Ramsar site action plan approved

Bird-ringing and wetland bird, bat and grey seal surveys will be conducted as part of the action plan

An action plan for Alderney’s West Coast and Burhou Islands Ramsar site has been approved, the States of Alderney has confirmed.

It includes an agreement to draw up a five-year strategic plan for the area which will be carried out by the Alderney Ramsar Secretariat on behalf of the States.

It will consider rezoning the site or creating additional Ramsar sites around Alderney to accommodate conservation expectations.

Catherine Wensink, of the UK Overseas Territory Conservation Forum, said: "The Alderney Ramsar site has long been an example to others across the world on what can be achieved."

Research access

The Joint Nature Conservation Committee defines a Ramsar site as wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention.

The Ramsar Convention is an international agreement with the Channel Islands signed by the UK government on behalf of the Bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey.

Following General Services Committee approval for the 2024 Action Plan, vital scientific work carried out on the existing Ramsar site can continue for the remainder of this year.

The States said this would include research access to Burhou, monitoring of fish species, bird-ringing and wetland bird, bat and grey seal surveys.

A budget allocation of up to £18,000 has been made available for research and conservation activities, which are delivered by volunteers.