The Isles of Scilly lie fewer than 30 miles off the Cornish coast, but visitors might sometimes imagine that they had travelled to a different country. There is plenty on the Isles of Scilly that you simply will not find anywhere else, whether it's wildlife, archeology, landscape, tranquility, an almost sub-tropical feel or just the islanders' friendliness.
As befits such an incredibly beautiful place, the Isles of Scilly are designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The AONB's mission is:
‘To safeguard, enhance and promote the distinctive landscape, wildlife, historical and architectural character of the Isles of Scilly, whilst fostering the social and economic wellbeing of its people’
Take some time to look round the site; it will tell you about the Islands - uninhabited and inhabited alike - as well as the AONB. Have a look, too, at IRIS (Information Resource for the Isles of Scilly); it's a database of information sources relating to Scilly, designed for researchers and for anyone else who'd like to learn more about the Islands
‘Working Towards a Sustainable Scilly’ Find out more…
AONB Management Plan
The Isles of Scilly AONB management plan is a vision for the sustainable future of the islands' landscape and community. In essence the plan promotes social, cultural and economic activities that conserve and enhance Scilly's exceptional landscape and seascape. In recognition of the special character of the landscape and the specific needs of the islands' community, the management plan puts in place clear aims, policies and actions for the conservation and enhancement of the AONB.
AONBs have a statutory duty under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000) to produce a plan which sets out policies for managing the AONB. It is a legal requirement that AONB management plans are reviewed every five years. Therefore, the AONB Partnership is in the process of developing a new management plan for 2009-2014. The review process involves consultation with AONB Partners, the local community, visitors to Scilly and statutory consultees such as Natural England and English Heritage.
The management plan review is now at public consultation stage. The four week consultation period ends on July 27th 2009. The AONB Partnership would value your comments on the key issues and challenges faced in managing Scilly's exceptional landscape. You will find below a link to a copy of the Isles of Scilly AONB Management Plan Review, Consultation Draft: Strategic Plan June 2009 as well as two background documents - Scoping Report on the Review Process and Environmental Report. We have included a Response Form which you are welcome to use as a guide to summarising your views. We welcome feedback in any form as long as it is received by the end of the consultation period on July 27th 2009.
If you wish to view hard copy of the consultation documents there are reference copies at the AONB office (Old Wesleyan Chapel) and St Mary's library as well as the Community Centres and Reading Rooms on the off-islands. Workshops will be held during this consultation period so please look out for confirmation of dates and venues.
Scoping Report on the Review Process.pdf
AONB Management Plan Review Consultation Draft June 2009.pdf
Management Plan Consultation Response Form.doc
News & Events
Find out whats going on here at the Isles of Scilly AONB. Find out more…