Alderney Wildlife Trust manager Roland Gauvain at Mannez Pond, which is being increased in size in the hope that more birds will breed there. (0871250)

EXTRA wetland for the island’s wildlife is being created. Alderney Wildlife Trust, in association with engineering company Geomarine, has started increasing the size of Mannez Pond and forming earth banks in order to improve the area as a breeding ground for birds.

The land already supports a wide range of species, such as butterflies, dragonflies and moths. It is also an important breeding site for ducks, moorhens and coots, among other birds.

The pond currently takes up about an acre in space but the development will mean it is half as big again.

‘This is a popular site all year round for both residents and visitors,’ said AWT manager Roland Gauvain. ‘Through the goodwill of Geomarine and the States, we hope the wetland extension and newly-formed banks and screens will help reduce disturbance and have a dramatic and positive impact on the bird and insect life, making it an even more attractive habitat.’

Roland believes the extra wetland will improve things for birds and locals.

‘The area is for migrating birds and local people who enjoy walking and birdwatching. The work we’re doing will simply make it a nicer place for people to come and visit.’

The pond is currently entrenched with New Zealand pygmy weed, which is a threat to water margin habitats. AWT recently removed several tons of the weed from the area.

‘The weed has become established there. We believe it was deliberately left there by someone who was hoping to put fish in the pond. We’ve already removed a large amount but more needs to be done.’

Roland said it was unlikely that more birdwatchers would visit the island as a result of the wetland extension.

‘The States is doing a lot to market Alderney to birdwatchers, which is a good thing. The island’s tourism officer recently attended the British Birdwatching Fair and handed out hundreds of brochures.

‘However, Alderney’s at a slight disadvantage to the rest of the UK as we’re not included on the Twitchers List. This means people can’t include the birds they spot in Alderney on their UK list.’

Alderney Theatre Group is appealing for help in staging this year’s pantomime.

Jack and the Beanjar, written by local Lee Flewitt, will be performed at the Island Hall next month.

Rehearsals began in mid-September and are going well but the group now needs to arrange for people to work behind the bar and sell raffle tickets during each of the four nights, starting Wednesday 9 December.

Theatre Group member Ilona Soane-Sands said: ‘We are looking for four people to support us behind the bar and two for front of house on each of the performing nights.

‘The reward is a complimentary ticket and complimentary drinks, so if there’s anybody who wouldn’t mind helping out please get in touch.’

Tickets for the show, priced £10 for adults and £5 for children, are due to go on sale at London House next week.

Contact Ilona on 823448 to get involved.