Isles of Scilly

UNITED KINGDOM

May 11–18, 2021 from £2095 per person | with Peter Exley and Diana Ward

• Explore the botanical and ornithological highlights of the tranquil Isles of Scilly in the company of expert ecologists • Visit the famous sub-tropical gardens of Tresco, home to a rich diversity of exotic plants • Take in archaeological sites, wetland birdlife and maritime-infuenced vegetation More peaceful and relaxed than mainland Britain, Scilly embraces fve inhabited islands and dozens of rocky outcrops, rich in sea birds.

Te archipelago’s location and singular maritime micro-climate endows this Atlantic haven with great botanical and ornithological interest; with over 350 days of the year warm enough for plant growth, fora from the Canaries, South Africa, South America, Australia and New Zealand fourish across the islands, and a unique list of migratory birds fnd a feeding refuge on the last outpost of south western Britain.

We will take in the islands’ spring highlights, with a particular focus upon their fora, in the company of ecologists Peter Exley and Diana Ward. On coastal paths and nature trails, we will discover the exotic vegetation that makes these islands the subject of such great botanical interest. A particular highlight will be Bryher, the smallest community on the Isles of Scilly: the west and north coasts are wild and rugged with superb coastal

38 This tour will be led by Peter Exley, BSc, and Diana Ward, MSc, CBiol, MCIEEM. Peter is an ecologist and ornithologist who works for the RSPB, and has previously held posts with BirdLife International and the Albatross Task Force in South Africa. Diana is an ecologist and wildlife specialist: her company, Ward Ecology Ltd, carried out ecological assessment work, and she has worked for many years on Sites of Special Scientifc Interest and river restoration projects.

vegetation and wind-pruned ‘waves’ of heather; the east, sheltered and mild, fourishes with exotic vegetation. We stay at the three-star St Mary’s Hall Hotel on St Mary’s, an elegant townhouse originally built for an Italian noble family. Travel to and from St Mary’s is not included in the cost of this tour.

FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: A good level of overall ftness is required for this tour. Participants must be able to walk for a minimum of four miles over uneven ground, and be comfortable with getting in and out of small boats. Walks will be taken at a reasonable pace, and participants should be aware that weather and climate can be unpredictable at times.

Please note that the itinerary represents a guide to what we hope to offer, and some elements may be subject to change or confrmation nearer the time. Our itinerary will be fexible to allow for tides, weather conditions and local reports of bird arrivals. Porthcressa beach

Day 1 Assemble 1800 at St Mary’s Hall Hotel and check in for seven nights. Welcome and introduction. Day 2 By ferry across St Mary’s Sound to St Agnes (superb maritime heath) and Gugh (spectacular coastline walks). Day 3 Walk (wetland birdlife and coastal vegetation) to Bant’s Carn (Bronze Age burial chamber), Halangy Down (Iron Age settlement), Holy Vale, Higher Moors, Porth Hellick Down (Bronze Age grave and burial chamber). Return along coastal path over Salakee Down to Old Town and church. Day 4 By charter boat to Western Rocks (seals, coastal birds) and Samson (largest of uninhabited isles with abandoned village) – sea and weather conditions permitting. Day 5 By ferry to Bryher: superb coastal vegetation (search for rare dwarf pansies) and heather moorland on Shipman Head Down with visits to prehistoric entrance graves and promontory fort. Day 6 By charter boat to Eastern Isles (cobble bars linking small isles, undisturbed coastal and heath vegetation, seals, birds) with visit (sea conditions dependent) to island of St Helen’s: remains of St Elid’s hermitage (8th century chapel), 18th century Pest House. Day 7 Morning: excursion by ferry to Tresco Abbey Garden (sub-tropical gardens). Afternoon free in St Mary’s or optional walk on Castle Down, Tresco. Day 8 Tour disperses after breakfast.

Cost of £2095 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: return travel, travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £355. TOUR CODE: ISCY21