The Cayman Islands are more than sun, sand and sea—they are home to ecosystems that sustain life, culture, and community. Our forests, wetlands, and reefs are not luxuries; they are lifelines. But like many islands in the region facing population growth, rapid development and climate change impacts, Cayman must either choose to intentionally preserve and live in harmony with nature, or choose to allow these vital ecosystems to erode.
Protected Areas are a legal designation under the National Conservation Act (NCA) to ensure ecologically significant marine and terrestrial spaces may be protected for future generations to enjoy. Cayman has led the way in marine conservation regionally, having established Marine Parks legislation nearly 40 years ago. But with global targets for both land and sea protected areas aimed at 30% by 2030, the Cayman Islands remain woefully low with less than 12% of lands currently protected. As our islands urbanize, terrestrial protected areas play a critical role in safeguarding our fragile ecosystems, but it’s the access to these wild spaces which offers a deeper, intrinsic value to human health and well-being.
Hemmington Forest
“Hemmington Road” is a traditional pedestrian path and right of way in central Cayman Brac running from Songbird Drive to the northern Bluff edge, accessed by a wooden staircase that ascends from Dennis Foster Rd. Though somewhat rugged, the trail has long been maintained by District Administration and enjoyed by residents and visitors as a nature tourism and recreational asset. According to unverified accounts collected so far, Hemmington Road was most likely named after Hemmington Chesse Foster who would have originally established the pathway sometime in the latter half of the 1800’s to access agricultural plots known as “Halfway Grounds” and transport provisions across family-owned Bluff lands.
The area became known as Hemmington Forest when 194-acres of the surrounding Crown lands were designated as a Protected Area under the National Conservation Act (NCA) by Cabinet order in 2017, and the site was identified as an ideal contender for Cayman’s first National Park. The draft management plan for Hemmington Forest is currently in public consultation, welcoming comments and suggestions from Cayman Brac residents and the general public on how the park can provide a safe and dynamic immersion into this inspiring natural asset.
The goal for management of the Hemmington Forest National Park is to give the residents of Cayman Brac and their visitors an enjoyable and inspirational experience of the natural and human history of the land, while cherishing, restoring and protecting its natural biodiversity.
This species of red-legged thrush is unique to Cayman Brac and found nowhere else in the world.
Access to Nature
The entire area of the National Park is a complex mosaic of primary xeromorphic (drought resistant) forests and shrublands, with small areas of old-growth secondary forest on historic farm land with remnant fruit trees. It is a valuable habitat for the Cayman Brac Parrot, Banana Orchid, Red-legged Thrush, and Sister Islands Rock Iguana, all of which are endemic to the island and found nowhere else in the world.
Beyond the ecological benefits, access to expanses of nature provides people invaluable opportunities for improved overall health and mental well-being. Studies have shown that spending just a few minutes a day in green spaces improves physical health, reduces stress, and enhances cognitive function.
The Hemmington Forest Management Plan embraces sustainably designed and constructed walking trails with education stations to offer easy access to interior portions of this dynamic bluff top forest. This will enable elders, children and even wheelchairs to visit this pristine environment and enjoy its wildlife and natural beauty. An observation tower will give visitors a majestic view over the forest canopy with its tall, emergent Yellow Mastic trees that are characteristic of this area. The park offers a vibrant opportunity to disconnect from the bustle of modern life and become immersed in the sights and sounds of what our incredible Cayman Islands were like for the millions of years before human settlement.
Verdant Sanctuary
Protected Areas provide both sanctuary for native species and fragile ecosystems, while also providing access to the abundance of nature they harbour, promoting human health and well-being. These areas serve as vital components of preserving Cayman’s natural heritage, and a more sustainable future. Strengthening conservation efforts to expand protected lands and seas will help ensure our incredible Cayman Islands remain a verdant sanctuary where generations to come may continue to be nurtured by Cayman’s deepest nature.
Learn more at conservation.ky/hemmington-forest