Mont Herault ‘perfect’ for bird observatory

Mont Herault, on the south coast, was the obvious choice, said Alderney Bird Observatory warden John Horton, who was in charge of deciding the new location.

‘The headland there is one of, if not the greenest and it looks out to the sea which means observers can spot a large variety of sea birds,’ he said.

‘Local enthusiasts have been looking for a location for the past two years or so, and loads of locations have been presented, but this is the only one to really tick all the boxes.’

Mr Horton added that the local support and engagement had been beyond his expectations.

He said the observatory was a very exciting prospect which would demonstrate how seriously Guernsey takes wildlife observation and conservation.

‘The next step would be to produce a competent business plan, and meet with the people of the parish for an official presentation, because they are very keen to keep this area green,’ he said.

‘School visits and wildlife tourism – the observatory really opens a lot of doors for the entire island.’

La Societe Guernesiaise’s entomology secretary Trevor Bourgaize said the observatory had the capacity to be multi-purpose.

‘It’s a fantastic place,’ he said.

‘Guernsey’s nature is incredibly interesting and the observatory is ideally placed to spot unusual nature that doesn’t occur in mainland UK. There’s a huge potential to know more about moths and butterflies which migrate too.’

RSPB’s membership secretary Ian Le Page spent time at the Alderney Bird Observatory during the spring migration and said he fully endorsed an observatory opening in Guernsey.

‘I’ve spoken to people not part of the bird-watching community, from all walks of life, and they are surprised [by the idea] and said what a great idea it is for Guernsey,’ he said.

n The watchhouse was built at the turn of the 19th century to protect against invasion from the French.