Purging buckthorn
An uncommon hedgerow and woodland tree of central and eastern England, Purging buckthorn displays yellow-green flowers in spring, and poisonous, black berries in autumn.
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Alder buckthorn
An uncommon tree of wet woodlands, riverbanks and heathlands, Alder buckthorn displays pale green flowers in spring, and red berries that turn purple in autumn.
Invasive Species
Invasive species on Alderney
Notable Species
Notable species on Alderney
Sea-buckthorn
Sea-buckthorn is a spiny, thicket-forming shrub of sand dunes. It's native to the east coast of England but considered an invasive species elsewhere. It is most obvious in autumn when it is…
Key Habitats and Species
Key Habitats and Species
Key Species: Common Sole
The common sole is a flatfish of ecological and commercial importance and it is one of Alderney’s key species.
Key species: Slow worm
Learn more about this unique species, the only reptile found on Alderney. Despite its misleading name, it’s actually a harmless legless lizard that is often mistaken for a snake because of its…
Key species: Northern Gannet
Since the gannets made landfall last week (6 February 2026), we’d love to draw more attention to this charismatic bird of Alderney.
Key species: Egg wrack
This week, we highlight egg wrack, a large brown seaweed on Alderney’s rocky shores.
Blackthorn
A familiar shrub of hedgerows and woodland edges, blackthorn comes alive in spring when it bursts into a froth of white blossom. It is well known for its sloes, too - the blue-black fruits used in…
Find a Species
Discover more about our amazing wildlife in the UK! Learn more about the plants and animals on your doorstep.