Away from the noise and frenzy of modern Britain, a small, sometimes forgotten British island lies just 27 miles off the north coast of France. And she’s beautiful.
This is Guernsey and, like a demure, confident woman, she radiates something special.
This “something special” is all about the gentler, quieter side of life where nature and beauty gently collide.
On Guernsey there are luscious woods, cliff top paths, causeway walks, hidden bays and coves where often you are the only person there.
There are empty dolmens where you can sit and contemplate sunrise or sunset reflecting on who was here thousands of years ago.
There’s a riot of colour for much of the year with orchids, bluebells, agapanthas and palm trees growing side by side.
People travel lightly too as the speed limit is 35 mph and a network of ruettes tranquilles offers pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders priority over cars which may not exceed a speed of 15 mph.
Guernsey designated its first Ramsar site in 2006 – encompassing Lihou island, two nature reserves with shingle banks, marshes, reedbeds, plus a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, seabirds, wild flowers and marine organisms.
The Société Guernesaise quietly goes about its work preserving nature and the island’s cultural heritage and one recent success story is the maintenance of a Barn owl breeding project.
So, as families of beautiful barn owls fill the Guernsey night skies, there’s no doubt why these wise creatures chose this place as home. They love “lightly” and “quietly” too.
VisitGuernsey 01481 723552, www.visitguernsey.com
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