Falklands Conservation is a local charity that works on behalf of their members and in partnership with the local and international community to conserve the natural environment of the Falklands.
The Falkland Islands are among the best-known UK Overseas Territories, comprising an archipelago of two large islands and over 700 smaller ones, lying some 300 miles east of Patagonia. Their main coastal habitat, underpinned by tussac grass, is declining and threatened by overgrazing.
Tussac is one of the most valuable native plants to farmers and wildlife on the Islands. It is palatable all year round and can provide good supplementary forage for cattle, horses and sheep. Of the 65 bird species breeding in the Falklands, 46 feed or nest in tussac. Seals shelter and breed in tussac grass, while it also provides a home for many invertebrates. For these reasons, farmers and conservationists alike share an interest in the establishment, management and long-term protection of tussac grass.
Falklands Conservation is a local charity that works on behalf of their members and in partnership with the local and international community to conserve the natural environment of the Falklands. Its main aims relate to the key threats of habitat loss, unregulated industry development and the introduction of invasive species. The team is largely locally based and devotes itself to practical conservation action, influencing decision makers and community outreach.
Our grant goes towards the salary of a key member in the team, the Habitats Officer. The Habitat Restoration project has several strands. It involves traditional replanting with young tussac plants, often with the help of local community volunteers, and the development of a Native Seed Hub – a vital step in up-scaling the production of native plant seeds. Importantly Falklands Conservation also helps farmers and other landowners to share experience and ideas; together they learn what works in the tough Falklands environment.
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