In Pursuit Of Natural History and Heritage?
One of Alderney's appeals is its fascinating history and its rich wildlife.

Listed below is the variety of special interest pursuits available to visitors. 

For a small Island, Alderney offers an amazing variety of sports and leisure activities and special interests. The island has over 30 clubs and associations, many of which welcome visitors' participation. 

For leisure activities click here

If you are interested in pursuing sporting activities during your holiday on the island, go to “Sporting Life” on this website and click here.

The “What’s On” diary gives you a complete listing of events. - Click here for more information.

Archaeology
Neolithic burial site, remains of the Early Iron Age, buildings dating back to the Roman occupation, (Fort Essex, The Nunnery), the recently discovered Elizabethan wreck and a remarkable exhibit of artefacts at the Alderney Museum. The Alderney Museum which is set in the Old Schoolhouse, gives a dramatic picture of the Island's past. The well-displayed collection covers both archaeology and geology, Alderney's domestic, marine and military history from Neolithic times to the present day. The Alderney Museum is open from Easter to late October. Books and documents available from the Alderney Society and local bookshop.
For more information on the Elizabethan Wreck Click Here.

Bird Watching/Ornithology
The Channel Islands lie on the migratory routes of many species and during the spring and autumn unusual and rare birds may be found on Alderney. (The Island's proximity to France means that species found on mainland Europe but not In Britain, are sometimes seen here).

Alderney is famous for its seabirds. The island's very different habitats provide home or refuge for over 260 different bird species, From our common residents and summer and winter visitors, to rare passage migrants. Birdwatchers will be particularly interested in visiting Burhou Island, a bird sanctuary two miles north-west from Braye Harbour. The island is closed from March to July to protect birds like the puffin and storm petrel who breed on the small rocky island during these months. Burhou Island is owned by the States, who have installed a hut containing basic accommodation - which can be rented for a small sum from the Harbour Office.
Tel +44 (0)1481 822620.
Click here for more information or go to the Alderney Wildlife Trust website.

Botany
An abundance of wild flowers. The mild climate encourages over 1,000 species of which more than 200 are winter flowering. Many gardens feature Mediterranean and Southern Hemisphere plants. The cliff paths are surrounded by superb wild displays. A check list of the flowering plant and ferns of the Island is available at the Alderney Museum - Click here  and on Brian Bonnard’s dedicated website

 information on Island History (Brian Bonnard's Alderney pages) or go to the Alderney Wildlife Trust Website

Heritage
Explore Alderney's history which dates back to 8000BC. The story of the last thousand years can form a most interesting study during the holiday. Various books and guides are available from the Alderney Museum and the bookshop. Click here for links to Alderney's heritage or contact the Alderney Wildlife Trust