On the Islands of Guernsey, Ramsar sites can be found on each one of our five islands: Guernsey, Herm, Sark, Alderney and Lihou. These wetland sites are designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, and are dedicated to protecting wetland habitats and the rare species that they support.
Find out more about the four designated Ramsar sites across our Islands below.
L’Eree Headland and Lihou
The Ramsar site at L’Eree Shingle Bank was Guernsey’s first Ramsar site. The shingle bank is an important breeding ground during the spring and summer months for various birds, including the famously bright-beaked Oyster Catcher.
Wandering along the shingle bank, you will also see the Colin Best Nature Reserve and the Claire Mare area, both owned by La Société Guernesiaise, with the latter being considered one of the best birding sites on the island, thanks to a cleverly positioned bird hide. All in all, over 150 different species of birds have been identified here, making it a paradise for ornithologists. Bring your binoculars and add your discoveries to the bird book that can be found in the hide.
The site also stretches out over Lihou Island, a small island accessible from Guernsey by a causeway which is only visible at low tide. Lihou has many wild flowers and rare species of seaweed - just make sure to cross within safe time of the rising tide by checking the causeway opening times.
Alderney's west coast and the Burhou Islands
This protected zone is made up of the western coast of Alderney and the adjacent shallow waters and islets. The area comprises diverse and inter-related ecosystems such as sandy beaches with shingle banks, rock pools, sandbars, and rocky marine and pebble beach shores.
The rocky islets are a very important bird breeding place, with a large population of northern gannets nesting on the Garden Rocks and Ortac. It is also home to a wonderful seal colony to the north of Burhou Island, as well as lobsters, bass and plaice. The site hosts about 100 varieties of seaweeds which play an important role in preserving these species.
As well as birdwatching, the area is also popular for is beautiful sunset views, as well as rock pooling in the summer. Enjoy a walk along the coast before heading back to St Anne's town for a great meal, or pop over to Braye Beach on the other side of the island.
Herm, Jethou and The Humps
Herm is a wonderful place to visit, just 20 minutes by ferry from St Peter Port harbour. As well as being a popular spot to unwind and admire the island's natural, Mediterranean-like beauty, Herm also attracts nature-lovers for its biodiverse environment.
The Ramsar site here is a shallow marine ecosystem, comprises Herm Island, nearby Jethou and The Humps. This small archipelago has an exceptionally large tidal range of up to 10 metres and is home to several species, from Atlantic grey seals and basking sharks to sea bass, Black Sea bream and nine species of bird including the famous puffin.
If you want to head over to Herm and enjoy the landscape and the wildlife there, visit herm.com to plan your trip. Why not a wildlife and puffin-spotting trip with Island Rib Voyages or Outdoor Guernsey?
The Gouliot Headland, Sark
The Gouliot Headland on the west coast of Sark, as well as La Moie de Gouliot (a large sea stack connected to the headland at low water) form our final designated Ramsar site.
The site includes the Gouliot Caves, which are accessible by foot at low tide, or by diving. They are home to a wealth of species in the food chain of the sea, such as plankton, sponges, hydroids, sea-anemones and sea squirts, and form a beautiful mosaic of colours. Historically - and particularly before the invention of more advanced diving gear - the caves provided a valuable opportunity for the study of sub-marine species in-situ.
Sark is great for a day trip, but to really make the most of the island, a short stay is even better. Hire a bike, explore the local shops and admire the views from La Coupee. To see the caves, keep an eye on the tide or, better still, hire an expert like Island Rib Voyages.
Other places to explore nature in Guernsey
If you're looking for more places to explore, La Société Guernesiaise (whose goal is to preserve Guernsey’s biodiversity) run many nature reserves across the island. These reserves are havens for wildlife that provide the perfect opportunity for nature enthusiasts to admire different species, whilst respecting their natural habitats.
You can also visit https://www.gov.gg/nature to find out what our local government is doing to conserve our environment, as well as other environmental sites you might like.
