Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust confirms return of rare species

Locally-run, conservation charity, the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, confirms the first flowering Dwarf pansy (Viola kitaibeliana) on the uninhabited Island of Tean after 17 years absence, as a result of long-term habitat restoration work.

In 2014 the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust began a programme of habitat restoration, focused on restoring the dune and maritime grassland areas of Tean; removing encroaching Bracken, coarse grasses and scrub in an effort to see the return of Dwarf Pansy to its former sites.

Since the Trust's regular management started, 7 years ago, increases in plant species such as Western clover, Lady's bedstraw, Changing forget-me-not, Portland spurge, Bird's foot-trefoil and Stork's-bill have all been seen; as a direct result of the twice annual cuts, which take place at appropriate times of the year.

This year the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust can finally add Dwarf pansy to this growing list of smaller, native, delicate plant species! (Picture of first Dwarf pansy found on Tean in 17 years taken by Ranger Darren Hart).

The Dwarf pansy has historically grown in three key locations in the Isles of Scilly; Rushy Bay on Bryher, Appletree Banks on Tresco and on the uninhabited Island of Tean. It is a very small, native, annual flowering plant which you will not find growing anywhere else in mainland Britain.

Whilst the Rushy Bay population has regularly produced sightings and records in recent years (including 2021) the Tresco & Tean populations haven't fared so well. It has been indicated that plants were possibly present on Tean in 2010 but the last confirmed Dwarf pansy sightings, on the uninhabited Island, were in 2004; suggesting that this minuscule marvel has been absent for around 17 years!

The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust are delighted to confirm, the sighting and record of, the Dwarf pansy's return; made by the Ranger Team during their most recent visit to carry out work in April 2021.

On receiving the news from the Team on location Head Ranger, Darren Mason, who is responsible for the development and implementation of the Ranger Teams work programme, stated; "...well done everyone, that is a tremendous effort over the last few years! I can't believe it...I'm well stoked!! 😃😃😃😃😃"

The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust hope to continue this valuable work, keeping Scilly special now and for future generations. Becoming a Friend of Scilly Wildlife means that they will be able to do just that and so much more!

Want to know more?

Find out more about the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust's ongoing work which has seen the return of the Dwarf pansy to Tean this year in the recent Blog "Tean's Teeny Tiny Tenants";
Further details regarding the Dwarf pansy can be found in Scilly's Special Species;
Tean is one of 24 Sites of Special Scientific Interest that the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust are responsible for; designated features include the Dwarf pansy and Orange bird's-foot.

Picture above, Dwarf pansy on Rushy bay with pencil to show size; © BareFoot Photographer & Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust)

Support our ongoing work

Latest

Spring squill

Scilla verna
Common Eelgrass (aka Seagrass)

Zostera marina
Scilly's Magical Meadows

When you hear the word “meadow”, where does your imagination take you? Join Ambassador Steve Backshall & Comms Officer Nikki Banfield for what may be a surprising trip into Scilly's underwater world! (Originally written for S-Magazine | Isles of Scilly Travel)
Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust confirms return of rare species

Locally-run, conservation charity, the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, confirms the first flowering Dwarf pansy (Viola kitaibeliana) on the uninhabited Island of Tean after 17 years absence.

Environmental Growth Strategy 2020-2065

Natural foundations for a Green Recovery.
Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Local Nature Partnership appoint first ever CEO

With a widely acknowledged crisis in biodiversity and the natural world, the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Nature Partnership (CIoSLNP) has appointed its first Chief Executive Officer.
Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust clean-up

The last week of January saw the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust successfully embarking on an exciting new partnership with Keep Britain Tidy’s Ocean Recovery Project. The aim? To recycle all the rigid plastic gathered, from Scilly’s coastline...
30 By 30

Today marks the launch of The Wildlife Trusts £30 million appeal to kickstart nature’s recovery across 30% of land and sea in the UK by 2030. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced his support of the 30 by 30 campaign, declaring that the UK will designate a further 4000km2 of newly protected land in England.
Access Across our Nature Sites during Covid-19

The Trust continues to negotiate health and safety advice & guidance to ensure our nature sites “COVID-safe”. An open letter from Head Ranger, Darren Mason, explains how access is being effected.
Helen Glover & Steve Backshall join the Trust as ambassadors

We are thrilled to announce that Helen Glover, 2 x Olympic Rowing Champion & Steve Backshall, Naturalist & TV presenter have joined the Trust as ambassadors
Let Nature Help!

An exciting new report from The Wildlife Trusts has been launched today. 'Let nature help - how nature's recovery is essential for tackling the climate crisis' calls for greater investment in carbon-capturing landscapes. The report reveals that degraded habitats could absorb a whopping third of the UK's CO2 emissions if they were to be expertly restored.
Our Amazing Oceans

Our oceans are AMAZING. Covering 70% of the planet, and accounting for 97% of the world's water, our oceans account for 99% of all of the living space on Earth!
When the Aliens Landed

It's getting to that time of year again, Autumn/Winter Storms are coming; that means EPIC beachcombing and beachy finds. Here's what happened two years ago, the aliens landed!