Coastline - Nature
The island's 10 metre tides support a wide range of marine species and many species of waders. Migrating land-birds such as wheatears and pipits rest in the dune grassland, while inland fragments of threatened wet meadow habitat are managed for their summer display of orchids and other rare plants.
In the fragmented woodland, warblers, long-eared owl and short-toed treecreeper breed. With its mild climate, Guernsey boasts nearly 2000 species of plants, which in turn support a diverse range of invertebrates, many whom are not found in the UK. The characteristic earth bank hedgerows are home to endemics such as Guernsey vole, greater white-toothed shrew and Guernsey fern.
In 2006, Guernsey had an area of its west coast wetland designated as a Ramsar site. The site which measures 426 hectares encompasses Lihou Island, La Claire Mare Nature Reserve, and the Colin Best Nature Reserve, as well as the inter-tidal area and outlying reefs and rocks.
Ramsar sites are protected by The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance which was signed in Ramsar, Iran in 1971. The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance aims to promote the conservation of wetlands and their resources through their "wise use".
The area is an important habitat for wildlife and includes reed beds, ponds, a public hide, salt marsh, orchid meadows and a shingle bank. Lihou Island is a small uninhabited island within the Ramsar site and has an unspoilt bird sanctuary. Please note: Lihou Island is accessible by a tidal causeway. Please be aware of change of tides on the causeway.
Three groups are very active on the island:
La Société Guernesiaise
Founded in 1882 to encourage the study of the history and natural history of the islands. Today it is involved in the conservation of the natural environment and the preservation of Guernsey’s historic buildings and monuments. La Société Guernesiaise now owns or leases some 50 separate areas of land, totalling some 320 vergées (130 acres).
The National Trust Guernsey
The National Trust of Guernsey aims to preserve and enhance the Island’s natural beauty, its historic buildings and its heritage. It was founded in 1960 as an association and in 1967 became The National Trust of Guernsey. The Trust now owns 75 properties and parcels of land, totalling 157 vergées (64 acres).
RSPB Guernsey
The RSPB Guernsey is very active and runs a programme of walks, slide shows, boat trips and fundraising activities. Particularly popular amongst these is the Puffin Patrol, which runs between May and July. This two-hour trip around Herm provides a commentary on local birds and ecology as well as giving you the chance to see the puffins that breed on the island at this time.
Please click here for further details of Environmental sites on the island. Also visit our Floral Guernsey website here.
ALDERNEY WEEK 01 Aug 2009 - 09 Aug 2009
Plenty of carnival atmosphere and entertainment for all ages will be on offer for Alderney Week, the island’s biggest, brightest and most popular annual event. For further in...
more info
ROCQUAINE REGATTA 01 Aug 2009 - 01 Aug 2009
The Rocquaine Regatta has a long and distinguished reputation for fun. A full day (and evening) of free entertainment and activities for both the young and young at heart, inc...
more info