Bermuda is an enchanting destination with so much to give, so why not give a little back? Here’s how to experience Bermuda while creating positive change for the local environment and communities…
To celebrate Earth Day 2022 and the rise in sustainable travel across the world, Bermuda invites travellers to experience the island in a greener and smarter way than ever before. From farm-to-table dining experiences to contributing to the ocean’s vulnerable coral reefs, travellers can explore the very best of Bermuda whilst creating positive change for the local environment and communities this year.
Farm-to-table dining experiences
Valuable yet vulnerable, Bermuda’s marine resources are one of the island’s greatest assets and there are a number of ways travellers can contribute to their protection. Grab a spear and dive into Bermuda’s warm waters in search of Lionfish – an invasive (but tasty) species that harms the island’s precious reefs and native fish. With the local phrase of ‘eat em’ to beat em’, The Lionfish Tournament encourages locals and visitors to catch Lionfish to help protect the marine ecology that’s vital for maintaining the health of the coral reefs, whilst enjoying a fun festival with food, live music and more.
For the landlubber, a number of farm-to-table dining experiences await such as joining naturalist and vegan chef Doreen Williams James, creator of Wild Herbs and Plants of Bermuda on a foraging tour through the Bermudian wilderness, where she’ll show you edible fruits, vegetables and herbs along the way. Afterwards, join Doreen for a cooking demonstration, sampling all of the delicious dishes she makes using these fresh and local ingredients.
To sample traditional Bermudian cuisine, head to Wadson’s Farm, a 40-acre sustainable farm in Southampton supplying many Bermudian restaurants and grocers with organic produce and meats. The farm is famous on the island for its fish sandwich of gently fried cod sandwiched between Bermuda’s signature raisin bread, spotlighting the destination’s famous mix of savoury and sweet flavours.
Get stuck into local conservation efforts
Nonsuch Island Nature Reserve, located at the eastern end of Bermuda in St. George’s Parish, is a must-visit for the eco-conscious traveller. The island is home to Bermuda’s rarest and most endangered plant and animal species, including the Bermuda Pretel or ‘‘Cahow” Translocation Project which is being brought back after being thought to be extinct for over 300 years. Nonsuch Island is one of the earliest examples of Ecological Restoration to be found anywhere in the world, where a project to restore an entire ecosystem, with all of its associated plant and animal communities in their appropriate habitats, has been underway for more than 50 years.
Bermuda’s greatest conservation project lies beneath the azure waters. Living Reefs Foundation is Bermuda’s first organisation dedicated to the conservation of the island’s invaluable coral reefs and has recently partnered with Rosewood Bermuda. The Coral Garden Workshops invite travellers to join the team on a snorkelling mission, planting coral for themselves and supporting the foundation’s efforts to maintain and grow Bermuda’s precious Coral Reef system. Down below, divers won’t miss the hundreds of shipwrecks that the island is most famous for, offering hours of fascinating exploration of the ship’s colossal fixtures and plethora of marine life.
Get back to nature and adventure motor-free
With hidden trails a plenty, the best island sights and most idyllic caves and coves are accessible only by foot or horseback, without the need for conventional vehicles. Meander the 18-mile Bermuda Railway Trail from East to West of the island, discover the quiet trails of Tom Moore’s Jungle, or scramble the rocks of John Smith’s Bay. Whichever direction you adventure in, you’re sure to find exotic wildlife, sounds and aromas of island life in Bermuda. If you do find yourself needing four wheels, the island’s innovative two-seater electric Twizy’s are a fun and eco-friendly option, and much more exciting than a car.
For more information, visit: www.gotobermuda.co.uk
