ISLES OF SCILLY

Scilly's heathland, dunes and maritime grassland support several species found nowhere else in the UK, such as dwarf pansy, the small adder's-tongue fern and the gilt-edged lichen. This is the only place in the country which has escaped Dutch elm disease - Scilly's lanes lined with mature elms are a delight. The Scilly shrew is an island speciality which hitched a ride here with prehistoric traders from its native range in continental Europe. Ringed plovers and oystercatchers still nest on beaches here, and the islands are renowned for the range of migrant birds that are seen every spring and autumn.

Also known as: Isles of Scilly National