The Isles of Scilly
Seabird Recovery Project

Working with communities and visitors on the Isles of Scilly to protect their seabird heritage.

This partnership project aimed to protect the seabirds in Scilly by keeping St Agnes and Gugh and the uninhabited seabird islands 'rat-free'. The project thanks the EU LIFE programme and the Heritage Lottery Fund for financial support.

The islands are home to breeding populations of 13 species; approximately 20,000 birds in all. This includes both European Storm Petrel and Manx Shearwater, for which the UK has a global responsibility. Since 1983, however, the overall seabird population in Scilly has been in decline with an overall drop of about 25% by 2006 and a further drop by 2015.

The Project had three primary and inter-linked aims which were successfully achieved:

• Reverse recent declines in seabird populations on the Isles of Scilly through removal of the non-native brown rat from the islands of St Agnes and Gugh, and maintaining the uninhabited seabird islands 'rat-free'.
• Enable people living on and visiting the Isles of Scilly to learn about, take pride in, and play an active role in celebrating and conserving their seabird and wider natural heritage.
• Train and support island communities to embrace the benefits of seabird recovery, including the removal of rats, and continue to protect their heritage once the project has ended.

The project was run by a partnership of organisations; RSPB, the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, Natural England, the Duchy of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The project is also supported by the Isles of Scilly Bird Group.

Trouble in Paradise