Giving Back: Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust

Between November and the beginning of March, there were a plethora of volunteers on our shores, determined to make their positive mark on our island landscape.

In partnership with The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, they travelled from all over the country and put jobs and life on hold to look after our beautiful island.

From uprooting and removing Rhododendrons across our Sites of Special Scientific Interest, to drystone wall clearance, they worked all over the island alongside some of our locals as well as the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust.

There were several different groups and each stayed for around two weeks, getting stuck into island life and experiencing all things Tresco. The volunteers were often seen in The New Inn of an evening gathered around the pool table, out on their bikes exploring, or - for some - on wildlife trips with Tresco Boats witnessing Humpback Whales and bird life.

We are so grateful for all their work and hope that they will always have fond memories of their time here.

Maintaining and looking after an island landscape is an endless task and no one knows that more than father and son land management team Steve and Jamie Parkes (recently featured in the Tresco Times).

They, along with resident beekeeper Jilly Halliday and Estate Director Diana Mompoloki, dug up invasive (and stubborn!) Rhododendrons on the North End and on Penzance Road (among other spots). They also got stuck into wall clearance across the island so that the beautiful, old drystone walls can be seen once more. This was an intricate task and involved a delicate dig out but the finished result has made a tremendous difference.

"I had an absolutely amazing time," says volunteer Chrissie. "So many positives, but one of the strongest was being part of such a wonderful group. I felt a very strong bond with them all and loved working hard but having fun at the same time. We felt very welcomed and appreciated for what we did; we all loved Steve and how supportive and appreciative he was. One of the big wins for me was feeling like I was part of something and not just a tourist. It was very rewarding work getting up the rhododendrons and clearing the walls and good to feel we were making a difference. Such a great gang with the Wildlife Trust too - well done to them for all they are doing."

The volunteers were from a range of diverse backgrounds and it was amazing to see an eclectic mix of people come together over the Tresco environment. However, it wasn't just Tresco that the volunteers explored. They also visited St Helen's and Round Island to partake in ongoing IOS Wildlife Trust projects such as rat elimination and sea bird recovery. Find out more here.

Thank you again to all those involved in this winter project. We hope you visit us again soon and notice the difference you made!