Alderney may be a small island but the diverse landscape is one of its greatest assets and the wildlife and habitats that flourish here make it a truly fascinating place to visit whatever the season. From steep cliffs that rise up from the sea and wind blasted heathlands to rich farmland fields, woodland and sweeping sandy beaches the island provides a wealth of contrasting and colour-rich landscapes.
If you look closely on a walk you could spot a beautiful Glanville Fritillary butterfly, a seal bobbing in the water, a pod of dolphins or at dusk maybe even your own Alderney Blonde Hedgehog.
If you love wildlife, you’ll love Alderney!
Get your copy of our 4 day Alderney Wildlife guide
Wild & Protected Landscapes
Alderney has a number of designated nature reserves which help to preserve and sustain some of the important and diverse habitats around the island.
Find out moreIconic Residents
From the Alderney Blonde Hedgehog to Puffins and Gannets, the Glanville Fritillary butterfly and rare Spotted Rock Rose - it’s no surprise that Alderney draws wildlife enthusiasts all year-round.
Find out moreBirdwatching
Alderney supports a host of internationally important and outstanding species of birds, either as residents or passing migrants. The opportunity to spot a rare migrant is always exciting and the island is a popular destination for birdwatchers during peak migration times.
Alderney is also home to many seabirds such as Oystercatchers, Cormorants, Great and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Shags, Storm petrels, fulmars, razorbills and guillemots to name just a few. The arrival in April of the breeding puffins on the islet of Burhou is a major draw to Alderney and the Gannets on Les Etacs rocks an amazing sight to behold.
PuffinCams on Burhou
Discover and enjoy Alderney's wonderful wildlife from home!
Watch LIVE our iconic puffins in their colony and follow their breeding season. You can also watch the gannets from Les Etac on the GannetCam too!
Watch nowWildlife Trips
There are lots of opportunities to see Alderney’s captivating wildlife up close. Depending on the time of year, you’ll be able to take a boat trip to see the Puffins on and around Burhou and the spectacular Gannet colony of Les Etacs, along with many other seabirds including, Cormorants, Shags, Razorbills and Guillemots as they glide across the open water or perch on a rock!
For the less intrepid, why not join a guided evening walk to spot the infamous Blonde Hedgehog.
Dark Skies
On a clear night in Alderney the sky is full of stars that tumble down to the sea as there is very little ambient light to detract from them. Lie on a beach or sit back on a bench and count shooting stars or see the Milky Way for the first time. You may even be lucky enough to experience the legendary ‘Green Flash’ as the sun goes down. But don’t take our word about how special the dark and clear night skies are. Come and see for yourself!