'Secret' Vale nature reserve to be improved

It comes from the States Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services (ACLMS), which owns the site and leases it to La Société, and is expected to be considered soon.

The works being applied for are the removal of an existing bird hide, and the addition of a replacement one, of the same size and erected in the same position and location.

While the application is a minor one, it's a good reminder of what is a hidden gem in the Vale, located off La Blanche Carriere, and an important habitat for breeding Reed Warblers and Cetti’s Warblers.

Reed Buntings and Marsh Harriers have been sporadic breeders. During spring and autumn the reedbed supports large numbers of migrating Reed and Sedge Warblers, and Swallows and Sand Martins use the area as a roost. In winter, Bitterns have been occasionally seen.

Important
This is also an important site for a variety of invertebrates. Canals have recently been excavated to encourage Odonata [dragonflies and damselflies] to recolonise what can be a very boggy area in the winter.

The previous hide is in a poor state of repair (see image) and will be replaced with a modern cabin-style hut with seating and observation flaps for bird watching.

ACLMS says replacing the hide will meet States' Strategy for Nature goals: Goal 1: Connect our island community with nature, and Goal 3: Foster and share knowledge about nature, along with improving accessibility and encouraging use of the bird hide.

If approved, the work will be carried out over the autumn/winter to avoid disturbance to breeding birds.

There is a path running around the reserve. Part of it may be waterlogged in winter. The hide is at the west end of the reserve.

How to get there
BUS ROUTES: 11, 12, 91, 92
LOCATION: Off La Blanche Carriere, Vale. Perry’s 7G4
PARKING: There is a small parking area at the entrance to the reserve.
If you use What 3 Words, the location is ///buyers.merchant.fairway

Also in the area...

...is La Marette, or the Bougourd Orchard.

In the late 1990s La Societe Guernesiaise was given management rights on this former greenhouse site by the owner, Mr Ron Bougourd, and in 2011 the land was conveyed to the society. In 2005 approximately 150 crab apple trees and a small number of wild pear, were planted.

Downy Birch and Sallow were also added on the northern boundary. The area bordering the road was left as rough grassland to encourage invertebrates and now hosts a variety of plants.

This is an important site for migrant thrushes such as Fieldfare, Redwing and Blackbirds, which feed on the fallen apples.

Since 2015 the orchard has supported a small population of locally rare Wasp Spiders. This is the most striking member of our arachnids and its bright colouring deters predators.

Handily, it's opposite Le Grand Pre!