The Isles of Scilly form an archipelago of some hundred or more islets and rocks 30 miles south west from the coast of Cornwall. There are 5 inhabited islands, the largest being St Mary's with a population of about 1600 whilst Tresco, Bryher, St Martin's and St Agnes each have a population of less than 100. The rugged granite bastion of Scilly has withstood the Atlantic for millennia and within it has developed a complex natural balance - a balance that is increasingly under threat from the pressures of the twenty-first century.

The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust is run by the people of the Islands on behalf of all who wish to protect and maintain the unique and fragile beauty of Scilly. It is dedicated to ensuring that the archaeological and historical remains on the islands, as well as the flora and fauna, are protected and maintained.

The Trust currently has three salaried staff and twelve Trustees, who are all residents of the Isles. The full Trust Board is responsible for policy whilst a Management Team is responsible for day to day administration.

Angie Gall will be talking about the fascinating and unusual marine life that occurs around the Isles of Scilly and some of the working being done with divers and school children to survey the species that occur in the sea and on the rocky shore. Such surveys will be crucial if the effects of climate change on the islands are to be monitored and minimised over the years ahead.