Alderney Wildlife Trust Events

Sun May 25 - Sat 31: Alderney Wildlife Week 2008

Click here to download catalog of events and booking form

Sunday 25th – Saturday 31st May

The Alderney Wildlife Week is now an established part of the Channel Island calendar, and we believe this unique event has successfully managed to improve and broaden its scope each year.

25th of May 2008 sees the start of the Seventh Annual Alderney Wildlife Week and this year things are even better! Still on the schedule are many of the old favourites, however 2008 also heralds the arrival of some outstanding new events.

With bookings for the week already exceeding all expectations now is your chance to find out what all the fuss is about. Full details for the week and bookings forms can be found in the Alderney Information Centre 34 Victoria Street, alternatively:
• on the Trust’s website www.alderneywildlife.org
• by email info@alderneywildlife.org,
• or tel: 01481 822935

Special Guests May 2007 Include:
DR GEORGE McGAVIN
An author, lecturer, television presenter and explorer. He is an Honorary Research Associate at the world famous Oxford University Museum of Natural History and The Department of Zoology of Oxford University. George studied Zoology at Edinburgh University before completing a doctorate at the British Museum of Natural History and Imperial College, London. In January 2008 Dr McGavin and accepted the role as the Patron of the Alderney Records Centre.

DR. MIKE WITHERICK
A leading ornithological tour guide. Having taken early retirement from the University of Southampton, where he lectured on geography, Mike has led hundreds of tours on all seven continents and served for 10 years on the Council of the RSPB. When not leading tours, he writes college textbooks.
Mike and his wife Penny have been visiting Alderney for over 30 years and know the island and its migratory and resident birds better than most.


SUNDAY 25 MAY
1. DAY OF PLAY
Theme: ARC Wildlife Olympic Day
Essex Farm 10.00am - 15.30pm
£15.00 per child (members half price)
Age guide: 6 -12
Maximum participation number: 25

The 'Day of Play' comprises a range of activities held in and around the Essex Farm Field Centre. It includes a picnic lunch on the lawns at Essex Farm (or in the barn if it's raining) and activity sheets to fill in and take home.
Hosted by the staff of the Alderney Records Centre (ARC) these events are for individuals or whole families.

Notes: Packed lunch included in the price; please confirm dietary requirements when booking. Please make sure everyone has warm clothing and beach shoes
Complete programme available on request from the Alderney Information Centre www.alderneywildlife.org.

2. CASQUETS RUN
Theme: Boat trip
Braye Harbour, Braye Chippy 2.00pm - 4.30pm
£24.00
Age Guide: Adults

Join MV Voyager for a trip out to Alderney's most distant rocks, the Casquets. This trip, which will visit the island's grey seals and the gannet colony on Ortac before heading out to the lighthouse rock of Casquets, only runs a few times a year.

Notes: Wear warm clothing, sun protection and suitable shoes for boarding Voyager. BOOK IN ADVANCE ONLY






MONDAY 26 MAY
3. STROLL AT SUNRISE
Theme: Exploration
Essex Farm 5.00am - 8.00am
Adult £5.50 / Child £2.50 (members half price, children free)
Age Guide: Family

This is a unique way to see the eastern end of Alderney and offers you the chance to hear, as well as see, the emerging wildlife. The 'Stroll' concludes at Essex Farm in time for the 'Big Alderney Breakfast' and 'Introduction to Insects', all of which events can be booked together.

Notes: Warm clothing and good footwear for wet grasslands

4. BIG ALDERNEY BREAKFAST
Theme: Local Produce
Essex Farm 8.00am - 9.30am
Adult £8.00 / Child £5.00 full cooked / £5 continental
Age Guide: Family

Food production is an important issue for an island struggling to achieve greater sustainability. We shall be using local produce wherever possible. Vegetarian or carnivore alike should enjoy this fresh air breakfast overlooking the stunning Longis Bay, indoor location if unseasonal weather prevails.

5. INTRODUCTION TO INSECTS
Theme: Educational Workshop
Essex Farm 9.30am - 11.00am
FREE
Age Guide: Family

Join Dr George McGavin and David Wedd to discover more about the diversity of insect life on a small island.
Starting off by opening moth traps from a range of different habitats around the island. Followed by a recording walk around the Essex hillside with species listed being added the ARC's website.

Notes: An open mind to the wonders of the insect world

6. RAMSAR BY BOAT
Theme: Boat trip
Braye Harbour, Braye Chippy 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Adult £18.00 / Child £13.00
Age Guide: Families

Join Marine Ecologist Juan Salado for a little puffin, gannet and seal spotting in the Bailiwick's first International Protected wetland.

