158 - Isles of Scilly : Analysis: Ecosystem Services

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• High-quality meat products
• Variety of vegetable crops
• Fish and shellfish from shallow seas

State – The climate on the islands and the small fields lend themselves to the production of high value vegetable crops in small quantities produced earlier than on the mainland.

While farm size is reasonably stable on the islands due to life and hereditary tenancy agreements offered by Duchy of Cornwall.

Specialisation of crops is occurring which is diluting the mosaic of crop types.

There is a local fishing industry based around lobsters and other shellfish for use in local restaurants with small amounts exported to the mainland at Newlyn.

Currently the majority of foodstuffs for the population are imported.

Main beneficiary – Regional

Analysis – Farming and horticulture is difficult on the islands because of location and limited freight links to the mainland.

Limited agricultural land due to salt-laden winds, sandy soils and small fields all of which restricts the types of crops that are grown.

Many Scilly farmers produce a wide range of horticultural crops (such as lettuce, asparagus, strawberries, potatoes) from the rich soils. Much of this is sold either at the roadside or to local businesses.

The warm frost-free climate also means that early crops are readily achievable and much early produce (potatoes, and small amount of salad vegetables) exported to the mainland.

Water use for agriculture is a main issue on the islands due to the small amount of water available and the water-hungry crops produced.

Historic over-use of chemicals associated with the production of bulbs has led to impact on the islands’ water quality.

Cattle grazing is becoming an important tool for the management of the nature conservation sites on the islands (St Mary’s, Tresco, Bryher, Samson, St Martin’s) Hardy stock (Ruby Reds) are being used to manage semi-natural habitats and bulb fields and these are very suited to the islands climate.

Development of local supply and processing focused on sustainable management.

Opportunities – Continue to support a diverse and sustainable agricultural base for the islands that focuses on providing high-quality products into the island supply chain.

Scilly has a great opportunity to promote a wide variety of quality products to the many visitors to the island. This can be further developed into a brand ‘taste of Scilly’ and promoted to the retail and hotel trade on the mainland which emphasises the links to the environment of the islands.

Seek opportunities to develop an abattoir on the islands to support the growing livestock sector.

Ensure that when meat is produced from conservation grazing schemes, the messages about the enhancement of the islands’ environment that the animals have contributed to is clear.

Ensure that the fishing industry is included in any sustainable food initiatives and consider developing local handling facilities to ensure more of the catch stays on the islands.

Increase the water storage and decrease water use within the farming system by ensuring continuous vegetation cover and minimal cultivation.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Food provision
• Sense of history
• Biodiversity
• Regulating water quality
• Sense of place/inspiration

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Small areas of woodland and patches of stunted wind- pruned scrub

State – There are small copses, within the sheltered areas. Existing woodland cover is made up of shrubs planted for shelterbelts for the small flower fields.

Many of the mature trees are elms which provide added interest and diversity and potentially small amounts of timber.

Main beneficiary – Local

Analysis – The small copses in the sheltered areas should be managed to maturity to maximise the biodiversity and landscape benefit that these can provide.

Timber is only available from occasional felling of elm trees and pines, through hedge management and scrub clearance of Hottentot fig that has taken over in abandoned fields.

Hottentot fig is slowly escaping from the farmed environment, decreasing the area of semi-natural grasslands.

Due to the tree-less wind-swept nature of the islands, there are no opportunities to plant new areas, as this would change the landscape character dramatically.

There is an opportunity to ensure the existing areas of woodland remain through consideration of succession planting.

Opportunities – Small-scale opportunities exist to supply the artisan craft industry and as a possible wood fuel resource if sustainably managed.

Opportunities exist to remove Hottentot fig and return the area to agricultural production – including grazing or restoration as semi- natural grasslands and heathland.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Timber provision
• Biodiversity
• Sense of history

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Streams, small ponds and marsh habitats
• Boreholes on off islands
• Seawater desalination on St Mary’s

State – The islands are self-sufficient for water. Off islands are supplied from private boreholes with St Mary’s being supplied through a combination of boreholes and from desalination.

