Survey to find out why people are attracted to Guernsey's wild places

Tuesday, 7 October 2025 at 15:20

The Nature Commission wants to know where people go to relax and what they get from the natural environment.

The survey will ask about the wild places that islanders go to when they want to get away from everyday life and what activities they may take part in.

Economists have long recognised the value of the outdoors and its benefits to humans, both physically and mentally.

Angela Salmon, who is head of operations and education at the Nature Commission, says there is little understanding of people's activities and preferences:

"We don't know much about where they go, how often they go, whether they are going to places closest to where they live, or are they travelling further afield.

"We want the community to tell us about where they go and what they do in Nature."

The online survey will run until the end of November and Angela says all views are important:

"If people don't go out in Nature we'd like their views as well.

"Maybe there are reasons why people don't go out, maybe they'd like to go with an organised group, or they'd like more access to places, or more Nature reserves."

The findings will be released next year and will help influence the protection of wild places:

"If people are thinking that areas are going to get developed and these are important areas to them, then we'd like to know.

"Guernsey is only so big and we need to balance everyone's needs."