Wildlife Walks on Tresco

Cross the channel to Tresco and discover the island’s wilder side with Scilly naturalist and ornithologist Will Wagstaff.

Tresco’s sheltered gardens, woodland, heathland and shoreline create a rich mix of habitats, attracting wildlife throughout the year.

Join Will Wagstaff for a relaxed walk around the island and discover what’s around at that particular moment – from resident Song Thrushes and House Sparrows to migrating birds stopping off on their long journeys, alongside the plants and other wildlife that thrive here.

There’s no fixed checklist. What you see will change with the season, the weather and perhaps a little luck, with Will sharing the knowledge gathered over more than four decades of watching wildlife on Scilly.

2026 Dates

Tuesday 8th September
Tuesday 22nd September
Tuesday 6th October

Walks begin at 10am and 1.30pm, departing from Smith Square beside the Tresco Island Office.

£10 per walk, or £18 if you join both the morning and afternoon sessions, payable directly to Will by cash or card on the day.

Places are limited, so please book in advance through the Tresco Island Office (call 01720 422849).

Your Guide

Will has lived on Scilly since 1981 and has been leading wildlife walks around the islands since 1985.

A former Conservation Officer for the Islands’ Environmental Trust, he spent 18 years as Scilly’s bird recorder and is now Honorary President and Chairman of the Isles of Scilly Bird Group. His guiding has also taken him around the world, but Scilly remains home.

Coming Across from Bryher

Choose the morning walk for an easy day trip to Tresco, or stay for both sessions and make a day of it with lunch in between.

Check the daily inter-island boat times when planning your visit and allow enough time to reach Smith Square before the walk begins.

Each walk covers no more than around two miles, although you’ll be on your feet for much of the session, so comfortable footwear is recommended.