Islanders are reminded to observe any warning signs and stay away from the base of cliffs in case of rock falls during their two hours of daily exercise.
Cliff faces naturally weather over the years through wind, rain and changing temperatures, which increases the risk of rock falls. The growth of vegetation, or small earth tremors that we do not feel, can also loosen material which can lead to landslips.
Soft cliffs of loose clays and small stones, such as those at Fermain, Moulin Huet, Petit Bot and Portelet, can easily lose material during or up to several days after periods of heavy rain which accelerates this natural weathering process.
The cliffs around all the bays on the south coast are regularly inspected by engineers. Several cliff faces are heavily netted to prevent rock falls and worked on by contractors to remove small flakes and loose stones caused by weathering. Even with these precautionary measures it is not possible to entirely prevent the risk of rock falls and so care must also be taken by individuals when accessing these areas, particularly in the days following heavy rainfall or frost.
Guernsey’s Agriculture, Countryside & Land Management Services (ACLMS) is recommending people visiting the bays between Fermain and Portelet to take care and observe the warning signage in the area. It is not advisable to sit or play near the base of cliffs because of the risk of severe injury should a rock fall occur.
