St. Ouen

St. Ouen stretches along Jersey's western coast, the island's largest parish by area encompassing Five Mile Beach and the sand dunes that make this Jersey's premier surfing destination. Population density of just 274 per km² reflects agricultural and natural character that urbanization has not reached—over 60% of land under cultivation, 23% natural environment, minimal built development.

The beach and dunes create recreational value without the resort infrastructure that St. Brelade developed, St. Ouen maintaining more authentic coastal character. Population of 4,206 and slow growth (3% between 2011-2021) confirm that the parish resists the development pressure that transforms parishes closer to St. Helier. The western exposure creates different conditions than the sheltered south—wilder, less suitable for beach tourism but ideal for surf culture.

Agricultural traditions persist in a parish where cultivation remains economically viable rather than merely heritage preservation. Whether St. Ouen can maintain this rural character—or whether its beaches eventually attract the development that beautiful coastlines elsewhere have invited—tests whether Jersey's planning system can protect the agricultural land that finance prosperity makes economically unnecessary but culturally valuable.