Conservationists in Alderney have described 2025 as a landmark year for wildlife in 2025, with major progress for wildlife, habitats and community action across the island and clear signs that nature recovery is under way.
The Alderney Wildlife Trust (AWT) said one of the highlights had been the recovery of some seabird populations.
Staff said they had found the island’s northern gannet populations had increased by 11% since 2023, after decreases caused by avian flu. Puffin breeding populations on Burhou also remained stable, they added.
The AWT said it also saw major progress with community participation, with more than 10,000 visitors and residents getting involved with the island’s nature.
The trust is hoping to launch its Once and Future Woodland project in the new year, which it hopes will restore Alderney’s historic woodland.
Trust CEO Roland Gauvin said: “We were surprised at how well a lot of the different species on the island have been coping this year.”
However, he added he expected rises in sea temperatures could increase new and invasive species coming to the island, which was something the trust wanted to look at in the long-term.
Mr Gauvin said: “We have been out speaking to the community about what they want to see and what they value.
“And that also gives us a list of habitats and species that we can really focus on the long-term future of our island.”