The Isles of Scilly Biodiversity Audit 2008 - Cornwall Wildlife Trust

ExecutiveSummary1 IntroductionObjectives of The Isles of Scilly Biodiversity AuditThis publication represents the key first step in theprocess of producing Biodiversity Action Plansprocess for the variety of both species and habitatsthat make up the unique character of the islands. Theobjectives of this Biodiversity Audit are:· To assess the status and trends in biodiversity inthe Isles of Scilly· To identify the main issues affecting biodiversity· To establish priorities for the conservation ofbiodiversity· To make recommendations for immediateaction to conserve and enhance the Isles of Scilly’sbiodiversity2 The Isles of Scilly’s BiodiversityAnalysis of Status and Trends to both Species andHabitatsThis report looks at all the key species groupings andrecognised BAP habitats, as listed in the UK BAP list,revised in 2007 and, for each, provides the followingkey headings for analysis:· Overview· Important Areas in the Isles of Scilly· Conservation Importance· Trends and Issues affecting that species group orhabitat type.Overall TrendsThe extent and quality of the Isles of Scilly’sbiodiversity have been identified through this initialaudit and, in particular, the baseline for futurereporting of those issues identified and any changeis now in place. Both habitats and species are underthreat from climate change, habitat and environmentaldegradation.The trends are by no means all negative. The growthin public awareness of the unique habitats the islandshave to offer has been very noticeable and the tourismindustry has worked hard to “sell” the environmentalbenefits to the visiting public. The development of theIsles of Scilly Wildlife Trust and its growing liaisonwith the local community has seen wildlife habitatbeing restored – the heathland restoration work isparticularly encouraging. Agriculture on the islandsremains at a level that does not seriously affect thewider biodiversity and it continues to try and work intandem with environmental schemes and projects; anumber of the recommendations in this report look tofurther strengthen that relationshipOverall trends of both key species and habitats whereknown are recorded at Section 4 - Isles of Scillypriority tables3 Issues Affecting The Isles of Scilly’sBiodiversityA number of issues that are deemed to have, orpotentially have, an effect on the biodiversity of theIsles of Scilly are discussed at Section 3 of this report.The topics covered are:3.1 Nature Conservation3.2 Agriculture3.3 FisheriesWild flowers in arable fields. Photo: Rosemary ParslowIsles of Scilly biodiversity audit Page