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Alderney West Coast and Burhou Islands "Ramsar Site"
Site overview
At a little over 1500ha the site is almost twice the area of mainland Alderney and lies to the island’s north west. Looking out at the site you can experience first hand the incredible power of the tidal race known as the Alderney Swinge, as it passes between Alderney and Burhou before merging into the Alderney Race.
The channel between Burhou and Little Burhou looking eastward towards Alderney’s western coastline
The vast array of habitats and the species that exist within the site thrive on the nourishment provided by these tidal races, whilst at the same time struggling to maintain their place in waters that can surge up to and beyond six nautical knots.
Rock pooling in the extensive intertidal areas in Clonque Bay. Great fun but please use the area wisely, cause the minimum of disturbance, replace rocks and don’t leave anything behind.
The Bays of Clonque and Hannaine offer perhaps the best opportunity to discover first hand the wealth of life present. At low tide the wreck of the SS Emily Everson is visible within a few hundred metres of the shore at Clonque Bay.
The wreck of the SS Emily Eveson top left of picture
Looking out to the north east of Burhou you can see the Great Nannel reef, often adorned by shags, with wings spread as they dry themselves.
Lying long and low on the horizon Burhou is the largest islet within the site and is home to a wide range of sea birds, including the picturesque puffin and the secretive storm petrel.
An Atlantic or Grey Seal on its haul
To the north west of Burhou lies the Renonquet reef which is a popular haunt for the Atlantic grey seal.
The most westerly point of the Ramsar site is Ortac the smaller of two gannet colonies. A vertical rock, approximately 40 m high, it is an impressive sight.
Finally, returning inshore, you discover the awe-inspiring sight of the three rocks which make up Les Etacs, otherwise known as the Gannet Rocks.
Les Etacs seen from the water
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