1979: Peter Scott sets up Foundation

1979

Whilst visiting the Falkland Islands, Sir Peter Scott and other naturalists decided to set up a UK registered charity, The Falkland Islands Foundation (FIF), to protect the Islands’ wildlife and its historic wrecks.

Peter Scott (right) with Michael Wright, Ian and Maria Strange on New Island, 1979, discussing the formation of the new charity. Philippa Scott

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1980s: Early Achievements

1980

The Falkland Islands Trust (FIT) formed in the Islands.

1981

12 people are appointed to an Advisory Council, including Robin Woods, Julian Fitter and Ron Lewis Smith (who are still actively involved).

1982

Sir Peter Scott writes to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to express concern that military activity may cause unnecessary damage Falklands' wildlife. He receives a sympathetic response.

Peter Scott's letter and the Prime Minister's reply

Following the Argentine invasion and defeat (14 June) submissions are made to the Shackleton Economic Study. The Foundation becomes a membership organisation.

1983

Simon Lyster is appointed part-time Secretary, based at WWF-UK. A report from Kevin Standring is commissioned on conservation issues after the Conflict outlining 20 Projects. First Newsletter issued.

Robin Woods launches the Breeding Birds Survey, promoted locally Tom Davies, Chairman FIT.

1984

A wildlife poster is produced with the Ministry of Defence. The Foundation buys 7 islands in Falkland Sound and leases 9 islands around New Island from the Royal Society for Nature Conservation. Free-for-all fishing takes place in adjacent waters – 48 vessels within 150 miles. The wreck of the St Mary surveyed.

The first in a series of Teachers' Notes produced.

1985

FC acquires Outer NW Island and 2 islets on lease from Robert Gibbons. Preservation work on wreck of the Jhelum planned.

1986

Falkland Islands Conservation Zone is established for fishing waters around the Islands. Unexplained penguin deaths cause concern. A major Seabird Project begins, funded by the Falkland Islands Government and is undertaken by Kate Thompson and Dann Hale. Roger Wilson becomes Secretary in November 1986. FIF joins IUCN, the World Conservation Union. Sir Peter Scott stands down as Chairman and is succeeded by Sir Rex Hunt. First 'Trust News' produced.

Kate Thompson measures an albatross chick as part of new seabird research programme. Tui de Roy

1987

Fishing is controlled within the FICZ. Tourist information panels put up at Lodges. Tussac Islands survey started.

1988

Dr Kate Thompson becomes Assistant Secretary, part of her time to be spent in the Islands. FC’s North Island struck by lightning. Penguin deaths in 1986 are attributed to a food shortage at a critical period of annual cycle in the research report An Investigation of Rockhopper Penguin Mortality in the Falklands during 1985-1986 Breeding Season by Dr Ian Keymer.

The report Tussac Grass in the Falklands is published.

1989

Colin Phipps becomes Chairman. The booklets 'Wild Flowers of the Falkland Islands', 'Those were the Days' and the report An Assessment of the Potential for Competition between Seabirds and Fisheries in the Falkland Islands are published.

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1990s: Falklands Conservation gets established

1990

Beauchene Island is visited for the first time by FC to monitor seabird populations. Dr Kate Thompson becomes Secretary. Squid fishery investigations take place. Wild Flower survey planned. Lord Buxton is appointed President.

1991

Falklands Conservation is formally launched on 1 August by Sir David Attenborough, following a merger between FIF and FIT. A conservation video 'Preserving the Falklands' is produced with the Falkland Islands Tourist Board. Carol Miller appointed as FI Secretary. First issue of FC magazine The Warrah appeared in November.

Launch of Falklands Conservation with Sir David Attenborough (left), Dr Kate Thompson, and Sir Rex Hunt.

1992

HRH The Duke of York becomes Patron. A desk study on potential Ramsar sites in the Falklands (sites of international wetlands importance) is undertaken for the UK Dept of Environment. Tony Stones becomes Secretary in UK. Professor John Croxall is appointed Chairman.

Corrals & Gauchos booklet is published.

1993

Wildlife id sheets for Junior schoolchildren produced. Kate Thompson leaves in June. Michael Bingham is appointed as first full-time Conservation Officer based in Stanley and Ann Brown appointed UK Secretary. Increasing tourism begins to raise questions about disturbance and site protection. First community beach clean is held at Hadassa Bay, Port William, on 18 March. Jeremy Smith starts work as a seasonal Field Science Officer.

North Island - one of nine islands (previously leased) donated freehold to Falklands Conservation by the Royal Society for Nature Conservation.

1994

A Wildlife of the Southern Oceans painting exhibition held in London to raise funds. A Gypsy Cove trail guide produced. Let's Look at Wild Flowers of the Falkland Islands educational pack, written by Sally Poncet, is produced for the Stanley Community School.

