EDMUND FOREST RESERVE – SAINTE-LUCIE

Description

Edmund Forest Reserve is a forest reserve located in a mountainous region west of Saint Lucia. Its protection and maintenance are ensured by the Saint Lucia Forestry Department.

This reserve, covering approximately 8,000 hectares of mountains and valleys, is populated by dense tropical forest. It is home to an impressive diversity of flowers, trees, plants, and rare birds, including the St. Lucia Amazon (Amazona versicolor), a bird endemic to the island.

Biodiversity

In terms of vegetation, there are many plants to be seen, such as the medlar (Chrysothemis pulchella), the crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii), red ginger (Alpinia purpurata), as well as bromeliads, orchids, mushrooms, vines, and many other species. Some of these plants grow on the spongy forest floor, while others, such as tree ferns (Cyathea arborea), sway along the trail.

The Edmund Forest Reserve is also home to more than 30 species of birds, five of which are endemic to the Millet Bird Sanctuary. Among these species are the white-footed finch (Melanospiza richardsoni), the Saint Lucia warbler (Setophaga delicata), the Saint Lucia oriole (Icterus laudabilis), the broad-billed flycatcher (Contopus latirostris), and the St. Lucia parrot (Amazona versicolor), the island’s emblem. Other species found here include the Madeira hummingbird (Eulampis jugularis), the Saint Lucia river crab (Guinotia dentata), the Saint Lucia boa (Boa orophias), and many others.

Ecotourism potential

There is a forest ranger station at the entrance to the site, as permission from the Saint Lucia Forestry Department is required to access it. An entrance fee of EC$25 (€8.50) per person is required, with a 50% discount for children. In addition, due to the density of the vegetation, the presence of a naturalist or forest ranger guide is also mandatory.

For tourists and visitors, there are several trails available:

The Edmund Forest Trail is a 4-hour hike covering approximately 10 kilometers and offering a view of Mount Gimie at the end of the trail. It crosses the Quilesse Forest Reserve and also offers occasional glimpses of the Caribbean Sea. This trail is relatively flat and features footbridges to cross streams. The starting point is about a 30-minute drive from the town of Soufrière and about 1.5 hours from Castries.

The Des Cartier rainforest trail, on the other hand, is a less strenuous hike on relatively flat terrain, ideal for those looking for a more accessible experience.

For bird watching, the Millet Bird Sanctuary trail is particularly recommended. Located at an altitude of approximately 304 meters, this 2.5-kilometer trail takes about an hour to walk and offers breathtaking views of the John Compton Dam, the largest in the Eastern Caribbean, stretching over 2 kilometers.