The significant increase in tourists during the summer months places a burden on the water supply and water infrastructure with predictions likely to place even more pressure on this resource. Recent changes in the weather are now influencing the quantity of water available.

Changes in agriculture and the increase in stock on the islands will increase the pressure on water supply.

Main beneficiary – Local

Analysis – Water availability is one of the most significant factors for the islands. There are minimal opportunities to increase the quantity of water from the islands’ boreholes.

Water conservation is therefore vitally important for the islands to be able to cope with increased visitors and potentially changes in agriculture such as more grazing animals.

Increased development to accommodate more visitors puts greater pressure on the water supply and requirement.

Opportunities – Opportunities should be developed that can actively educate residents and visitors in the importance of water conservation.

Consider ways that the semi-natural habitats are managed to increase their ability to store and release water.

Always consider ways in which land use change will impact on the water availability of the island and ensure that the impacts are minimised.

Development should actively consider ways of reducing water use through the installation of grey water systems and waste water recovery as well as water storage. These should also be considered for all agricultural developments such as barns.

The impact of agricultural change needs to be considered on the water supply to ensure that nutrients are not released through changes in cultivation techniques or increases in type or quantity of chemical fertilisers.

Considerations should be given to using drought-tolerant crops to reduce water use.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Water availability
• Water quality
• Food provision
• Regulating water flow
• Biodiversity
• Sense of place/inspiration

No information available.

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service

Grassland and woodland

State – Biomass will only be produced as a by-product of the restoration and management of heathland.

There is little standing, accessible biomass in the area with no under-managed woodland.

Material for use as biomass may be available through hedge and fence management and potentially from bracken clearance on the coastal fringes.

Main beneficiary – Local

Analysis – There is no opportunity for the growing of miscanthus and short rotation coppice due to lack of appropriate sites and water availability for crops.

Few opportunities exist for the current biomass technology. However, any future biomass production should ensure that any opportunities that are pursued enhance the biodiversity of the area and do not influence the wide range of archaeology and biodiversity on the islands.

Opportunities – Explore options through conservation management schemes for the use of heathland, grassland and woodland arising for small- scale biomass schemes.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Biomass provision
• Food provision
• Biodiversity
• Sense of place/inspiration
• Sense of history

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Peat soils
• Small areas of woodland and shelterbelts
• Permanent grassland and heathland

State – Small areas of carbon-rich peat soils exist in the marshy valleys on St Mary’s, St Martin’s, Tresco and Bryher. These are often associated with small pockets of woodland.

Permanent grassland and heathland forms a significant belt around the edges of the islands.

Main beneficiary – Local

Analysis – The small areas of peat soil and small areas of woodland provide minimal contribution to climate regulation.

The intensive bulb and early vegetable production has rapidly reduced the carbon storage capacity of the soil as well as having a detrimental effect on soil structure and water retention.

The use of nitrogen fertilisers on degraded soil structure increases the likely release of the greenhouse gas, nitrous oxide.

Increased acidity of seawater through absorption of CO2 and the warming of sea temperatures will affect the diversity of species surrounding the islands.

Opportunities – Ensure no disturbance or agricultural improvement to the small area of peaty soils and ensure that they continue to be managed to maximise their ability to store carbon.

Implement ways of increasing soil organic content through mixing of manures, reducing cropping and the number of tillage operations.

Consider changes to agricultural techniques to reduce use of fertilisers through more targeted application, which should provide both economic benefits and reduce net nitrous oxide emissions.

Be aware of changes that are occurring to the marine environment through the warming of sea temperatures.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Climate regulation
• Regulating water quality
• Regulating water flow
• Regulating soil quality
• Biodiversity

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Hard granite geology Beaches and other coastal geomorphological features.

