Annet

Annet is a small, low-lying island in the Isles of Scilly, about one kilometre west of St Agnes. It measures roughly one kilometre long and covers 22 hectares, almost split in two by a narrow neck of land at West Porth. The northern end has two granite carns called Annet Head and Carn Irish, with three smaller carns known as the Haycocks. The southern side features rocky outcrops like South Carn. The island is a bird sanctuary and the main seabird breeding site in Scilly. Annet is closed to the public all year to protect breeding seabirds in summer and Atlantic grey seals in winter. It has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and lies within the Isles of Scilly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The island is managed by the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, which leases it from the Duchy of Cornwall. Little evidence of human settlement remains, apart from a prehistoric hut circle and some limpet middens. Bones of cattle and sheep show they were once grazed here, though freshwater was scarce. The island’s geology consists of Hercynian granite covered with raised beach deposits. Its coast is made of boulder storm beaches, and only 53 species of vascular plants grow here due to wind, salt spray and limited soil. The north is dominated by thick thrift turf, while the south has dense bracken, bramble and bluebells. Annet is home to twelve breeding seabird species, including Manx shearwaters and storm petrels, though they nest underground and are only active at night. The island was once famous for its puffins, now seen mostly from boats.