Local Groups
Working together for Scilly's wildlife
There are a number of local groups, charities and organisations who work with us to help wildlife on the Isles of Scilly. From wildlife interest groups to social clubs and local societies, a whole range of passionate people are committed to Keeping Scilly Special.
The Isles of Scilly Bird Group
The Isles of Scilly Bird Group champions birds, wildlife and birdwatching on the Isles of Scilly. We aim to inspire more people of all ages to enjoy our stunning wildlife and share their sightings and experiences, and to help local wildlife by carrying out targeted conservation work. Every year they produce the annual Isles of Scilly Bird and Natural History Review, a 256pp comprehensive yearly review of birds and other wildlife; manage wild areas for birds; maintain some birdwatching areas, including interpretation; work with landowners to open up autumn birding trails on otherwise private land; organise the popular annual Bird Log on St Mary’s every October (and work with the organisers of the annual St Agnes Bird Log); promote scientific data, research and photography of birds on the Isles of Scilly; reach out to schools and local communities through education; provide up-to-date information and sightings on our website and social media; communicate birding news with members and represent the birding community, including non-residents; work with partners to make the Isles of Scilly better for all wildlife; and act as advocates for birds and wildlife
The Isles of Scilly Bat Group
The group was formed in December 2006. There are currently over 40 members, mostly on the islands but some on the mainland. The Group is affiliated to the Bat Conservation Trust. They promote bat conservation in the Isles of Scilly.
Isles of Scilly University of the Third Age (U3A)
U3A is a UK-wide collection of 1000+ charities that provide the opportunity for those no longer in work to come together and learn for fun. The U3A movement has been learning, staying active and having fun for over 40 years - showcasing what it means to have a positive later life.
St Mary's U3A meet every third month on St Mary's, they invite us to give talks and workshops and support us through joining beach cleans and fundraising for us.
British Divers Marine Life Rescue
British Divers Marine Life Rescue’s mission is to provide assistance to marine mammals and other species in need of help. They train specialist volunteer Marine Mammal Medics, which provides them with the basic knowledge, skills and expertise to enable our team to respond to a callout and act on behalf of that animal’s best welfare interests. BDMLR responds callouts it receives when necessary. The charity has Medics and various pieces of specialised equipment located around the UK coast and works with rehabilitation centres and experts in many fields of animal rescue, rehabilitation, science and welfare.
Over the years BDMLR has built a reputation for its high standard experience and knowledge, and has been contacted by many overseas organisations and governments to assist with training personnel and providing rescue equipment.
Our Marine Mammal Medics are all volunteers and can become involved in the organisation as much or as little as they want. BDMLR also provides ongoing training and skills development to ensure Medics are as highly trained and knowledgeable as possible.
Rescue hotline: 01825 765546
The Seal Research Trust
The Seal Research Trust (aka Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust) is a multi-award winning, evidence-based marine conservation charity. What we do really works. We support seal conservation groups across the UK, as well a large network of active citizen scientists across SW communities, who routinely survey seals on their local patch. This gives seals a voice and enables us to protect them and their ocean home.
Cornish Plastic Pollution Coalition (CPPC)
The Cornish Plastic Pollution Coalition (CPPC) is a grouping of more than 60 environmental organisations, local marine conservation groups, beach cleaning groups and marine science experts, collectively representing tens of thousands of people in Cornwall and beyond. They informally improve information exchange and coordination between organisations and volunteers involved in marine litter and plastic pollution in Cornwall; highlight the issue of single use plastics; raise awareness of the issue of marine litter and plastic pollution container spill items, and other types of plastic pollution which are prevalent in our Cornish environment either consistently, or sporadically in large volumes; and raise the issue of marine litter and plastic pollution with identified businesses and organisations and try to persuade them to change their practices to more environmentally friendly methods / products
St Agnes & Gugh Seabird Heritage Volunteers
At the end of the Seabird Recovery Project, the community of St Agnes remained committed to ensuring that the island remained rat-free. The Seabird Heritage Volunteers who do this are supported by the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust and the RSPB.
Samson (c) Ed Marshall
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