New safety guidelines have been agreed, meaning pigeon racing can return to Guernsey’s skies.

Guernsey Ports and the Royal Pigeon Racing Association have agreed the new rules with the Director of Civil Aviation so that large numbers of the birds can be released in one go again, after a temporary halt earlier this year.

They were stopped in April after concerns were raised about the number of races starting in Guernsey.

There had been 13 during the first four months of this year, compared to 29 during the whole of last year, 17 during 2023 and just three in 2022.

Guernsey Ports put a stop to the races when the numbers started racking up for this year, and said they needed more detailed risk assessments and procedures from the race organisers before any further permissions would be granted.

Pictured: Large scale pigeon races often start from Pembroke with the birds released from trailers.

Guernsey Ports and the RPRA said they’ve now reached an agreement that will allow large scale releases for pigeon racing to resume under revised risk assessments and operational procedures.

The rules for smaller, local pigeon releases haven’t changed said Guernsey Ports’ Airport Director Richard Thomasson.

“We have worked closely with the RPRA to reach a practical solution that upholds aviation safety while enabling the resumption of larger scale pigeon racing activities.

“The newly agreed safety measures include enhanced planning and the introduction of a new permit scheme coordinated by the RPRA. The safety measures also include greater coordination and oversight of race timings to avoid conflicts with air traffic and real-time communication protocols between race organisers and air traffic control.

“These steps should ensure the safe integration of larger scale pigeon racing activities with the island’s air space.”

Chris Sutton, CEO of the RPRA, said: “This agreement reflects a collaborative effort to ensure that all necessary protocols and safety measures are in place, allowing the continuation of this valued tradition under carefully controlled conditions.”

Pictured: The Telegraph and other national newspapers found Bob’s story of interest.

Most recently, pigeon races have started from Pembroke.

The birds are released from their trailers before flying out over L’ancresse Bay and heading back to their homes in the UK.

On at least one occasion a pigeon has ended up much further afield though.

‘Bob’ was released at Pembroke in 2022, but rather than arriving home in Tyneside he was found in Alabama, America.

It’s believed he landed on a ship in the Channel and took a big detour covering more than 4,000 miles.

Bob’s owner flew out to America to take him home.