The visitor has a variety of habitats to explore. Although the island is only three and a half miles long, it is very varied, with sandy bays, rugged cliffs, islets and reefs, heathland, a mixture of arable land and wooded valleys. The sandy bays are always a must, first of these being Longis Bay, in the east of the island, followed by the eastern end of Braye Bay and by Clonque Bay. Heathland is concentrated to the south-west of the island, consisting of heather, gorse and brambles. Alderney's single reed-fringed pond, Longis pond, is situated in Longis Common, behind Longis Bay.
Grassland occupies the south and west-centre of the island.
The few inland pools include Mannez Pond, at the eastern end of the island, and Corblets Quarry, which is a reservoir behind Corblets Bay. The visitor should have no difficulty in exploring the entire island by car, bicycle or on foot. Alderney is unique among the Channel Islands in having an extensive green belt, giving a rural appearance to most of the island. It is possible to walk unhindered practically anywhere that is not fenced in, and this includes the greater part of the island. The visitor should feel free to explore any footpath and visit any part of the coast that might be productive for birds.