State – The coastline comprises rugged, hard rock leading to lengths of narrow shingle beach and pocket beaches.

The west-facing coast is exposed to the open Atlantic Ocean and extremely energetic waves. While erosion is slow at times, rapid change can occur when waves and high winds combine.

The large number of small islands is notable for the way that they have become disconnected from the main islands due to cliff erosion and rising sea levels.

Main beneficiary – Local

Analysis – Coastal erosion and increased flood risk from sea inundation is a threat to many areas of Scilly.

Coastal erosion of hard granite features and westfacing beaches is placing some buildings and
agricultural land at risk.

At particular risk are the low-lying areas of Hugh Town and Old Town on St Mary’s The shoreline management plan suggest a ‘hold the line’ policy is adopted for these vulnerable areas.

It is important that the impact of coastal erosion and seawater inundation is understood and that a sustainable approach to management is considered with the minimal use of hard engineering to protect vulnerable services and infrastructure fundamental to the islands’ links with the mainland.

Opportunities – Investigate and understand the impact of coastal erosion on the islands and particularly in places like Hugh Town.

Seek to implement the findings of the Environment Agency’s Shoreline Management Plan.

Seek opportunities for low impact engineering solutions to coastal erosion.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Regulating coastal erosion and flooding
• Sense of place/inspiration
• Biodiversity
• Geodiversity

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Boreholes, streams and ponds
• Desalinated sea water
• Average rainfall of 850mm

State – For information regarding the current state of water quality within this NCA, refer to the Environment Agency (Draft river basin management plan maps).

Main beneficiary – Local

Analysis – Water quality is an ongoing issue on the islands especially St Mary’s due to the need to mix desalinated salt water with groundwater to produce a potable supply.

The desalination plant however is running at near maximum capacity and is very energy intensive way of producing potable water.

The groundwater on the islands is high in nitrogen due to historic use of fertilisers, which seeps into the supplies.

Off islands’ water supplies are generally unregulated from private boreholes which although tested receive little attention. This extraction will be having a detrimental effect on the island vegetation.

Opportunities – Work with all farmers and land managers to deploy water protection measures from Soils for Profit and Catchment Sensitive Farming.

Develop ways to ensure water use is reduced and that natural groundwater supplies are able to recharge effectively to secure a longer-term supply.

Consider ways of intercepting rainwater to use for agriculture and non-domestic use.

Work with farmers and growers to consider the impact of cropping practices on the water quality in particular in relation to chemical use.

Consider ways in which the use of water can be restricted by the development of grey water supplies for use in for example flushing toilets.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Regulating water quality
• Regulating soil erosion
• Regulating soil quality
• Biodiversity
• Food provision

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Small streams flowing directly to the sea
• Small areas of wetland habitat

State – Due to the small size of the islands, the fluvial pathway is very short and reactive to rainfall events.

Water flows through short streams and ditches or across roads and paths straight to the sea. The small areas of wetland do retain and slow small amounts of water.

Main beneficiary – Local

Analysis – Changes in precipitation cycles linked to climate change, such as increased autumn and winter precipitation and decreased summer precipitation, will potentially alter the flow regimes of the streams.

Climate change could also lead to an increased risk of flooding from fields and streams.

Water capture is an important part of the Scilly water cycle with much water being lost straight to the sea. This is a problem due to the water shortages that the islands face.

Opportunities – Opportunities should be developed for water conservation within developments and farming to ensure maximum use of grey water.

Follow the principles described in the catchment flood management plans for the area. This includes enhancing and expanding areas of wetland habitats and changing land management practices to reduce soil compaction to reduce flood risk.

Increase the area and water-holding capacity of wetland habitats through the introduction of active management.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Regulating water flow
• Biodiversity
• Water availability
• Food provision
• Geodiversity

No information available.

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Thin sandy soils

State – The islands contain very thin and light sandy soils, which have been heavily worked historically leading to poor nutrient retention.

