Land for Nature | Nature Opportunities for Businesses

Local environmental projects open for funding

Land for Nature Initiative

This project supports landowners of Sites of Special Significance (SSS) to better understand, manage, and enhance the ecological value of their land. Through guidance, engagement, and practical support, the project will help safeguard Guernsey’s most important habitats and ensure these designations deliver lasting benefits for nature.

Overview

How to Support this Project

To support this project, please contact: office@naturecommission.gg

Originally established in 2017, the Guernsey Biodiversity Partnership Group (BPG) acts as an advisory panel to the States of Guernsey and the Guernsey Nature Commission on the delivery and direction of the Strategy for Nature, and challenge, support, and deliver the Strategy for Nature. BPG includes representatives from the environmental organisations across Guernsey, as well as representatives from the Chamber of Commerce Sustainable Business Initiative and the States of Guernsey. BPG is chaired and administered by the Guernsey Nature Commission.

For more information visit the Guernsey Biodiversity Partnership Facebook page.

Project Information

Sites of Special Significance (SSS) are designated to preserve, enhance or manage the land for ecological or other reasons. However, it is often the case that landowners are unaware that their land has been designated, unclear as to how to manage the land appropriately to maintain that designation, and uncertain as to what resources are available to help them do this. Additionally, information is not readily available to assist other landowners in improving the biodiversity value of their land to be eligible to apply for a SSS designation.

Landowners are pivotal partners in safeguarding Guernsey’s biodiversity. Engaging with landowners is essential because the long-term value of these designations depends on how the land is actively managed, not merely protected on paper. Many of the habitats in these areas are fragile or dynamic, and without informed stewardship the ecological features that justify their designation can quickly erode.

With sufficient support, this project could include the development and implementation of land management plans in partnership with landowners.

Funding needed

This project will be ongoing over a number of years as there are a large amount of landowners to engage with. The cost per year for the project is estimated to be approx. £14,000.

Any contribution to this project is gratefully received! The more support received, the more land can be looked after for biodiversity.

Thank you to the Coop Community Impact Fund for donating £10,000 to this project in 2026!

More info on Guernsey's Sites of Special Significance

Guernsey's Sites of Special Significance are:

Cliffs
Fort Hommet headland and Vazon Coast
La Claire Mare, La Rousse Mare, the rest of the Colin Best Nature
Reserve, Lihou headland and L'Erée shingle bank
L'Ancresse Common
Les Vicheries and La Rue Rocheuse (extending to La Saline and Rocquaine sand dunes)
Lihou Island
Port Soif to Pont du Valle (including Vale Pond and extending to Cobo)
South Vazon and La Grande Mare wet meadows
St Sampson's Marais and Château des Marais

To find out more about Guernsey's SSSs, visit: Conserving and Enhancing the Built, Natural and Historic Environment - States of Guernsey

Which UN Sustainable Development Goals does this Project contribute to?

This conference helps to progress against the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:

#13 climate action
#14 life below water
#15 life on land
#17 partnership for the goals

Outcomes

- Protecting rare and important habitats – SSS areas often contain valuable ecosystems, species, and landscapes that are unique or vulnerable.
- Safeguarding biodiversity – Good management helps maintain the plants, animals, and ecological networks that support a healthy natural environment.
- Preserving Guernsey’s natural heritage – These sites represent some of the island’s most special places and contribute to its identity and character.
- Supporting climate resilience – Healthy habitats such as wetlands, woodlands, and coastal areas help store carbon, reduce flooding risks, and protect against environmental change.
- Improving ecosystem services – Well-managed natural areas provide benefits such as cleaner water, healthier soils, pollination, and opportunities for recreation and wellbeing.
- Maintaining future protection – Active management ensures that the features that justify SSS designation are not lost over time.
- Enhancing reputation and community trust – Be recognised as a business that invests in the long-term wellbeing of the island.
- Supporting a thriving local economy – Healthy ecosystems underpin sectors such as tourism, agriculture, fisheries, and recreation.
- Contributing to measurable impact – Help protect important habitats and species while supporting practical, on-the-ground conservation outcomes.