Herm Island is a truly beautiful location and is part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey which also includes the Isle of Sark, Breqhou (privately owned) and Jethou. These Channel Islands are situated between the French Coast and the South Coast of England making them convenient holiday destinations for those travelling from both the UK and Mainland Europe.
Travel to Herm Island
The only way to access Herm is by sea with good facilities for visiting yachtsmen and a ferry departing from Guernsey taking about 20 minutes. Tickets are available from the St. Peter Port Herm office which is located by the Liberation Monument. There are special offer tickets for day-trippers who wish to take the early morning 'milk boat' across.
Herm Travel via Guernsey
Guernsey has its own modern airport with regular flights from European destinations such as Dinard, Geneva and Zurich as well as multiple UK connections including London (Gatwick/Stanstead), Southampton, Manchester, Birmingham, Exeter, Bristol and additional links during the summer season. For those preferring to travel by boat, the island has regular ferry sailngs from St. Malo, France and the UK ports of Weymouth, Poole and Portsmouth.
Plant Life on Herm Island
The rich local plant life has been recorded since as far back as 200 years ago with the first published list in 1837 identifying 174 different species. This is now believed to have risen to over 500 different types of plants. In particular, the island's Common and Cliff paths are the best places to be able to see the various local species.
Herm Common Plant Life
During the spring on the island's Common, located just a short walk away from Herm Harbour and Village shops, there are several species of plant life including marram grass, dark mouse ear, fairy flax and ladies bedstraw. While in the same area during the Summer months one may smell the apple scent of sweet briar and find calamint, rest harrow and autumn squill.
Birdwatching on Herm Island
In addition to the larger island of Alderney, Herm is resident and refuge to many species of birds including kestrels, long-eared owls, song thrushes and wrens. The puffins come over every Spring while the Cuckoo comes during May. Brent geese stay from October to April and during September both warblers and minute stints visit the island.
For those with a keen interest in both plant life and bird watching, Herm's unique location and geology with its ancient cliffs and common land offer a whole range of different species during Spring and Summer. Herm is accessible from Guernsey and there is a whole range of visitor accommodation including a camp-site, hotel and self-catering cottages.
Source:
Kamamis, C. (1996) Hidden Treasures of Herm Island Herm: Wood Publisher
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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