Step into Spring 2026 programme announced

Step into Spring 2026 programme announced

Blackthorn in flower / Photo by Poppy Emmens

Celebrate the Season with Alderney’s Nature-Based Programme from 1st April to 12th April 2026. There's something for everyone.

Spring has arrived at last! After long days of rain and wind, the sunshine is finally here. To help islanders and visitors make the most of spring in Alderney and reconnect with the island’s rich and beautiful nature, we’re delighted to offer a wide range of inspiring, nature-based activities.

Highlights of this year’s programme include two special events as part of The Big Eat Festival: Wild Isle Forage at The Hut (Saye) (open to all ages) and Forage, Fire & Feast – Youth Event, designed for children aged 8+. The latter event will be delivered in collaboration with The Blonde Hedgehog.

When wildlife begins to emerge and flowers are in bloom, it’s the perfect time to be in nature. We will be running a gentle walk, Spring Observers, where we’ll take in the sights and sounds of the season as it unfolds across Alderney.

We’ll also be kicking off the warmer months with our popular boat trips and moth trap openings, celebrating the return of wildlife as it begins to emerge for the season.

Please see the full programme below.

Wilder Beach at Saye

Wilder Beach at Saye / Photo by Lou Collings

🐚 Wilder Beach @ The Hut

Wednesday, 1 April, 2.00–4.00 pm | The Hut, Saye Campsite | Age range 5 – 8 | £15 per child

Our very first Wilder Beach based from the ‘new’ Hut at Saye Campsite. Join us for an afternoon of discovery and immersive coastal activities. We’ll go rockpooling and explore Alderney’s rocky shore and learn about the creatures that call it home. Before heading home we’ll complete a 2-minute beach clean.
Limited places available. Booking required.

Puffin raft

Puffin raft. Photo by Thanh Doan

🌊 Seabird Boat Trip
Wednesday, 1 April, 2.00–3.30 pm | Meeting outside the Sailing Club | £30/adult, £22/child, 20% discount for AWT members.


Our first seabird boat trip of the year is here! Join us for a wildlife experience at sea. We expect to see gannets, puffin rafts, and other spectacular seabirds while enjoying Alderney’s stunning seascape.
Booking required.

Pancakes at Seashore foraging session

Cooking pancakes after foraging / Photo by Thanh Doan

🌱 Wild Isle Forage [The Big Eat]

Friday, 3 April, 4pm | The Hut, Saye Campsite | Price: Adults £15. Under 12s £5 | 20% discount for AWT members. AWT members: Adults £12. Under 12s £4 | All ages welcome


Discover edible wild plants on a guided foraging walk, followed by a cooking demonstration incorporating the ingredients we find. Expect our usual foraging walk, but based at the new community hub at Saye, a wonderful way to connect with Alderney’s environment through taste and tradition. Booking required.

Observing gannets from the boat

Observing gannets from the boat / Photo by Thanh Doan

🚤 Seabird Boat Trip

Saturday, 4 April, 2.00–3.30 pm | Meeting outside the Sailing Club | £30/adult, £22/child, 20% discount for AWT members.

Another chance to head out on the water and experience Alderney’s marine wildlife. Perfect for sea lovers and photographers. Booking required.

Long-tailed tit

Long-tailed tit ©Jon Hawkins - Surrey Hills Photography

🌸 Spring Observers Walk

Tuesday, 7 April, 1.30–2.30 pm | Meeting point & route TBC | £5 non-members | £2 children | Free for AWT members.

Spring is on its way! Join an AWT ecologist for a nature walk and take in the sights and sounds of the season as it unfolds across Alderney. Bring binoculars if you have them. We are happy to help if you are interested in recording the wildlife you see as you go.
Please note the walk includes uneven and steep surfaces. Open to all.

Three-cornered leek

Three-cornered leek / Photo by Thanh Doan

🔥 Forage, Fire & Feast – Youth Event

Friday, 10th April, 10.30 am–1 pm | Children aged 8+ | £5 per child | Meeting at The Blonde Hedgehog

Join us and the Blonde Hedgehog's Chefs and Gardeners for a fun coastal foraging and outdoor cooking experience. We will forage for seasonal edible plants in Alderney's landscape and return to The Blonde Hedgehog garden to cook our foraged food over an open fire. We will enjoy the foraged food with delicious locally made sausages.

Tickets are on sale at the Visitor Information Office.

Moths in late March

Moths in late March / Lou Collings

🦋 Moth Trap Opening

Saturday, 11 April, 9.00-10.00 am | Essex Farm (near the Old Barn)

The moth trap is back! Discover the hidden world of Alderney’s moths with our expert moth recorders. Learn how a moth trap works and see which moths (and other visitors!) arrived overnight.
Free. Donations welcome. Drop-in event.

All activities are subject to change due to weather conditions.

Bookings & enquiries: Visit the AWT office.

Email: admin@alderneywildlife.org.

Phone: 01481 822935

Poster of Step into Spring 2026

Step into Spring 2026 programme

Step into Spring 2026 programme