Alderney, British Crown dependency island in Channel Islands, United Kingdom.
Alderney is a small inhabited island in the northern part of the Channel Islands within the Crown dependency of Guernsey. The coastline shows rocky cliffs along the southern edge, while green pastures and gentle hills shape the inland landscape.
The island belonged to the Duchy of Normandy for centuries before becoming a dependency of the British Crown. During the Second World War, German occupiers forced prisoners to build fortifications that remain visible at many sites today.
The name comes from Old Norse origins and many residents still use a dialect with Norman-French expressions. Street signs and shop names often appear in both languages, while local bakeries and fishmongers sell traditional fare prepared with recipes passed down through generations.
Saint Anne in the center offers shops, restaurants, and lodging for visitors planning to stay several days. Coastal paths allow walking loops, with sturdy footwear recommended due to steep sections along some trails.
The small population of white hedgehogs is considered a genetic trait found only here. Observers can spot these nocturnal creatures with some luck after dark in gardens and along path edges.
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