Their friable nature means that they are susceptible to wind and water erosion.

Main beneficiary – Local

Analysis – Soil erosion from intensive cultivation as part of the flower and vegetable growing can result in high rates of sedimentation and nutrient loss which impacts on adjacent watercourses and the overall reduction in soil quality. The selection of less well suited crop types, cropping patterns, and direction of cultivation can markedly increase the risk of soil erosion.

An increase in stock numbers on the islands may increase erosion around gateways and troughs, which will increase the areas that are more susceptible to erosion.

Wind erosion of soils affects some areas of the islands due to the location of gaps in walls and gateways.

Improving soil quality through increasing organic matter will have potential benefits in regulating soil erosion.

Opportunities – Investigate ways to improve crop yields through reduced soil intervention.

Manage grazing regimes to reduce or minimise soil compaction and poaching.

Retaining and enhancing the network of hedges and the careful consideration and relocation of gateways to ensure soil is not lost from fields into watercourses.

Promote good management of top soil and employ minimum tillage techniques in locations where it may help to maintain good soil structure.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Regulating soil erosion
• Regulating soil quality
• Food provision
• Regulating water quality
• Regulating water flow
• Sense of place/inspiration

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Horticultural crops and flowers
• Heathland and coastal grassland
• Isles of Scilly bee

State – The combination of agricultural/horticulture and the close proximity of semi-natural species-rich habitats and the shelter and protection afforded by the tall hedges mean that the island has a wide variety of pollinating insects providing economic and aesthetic benefit.

The islands support an endemic bee – Isles of Scilly bee.

Main beneficiary – National

Analysis – Pollination is vital for much of the land-based industry on the islands to provide crops and flowers for export to the mainland.

The semi-natural habitats on the island provide a diversity of species, which are available throughout the year for the wide variety of pollinating insects.

The islands have an endemic bee – Scilly Bee and efforts should be made to secure and expand the population.

Opportunities – Seek to promote the benefits provided by pollinators to both community and visitors.

Continue to promote the importance of the Scilly Bee. This will include encouraging the provision of training and advice on apiary for local residents.

Ensure that no bees are imported to the island and that it maintains its varroa-free status.

Ensure that the endemic Scilly Bee remains an indicator of island health.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Pollination
• Food provision
• Biodiversity

No information available.

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• 200 islands and small rock clusters
• Wild seas with Atlantic influence providing wide views
• A community adapted to living in extreme conditions

State – All of the Isles of Scilly is designated as both an AONB and recognised Heritage Coast.

The clustering of small granite islands surrounded by internationally important marine environment provides a strong sense of place. Islands fringed by wind-swept heathland and a dramatic coastline exposed to the full force of the Atlantic.

The remote and isolated character and Atlantic influence makes this area highly distinctive.

A wealth of heritage assets scatters the islands. The islands’ long association with maritime industry through shipbuilding, smuggling and piracy adds to the mystique of the area.

The area also has strong associations with the writings of Michael Morpurgo who has written many children books based on and around the islands, which evoke many aspects of island life and links to the natural environment.

Main beneficiary – International

Analysis – The sense of place and inspiration that flows from it are the main reasons people visit Scilly and with tourism providing such a large part of the economy, this is the main asset for the island.

There is a strong community on the Islands both as a group and as individual islands. This sense of community reflects the need to be reactive to the harsh conditions and issues from weather and climate to transport issues.

Recent initiatives from the AONB on dark skies and cultural aspects of the island have led to an increased awareness of the impact of lighting and noise on people’s enjoyment of the islands.

Opportunities – Ensure that the important aspects and features that make up the unique character of the Scillies are conserved and enhanced, while maintaining a vibrant, viable future use and occupation of the landscape.

Seek to explore appropriate opportunities to promote the sense of place associated with Scilly and ensure that any developments on the island do not detract from this sense of place.

