Cabinet approves plans for Cayman's first designated National Park

Cabinet has approved a management plan for Hemmington Forest in Cayman Brac. The approved plan envisions that the protected area will be the Cayman Islands’ first formally designated National Park. It introduces a comprehensive management framework for the Hemmington Forest National Park, designed to both protect its ecological value and thoughtfully enhance the experience for residents and visitors.

Spanning 194 acres of biodiverse dry forest and shrubland in west central Cayman Brac, Hemmington Forest is Crown land protected under the National Conservation Act. It is home to a rich array of native species, including the Sister Islands Rock Iguana, Red-legged Thrush, Cayman Brac Parrot, and the iconic Yellow Mastic tree.

Honourable Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Minister for Health, Environment and Sustainability said: “The creation of the Hemmington Forest National Park marks a defining moment in the protection of our natural environment. This park represents a lasting commitment to safeguarding the landscapes, wildlife and quiet beauty that make Cayman Brac so special. It will stand as a source of pride and a clear expression of our responsibility to protect and preserve the natural heritage of these islands for generations to come.”

Department of Environment Director, Gina Ebanks-Petrie explained how the park embodies the purpose of the DoE. “The Department of Environment exists to safeguard our natural environment for the benefit of present and future generations, and to inspire others to do the same. Hemmington Forest not only provides a safe haven for our unique biodiversity, but as the management plan is implemented, it will offer many different experiences and spaces where nature and people can thrive together. As people visit and enjoy the park, it is our hope that they will be continually inspired.”

Enhanced accessibility and visitor experience

A key objective of the National Park is to improve public access in a way that is both sensitive and sustainable.

The management plan proposes a series of improvements including upgrades to the traditional Hemmington Road trail, and the creation of a new network of walking trails to provide greater public access to explore areas of outstanding beauty and interest throughout the park. Additional informational signage will also be installed across the park.

A new canopy-level observation tower is also outlined in the plan, aiming to give visitors a view over the forest with its tall Yellow Mastic trees that are characteristic of the area.

The park will remain freely accessible to the public and will be managed by the Department of Environment (DoE), working in partnership with the Department of District Administration and local community groups.

National Conservation Council Chair, Dr Ian Kirkham affirmed how Hemmington Forest offers managed access to Cayman Brac’s unique natural environment. “The establishment of Hemmington Forest as Cayman’s first National Park is a milestone to be celebrated. Cayman Brac is home to so many incredible species of animals and plants that do not exist anywhere else in the world, but it can be difficult to experience them with rugged terrain. The management plan for Hemmington Forest will bring people and nature together in the way a National Park should, using low-impact infrastructure to make the experience accessible without disturbing the true nature of the environment. The National Conservation Council looks forward to the next steps in advancing this new experience for Cayman Brac residents and visitors.”

Natural Resource Management

As a formal and legally designated National Park, the management plan includes surveyance and monitoring of the physical environment, as well as administrative management.

Cayman Brac currently has the lowest proportion of protected land across the three Islands. The establishment of Hemmington Forest National Park represents a meaningful expansion of protected areas, and a notable portion of the Brac’s unique forest and shrubland ecosystems.

Acting Chief Officer for Health, Environment and Sustainability, Mrs. Bobeth O’Garro added: “With this decision by Cabinet to approve the management plan for Hemmington Forest as the Cayman Islands’ first National Park, and to expand its public access and enjoyment facilities, active management of the park will include the control of invasive species, restoration of parrot nesting habitats, and the natural regeneration of previously disturbed areas – strengthening  the resilience of this important landscape over time.”

Next steps

The approved management plan will be overseen by the Department of Environment in collaboration with the Department of District Administration and with support from local community stakeholders in Cayman Brac.

Hemmington Forest National Park will stand as a lasting investment in Cayman Brac — protecting what makes the island unique, while opening it up for all to experience and enjoy.