Welcome to Vesey Nature Reserve!
The Vesey Nature Reserve is located in Southampton Parish near Port Royal gas station, just off of Middle Road, between Evan’s Bay Road and Rockaway. This reserve stretches out to 8 acres of open space, walking and hiking trails, lush upland woodland, coastal shoreline and mangrove habitat. It also features remains of an old Bermuda limestone quarry. The property was previously owned by Ms. Sharon Vesey and donated to the Buy Back Bermuda Campaign II in association with the Bermuda National Trust and the Bermuda Audubon Society.
Opened during Earth Day in 2009 the Vesey Reserve has been undergoing phases of restoration and reforested with help from volunteers of the Bermuda Audubon Society, HSBC Bermuda and the Bermuda National Trust. The group collectively removed heaps of trash and miscellaneous debris, invasive plant species, installed a contributory plaque honoring Ms. Vesey and other donors whom contributed to the Buy Back Bermuda Campaign II.
The walking trails provide interesting facts, photos and directions to better guide visitors through the reserve. Restoration efforts also included plantings of the once common and dominant Bermuda Cedars Juniperus bermudiana, Bermuda Olivewood Cassine laneana, native Jamaican Dogwood Dodonaea viscosa, rare Bermuda Sedge Carex bermudiana and Darrell’s Fleabane Erigeron darrellianus. The reserve is also one of the fewest locations that service as a refuge for the rare and endangered Bermuda Bedstraw Galium pilosum, Red Mulberry Morus rubra and Rhacoma Crossopetalum rhacoma.
Visitors can see a wide variety of native and exotic wildlife such as sea birds including the White-tailed tropic bird Phaethon lepturus, migratory waterfowl such as the American Coot Fulica Americana and Snowy Egret Egretta thula. On the top of the hill lies an observation tower where visitors can explore and observe wildlife overlooking the Great Sound. This reserve offers plenty of places to picnic, relax and spectate.
The Mangrove pond provides another great spot to see a variety of pond life and waterfowl. It is dominated by the Red Mangrove Rhizophora mangle, Cape Weed Phyla nodiflora and the introduced mosquito fish and the Gambusia affinis. Closer towards the road side of the pond is a garden providing a selection of annual and year round crops and herbs. This is a spectacular area and a must see for all!
Public transport:
Bus # 7 and 8
Disclaimer
- This geocache has approval to be placed at this location on property managed by the Bermuda National Trust and the Bermuda Audubon Society.
- The following items may not be placed in the geocache: food, illegal substances, medications, personal hygiene products, pornographic materials, hazardous materials, or weapons of any type.
- By searching for the cache, visitors agree that they are responsible for their own actions, and acknowledge that neither the Bermuda Government nor the cache owner is responsible for any loss or injury that may occur in relation to such search.
- Report any incident, problem, or violation to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