Work with the AONB and local partners to deliver the aims and objectives of the Isles of Scilly AONB Management Plan.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Sense of place/inspiration
• Biodiversity
• Sense of history
• Tranquillity
• Recreation
• Food provision

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Outstanding historic settlements such as hut circles and including megalithic barrows, chambered tombs
• Field systems including submerged field patterns
• Shift from subsistence based on the marine and terrestrial environment to specialisation

State – Across the islands’ landscape there are numerous archaeological sites and remains, such as bronze- age barrows, chambered tombs, sub tidal track ways linking settlements, standing stones and Roman farmsteads.

Other important historical features within the landscape include the small-scale fields associated originally with subsistence farming. Some field patterns that are now underwater demonstrate the rise in sea level already experienced on the islands.

Tall hedges provide protection from wind and salt have enclosed these fields. There are also more substantial field boundaries constructed from granite boulders.

Settlement patterns are small linear settlements hunkered in sheltered valleys across the islands and constructed from local materials.

Main beneficiary – International

Analysis – The remote nature of the area has contributed to the preservation of a rich cultural heritage stretching back over 4,000 years. Some 240 Scheduled Ancient Monuments and many other non-designated sites represent one of the greatest concentrations of archaeological sites in western Europe.

The heritage assets within the area contribute significantly to the visitor and tourism-based business within the area. Continued protection and enhanced interpretation of the wealth of heritage present is essential.

Ancient field boundaries visible at low tide especially off Bryher, show the result of post-glacial sea level rise and the effects of climate change on these low-lying islands.

Opportunities – Continue to conserve and enhance both the physical remains and access and interpretation of the internationally important historic environment. This will further complement and contribute to the diversification of business opportunities across the area, and help preserve this rich heritage.

Provide opportunities for increased access and recreation, learning and research and appropriately managed enhanced biodiversity interest.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Sense of history
• Sense of place/inspiration
• Recreation
• Biodiversity

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Remote and isolated archipelago
• Lack of major development and infrastructure
• Dark skies and uninterrupted views

State – The Isles of Scilly lack major modern infrastructure and development, preserving a tranquil and undisturbed character. However, it also contains many services in a small area including air and sea ports.

The majority of the area retains a deeply tranquil character, complemented by a wealth of historic and natural assets.

Main beneficiary – National

Analysis – The remoteness of the NCA ensures a high level of tranquillity enhanced by the rugged coastline and dominant sea views.

Well known, as a visitor destination for its tranquillity and scenic beauty numbers of visitors can be high. At times, this can negatively affect the tranquillity of some parts of the islands with increases in boat and aeroplane traffic.

Increasing tourism and changes in transport to the islands and recreational pursuits including fixed wing aircraft and jet boats/skis are affecting the peace and tranquillity of the area.

The dark skies and resulting amazing views of the universe are often a major pleasant surprise to visitors, which ignites an interest.

Opportunities – Ensure that all opportunities relating to the enhancement of the islands do not detract or impact significantly on the tranquilly of the space, such as increased numbers of flights and changes in boat type. Maintain the low levels of light pollution by encouraging the use of street lighting only when necessary, discouraging the exterior illumination of buildings such as churches.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Sense of tranquillity
• Sense of place/inspiration
• Sense of history

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Beaches, coves on off islands
• Water-based activities
• 200 km of permissive footpaths
• Most areas accessible on foot

State – Tourism is an important factor on the islands providing the main economic income. The rate of increase in number of visitors has declined in recent years but tourism still places an increased burden on accommodation and infrastructure.

Water-based opportunities such as sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, diving and swimming are becoming more popular.

The path network is kept accessible through a labour-intensive annual programme of clearance.

Main beneficiary – National

Analysis – The area is a popular visitor and tourist destination with the environment as the core component of the recreational opportunities provided. More dynamic and active recreation includes, diving, snorkelling, sea kayaking and surfing. Local food, produce, culture and tradition add to the overall experience of the area.

