathing houses. They appear as small towers, in effect cells open to the sky, but walled in so as to form a room on the water’s edge. They were designed to have sea water flow into them through holes at such a height that there was always water for bathing. The buildings had a single entry consisting of steps down into the water, and convicts were therefore confined during their ablutions. This prevented escapes that might occur if the men were allowed to bath directly in the sea. While most were circular structures, square shaped bathhouses were also built.

Click here to read the full Built Heritage Article on the Convict Bathhouses

Help us choose Waterville’s new colour!

Bermuda National Trust headquarters “Waterville”, at the Foot of the Lane, is due for painting and we would like your help to choose the colour.

In 2018, a team of experts analysed the very old paint layers on some of the Trust’s historic buildings. From this research, we were able to create a palette of historic colours, which were based on organic materials available in the past to create different pigments. We want to choose from that palette to repaint Waterville in an authentic heritage colour.

We’ve narrowed it down to two colours similar to those known to have been used on Waterville in the past, one more bold than the other.  To help us choose, visit this link to see the choices and vote for your favourite.  Sample patches have also been painted on the north side of Waterville. Should you wish to see what they look like on the building, you are most welcome to come and visit before placing your vote. All votes must be in by 5pm Wednesday 18 May.

We are also looking for names for these colours, so please send us your suggestions for those too!

Built Heritage: The Convict Bathhouses, Boaz and Ireland islands

BUILT HERITAGE: April 2022 By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust

This post is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that highlight some of Bermuda’s endangered historic buildings. 

When the building of the Dockyard began in 1809 the British Admiralty had a desperate need for labourers. So, 74 English and 54 Bermudian craftsmen were hired along with 164 labourers and an unspecified number of enslaved persons who were hired from their Bermudian owners. In 1823 it was decided that employing convicts from the over-populated English prisons would be a better solution. The HMS Antelopewas fitted out to accommodate 300 convicts to be employed at Dockyard and other fortifications on the island. In 1826 the Dromedary arrived with another 300 convicts, followed by the Coromandel in 1828 with yet another 300. By the end of 1846 the Tenedos and Thames had arrivedand the convict population totalled 1,759. In total, some 9,000 convicts were employed and were quartered in old warships known as ‘hulks’. 

At Boaz Island and at the southern end of Ireland Island are the remains of some of buildings erected by the convicts in hard Bermuda limestone for use as bathing houses. They appear as small towers, in effect cells open to the sky, but walled in so as to form a room on the water’s edge. They were designed to have sea water flow into them through holes at such a height that there was always water for bathing. The buildings had a single entry consisting of steps down into the water, and convicts were therefore confined during their ablutions. This prevented escapes that might occur if the men were allowed to bath directly in the sea. While most were circular structures, square shaped bathhouses were also built.

Read the full Built Heritage Article on the Convict Bathhouses

Bernews: Eve’s Pond Reserve Opens To Public

Buy Back Bermuda said they are “thrilled to be opening the Eve’s Pond Nature Reserve in Hamilton Parish to the public today” after the “3.4-acre property was purchased with public donations to Buy Back Bermuda in 2008 and work to restore it as a nature reserve began in 2019.”

A spokesperson said, “Buy Back Bermuda is a joint initiative of the Bermuda Audubon Society and the Bermuda National Trust working together to conserve the island’s precious remaining open space, and wildlife for the benefit of present and future generations.

“The Somerset Long Bay East Nature Reserve – the first of Buy Back Bermuda’s nature reserves, opened on Earth Day 2007. The Vesey Nature Reserve in Southampton was opened on Earth Day 2013.

“Eve’s Pond, which adjoins the Railway Trail in Hamilton Parish, west of Shelly Bay, includes a rocky coastline with tidal pools, an inland valley with a brackish pond, and a wooded hillside.

“The original tidal pond from which the site got its name, was in-filled with dredgings from Flatts Inlet in 1939 and over the following decades became heavily wooded with casuarina trees. These have been removed and the pond re-excavated, leaving a small islet for nesting birds.

Read full article online