Enthusiasts and experts map Guernsey's bio diversity

Monday, 12 May 2025 13:15

A 'Bio Blitz' is taking place at L'Ancresse to assess the variety of animal species and plant life both on the beach and the Common.

Guernsey's Nature Commission is behind the second Bio Blitz to take place at L'Ancresse East, which is the area below the car park until the low tide line.

The idea is to assess the variety of natural species, but also compare figures from the first count carried out here in 2019.

Angela Salmon from the Nature Commission says the assessment began just after midnight on 12 May and will continue for 24 hours.

"The birders were down there from dawn. Marine people will head down at low tide and will be joined by the botanists."

She says one of the first positives was the number of moths that were trapped overnight and then counted.

"I already know from the entomologists this morning that there were many, many more moth species than there were last time.

"But the weather was poor last time, and if it's a really wet night, you're not going to get many moths in a moth trap."

Initial findings should be available mid-week, but Angela says some results will take longer to come through.

"Some of the smaller insects can take a while to be identified, and with plants as well, some may need to be sent off-island."

Angela says the findings will be shared with around 300 school children who will spend the latter part of the week at L'Ancresse East doing things like rock pooling.

"Research has shown that children connecting with Nature increase their knowledge of the natural world alongside other benefits such as improved problem-solving skills and increased physical activity."