Welchman Hall Gully in Barbaods ... A Marvel Forest !

Welchman Hall Gully in Barbados has a tale to discover , one that goes back over 300 hundred years and even as far back as before man.

Around the bend in the Scotland district of Barbados, lies this spectacle forest !

Young children happily get lost in a sense of adventure and curiosity.

The setting is wonderful for a family outing, a visit on your own or a tour with a special someone.

Whatever you choose to do...

Let go and be guided by the forest…

A trail of about ¾ of a mile takes you into the depths of this natural habitat.

The self guided tour , takes you along with a detailed booklet.

A guided tour is great! (Guided tours must be booked at least 24 hours in advance)

Tall trees and vines , provide shade on each side of the gully.

The sun shines through at intervals and clearly over the pond , making it an adoring centre piece of nature.

Picnic tables in between the forest and a gazebo, make it easy to relax and spend the day . Pack a picnic lunch.

You’ll hear roosters, various birds chirping , spot guinea birds and playful green monkeys.

Near the entrance, there is a platform where the monkeys visit daily for their serving of bananas.

They usually come in the morning and afternoon.

Often you hear the monkeys before you see them, if you know what one sounds like, it’s time for a photo!

Quickly get your camera out and get a decent shot. (and send one to me :) , could you

I have yet to get a decent photo).

As you walk the winding stone path, deep in to Welchman Hall Gully, these sounds start to disappear.

It becomes more serene, a little bit dimmer and cooler.

There's an unbelievable feeling of calm.

Try looking up to the trees, their trunks vanish in to the sun light.

The shorter you are the more fascinating this is but the harder it is on your neck.

Over 150 plant species line both sides of the pathway but the first one you’ll meet is the Bearded Fig Tree.

Los Barbados (the bearded ones) , after which Barbados got its name.

You’ll also see Mahogany and get up close with some more world famous trees.

Pick up fallen nutmeg or cocoa beans, as nature’s souvenirs.

There is even the Creeping Club Moss, one of the few remaining relatives of the tree like species that flourished when dinosaurs roamed the earth.

Looking pass these plants and trees, there are several caves over 3 centuries old , pitch black on the inside. Stirring curiosity .

Wonder what’s in there?

Maybe Bats, who knows, you can go take a peep . For me, the stalactites and stalagmites were fascinating enough on their own.

And if you haven’t seen enough or felt enough of nature's magic on your walk in to Welchman Hall Gully , walking back out, it looks like a completely different place.

Logic says you walked this trail just now but the drastic change in perspective was ‘lo and behold’ .

At the end of the hike, on the way out, go up the stone steps near the entrance, look back at the view of the gully, it’s fantastic!

Up there, there is another splendid view, you didn't bargain for.

It has nothing to do with the gully, except that you have to be in it to see this.

I wish I could tell you more but it's too good of a surprise.

Tip!: Walk slowly through the gully, stop and take it in, let it embrace you completely. It could very well become one of your favourite Barbados eco attractions.

If you do need a break, there are plenty benches at convenient spots along the path. And don’t forget your camera!

Welchman Hall Gully is a non-profit Barbados National Trust property which is privately leased and run by Debra Branker .

Debra followed her passion for the environment and took over Welchman Hall Gully about a year and a half ago.

With her Master’s in Ethno Botany, (the study of people and plants)Debra looks after every inch of Welchman Hall Gully and is hands on with caring the plants.

Keeping the habitat in balance, quickly pointing out what needs to be done, so that nature exists in harmony, particularly the plants along side the Giant African Snail.

Taking over this gully, Debra set up a nature programme.

Debra explains, “ the programme encourages children to discover and investigate their surroundings with hands on activities making the environment a fun and exciting place to explore.”

The nature programme is also currently being expanded to include an adopt-a-school initiative, where businesses or private parties can sponsor a school to participate in the programme each semester .

I love being here. It is very peaceful. If you love nature, you’ll love this trail too!

Many thanks to Debra for letting us feature Welchman Hall Gully here on www.life-n-styles-barbados.com

Feel free to contact Welchman Hall Gully Directly with your inquiries and comments by filling out the form below.

Opening hours: Welchman Hall Gully opens from 9:00am - 5:00pm . The last tour is at 4:30pm

The gully is closed on December 25th and the first Monday in August.

Tour Rates:

Adults US$ 9.00

Children US$ 4.50 (5 to 12 years old)

Children under 5 years old free

Group rates are available on request.

Note: Guided tours are available and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

Location: Welchman Hall, St,Thomas

Telephone: (246) 438-6671 After Hours: (246) 234-9960

Fax: (246) 420-6033