Walking trails, a fruit forest and a fernery could all be introduced to the island’s next nature reserve, according to a recent planning application.

The proposal, submitted by Buy Back Bermuda – a collaborative initiative by the Bermuda National Trust and the Bermuda Audubon Society – laid out the organisation’s plans for the High Point Nature Reserve on Alton Hill in Southampton.

A Conservation Management Plan included in the application said the first one to two years of the project would include the development of walking trails and a small parking area, as well as the instillation of a series of informative signs.

The plan said that a portion of agricultural land would be earmarked for the creation of a “fruit forest” with locally growing fruit such as pomegranate, mulberry, fig, peach and loquat.

The organisation would also start work on removing invasive plants and casuarina pines, although that work would be ongoing.

In the following years, Buy Back Bermuda hope to work with local beekeepers to bring hives to the fruit forest, develop a pollinator garden and create a fernery, which would house a variety of native and endemic ferns, including several endangered varieties.

The CMP noted that a significant portion of the site was being used for sheep grazing and the bulk of the agriculturally zoned portion of the area would continue to be used for that purpose.

“It is our intention to continue the grazing of sheep on the land but reduce the amount of grazing land to a total of 1.6 acres,” the plan stated.

“The area the sheep graze has increased over the years and while grazing keeps invasive species at bay, the area the sheep occupy will decrease as the need for their services reduces.

“The sheep currently assist with managing the spread of the giant reed, which it is hoped will eventually be eradicated.

“Ultimately, these grazed areas will be planted with summer shade trees and tree guards will be installed to protect the trunks from grazing.”

Regarding potential uses of the property, the CMP said that the public would be welcome to walk trails through the site, but mountain biking and horseback riding would be limited to BBB-approved events.

The organisation said the property would also be a valuable educational resource, providing an opportunity for experiential learning.

“Having young people learning outdoors means they spend more time with nature and it helps them to understand the interconnectedness of all things,” the plan said.

“The Bermuda National Trust will develop teaching resources related to the site and will make it a part of its educational field trip programme.

“Other learning facilitators will also be encouraged to use the space so that the reserve becomes a valuable outdoor classroom. The goal is that every Bermudian child will have the opportunity to experience this valuable nature reserve.”

From an environmental standpoint, the CMP said the ten-acre site hosted a variety of habitats for local flora and fauna.

“The coastal cliffs are critical habitat for longtail nesting,” the documents added.

“Preserving and protecting this space will help to maintain ecological balance and ensure the provision of ecosystem services at the site and beyond.

“We are confident this site could support populations of skinks and owls and will encourage research to foster this possibility.

“The BBB team is also investigating the potential to enhance the site to allow for pursuits such as dark sky observation and other eco-tourism activities.”

The CMP added that visitors would be able to enjoy a “stunning panoramic” view of South Shore and ruins which show a glimpse into the life of early settlers.

“With so many different and varying aspects, there’s no doubt the site will be an attraction for locals and visitors.”

The plan, however, said BBB’s limited financial and manpower resources would be the most significant challenge to moving forward with the plan.

“There is no existing endowment and currently the only source of income is the rent received from the tenant farmer,” the report said.

“With oversight from a very part-time contractor, most work must be carried out by volunteers and where sponsor financing allows, paid contractors.”

BBB announced that it had purchased the property in 2022 with the support of an “angel” donor and had hoped to formally open the site as the organisation’s fourth nature reserve this year.

In January, it was announced that BBB was more than a third of the way towards its goal to fund the project.