The Islands of Guernsey, part of the Channel Islands in the English Channel, comprise Guernsey itself along with the Islands of Sark, Herm, Alderney and Lihou.

Many species of wildlife thrive here with an abundance of birds, marine life and rare flora.

Alderney wildlife sightings

In addition to Alderney's Blonde Hedgehogs and lesser-spotted Palmate Newt, the Alderney Wildlife Trust has also recently reported sightings of Bottlenose Dolphins, Grey Seals Red Admiral butterflies.

Popular for birdwatching, the island has many species including the Dartford Warbler and the Grey Wagtail.

The Alderney Bird Observatory

The Alderney Bird Observatory, on Longis bay, provides accommodation for bird watchers and researchers and hosts regular activities such as bird ringing and moth trapping.

With over 160km of walking trails, the Alderney Wildlife Trust and Visit Alderney provide a series of self-guided walks starting with Fort Albert and Bibette Head Trail, which can also be watched on the Alderney Wildlife Trust YouTube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjOK39WP_w0&feature=youtu.be

Wildflowers, insects and marine life on Guernsey

Yellow Gorse and bright pink Common Storks-bill are found along Guernsey'ssouth coast.

Endemic ferns, which are only found in Guernsey, can be seen along with orchid fields at Les Vicheries on the island's west coast and Bee Orchids in St Germain.

For amateur entomologists, the rare Black Backed Meadow Ant, once found across the British Isles, now only survives on the cliffs in Guernsey and some neighbouring Channel Islands.

Their nests are marked along the cliffs with red flags.

The rare Glanville Fritillary butterfly has a strong population in Guernsey, where they're now spotted in just a few coastal locations.

Hern

In many bays around the island, and off the neighbouring island of Herm, underwater meadows of seagrass can be seen at low tide which act as a nursery for schools of fish and absorb carbon from the atmosphere.

Large pods of dolphins can be sighted along the south coast cliffs, with seals in locations such as Havelet bay.

The Guernsey Vole

The Guernsey Vole is a rare native animal.

At 10% larger than its European counterpart it makes a hearty meal for barn owls which can be seen hunting at dusk.

La Société Guernesiaise, has launched A Look at Lockdown, with locals creating images of the wildlife.

www.societe.org.gg/wp

Puffin watching Herm & Sark

From mid-March to July, puffins migrate to the islands to breed, especially on the small islands of Herm and Sark.

There is a boat trip around the islands, or a puffin-kayaking trip with Outdoor Guernsey.

www.outdoorguernsey.gg

Sark's Gouliot Headland

Declared a 'Wetland of International Importance' under the Ramsar Convention, Sark's Gouliot Headland is carpeted with anemones, sponges and soft corals, which can be seenduring spring low tides.

Bird nesting in Lihou

The small tidal island of Lihou is also a Ramsar site, home to over 150 species of birds such as the striking Black-backed Gull, Lihou's rocky outcrops and shingle banks provide the perfect nesting environment.

Useful links

​ www.visitguernsey.com