Pigeons in flight again as racing cleared for take-off

Some 1,400 pigeons from around 35 clubs across the Midlands were liberated at Pembroke Bay for the race home.

The island had become a popular release spot for UK enthusiasts since Brexit, but the sport was grounded in April after aviation safety concerns.

Rene Archer, site agent for the Royal Pigeon Racing Association, said he was very happy to see the sport return in Guernsey.

‘There should never have been a ban in the first place, the birds are flying north away from the airport,’ he said. ‘But hey ho – at least we are back.’

Guernsey Ports and the Royal Pigeon Racing Association agreed a new set of safety procedures at the beginning of the month to allow the sport to restart.

The new safety measures include enhanced planning and the introduction of a new permit scheme coordinated by the RPRA.

The restrictions also limit the races to 20 liberations per year of 3,000 birds per federation. In 2024 there were 29.

Race controller George Sterland had made the trip over from the UK with the pigeons. ‘I’m very glad to be back,’ he said.

‘It was a blow when it was banned, the distance from the clubs to Guernsey makes it perfect.

‘Everything has been arranged in double-quick time – we only got the all-clear last Wednesday week.’

Mr Sterland had come to Guernsey up to five times a year before the ban.

‘I’d been coming regularly since 2018 because Brexit made France too expensive,’ he said. ‘We don’t even have a vet involved here.’

The birds were expected to take four to five hours to make the 200-mile trip back across the channel.

Mr Sterland had a special interest in the race, as he had five birds of his own in among the competitors.

‘Today, with the wind, they will be flying at around 55mph. They will be home long before me,’ he said. ‘But the wife is all ready to see them in.’

Mr Sterland will return in September for a top class race, with some £130,000 in prize money.