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Description
Tresco is the second-biggest island of the Isles of Scilly. It is 297 hectares (1.15 sq miles) in size, measuring about 3.5 km by 1.75 km. A variety of scenery is found on the island, including rugged granite outcrops, heathland of the exposed north coast and mainly shell beaches in the east and south. Tresco has a ticklist of 316 bird species, 4 whale species, 4 dolphin species, plus seals and porpoises.
Rarities can include Hnoðrasöngvari, Skúmsöngvari, Keldusvín, Skógtittlingur, Moldþröstur, Gauktíta, Mýrerla, Leirutíta, Bognefur, Dultittlingur and Sportittlingur. Offshore, there may be shearwaters, Súla, Rita, Fýll, storm petrels, sea ducks, skuas and divers. September and October are the best months, and strong westerly winds are likely to blow in a few American vagrants. The best areas are the two freshwater pools and the nearby Abbey gardens.
Tresco Abbey Gardens, notable for its collection of subtropical plants, also has an introduced population of tame Gullfasani; these are artificially maintained with regular fresh releases and do not count as wild birds.
Details
Access
Access is by ferry from the main island, St Mary's. St Mary's is accessed by ferry from Penzance, or by air from Penzance airport. From March to November, the ferry from Penzance sails once a day, generally leaving Penzance at 9.15 am and arriving on St. Mary's (the main island) at 12 noon, and departing again at 4.30 pm arriving back in Penzance at 7.15 pm.
The easiest way to get around the island is on foot – there are some lovely, scenic coastal and inland walks (pick up a map from the Tourist Information Centre on St Mary's). At low tide it is often possible to walk and wade to the neighbouring island of Bryher, also accessible by ferry from Tresco. Please observe the Scilly code of conduct, see link below.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Wetland , Plain , Lake , Beach , Mud flats , Agriculture , City/village , Reedbeds , Dunes , Sea , GrasslandConditions
Flat , Sandy , Wet , High water possibleCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
Spring , AutumnBest time to visit
Autumn migrationRoute
Paved road , Wide path , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , BoatBirdwatching hide / platform
YesLinks
- ticklist for Tresco
- Will Wagstaff journal
- Tresco blog
- Scilly maps, ticklist, code of conduct etc
- Tides Table