We were not alone in this conservation effort, being joined by the Guernsey Conservation Volunteers (GCV), Alderney Scouts Group and members of the community who wanted to help. With thirty incredible volunteers in total, we cleared an amazing three tonnes of Sour Fig from the sand dunes.

Sour Fig forms dense, impenetrable carpets across the island which dominates the landscape and has wider and negative impacts on Alderney’s environment. This includes threatening the Marram grass and sand dunes at Saye.

Marram Grass is the tall flowering plant that you will be able to see at Saye Beach as well as Longis Bay and Braye Beach. It is an important species that has fibrous and matted roots, helping to bind sand together and allowing it to build up, thus creating sand dunes. Sand dunes themselves are also vital as they are a natural flood defence against storms. The presence of Sour Fig at Saye, prevents Marram grass from growing and, therefore, destabilises the dunes which help to protect Alderney’s only campsite. By clearing this area of Sour Fig, we are hoping to see a resurgence of Marram grass!

We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who volunteered their time and to the Kay-Mouat family for offering the use of their Château L'Etoc event site, so the volunteers could enjoy their lunch in the dry!