About Plateau des Minquiers
This reef, known locally as the Minkies, is Britain’s most southery outpost and at some tides uncovers a larger area than Jersey. Together with Les Ecréhous and the Paternosters, it is a protected RAMSAR site on account of its unique wildlife. For centuries the rare ormer shellfish, considered a local delicacy, has been gathered here at very low ‘ormering’ tides.
Maîtresse Ile is large enough to hold a dozen or so small houses, most of which were built by the quarrymen who toiled on the reef in the 18th century. Fort Regent on Jersey is said to have been built of granite transported by barge from the Minkies. By the early 19th century local fishermen, fearing there would soon be little left of their valuable fishing grounds threw the quarrymen’s tools into the sea, but they had already had enough and in 1807 emigrated to work for the French on Chausey. Their names can still be seen carved on the rocks.
For centuries French and Jersey fishermen shared the harvest of the Minkies, their harsh lives being immortalised by Victor Hugo in his famous novel ‘The Toilers of the Sea’. IN 1953 sovereignty of the reef was confirmed in favour of Britain and the French removed all their buoys.
Ashore
There are no restrictions to landing and exploring Maîtresse Ile but visitors should respect the privacy of residents and their properties. In the Spring tread carefully to avoid nests and fledglings.
There is a Jersey Impots (Customs) hut on the island which is fitted out with bunks and basic rations for emergency use. The landing pad at the north end of Maîtresse Ile may occasionally be used by Search and Rescue helicopters.