The key characteristics of the Isles of Scilly are . . .

158. Isles of Scilly

The key characteristics of the Isles of Scilly are...

• Low-lying, granite islands. 

• Largely treeless and windswept, with a maritime influence.

• Many uninhabited islands and offshore rocks, forming complex seascapes.

• White sandy beaches, sand dunes, maritime heaths and grasslands.

• Unique pattern of small fields hedged with Escallonia and Pittosporum for the cut-flower-growing industry.

• Distinctive Tudor and Napoleonic war fortifications on prominent sites.

For further details on this character area and for an introduction to the region, please see the PDF documents in the box at the top right hand side of this page.