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Deep in St Lucia’s mountainous interior almost 1,800 feet above sea level, lies 19,000 acres of rainforest and the 29 miles of trails that run through it.
The rainforest is respected as a habitat for rare birds and plants, a world where lushness is overpowering, where elusive parrots squawk overhead, orchids scent the air, hummingbird buzz near brilliant heliconia and climbing palms encircle tall trees like lovers in a parting embrace.
It has taken centuries for St Lucia’s rainforest to become its current well-developed refuge, nonetheless, two thousand years ago, Arawak tribes associated the dark woods with evil spirits and for centuries the forest remained untouched and the spirits the Amerindians feared evolved into island folklore.
Amongst the most enduring symbols of the rainforest is St Lucia’s National bird, the Amazona Versicolor or the Jacquot as it is affectionately known, once an endangered species, with protection its numbers have risen.
The local craft markets, sell baskets which have been woven from climbing foot palms and aralie (a hanging root) and beautiful necklaces made from colourful dédéfouden seeds from the mammoth trees which form the forest’s canopy.
The St Lucia National Trust and the Forestry Department has played a key role in the development and maintenance of the rainforest and its trails, whilst the government licenses the trained guides to lead visitors through its trails.
More and more visitors are discovering and enjoying this ancient complex world.
