Ramsar

Lihou causeway's intertidal area is rich in marine life and is part of Guernsey's new Ramsar site

Information about Guernsey's first Ramsar site and the UN Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.

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Guernsey's first Ramsar Site

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On 1st March, 2006, Guernsey designated its first Ramsar site.  The site which measures 426 hectares encompasses Lihou Island, La Claire Mare Nature Reserve, and the Colin Best Nature Reserve, as well as the intertidal area and outlying reefs and rocks.

The site contains a mosaic of habitats from internationally threatened shingle banks, to marshes, reedbeds, saline lagoons, and the intertidal area.  The site also has a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, including a wide variety of seabirds, wildflowers, and marine organisms.  214 species of seaweed are recorded on Lihou causeway alone!

Designation of a wetland site under the Ramsar Convention elevates the status of the site to that of "International Importance", bringing special notice to the environmental, cultural and heritage aspects of the area.  This recognition provides a positive focal point for new education, tourism and environmental initiatives which contribute to the long-term conservation and wise-use of that particular site and other wetland areas.

 
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External links

The States of Guernsey are not responsible for the content of external websites

  • Ramsar Bureau - The official Ramsar Bureau web-site.
  • Wetlands International - Wetlands International is the only global non-governmental charity dedicated to the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
  • Ramsar Site Walk (4.3km) - 4.3 km Walk around States and Crown land, La Société Guernesiaise nature reserves, Guernsey National Trust properties, batteries, dolmens and coast near L'Erée, Guernsey.
  • Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust - Founded in 1946 by artist and naturalist Sir Peter Scott, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust is the largest international wetland conservation charity in the U.K. WWT has 9 visitor centres around the U.K. and the web-site provides useful information resources for teachers.
  • La Societe Guernesiaise - La Société Guernesiaise was founded in 1882 to encourage the study of the history, natural history, geography and geology of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, the conservation of the Bailiwick’s natural environment and the preservation of its historic buildings and monuments.
  • National Trust of Guernsey - The National Trust of Guernsey aims to preserve and enhance the Island's natural beauty, its historic buildings and its heritage.
  • RSPB - The RSPB is a UK charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and wildlife, helping to create a better world for us all.
  • Guernsey Conservation Volunteers - Guernsey's only independent conservation volunteers are proud to help conserve Guernsey's natural environment. But it's not all hard work, as this website will tell you.
  • RSPB Wildlife Explorers - The RSPB club for young wildlife enthusiasts. Information for teachers and youth leaders.