Notes: Wear warm clothing, sun protection and suitable shoes for boarding Voyager
BOOK IN ADVANCE ONLY

7. BUG WORLD: SEX, VIOLENCE AND A CAST OF BILLIONS
A TALK BY DR. GEORGE McGAVIN
Alderney Museum 7.00pm - 8.30pm
£5.00 (members half price)
Age Guide: Educational

Insects are the most diverse and successful group of animals on Earth. They are an essential component of every terrestrial and aquatic food chain- without them the world would be a very different place. But insects have a dark side - they have changed the short course of human history by killing hundreds of millions of people and destroying their crops.

Notes: The talk will be preceded by drinks and nibbles






TUESDAY 27 MAY
8. THE WOODED VALLEYS OF ALDERNEY
Meet at the Alderney Information Centre 9.30am - 12.30pm
Adults £5.50 / Child £2.50 (members half price, children free)
Age Guide: Family

Alderney's woodlands are the green heart of Alderney. Join Mike Witherick, Dr. George McGavin and the AWT staff for a meander through Alderney's main woodlands. The walk will also include an active element as we keep a 'log' of the different tree, insect and bird species along the route, all of which will be added to the ARC.

Notes: Good shoes and appropriate clothing for conditions

9. POND DIPPING
Theme: Fun for all the family
Meet on the Newtown Road in Front of St. Anne's School 2.30pm - 3.30pm
Adult £2.50 / Child £1.25 (members free)
Age Guide: Family

Welcome to Richard and Jennie's Willmott's wonderful woodland pond, a fresh water oasis, sheltered within the shade of the Water Lane. Get to grips with a net to learn more about our fresh water insects and amphibians.

Notes: Wellingtons and waterproof trousers suggested

10. SUNSET OVER BURHOU
Theme: Boat trip
Braye Harbour, Braye Chippy 6.30pm - 8.45pm
Adults £20.00 / Child £15.00
Age Guide: Families

Back by popular demand this is a round island trip which catches Alderney's gannet and puffin colonies at sunset. Few sights, or smells, can match Les Etacs or Ortac and there is always a chance for a seal or two. Hot drinks and refreshments will be available on board.

Notes: Wear warm clothing, sun protection and suitable shoes for boarding Voyager
BOOK IN ADVANCE ONLY


WEDNESDAY 28 MAY
11. BIRD WATCHING MASTER CLASS
Theme: Educational Workshop and Walk
Starting Essex Farm - Concluding St. Anne 10.00am - 4.00pm
Adults £15.00 / Child £7.50 (members half price)
Age Guide: 12 upwards

Alderney is renowned as a bird watcher's haven, with large resident populations and migrants galore. Yet if you are someone who struggles to use of your binoculars, or would like to know the difference between a skylark and a meadow pipit, this class is for you. Guest guide Mike Witherick will be running an informal and instructional workshop with help from a number of resident bird watchers. The day will begin with familiarisation with a range of different optics, followed by instruction on how to best observe birds, bird call and identification. Lunch will be a picnic on the southern cliffs, followed by a gentle walk along the coast before the day concludes in St. Anne. Taxi’s can be organised by prior booking.

Notes: Packed lunch included in the price. Good walking shoes and appropriate clothing for conditions
BOOK IN ADVANCE

12. BATS AND HOGS
Theme: Fun for all the family
Alderney Information Centre 8.10pm - 10.30pm
Adult £5.50 / Child £2.50 (members half price, children free)
Age Guide: Family

Alderney's blonde hedgehogs have a growing reputation as stars of British TV, yet Alderney boasts much more to see after dark. Join Struan, Roland and Lindsay on a nocturnal ramble through the streets of St. Anne before climbing the steep and wooded Bonne Terre path. Bring the whole family to watch Alderney's pipistrelle bats head out to their feeding grounds and learn to use a bat detector.

Notes: good shoes and appropriate clothing for conditions and a torch


THURSDAY 29 MAY
13. ALDERNEY'S HEATHLANDS
Theme: Educational walk
The ZigZag 10.00am- 12.30pm
Adult £5.50 / Child £2.50 (members half price, children free)
Age Guide: Family

The Giffoine is one of the most spectacular coastal heathlands in the Channel Islands and is home to some of the island's most special flora and fauna. Join Mike Witherick and local guides to gain a better understanding of this diverse coastal heathland. This walk provides an ideal opportunity to finally identify that plant, bird, insect or mammal you've always wanted to know more about and to improve your understanding of the Giffoine's complex ecology.

