Burhou

Burhou is a tiny island aprox. 1 mile/2 km northwest of Alderney that is part of the Channel Islands. It is a bird sanctuary, so landing there is banned from March 15 to July 27. The island's wildlife includes a colony of puffins (declining in numbers) and large numbers of rabbits.

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A hut was built on the island in 1820 as a shelter for fishermen and sailors at the instigation of General Le Messurier (The Governor), but was destroyed during the German occupation of the Channel Islands (the Nazis used it for target practice during WWII). The hut was replaced in 1953, with basic accommodation which is rented out to visitors by Alderney Harbour Office.

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Attempts have been periodically made to raise sheep there. In 1900, a French couple lived there for a year. The soil is thin, and spray frequently goes right over the island, ensuring high soil salinity. The island has no fresh water supply for much of the year.

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Island: An island or isle is any piece of land smaller than a continent and larger than a rock that is completely surrounded by water. Very small islands are called islets. Although seldom adhered to, it is also proper to call an emergent land feature on an atoll an islet, since an atoll is a type of islan...

Alderney: :Alderney is also a suburb of Poole in Dorset, England...

Channel Islands: :Alternative meaning: Channel Islands of California...