The Climate Adaptation Scilly project focuses on adapting the islands to the threats of existing and future flooding and erosion to its community, wildlife, economy, and scarce water supply. Running until June 2023 and funded by £3.6m in grants from the European Regional Development Fund and the Environment Agency, the programme of environmentally sensitive improvements designed to reduce floods and coastal erosion will increase community resilience to the impacts of climate change.

On St Mary’s existing sea defences will be improved on Town Beach, Porthcressa, Porth Mellon, Porth Hellick, Porthloo, Old Town and the sea wall by the Mermaid Inn. Some of these works are designed to reduce the impact of overtopping waves, protecting critical water sources and the island’s biodiversity.

Across St Mary’s, St Martin’s, Bryher and St Agnes the project will sensitively restore the natural strength of the coastal sand dunes. The work will increase their height, fill gaps and stabilise the dunes to reduce the risk of erosion. Footpaths through the dunes to beaches will be improved to reduce erosion caused by people walking to the beach. Storms will erode dunes in the future, so stores of materials to help repair these natural defences will be kept across the islands.

Water demand on the Isles of Scilly currently exceeds supply capacity.  To help reduce demand businesses will be able to apply for grants to install rainwater harvesting systems. These systems will collect rainwater it for non-potable uses such as toilets, showers or washing machines.

Finally, the communities of Scilly and other stakeholders will be asked to contribute to a formal climate change adaptation plan. Identifying and understanding the impacts of climate change and the options available to help the islands adapt will be essential for building community resilience as we look to protect Scilly for future generations.