Alderney woodland project to be shaped by islanders

The three-year planting programme has doubled woodland cover on the island

Alderney residents have been invited to offer their ideas about how the Channel Islands' biggest community woodland project should progress.

A 17 hectare (43 acre) site off the Longis Road has been cleared and improved over a three-year period.

Thousands of trees have been planted by the Alderney Wildlife Trust, doubling the woodland cover on the island.

Julia Henney, the Trust's conservation officer, described the work as "a really positive landscape change".

She said clearing the island of some of its dense scrub was a distinct improvement: "That's a really dominant habitat type, whereas woodland is really rare".

"We've got lots of features that we're wanting to develop. There'll be a children's area with some seating and hopefully an orchard where people can come and collect fruit."

Plans have been made available on the States of Alderney website and at the island's library and tourism centre.

Islanders have until 26 April to suggest improvements or alterations.