Shipman Head & Shipman Head Down
At the most northern end of Bryher, Shipman Head is one of the wildest parts of the island, being exposed to the wild Atlantic to the north and west. The ridge runs south towards the plateau of…
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Peninnis Head
The atmosphere at the end of Peninnis Head is otherworldly. Prominent granite cliffs, tors and boulders are scattered amongst the maritime heathland, with impressive rock formations stacked right…
Mother Shipton
This striking day-flying moth is named after a 16th century witch.
Snake's-head fritillary
The nodding, pink-and-purple-chequered flowers of the snake's-head fritillary are said to resemble a snake, hence the name. Declining with the loss of our meadows, this delicate plant can be…
Wingletang Down
Wingletang Down is one of the wildest places on the Isles of Scilly. Towering granite rock formations intersperse with waved heathland, supporting a variety of rare plants. It's easy to feel…
Chapel Down
At the eastern end of St Martin’s, Chapel Down plateau is one of the best examples of ‘waved’ maritime heathland across the archipelago. The steep granite cliffs are home to breeding Manx…
Death's-head hawk-moth
This unmistakeable moth, famous for its skull-shaped marking, is a rare visitor to the UK.
Gadwall
The gadwall is a dabbling duck, feeding at the surface of shallow water by 'upending' - putting its head down and its bottom up! Only a small number of gadwall nest in the UK, but large…
Downlooker snipefly
The Downlooker snipefly gets its name from its habit of sitting on posts or sunny trees with its head facing down to the ground, waiting for passing prey. It prefers grassland, scrub and woodland…
Common dandelion
The common dandelion is a most familiar flower: counting down the 'clock', while blowing the fluffy seeds from its head, is a favourite childhood game. Dandelions are an important early…
Tufted duck
This comical little duck lives up to its name – look out for the black tuft of feathers on its head!
Batman hoverfly
This common hoverfly can be recognised by the dark markings behind its head, which often resemble the Batman logo.