Thanks to the overwhelming support from our community, we have been able to reopen many paths that were affected by Storm Goretti.  As a result, business as usual looks a bit different as we continue into the summer with our land management work. From Rangers to Seabird Officers, our efforts are focused towards keeping Scilly special.

Our efforts span the length and breadth of the islands - from cutting back gorse and bracken to aid the work of our conservation grazing herd, to scrambling across uninhabited islands to monitor species breeding on Scilly. Our team work hard year-round to care for the flora and fauna that call these islands home – our core conservation work has several high priorities this year.

Ringed Plovers are at risk of extinction in South West England, populations are declining due to recreational disturbance and increased predation. The Isles of Scilly has the last remaining nesting sites in the South West England, with the next closest on Chesil beach in Dorset. It’s essential that we protect our Ringed Plovers and continue efforts to grow the population  and monitor success across the islands.  

The Isles of Scilly are also home to 13 seabird species, some of which are internationally important and at risk of extinction. Among these species are: Kittiwakes which are globally vulnerable on the IUCN Red list, Manx Shearwaters with only 2 breeding sites in England and Storm Petrels – a species that requires rat-free islands to nest on. Our seabird officers spend the summer months boating between islands to count nests and burrows, taking care to record crucial data which helps us understand trends in each seabird colony so that we can better protect these amazing species. 

Scilly has so many aspects that make it entirely unique as part of the UK.  The islands have 26 sites of special scientific interest, and we manage 23 of these. Scilly is also a designated National Landscape for its outstanding natural beauty. Donating to help keep Scilly special means our important conservation work can continue and develop for the benefit of the islands, monitoring essential breeding habitats for Scilly’s species and keeping pathways open and walkable across stunning landscapes. 

We are an independent charity and rely heavily on fundraised income, and the generosity of our supporters; we are focused on making the best use of our limited resources. Please consider donating, and together we can Keep Scilly Special.