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The project, launched under the previous mandate and inaugurated last July, opened its doors to the public on Thursday October 30. The farm is home to some thirty animals, and plans to continue developing its spaces to accommodate new animals.
In the paddock, Grandpa Willy dozes, eyes half-closed. He's the oldest pony on the educational farm. "He lived through Hurricane Irma in 2017," explains animal keeper Michaël Taline on Tuesday, November 4. Around Papy Willy, his seven congeners observe visitors or bury their heads in the hay. The site's "mascot" is right next to them. "It's Olaf, the goat who's friends with the shetlands," continues Michaël Taline as he continues his tour. The little goat is a star because of his multi-faceted personality. "Olaf is calm here, but often jumps around. "
Ferme des îles, perched on a hill in Gouverneur, opened its doors to the public on Thursday, October 30. A long-awaited comeback for this place housing some thirty animals, built in place of the former equestrian center, blown away by Irma. The project was launched during the previous term of office. After a few delays and a grand inauguration in July, the 4,400 m2 educational farm is now almost entirely open to visitors. Only the playground is still closed. The soft ground installed there did not emerge unscathed from storm Jerry at the beginning of October and needs to be replaced. "It'll be ready by March," says site manager Grégory Henry Houëlche.
Workshops for schoolchildren
The young man arrived from mainland France in September to take charge of the space, in co-management with the Galop des îles association. "We want to make it a place dedicated to living things and animal mediation," explains Grégory Henry Houëlche. So, in addition to the free stroll open to all, workshops will be organized for schoolchildren during term time and for the leisure center during the vacations, every morning from Tuesday to Sunday. These activities will be run by Galop des îles volunteers and should be in place by the end of June 2026. "In fact, the association is currently recruiting! "says the farm manager. To apply, send an e-mail to: lafermedesiles971@gmail.com
Part of the site is occupied by the Agence territoriale de l'environnement (ATE), through care areas, a nursery and a future cattery. In a shelter, a convalescent seagull is already waiting to be rehabilitated. "We'll be able to release it within a month," says Michaël Taline. Other birds can be seen a few meters away, in an aviary. Macaw parrots and a dozen parakeets, some of them light blue.
Four magnificent panoramas
Ducks, guinea fowl and rabbits bask in their own corners. Between the pens and the fruit trees, some areas have yet to be developed. "We're taking it one step at a time, to move upmarket," says Grégory Henry Houëlche. The arrival of a donkey, for example, is planned for the round pen. The site also boasts a picnic area and four vantage points, offering breathtaking views of Gouverneur and Saline.
The educational farm has welcomed 480 visitors since it opened. There's been a real buzz," comments the manager. The first four days fell within the school vacation period, which also made attendance easier. "Among the curious, some were disappointed to find the playground closed. Two people complained about it," confides Grégory Henry Houëlche. Personally, I wanted us to open as soon as possible. Even if the games aren't accessible, it allows everyone to concentrate on what the site really is, which is a place for living. "
Robert confides that his three children, Luci, 12, twins Niko and Liesl, 10, would have loved to enjoy the wooden structures. This is the American tourist's 41st trip to the island. I've known about this place in Gouverneur for seven years, I saw it when everything was destroyed," he says, sitting at a picnic table. Today, it's absolutely magnificent! "Opposite him, unperturbed in the midday heat, Grandpa Willy is still dozing.
La ferme des îles is open Tuesday to Sunday, 8am to 1pm and 3pm to 7pm.
