Alderney Facts for Kids

Alderney is a small island in the English Channel, located between England and France. It's one of the Channel Islands. Even though it's part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, Alderney has its own government, called The States of Alderney. This government can make laws just for the island.

The island once had its own traditional language called Auregnais. Sadly, no one speaks Auregnais anymore.

During World War II, German forces took over the Channel Islands. They used Alderney to set up four concentration camps.

Discovering Alderney
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Discovering Alderney

Alderney is the third largest of the Channel Islands. It is about 3 miles (5 km) long and 1.5 miles (2.4 km) wide. The island has a beautiful coastline with cliffs and sandy beaches. It's a great place for nature lovers.

Geography and Nature

Alderney is known for its rugged cliffs and lovely bays. The island is home to many different kinds of birds. You can often spot puffins and gannets here. The waters around Alderney are also rich in marine life.

Wildlife and Birds

The island is a haven for seabirds. Les Étacs is a famous rock formation near Alderney. It hosts a large colony of gannets. These are big, white birds that dive into the sea for fish. You might also see rare plants growing on the island.

Alderney's History

Alderney has a long and interesting history. People have lived on the island for thousands of years. There are signs of ancient settlements. Over the centuries, different groups have influenced the island.

World War II Occupation

During World War II, Alderney was occupied by German forces. This was a difficult time for the islanders. Many people were evacuated before the Germans arrived. The Germans built many fortifications on the island. They also set up four labor camps. These camps were used to hold prisoners. The prisoners were forced to work on building projects.

Government and Life on Alderney

Alderney has a unique way of governing itself. The States of Alderney is the island's parliament. It makes decisions about local matters. This includes things like roads, schools, and healthcare.

How Alderney is Governed

The States of Alderney has ten members. They are elected by the people of Alderney. The island also has a President of the States. This person leads the government. Alderney works closely with Guernsey. But it still keeps its own special independence.