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The islands are wonderful. Sark was a revelation. The two tour leaders made this trip memorable. Their personalities and sense of humour made this trip extra special. Over and above the normal range, we enjoyed moth traps, star gazing and bat observing.
K.P, Cambridgeshire, May '23
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British Channel Islands - Wildlife & History
Tour Code: GBR313A peaceful 10-day holiday encompassing the very best of the British Channel Islands of Sark, Guernsey and Herm.
10 days
from
£3,295
£3,295
Land only price
from
£3,095
£3,095
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
The British Channel Islands have been little-explored by naturalists. This pioneering 10-day holiday explores three of the archipelago's islands, led by an expert naturalist. Our stay begins on the beautiful island of Sark, which lies 9 miles to the south-east of Guernsey and is described by the Daily Telegraph as one of the 20 most tranquil and most "desirable great escapes on the planet”. Sark is also one of the sunniest places in the British Isles and hosts a wonderful selection of wildlife which we shall seek on serene excursions.
After a most enjoyable 6-day exploration of Sark’s flora and fauna, we’ll take a 50-minute ferry crossing back to Guernsey where we will be based for our next four nights. The picturesque island of Guernsey is the second largest of the Channel Islands and is packed with award-winning beaches, picture-postcard towns, and world-class cuisine. Guernsey hosts an interesting fauna and flora including such specialities as Glanville Fritillary, Loose-flowered Orchid and Short-toed Treecreeper. On one of the days based on Guernsey we shall make a day trip to our third Channel Island of the holiday, Herm, which is just a 15-minute ferry crossing from Guernsey's St Peter Port Harbour. Herm is one of the smallest of the inhabited Channel Islands and with a population of just over 60 is beautifully unspoilt and with no cars, incredibly peaceful.
We'll return from our holiday having had a most restful yet fascinating insight into the British Isle's most southerly islands.
For detailed information, please download the itinerary document above. Please note that the second departure in each year is usually operated in the reverse direction i.e. starting in Guernsey and ending in Sark.
- Explore three British Channel Islands on one holiday!
- See wonderful species rarely, or not, found on the British Isles mainland including Glanville Fritillary, Loose-flowered Orchid and Short-toed Treecreeper
- Plenty of historical interest
- Bird-ringing and moth-trapping demonstrations undertaken
- Visit beautiful habitats such as the Ramsar sites of L’Eree Shingle Bank, Gouliot Headland and Lihou Island
- Ferry option available for those who wish to make this a flight-free holiday from the UK
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Guernsey, sail Sark
Day 2/5
Daily excursions in search of the wildlife of the island of Sark
Day 6
Depart Sark, arrive Guernsey
Day 7/9
Daily excursions in search of Guernsey’s wildlife including boat trip and day trip to Herm
Day 10
Depart Guernsey, sail UK
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
We’ll stay in one of Sark’s traditional farmhouses, set in extensive, beautiful, sheltered gardens with an indoor swimming pool. On Guernsey we'll stay in an elegant 4-star hotel in a beautiful secluded valley where upgraded Gold Balcony rooms are used as standard for our tour. All rooms en suite.
- Food:
Bed and breakfast only is included in the cost of this holiday. The cost of lunches and dinners are not included to allow a choice of dining at one of the islands' many acclaimed restaurants and to allow the choice between a hearty lunch, or something much lighter for those who prefer.
Reviews
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Wed 21st May – Fri 30th May
FULL
£3,295
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,095
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£895
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Trevor Bourgaize
Tour Leader: Trevor Bourgaize
Trevor Bourgaize was born and brought up in Guernsey where his life-long interest in the natural world began at a young age. Although his primary focus is on birds and moths, Trevor is interested in all aspects of natural history and he has good knowledge of the flora and fauna of the Bailiwick. Trevor’s interest in bird watching led him to train as a bird ringer and he has held a ringing permit for over 40 years. He bought his first moth trap when aged 19 and has been running traps ever since, including, in recent years, during his regular trips to France.
His interests led him to join La Société Guernesiaise in 1975, an organisation similar to the UK Wildlife Trusts. Trevor has served on its governing body both as an ordinary member and as Section secretary of Ornithology for 12 years and more recently as Entomology Section secretary. He also serves on La Société's reserves committee and since his retirement has taken on a more practical role, in particular helping to manage 2 orchards owned by the society. He is always keen to pass on his knowledge and helps to organise and lead outings for La Société's ‘Nature Guernsey’ group, which is aimed primarily at families.
A possible threat to their habitat has led to his recent work in assessing populations of Atlantic Scaly Crickets in the Bailiwick. In addition to organising surveys on Guernsey, he has also been able to confirm their continued existence on Sark and has discovered new populations on Alderney and Herm.
Trevor’s birding has taken him to many places, and some of his favourite memories include sitting just inches from Red-necked Phalaropes in Iceland and watching flocks of Rainbow Bee-eaters migrating across the Torres Strait from Cape York in Queensland, Australia.
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
Tour Reports
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
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