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Welcome to the
Isles of Scilly National Landscape

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Isaac Ogden

In recognition of its special qualities, the Isles of Scilly was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1975.

This is England’s only archipelago, a wonderful National Landscape of rugged granite headlands, sparkling sandy bays, flower-rich coastal heaths and tiny bulbfields. Of the 200 islands and rocks, just five are inhabited. Local people and visitors share this land and seascape with a dazzling array of wildlife and heritage.

NASA

At low water the islands rise out of the water and stretch out across the sandflats – it’s easy to see how this was once a single landmass. The crystal-clear waters around the isles are fantastic for their marine flora and fauna, from seagrass beds to dolphins and grey seals.

Scilly’s breeding seabird colonies are of international importance, with Manx shearwaters, storm petrels, puffins, shags and lesser black-backed gulls being amongst the species that thrive here. The sea is not always kind – the islands are known for their many shipwrecks, such as the four naval ships and 2000 sailors lost here in 1707.

Isaac Ogden

Scilly’s heathland, dunes and maritime grassland support several species found nowhere else in the UK, such as dwarf pansy, the least adder’s-tongue fern and the gilt-edged lichen. This is the only place in the country which has escaped Dutch elm disease (so far) – Scilly’s lanes lined with mature elms are a delight.

The Scilly shrew is an island speciality which hitched a ride here with prehistoric traders from its native range in continental Europe. Ringed plovers and oystercatchers still nest on beaches here, and the islands are renowned for the range of migrant birds that are seen every spring and autumn.

Isaac Ogden

Archaeology abounds, with Scilly boasting the UK’s greatest density of Scheduled Monuments. This history of use is reflected by the enclosed pastures, hedged bulb-strips, scattered rural settlements and quays.

Many Scillonian families can trace their history back centuries. Local traditions, such as gig rowing, still form an important part of island life on Scilly. Flower-farming and inshore fishing are still vibrant industries, but heritage-driven tourism has overtaken them as the mainstay of the local economy.

Isaac Ogden

  • Funding

    Learn more about how the Isles of Scilly National Landscape is funded.

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  • Our Team

    Lean more about the day-to-day work of the Isles of Scilly National Landscape

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  • Partnership

    Learn more about the Isles of Scilly National Landscape Partnership

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  • Management Plan

    Read our Management Plan and learn about the review process.

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  • News

    Keep up to date with the Isles of Scilly National Landscape

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  • Events

    Find out what’s happening in the Isles of Scilly National Landscape

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  • Farming in Protected Landscapes

    Learn more about the FiPL Programme

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  • Designation

    Learn more about the underlying AONB designation and its history

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  • Farmers & Growers Initiative

    Read about the Farmers & Growers Initiative.

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  • Rare wildlife

    Read about Scilly’s extraordinary wildlife.

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  • Exceptional heritage

    Read about Scilly’s nationally significant historic environment.

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