Storm Goretti Woodland Restoration Appeal
In January 2026, Storm Goretti struck Scilly with devastating force, felling around 500 trees across the island and leaving lasting damage to our cherished woodlands. Be part of our work to clear, restore and replant, creating resilient, sustainable shelterbelts for the future.
Lifelong residents called it the worst storm they have ever known - extraordinary not only for its ferocity, but for the suddenness and direction of its strike. Across the island, the damage from Storm Goretti was profound.
From the Abbey Drive to Borough, from the Abbey Garden to the north end, around 500 trees were felled. The shelter belt along Abbey Drive bore the brunt of the storm, sacrificing much to shield the Abbey Garden from even greater destruction. While much of our coastline and large parts of the Garden stood resilient, our woodlands suffered an immense and visible loss.
In the storm’s aftermath, our island teams - strengthened by friends who travelled from far and wide - have been working tirelessly. Roads cleared. Access routes reopened. Vital services restored. Their response was immediate and extraordinary - but the work has only just begun.
Only after weeks of careful assessment have we fully understood the scale of what lies ahead. Following discussions with our insurers, the clearance, safeguarding and replanting required will cost approximately £250,000.
In my 50 years on Tresco, I’ve never witnessed a storm of this force. For weeks, we’ve been clearing paths and making areas safe, and it’s only now that we’re seeing the full scale of what we’ve lost.
Steve Parkes, Head Woodsman
How You Can Help
In the days following the storm, we were deeply moved by the outpouring of support - calls, letters and messages from across the country. So many of you asked not only how we were doing, but also how you could help.
The loss of so many trees gives us the chance to think boldly: to replant with care, to plan for sustainability, to create the shelterbelts of the future with the environment firmly in mind. This is an opportunity to regenerate – not just for today, but for generations to come - and we'd love you to be involved...
For generations, these woodlands have held life’s most precious moments: first faltering steps, family celebrations, and places of quiet reflection. They are not simply trees. They are memory, shelter, habitat, and heritage.
Today, as we undertake the long work of restoration, we are proud to launch our Woodland Restoration Appeal.
This loss, while painful, gives us an opportunity to think boldly. To replant thoughtfully. To strengthen biodiversity. To design shelterbelts for a changing climate. To regenerate not just what was lost, but what could be.
Your donation will help us:
- Clear and make safe the affected areas
- Restore access across the island
- Replant and regenerate our woodlands
- Build resilience for future generations
Ours may have been the first part of England touched by Storm Goretti. With your support, we can ensure we are also the first to turn recovery into renewal.
Click below to support the Appeal.
Your Questions Answered
Donations will help fund the clearance of fallen trees, restoration of safe public access, replanting of woodland areas, habitat regeneration, and the creation of more resilient, sustainable shelterbelts for the future.
Clearing and making areas safe is already underway and is probably the most significant part of the overall task, but full woodland regeneration will take several years.
Replanting is a central part of the project. We are taking this opportunity to replant thoughtfully - strengthening biodiversity, improving resilience to future storms, and caring for the long-term health of the island landscape.
To protect the island's natural character and the health of young trees, we will not be placing individual plaques on trees. New trees would also take many years to mature enough to hold a plaque, delaying your recognition.
Instead, we are developing a meaningful way to recognise all supporters together, and we will share details once confirmed. Rest assured, all contributions over £50 will be publicly recognised.
We are incredibly grateful for the many generous offers of practical help we have received. The restoration work, however, is complex and often requires specialist skills, training, and equipment to be carried out safely and effectively. In addition, the islands have very limited accommodation capacity for those travelling from elsewhere.
For these reasons, we are unfortunately not able to accept volunteer support at this time. Your encouragement, understanding, and donations remain deeply valued as we work to restore the woodlands for the future.
Yes, many supporters are choosing to give in memory of loved ones. Please just contact the Island Office by email to request that your donation is in memory of a loved one.
While plaques will not be placed on trees, memorial gifts will be included in our collective recognition of supporters.
Thank you for your generosity in asking. Gift Aid is only available for donations made to registered charities. As we are not a registered charity, Gift Aid does not apply to contributions to the Woodland Restoration Appeal. Your support, however, remains deeply appreciated and makes a meaningful difference to the restoration of our woodlands.
We have worked closely with our insurers following the storm. Insurance will contribute towards certain aspects of the immediate damage and recovery, most notably the damage to our buildings.
However, our woodlands are priceless, and as such, insurance does not cover the cost of clearance, long-term restoration, replanting, and future-proofing these areas.
The Woodland Restoration Appeal has been established to help bridge that gap and to ensure we can regenerate the island landscape thoughtfully and sustainably for generations to come.
We are launching our appeal in February 2026, a little over a month since the storm hit.
It has taken time to fully assess the scale of the damage and the true cost of restoration. Now that we have a clearer understanding of what is required, we feel it is right to invite those who care about the island to be part of rebuilding its future.
Replanting will be carefully planned, using species suited to the island’s climate and conditions.
Our aim is to strengthen biodiversity, improve resilience to future storms, and create shelterbelts designed for a changing environment.
Not immediately. Woodland regeneration is a long-term process. Some areas will look very different in the early years, but with time and careful stewardship, they will grow into strong, healthy landscapes for future generations.
While replanting will begin as soon as conditions allow, this is a long-term commitment to the future of the island.
Yes. We are committed to keeping supporters updated as work progresses and as the new woodland begins to establish and grow.
Keep an eye on our website, social media and the Tresco Times for updates.
