In 2014, the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust began a programme of habitat restoration, focused on restoring the dune and maritime grassland areas of Tean. This included removing encroaching bracken, coarse grasses and scrub in an effort to see the return of dwarf pansy to its former sites. 

Since the Trust's regular management started seven years ago, increases in plant species such as western clover, lady's bedstraw, changing forget-me-not, Portland spurge, bird's-foot trefoil and stork's-bill have all been seen, as a direct result of the twice annual cuts, which take place at appropriate times of the year.

This year the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust can finally add dwarf pansy to this growing list of smaller, native, delicate plant species.

The dwarf pansy has historically grown in three key locations in the Isles of Scilly, including Rushy Bay on Bryher, Appletree Banks on Tresco and on the uninhabited Island of Tean. It is a very small, native, annual flowering plant which you will not find growing anywhere else in mainland Britain.

Whilst the Rushy Bay population has regularly produced sightings and records in recent years (including 2021) the Tresco & Tean populations haven't fared so well. It has been indicated that plants were possibly present on Tean in 2010 but the last confirmed dwarf pansy sightings, on the uninhabited Island, were in 2004. This suggests that this minuscule marvel has been absent for around 17 years.

The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust are delighted to confirm, the sighting and record of, the dwarf pansy's return, made by the Ranger Team during their most recent visit to carry out work in April 2021.

Head Ranger, Darren Mason, stated, "...well done everyone, that is a tremendous effort over the last few years! I can't believe it...I'm well stoked!!"

The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust hope to continue this valuable work, keeping Scilly special now and for future generations.