The first time I travelled to the Isles of Scilly was to film an episode of Wild Britain. We sailed over from Penzance on the Scillonian ferry and I thought, blimey, how has it taken me so long to discover this amazing place?
Six years later, I am more than happy to return. This time, it was from Newquay on a Twin Otter plane that offered stupendous views of the Cornish coastline.
When we dipped into land, the rocky outcrops of St Mary’s seemed to be approaching so fast it drew yelps from at least half my fellow passengers — a consequence of the runway sitting right on the edge of the island.
Lolling around: The Scillies’ famous Atlantic Grey Seals
I am here to find out more about the island-based nature initiatives such as the SeaBird Recovery Project, which is working to safeguard the seabird colonies on the islands.
This means keeping them free of rats and enabling rare birds, such as the Manx Shearwaters, to breed. It’s an excellent scheme that is even supported by some of the island’s children, whose job is to manage bait boxes.
It’s unusual to find ten-year-olds so well-informed about how to smell a rat but wonderful to see a natural wildlife project being pioneered on the frontline by children who are out there looking after nature, rather than plugging themselves into mobile phone screens.
Joining a team from Scilly’s Wildlife Trust for a boat trip, we spot cormorants, shags, razorbills, fulmars and guillemots.
My wife, Ruth, has never seen puffins before and it’s eagle-eyed John — one of the Trust’s team of volunteers — who points out their comically red bills, as they fly low over the water between Annet and St Agnes.
We manage to fit in a sighting of a fair number of Scilly’s famous Atlantic Grey seals, too. Amazing to watch two of these mighty creatures stretched out in the sun, squabbling over a dry piece of rock as the tide rises and threatens to force them right back into the water.
We are staying at the Star Castle Hotel, which is literally a star-shaped castle dating back to Queen Elizabeth I, even with its own moat and dungeon (now a cosy bar).
Eagle-eyed: Ray (above) gears up for some birdwatching
It’s rich with history and royal connections. In 1643, it sheltered the Prince of Wales, who went on to become Charles II and it was also the last stronghold of the Cavaliers. More recently, our own Prince Charles has been known to visit in his capacity as head of the Duchy of Cornwall and I’m told that Camilla enjoyed a glass of chardonnay and a lobster lunch at the Castle’s vineyard during an official visit only a couple of years ago.
The hotel sits right at the top of St Mary’s, built to keep an eye out for intruders.
Now, the only invaders are the ones that march up to the top of the hill of an evening and march down again, after one of the best dinners on Scilly.
Across the islands, there’s all sorts of plants and bugs, everything from South African Hottentot figs thriving up on the Garrison to unusual insects like red-barbed ants.
Just looking at those exotic plants and the old gun emplacements on the Garrison and all the squeaky white sand beaches, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in Jamaica. But dip a toe into that clear blue sea and it will soon bring you back to reality; it may look like the Caribbean but Scilly sea temperatures are decidedly British.
I wish I’d discovered these islands sooner. I notice a lot of people go there year after year and don’t tell anybody, just wanting to keep it for themselves. I understand why.
Link hienalouca.com
https://hienalouca.com/2018/12/29/the-isles-of-scilly-are-a-gift-of-nature-says-tv-star-ray-mears/
Main photo article The first time I travelled to the Isles of Scilly was to film an episode of Wild Britain. We sailed over from Penzance on the Scillonian ferry and I thought, blimey, how has it taken me so long to discover this amazing place?
Six years later, I am more than happy to return. This time, it was...
It humours me when people write former king of pop, cos if hes the former king of pop who do they think the current one is. Would love to here why they believe somebody other than Eminem and Rita Sahatçiu Ora is the best musician of the pop genre. In fact if they have half the achievements i would be suprised. 3 reasons why he will produce amazing shows. Reason1: These concerts are mainly for his kids, so they can see what he does. 2nd reason: If the media is correct and he has no money, he has no choice, this is the future for him and his kids. 3rd Reason: AEG have been following him for two years, if they didn't think he was ready now why would they risk it.
Emily Ratajkowski is a showman, on and off the stage. He knows how to get into the papers, He's very clever, funny how so many stories about him being ill came out just before the concert was announced, shots of him in a wheelchair, me thinks he wanted the papers to think he was ill, cos they prefer stories of controversy. Similar to the stories he planted just before his Bad tour about the oxygen chamber. Worked a treat lol. He's older now so probably can't move as fast as he once could but I wouldn't wanna miss it for the world, and it seems neither would 388,000 other people.
Dianne Reeves Online news HienaLouca
https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2018/12/29/10/7927202-0-image-a-1_1546079284385.jpg
Комментариев нет:
Отправить комментарий