Notes: good shoes and appropriate clothing for conditions


FRIDAY 30 MAY
14. WETLAND BIRDS OF ALDERNEY
Theme: Educational walk
The Moorings Restaurant, Braye Harbour 10.00am - 12.30pm
Adult £5.50 / Child £2.50 (members half price, children free)
Age Guide: Family

Alderney's wetlands cover a wide scope from fresh water streams, ponds, reservoirs to intertidal wading habitats and coastal waters. The birds that throng to these wetlands vary dramatically in their range and habits, from visiting sedge warblers to huge gannet colonies. Mike Witherick will be leading this coastal walk to investigate the full breadth of habitats and the birdlife they contain. Ideal for bird watchers of all levels.

Notes: Good shoes and appropriate clothing for conditions

ALDERNEY WILDLIFE TRUST AGM
Alderney Museum 6.00pm onwards

All AWT members are invited to participate in the 7th Trust AGM. The Agenda will be posted in the Alderney Information Centre Window and on the AWT website www.alderneywildlife.org. Non members are also welcome but are not allowed to vote.


SATURDAY 31MAY
15. KAYAKING FOR WILDLIFE
Theme: Exploration
Douglas Quay, Braye Harbour 9.30am -11.00am & 4.00pm - 6.30pm
Adult £17.00 / Child £10.00 (members half price)
2.5hour expedition with tuition and use of kayak
Age Guide: Family (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult)

Have you ever envied those people paddling peacefully along the coast and wondered what they can see from such a different perspective? Join our field guide on an exploration of Alderney's largest Bay, Braye, watching out for everything from ship wrecks to spider crabs. Using the Trust's Perspex (transparent) kayaks groups of up to 6 can indulge in a gentle introduction to the pleasure of kayaking.

Notes: Wear clothing that you don't mind getting wet, soft bottomed boat shoes or plimsolls required



Programme in Full (What’s going on)

Saturday 5th
1. Habitats of the Giffoine Walk (Paul St. Pierre):
The Giffoine is home to approx. 2% of the Dartford Warbler population for the British Isles, join this gentle ramble to find out what makes the most important heathland in the Bailiwick so special.
(0930-1200 The Zigzag turning, Tourgis Road)

2. Going Deep, Pelagic bird spotting trip and picnic on the water (Louise Soanes):
This will be the first ever Wildlife Trust Pelagic bird spotting trip. Visit the amazing Casquets rocks, all the while keeping an eye out for shearwaters, storm petrels and dolphins.
(1200-1600 Braye Harbour) [BOOK IN ADVANCE ONLY Adults £30 (over 16) includes lunch]

Jumble Sale:
Spend a penny or two at this traditional Alderney fundraiser.
(1400-1600 Island Hall)
[Entry 20p]

Sunday 6th
3. Dawn Chorus & the Big Local Breakfast (Paul St. Pierre):
Join us for this national first light ramble. Sunrise over Longis Bay should never be missed, but first bird call in the Barrack Masters Lane can be equally special. All this followed by a locally supplied full English breakfast, plus the chance to help open the moth traps at Essex Farm.
(0500-0800 Essex Farm)
[BOOK IN ADVANCE ONLY non members £10, children £5, members half price]

4. Alderney by Dawn on a Boat (Louise Soanes):
Join professional bird surveyor Louise Soanes for a bit of puffin, gannet and seal spotting at first light (0500-0800 Braye Harbour) [BOOK IN ADVANCE ONLY Adults £18 Children £13*]

The Evolution of the Wildlife Trust 2002-2007:
A fun and informative slideshow presented by Robin Whicker (a founding member and President for 4 years) and Roland Gauvain. Accompanied by drinks but worth coming for the photos alone (1600-1630 Alderney Museum) [No charge]
Followed by the Alderney Wildlife Trust AGM
(1630-1715 Alderney Museum) [No charge]

Monday 7th
5. Breeding Birds of Alderney Walk (Paul St. Pierre & Charles Michel):
Ever wondered what was flitting past your sitting room window? Well join the experts to discover more about Alderney’s incredible array of birdlife and learn how to identify them.
(1000-1230 Essex Farm)

