News and Information from the Isles of Scilly AONB Partnership

The AONB Partnership's Work in 2012

- The AONB Partnership awarded £37,960 through the Sustainable Development Fund, directly benefiting the Isles of Scilly's unique environment and its communities;

- The AONB Partnership has provided ongoing support to the Scilly Farmers and Growers Initiative in helping to build capacity within the land-based sector;

- AONB Staff co-delivered a range of inspirational and fun activities for Scilly's children and young people including Spring into Scilly and the Space Odyssey Planetarium;

- The AONB Partnership worked with local residents to designate 5 Dark Sky Discovery Sites across the Islands;

- The AONB Partnership, and Staff, coordinated 28 beach cleans in 2012. This amounted to the collection of 234 black sacks full of beach litter and 82 large individual items, ranging from a fridge to fishing nets and floats. This couldn't have been achieved without help from the 551 volunteers, 351 of which were children and young people.

- The AONB Partnership continued to submit consultation responses on planning applications and local planning policy to the Local Planning Authority;

-The AONB Partnership continued to support the delivery of the Isles of Scilly Seabird Recovery Project;

We look forward to continuing and developing our work in 2013.

The Search is On For Projects

 The AONBytrytryrtyrtyryryyyryryrtyrtfhfghfghhhhhffTge tdrtrtrettttteehThe search is on for projects that will benefit both the community and the environment of the Isles of Scilly. The Defra-funded Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) is once again available to support local projects in Scilly.

The AONB Sustainable Development Fund is awarded to projects that enhance Scilly's unique environment and to those that provide exciting economic opportunities for the local community.

Between £500 and £10,000 can be awarded to suitable projects.

Project Ideas

Eligible projects may include:

-research focusing on Scilly's natural, historic and marine environment;

-skills training in biodiversity and heritage;

-appropriate low-carbon initiatives;

-sustainable transport projects;

-innovative land management projects;

-community schemes with an environmental impact;

-events that support Scilly's landscape or historic conservation activities;

-sustainable tourism projects;

-projects that help deliver the AONB Management Plan.

Next Steps

Prospective applicants are invited to complete an Expression of Interest Form by February 28th 2013.

For more information, please contact Rebecca Steggles (AONB Assistant) on 01720 424315, or email rsteggles@scilly.gov.uk.

Further information can also be found on the AONB Website.

Funding Secured for the Isles of Scilly Seabird Recovery Project

The Isles of Scilly are internationally important for seabirds with 20,000 breeding birds of 14 different species. The Seabird Recovery Project seeks to safeguard seabird colonies in Scilly and to reverse their population decline.

The project is run by a partnership of organisations including the RSPB, the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust and Natural England. The Isles of Scilly AONB Partnership and the Isles of Scilly Bird Group also support the project.

Read more about the Seabird Recovery Project.

Take part in the Big Scilly Star Count 2013

The AONB Partnership is encouraging local residents and visitors to Scilly to record the darkness of their local dark skies.

Big Scilly Star Count 2013 is part of an initiative led nationally by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE). Readers may recall a similar survey in 2012.

This year the AONB Partnership would like more people to participate, especially on the Off-Islands, so that changes in light pollution levels can be monitored from year to year across the AONB.

More information on how to take part is available on the AONB website.

.....................................................................................

Big Star Count Walk

Why not join AONB Staff and the Council of the Isles of Scilly's Life Long Learning team for the Big Scilly Star Count Walk?

Local astronomers will be joining us as we discover the wonders of Scilly's dark night skies, as well as taking part in the national Big Star Count.

      When:  Tuesday 12th February, from 7.00p.m-9.00p.m

      Where:  Please meet at Carn Thomas Car Park

Please bring sturdy footwear and a torch.

All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Can YOU Help Turn the Tide on Marine Litter?

Every year Scilly participates in the Marine Conservation Society's Adopt-a-Beach Clean. Valuable data from Scilly contributes to both UK and global monitoring of marine litter and its impact on the environment.

Locally, beach cleans help keep Scilly looking beautiful as well as providing real benefits to our much loved wildlife.

If you can spare the time, you will make a real difference to Scilly's environment.

If you're in any doubt, take a look at this video on the Marine Conservation Society's website.

Where: Please meet at Porth Hellick Beach, St Mary's

When: 2pm, Saturday 16th February

**Free hot drinks and cakes will be provided to willing volunteers!**

.............................................................................................

The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust cares for 60% of land in Scilly, including Porth Hellick Beach.

The Council of the Isles of Scilly disposes of beach clean waste collected during AONB Beach Cleans.

The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust and the Council of the Isles of Scilly are members of the AONB Partnership.