A rare opportunity — but the window is closing

Much of Alderney's farmland was abandoned after WWII and this has seen a dramatic increase scrub and young woodland, with the total cover rising from 3 to 5% in just the last 15 years. 

The island looks greener but much of this new woodland is young, uniform, and low in wildlife value.  While it's still young and still changing, we can guide it. Miss the moment, and it hardens into the wrong kind of wood.

But we can't do it without you.

How your support will help

Rather than clearing woodland or starting again, the focus is on nurturing what is already growing and guiding it towards a richer future.

Improving existing woodland — enhancing the woods already forming so they support more life.

Planting native trees in low-diversity areas — introducing oak, hazel, alder and birch before non-native trees take hold.

Creating small pockets of high-quality woodland — building diverse, wildlife-rich habitat across the island.

Linking woods together over time — connecting habitats so wildlife can move and thrive.

Why this matters for people

Nature & wildlife: Native woodland supports far more life.

Climate resilience: Trees help store carbon and stabilise land.

Wellbeing: Woodland is one of Alderney's most valued habitats.

Learning & skills: Woodland offers hands-on opportunities for all ages.

Be part of it

The Once and Future Woodland is a community-led approach, building on the legacy of the Alderney Community Woodland started in 2010. Just like the ACW, it needs to be guided by the wants, needs and passions of our community.

Over the first few months of 2026 we want to hear from as many residents, visitors, landowners, businesses and politicians as we possibly can, to help shape what the Once and Future Woodland will become.

Please get in touch if you would like to be part of this consultation, have questions, or have ideas.

Contact us at Conservation@alderneywildlife.org or call 01481 822935