Stables block

Bugs and Beasties

Long grass (Stable area)

The insects that live here are enjoying a very different habitat from those at Clarence Battery. There are more spaces to hide here, more leaf litter, more rocks to hide under, and it is generally more undisturbed. Anything you move, make sure you turn it back into place.

Look for

• Earwigs
• Beetles
• Woodlice
• Slugs
• Lizards

Guernsey has two reptile species that can be found in the wild — the harmless, legless Slow Worm, and the rare, green-backed Western Green Lizard. If you do spot one of these vibrant green lizards here, please do report it on iRecord, as the Guernsey Nature Commission is monitoring the population of this endangered species.

History of La Vallette

This area was the stable block, where horses were housed for the soldiers stationed at Fort George.

During the Second World War, this area was bombed and lay derelict for some time.

Fort George was sold to a property development company in 1961, and most of the historic buildings were removed and converted into housing. Some of the outer defences and walls remain and are fun to spot as you go around.

Plant Spotter

This area is being managed for wildlife by a team of volunteers. Specifically, the focus is to remove or reduce the number of invasive species in this area.

Invasive species

Invasive species of plants are plants that spread rapidly and outcompete local flora for resources such as light, water, and nutrients. Their presence can disrupt natural ecosystems, reducing biodiversity and threatening the survival of native species. This can ultimately lead to the decline of unique habitats and the wildlife that depends on them.

By removing invasive species, including Sycamore trees, Brambles and Wild garlic, this area is gradually becoming a more biodiverse habitat. This kind of land husbandry is an important part of managing any area for nature.