Outdoor groups vow to protect nature

Tuesday 28 January 2020

Local outdoor activity and conservation groups will have the chance to join together, as part of a new Guernsey Outdoor Charter.

The group will encourage its members to respect one another, protect the natural environment and stay safe whilst enjoying the outdoors.

It will develop best practice guidelines on safety and protecting the environment, give organisations the opportunity to learn from others, and reflect the views of those involved in outdoor recreational activities.

The charter also plans to forge closer links with local coastal and land management authorities.

Pictured: Image from Outdoor Guernsey website.

"We are very pleased to be at the forefront of this initiative to bring interested and influential people together in the interests of the environment and wildlife," said Anthony Ford-Parker of Outdoor Guernsey. "Education and information sharing are key to protecting the environment and providing sustainable and realistic recreation opportunities for everyone."

The group will cover all areas where organised outdoor recreational activities take place, including inshore waters, bays, intertidal areas and specified areas of the cliffs.

“Some of Guernsey’s most important wildlife is found on its coastlines, all of which are designated as 'Sites of Special Significance' or 'Areas of Biodiversity Importance' under the Island Development Plan," explained Jamie Hooper from La Societe Guernesiase. "Recreation in these areas has increased significantly in the last 20 years and it is increasingly important that we work together to ensure that the impacts of such activities are minimised and sustainable.

"The creation of the Outdoor Charter Group provides a mechanism for providers to work with NGOs such as La Societe Guernesiaise so that we can continue to enjoy some of the wilder parts of the island without impacting the biodiversity of the cliffs, beaches and offshore islets.”

Anyone interested in becoming a member can contact Emily Atkinson on aclms@gov.gg for more information. 

Pictured top: Image from VisitGuernsey website.