Updates from the AONB Partnership

Success for the Scilly Bee

The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust's Project 'The Big Scilly Bee Search', which is supported by the AONB Partnership, the Environmental Records Centre for Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly (ERCCIS) and The Bumblebee Trust has succeeded in its mission to find the elusive Scilly Bee.

A St Mary's resident, whilst visiting St Martin's, came across an usually brown bee amongst the heather, instantly recognising it as the Scilly Bee.

The identity of this bumblebee was confirmed by entomologist Ian Beavis, a curator at Tunbridge Wells Museum and regular visitor to Scilly. Ian says ‘That's a very exciting find, especially as St Martin's is the only major island [in Scilly] with no definite modern records since the 60s’.

Julie Love, the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust's Education and Volunteer Manager says ‘Even though we have had success we are very concerned about the Scilly Bee and would still like people to keep an eye out for it so that we can find out what areas it is using for feeding and nesting’.

‘It is the beginning of the season for the Scilly bee and it is a good year for the Scilly Bee’s favourite plant, birds-foot trefoil, so we are hopeful that there will be more sightings this year. Keep an eye out for it on coastal areas and heathland as it also likes to feed on flowering heather.’

You can find out more about the Big Scilly Bee Search and how to take part from the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust's Website.

Wind Energy in Scilly

The Isles of Scilly AONB Partnership is working to draw up a position statement on wind energy in Scilly. Earlier this year the Isles of Scilly Renewable Energy Cooperative (ISREC) commissioned a wind energy feasibility study. The AONB position statement will consider the potential impact of any proposed wind energy developments on the AONB and Conservation Area designations.

There are many things to take into account such as impacts on landscape character and the historic environment, as well as impacts on Scilly's protected wildlife, such as birds and bats.

The AONB Partnership will be working during the summer to develop a wind energy position statement.

A Celebration of SDF Projects Supported by the AONB Partnership

The Isles of Scilly Bat Group is a voluntary group dedicated to understanding and conserving bats in Scilly.

In 2010-2011  the Isles of Scilly Bat Group gained SDF funding to purchase a range of bat research equipment.

With the help of Exeter University, the Isles of Scilly Bat Group radio tracked a number of bats in 2011 with astonishing results. The tagged bats were tracked through the landscape, revealing vital information about roost sites and feeding grounds. The project even identified a species of bat not thought to exist in Scilly. A pregnant, female Brown Long Eared Bat was discovered, which confirms that this species is breeding in Scilly.

This project's successes were in part thanks to Scilly residents and members of the Isles of Scilly and Wiltshire bat groups who volunteered their time to support this project.

In 2011-2012 the Isles of Scilly Bat Group sought funding from the AONB Sustainable Development Fund to purchase a range of equipment to build on the success of the 2011 project. Infra-red binoculars and Anabats have been purchased. The new programme of work will start during summer 2012.

To find out more about the Isles of Scilly Bat Group please visit their website.

Pushing the Boundaries: Project Update

Traditional field boundaries are a characteristic feature of Scilly's farmed landscape and historically are an important asset to the Islands.

Pushing the Boundaries, which gained support through the Isles of Scilly Local Action Group, aims to unlock the economic, cultural and educational potential of Scilly's stone walls.

Project Results

Surveys to assess the ecological and historical value of Scilly's stone walls have been undertaken on Bryher, St Agnes, St Martin's, St Mary's and Tresco. The historic environment survey also assessed the condition of walls and the availability of stone which is essential in any future wall restoration project.

The main results of the biodiversity survey and historic environment/condition survey can be found on our website. 

Showcasing the Isles of Scilly AONB at the Royal Cornwall Show

Staff of the Isles of Scilly AONB Unit showcased the special qualities of the Isles of Scilly AONB, and in particular, the Isles of Scilly Honeybee Health Project at this year's Royal Cornwall Show.

Held in Wadebridge, Cornwall from June 7th-9th, and attracting over 100,000 visitors, the Royal Cornwall Show provided a captive audience to showcase the area's stunning protected landscapes. The Isles of Scilly team were joined by staff from the Cornwall and Tamar Valley AONB Partnerships, as well as those from the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site.

Scilly Celebrates the Queen's Diamond Jubilee

Communities across the Islands joined together in celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee this month!

Events such as street parties, flotillas of boats and Jubilee beacons were organised as part of the celebrations to mark the Queen's 60 years on the throne.

The picture opposite is taken from the street part scene on St Mary's on June 4th.

The National Association for AONBs Conference 2013

The National Association for AONBs (NAAONB) is holding its annual conference in York from 17th-19th July, The conference is being hosted and co-organised by the Howardian Hills, Lincolnshire Wolds, Nidderdale and North Pennines AONB Partnerships.

'Shaping Nature on a Landscape Scale' conference will look at how AONB Partnerships and National Park Authorities (NPAs) work, at both a local and a national level, to conserve and enhance our natural environment. In particular, it will investigate how our partnerships are helping to deliver the key objectives of the Natural Environment White Paper and show that an investment in the Protected Landscape Family is an investment in the wellbeing of the nation.

News, Information and What's on in the AONB

- Funding is still available through the AONB Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) for projects that conserve and enhance the environment and provide exciting and sustainable economic opportunities for the local community.

- Gold has been awarded to Samson Hill, Bryher through the Green Tourism Business Scheme. There are now 10 accommodation providers in Scilly who are members of this scheme.

-Bat Walk Dates for 2012 are available from the Isles of Scilly Bat Group's website. The next walk is taking place on St Mary's on July 5th.

-Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust launch 'Lunchtime Rocks'. A chance for visitors and residents to discover the amazing world of rockpools. More information is available from the Trust's website.

- Look out for the AONB Partnership's stall at the St Agnes, Bryher and St Martin's fetes this summer where we will be showcasing Scilly's Dark Night Skies.