The group meet to discuss the Trust’s grazing plans. The Trust has explained in detail the rationale behind the land management and conservation grazing and outlined the long term vision that this management will achieve. This vision is a landscape where the islands' wildlife and archaeological heritage is protected and enhanced, and can be accessed and enjoyed by all.
Potential issues relating to land management and grazing are addressed by the group. This ensures that all members are able to give their views on the plans. We are working very hard to listen to concerns that have been raised by the petitioners. As well as being fully engaged in the GAWG, the Trust's Assistant Warden, Darren Hart has been meeting members of the public to discuss our land management practices. He has contacted approximately 30 people who signed the petition in order to fully understand the range of issues and concerns that people have raised.
Meetings are administered and chaired by the Isles of Scilly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). If you would like to know more about the group please contact the Chair, Trevor Kirk, AONB Officer on 01720 424316 or by email.
What we've done so far to address concerns
We have presented detailed land management plans to the GAWG showing that
- fences will now be placed further away from footpaths
- more access points into grazed areas will be provided
- on some sites smaller areas will be grazed on rotation behind electric fences avoiding footpaths wherever possible
- certain areas will not be grazed whilst further consultation take place
- some of the post and wire fencing on the Garrison will be reviewed.
We have been receiving positive feedback from people who appreciate the changes we have made.
Group membership
| Trevor Kirk (Chair of group) | Isles of Scilly AONB Officer |
| Jim Askins | Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust volunteer |
| David Badcock | Petition organiser |
| Marian Bennett | Bryher resident |
| Ritchie Christopher | Petitioner (representing the interests of the Garrison) |
| Phill Deason | Petitioner (representing the interests of photographers) |
| Chris Gregory | Duchy of Cornwall Land Steward |
| Darren Hart | Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust staff |
| Roz Hicks | Petitioner (representing the interests of horse-riders) |
| John Higginson | Petitioner (representing the interests of bird-watchers) |
| Ruth Jenkins | Bryher resident |
| Steve Manning | Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust trustee |
| David Mawer | Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust staff |
| Caroline Pearce | Bryher resident |
| Penny Rogers | Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust trustee |
| Barneslie Ward | Petitioner (representing the interests of farming) |
The group's public statement on criminal damage
The group is aware that some of the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust conservation grazing equipment has recently been damaged. The Isles of Scilly Grazing and Access Working Group has unanimously resolved to issue a public statement condemning criminal behaviour, including that which has recently been directed towards the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust. The group’s unified voice is that the well-being of Scilly’s environment and community is damaged by such criminal behaviour.
