Exceptional Environment

Wild Daffodils Most people come to Scilly to enjoy our unspoilt environment.

The Islands are home to rare plants and animals, exceptional marine wildlife, coastal heathland, traditional farmland, clear seas, clean air and rich archaeological sites.

Our stunning natural and cultural environment has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) since 1975.

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is .....
- Equivalent to a National Park in terms of its landscape quality and scenic beauty
- An exceptional environment that is protected by law from intrusive development
- A place where ecological value and cultural heritage support economic prosperity and social well-being.

Information on Flora and Fauna

Information on Weather and Tides

Why Scilly is so Exceptional

The Wild side of Scilly

Historical Heritage

Green Scilly

To enjoy the best of our environment, don't miss
- The Walk Scilly Festival, held annually in March/April:
- experience first-hand the exceptional landscape, seascape and history of Scilly
- take part in healthy exercise that does no harm to the natural beauty and environment of Scilly
- Explore Scilly at your own pace with the AONB Unit's series of 12 self-guided walk leaflets
- The grey seal colony living in Scilly is of international importance and provides an unprecedented view of these charismatic animals in their natural environment. Go on a boat trip to see them or use guides to show you how to swim safely with seals and other marine life.
- Pelagic boat trips are excellent for bird watching, shark tagging and cetacean watching. In the waters around Scilly there are dolphins, basking sharks and porpoises, and occasionally a larger whale or sea turtle makes an appearance.