6. Discovering Diversity on Alderney's Seashore (Juan Salado):
Split into two parts Diversity on the Seashore allows adults the opportunity to leave their children in the capable hands of the Trust’s staff whilst they are introduced the huge range of species and biotopes that make up Alderney’s shoreline.
(1430-1630 Car Park below Fort Tourgis)

Tuesday 8th
7. The Moths of Alderney 1, La Vallee, the Terrace opposite Ormer House School (David Wedd):
This two part introduction to the moths of Alderney by resident entomologist David Wedd will introduce novice and experienced naturalists alike to the wonderful reality of moths.
(0930-1030 the Vallee Gardens)

8. Butterflies of Alderney Walk (David Wedd & Louise Soanes):
How many butterflies can you spot and identify? Take part in this short but fascinating transect of Alderney’s coastal grasslands and learn to identify some of Alderney’s more common butterflies (1400-1530, Essex Farm)

9. Nocturnal Mammals of Alderney Walk (Struan Robertson):
A bat walk by another name, but with so much more, we will be hedgehog spotting and shrew listening, as well as getting the chance to listen to the bats of Alderney in flight
(2015-2200, Alderney Information Centre)

Wednesday 9th
10. The Moths of Alderney 2, LONGIS (David Wedd):
The second part of this fascinating introduction to moths and light trapping centres around the Trust’s Essex Farm site with its wide range of habitats and native and non-native species
(0930-1030 Essex Farm)

11. Sky and Wine at Night (Michael Maunder & Struan Robertson):
Join us for the pleasure of a glass of wine followed by a relaxed presentation on Alderney's Sky at Night and preceded by a bat walk with Struan Robertson
(2100-2300 Essex Farm)


Thursday 10th
12. Shoreline Survey (Jennie Grange):
Join botanist Jennie Grange for a forage through Alderney's astonishing foreshore, its fragrant wonders and edible delicacies
(0930-1130 meet outside Fort Tourgis, ends at Braye Harbour)

13. Going Deep, Pelagic bird spotting trip and picnic on the water (Tony Grange):
This will be only the second ever Wildlife Trust Pelagic bird spotting trip. Visit the amazing Casquets rocks, all the while keeping an eye out for shearwaters, storm petrels and dolphins.
(1200-1600 Braye Harbour) [BOOK IN ADVANCE ONLY Adults £30 (over 16) includes lunch]

14. Wildlife Photography (Vic Froome)
Over the last few years Vic Froome has captured the essence of much of the Channel Island’s wildlife on film. Vic will help you in your quest to capture that perfect photo. Camera and tripod not supplied.
(1400-1630 The Zigzag turning, Tourgis Road)

Friday 11th
15. Braye Bonanza (Jennie Grange):
How many species can you find? A second chance to join Jennie Grange and help record the abundance of flora on Braye Common and Dunes
(1000-1230, outside the Moorings Restaurant)

16. Ramsar by Boat (Tony Grange):
The West Coast of Alderney and Burhou Islands Ramsar Site was the first international designated marine wetland in the Bailiwick. Join well known Channel Island birder Tony Grange for a little puffin, gannet and seal spotting.
(1330-1530 Braye Harbour)
[BOOK IN ADVANCE ONLY Adults £18 Children £13*]

Mannez Bird Hide (David de Lisle)
The inauguration of the new Mannez Bird hide by David De Lisle (Guernsey Minister for the Environment). Join us for a tour of this impressive quarry and enjoy the view from the new hide.
(1630-1700 Mannez Quarry)

17. The Grand Finale (David de Lisle & Bill Walden)
Finish the week off in style with this fabulous dinner, live music and an auction. A fun filled evening concludes this, the 6th Alderney Wildlife Spring event. Special guests will be David De Lisle States of Guernsey Minister for the Environment and Bill Walden, States of Alderney Member for the Environment. (1900-2400, Georgian House)
[BOOK IN ADVANCE ONLY Adults £28
Choice of menu must be made at time of booking, latest Monday 7th May]

Sat Aug 23 - Mon 25: Alderney Wildlife Festival 2008

This dynamic and adventurous weekend event has something for all the family. Adventure walks along Alderney's rocky coastline, calming boat trips out to the Islands two gannet colonies, snorkelling, bird watching and even cycling tours. All capped of with the BIG EVENT BBQ. The perfect end to the school holidays!

Full details of the weekend's activities will be posted later this year. Events can be booked individually or a ‘weekend pass’, giving access to all activities (excluding boat trips), can be purchased in advance.
To receive a full time table of events and booking forms please contact the Trust at info@alderneywildlife.org.