Access

A careful balance is required to ensure that wildlife is not distrubed and has space to thrive. For this reason we close certain uninhabited islands on a permanent basis or during bird and seal breeding seasons. Please visit our Boating and exploring Scilly's seas page for further information.

There are no Rights of Way or common land on the Isles of Scilly and we are tenants of the Duchy of Cornwall, therefore all footpaths on Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust sites are permissive.

In areas where grazing is taking place we put up temporary electric fencing around a grazing unit and where ever possible we keep permissive footpaths and tracks open. We also try to offer alternative routes for walkers or horseriders for those who do not wish to go in an area with livestock. On sites which are accessible to a wide range of people, where ever possible we install push gates or stiles wide enough for a child's all terrain buggy to access the grazed area and clear signage is put up telling the public the sort of animals grazing that area. To find out the current location of grazing animals please visit our pony and cattle locations page.

We have two nature trails on St. Mary's, through Higher and Lower Moors; there are several bird hides and the Isles of Scilly Bird Group assist us with the maintenance of these and cutting vegetation in front of the hides to ensure good visibility.