Topic: Graeme Hall

The Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary is home to Graeme Hall Swamp, a mangrove swamp and popular tourist attraction in Christ Church, Barbados. It is an example of the coastal swamps which once dotted the leeward coast of Barbados from Speightstown to Chancery Lane. Two species of mangroves occur in the area, red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) and white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa), both of which thrive in the brackish water of the swamp.

Many species of rush-like sedge also flourish in the waterlogged ground. The water contains large fish as well as a smaller fish similar to mollies, commonly kept in aquaria. Particularly striking are large numbers of small fiddler crab, Uca burgersi, which scurry along pathways. A great attraction of the swamp is the return of egrets each evening to nest. Many migrating birds rest here each year and bird shooting no longer occurs at this site.

The attraction also includes a collection of captive birds, including parrots (originally from neighbouring St. Vincent), the brilliantly coloured Scarlet Ibis and Flamingos.