The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust manages the permissive footpath network. This work is labour intensive while providing a significant benefit to visitors and the local community.

Opportunities – Seek all opportunities to promote the value and importance of the environment as the draw for many tourists visiting the area.

Maintain the high quality of recreation access around the islands for the wide variety of passive and active recreation types.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Recreation
• Sense of place/inspiration
• Tranquillity

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• A mosaic of priority habitats including:
• Lowland heathland
• Coastal sand dunes, coastal vegetated shingle
• Maritime cliffs and slopes
• Unimproved and semi- improved grassland
• Woodland Streams
• Ramsar/SPA, SAC, MCZ, and SSSI

State – 373 ha (23 per cent) of the area is within the Isles of Scilly Ramsar/SPA with a further 142 ha (9 per cent) within Isles of Scilly Complex SAC designated for its habitats and grey seal population.

There are 26 SSSI wholly within the NCA, covering 493 ha (31 per cent) of the area.

The condition of 49 per cent of the SSSI described as being in a favourable condition with the remaining 51 per cent described as unfavourable recovering.

A significant amount of habitat connectivity through the network of lanes, and scrub valleys across the islands. These provide corridors to shelter for many species.

The marine environment is also very rich and is currently under consideration as a Marine Conservation Zone.

Of particular note is the islands’ importance for 13 species of seabirds (SPA) – since the designation of sites for seabirds populations have declined by 24 per cent. In particular, burrow nesting seabirds (storm petrel and Manx shearwater) have declined due to predation by rats, which is restricting productivity.

Main beneficiary – National

Analysis – Many SSSI are in favourable biological condition; however, areas of priority habitat without designation are often degraded due to past attempts to improve the area for agricultural production.

The rich marine environment on Scilly is well studied by academics and many declining trends in species abundance and diversity have been noted.

Invasive and alien species are a constant threat to Isles of Scilly with many garden and agricultural escapees appearing in the wider environment including Hottentot Fig.

Rats have had a significant impact on the productivity of the islands’ seabirds with a decline of 24 per cent in 20 years.

Opportunities – Continued action should be taken to improve the condition of all important sites and habitats.

Further action should be taken to increase the area of important habitats where possible, increase the connectivity of sites and habitats, and create more habitats where appropriate and possible.

Opportunities should be taken to work with landowners in order to encourage the preservation and creation of good semi-natural habitats.

Ensure that there is ongoing work to identify current and new alien or invasive species and where appropriate take action to prevent their spread in both the terrestrial and marine environment.

Deliver a project to eradicate rats from all islands where it is feasible, to ensure that the seabird numbers increase.

Continue to work with the local fishing industry to promote sustainable potting around the islands that can be used as an exemplar of resource protection.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Biodiversity
• Sense of place/inspiration
• Climate regulation
• Pollination

Assets/attributes: main contributors to service –

• Low cliffs, boulder-strewn beaches and geological exposures
• Coastal geomorphology
• One active quarry on St Mary’s

State – The predominantly granite geology of the islands underpins all aspects of the landscape. It contributes significantly to the sense of place, history, biodiversity and recreation making it a major attraction for visitors.

The geology is clearly exposed and obvious on all the islands and is reflected in much of the built environment.

There are 11 SSSI with geological interest.

Main beneficiary – National

Analysis – The islands provide many opportunities for studying geomorphological process in action and present an excellent example of peri-glacial periods that included varying sea levels to the level we see today. This and other studies provide excellent real scenarios to allow people to understand the impacts of sea level rise.

The local geology continues to be reflected in the many small hamlets and in the main settlements on the islands.

Opportunities – Explore opportunities to interpret the important geomorphological processes that are visible on the islands and ensure that they are not impacted on by development or change.

Principal services offered by opportunities –

• Geodiversity
• Regulating coastal erosion and flooding
• Biodiversity
• Regulating soil quality
• Sense of place/inspiration
• Sense of history