Work on the paths and bird hide at Mannez is nearing completion, with only some minor levelling and the steps down to the hide left to finish.

Mannez pond is part of the Longis nature reserve and is an important habitat for many species, both those migrating through Alderney and those that breed on the island. Just among the birds firecrest are often seen in the trees encircling the pond, kingfisher have been spotted perched around the banks and water rail may be heard calling from the reeds. Dragonflies are very abundant during the warmer months, along with a range of other freshwater invertebrates. Frogs and newts also make their home in the pond itself and hibernate under rocks or logs in the damp margins.

By widening the paths to allow for wheelchair and pushchair access, and refurbishing the hide to fit lower windows (and a general spruce-up) a greater proportion of the population will be able to visit this beautiful nature spot and enjoy the wildlife that lives there. Mannez is worth visiting any month of the year but now, as spring gets underway, is a particularly good time to explore the trails and watch for visiting wildlife in the hide.