Bill Oddie launches Penguin Appeal at London Zoo.

Motley and Middle Islands purchased. Robin Woods, with a team from the Britannia Royal Naval College, surveys Motley. Robin Woods

1995

The Sea Mammal Research Unit is contracted to undertake a survey of the Falklands' population of the Southern Sea Lion. Penguin Appeal reaches £140,500.

1996

The first Island wide penguin census (Gentoo, Rockhopper and King) is carried out. A coastal baseline study is undertaken prior to hydrocarbon exploration.

Deaths of Black-browed Albatrosses by long-lining in the Patagonian Shelf area are noted for the first time.

FC becomes an Associate of BirdLife International.

1997

A recovery plan for Felton’s Flower is developed. Jeremy Smith is appointed Conservation Officer and Rebecca Ingham joins the staff as Field Science Officer. The Stanley office moves to new premises on Ross Road.

Results of the Breeding Bird Survey are published in Robin & Anne Woods' Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Falkland Islands.

1998

Seabirds at Sea Team (SAST) Programme begins to collect data on the distribution of seabirds and marine mammals in the waters surrounding the Islands. Undertaken for its first 3 years under contract by JNCC, this Programme set out to inform offshore oil development. Outer & Double Islands purchased. Falklands Conservation changes from a trust to a company limited by guarantee and decides to drop preservation of historic wrecks from its active work programmes. Moore's Plantain is recognised as new endemic plant. Penguin migration movements in winter are investigated. The website is on line for the first time.

Borgny Dolphin oil rig completes 7 exploratory wells but commercially significant deposits of oil are not found.

1999

Mitigation measures begin to be investigated in the light of continued and increasing seabird mortality as recorded by the SAST. The Native Plants Survey launched with FC working through a Darwin Initiative funded plants programme. The WATCH Group launched for junior members.

A Striated Caracara - the Falkland Islands hold a majority of the world population of this bird. A report on Distribution of Breeding Striated Caracaras was presented to the FI Government.

Following extensive advice and preparation of draft legislation by FC, the Conservation of Wildlife & Nature Ordinance came into force on 1 November 1999 extending, updating and revising previous nature conservation laws.

Becky Ingham was appointed Conservation Officer and Dr Andrea Clausen joins FC as Field Science Officer. FC joins the UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum. RPSB officers visit the Falklands to help and advise on development plan. Staff receive training in Oil Spill Management.

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Into the 21st Century: From Strength to Strength

2000

Flowering Plants of the Falkland Islands is published. A second census of Falkland penguins is carried out showing an increase in numbers. Research into the impact of the cruise-ship industry is undertaken by Debbie Summers. The SW Atlantic Marine Environment Conference is held in London. Endemic Cobb's Wren population estimates increased in light of visits to offshore islands. Feasibility study and planning for Rat Eradication Programme undertaken.

2001

Tussac restoration work begins at Port Harriet. The last issue of the Warrah is published in May and first issue of Wildlife Conservation in the Falkland Islands published in October. A survey to locate Felton's Flower in the wild is undertaken, sponsored by the Friends of Kew. Falkland Islands Countryside Code produced by FC. South Jason Island severely burnt by fire. FC takes action to highlight fire danger and the need to issue guidelines to the military. First Volunteer Point wardens in place.

2002

A survey is conducted of Hill Cove Mountains and Forest for first FI National Park designation. The Red Data List of Threatened Falkland Plants is published. Survey of Falkland invertebrates started in spring 2002, and many new species found. A third full-time post created in Stanley and Sarah Clement starts work as Executive Officer. First Conservation Charity Ball in Stanley raises £8,000. Robin Woods appointed Chairman. Dr Andrea Clausen takes two-year sabbatical leave, with Field Science Officer post covered by Nic Huin.

2003

Rats cleared from 305ha North East Island. Collection of FI native seeds begun as part of the UK Millennium Seed Bank project. Collection of albatross eggs becomes illegal. Survey of Bleaker Island with the British Schools Exploring Society.

Action on invasive plants was begun with clearance of thistles on Saunders Island.

2004

Falkland Islands Government adopts the FC prepared National Plan of Action for Seabirds. Small Grants Scheme launched for local conservation projects. Cetacean Watch launched. Darwin Initiative provides funding for a three-year invertebrates research project. FC becomes Partner-designate in Birdlife International and takes part in BirdLife's global meeting. A major new project is launched, funded by the Overseas Territories Environment Programme, the Albatross and Petrel Conservation Programme. A major review of staff and re-organisation of structure leads to the creation of five permanent and full time posts in the Stanley Office: Director, Secretary, Science Officer, Community Conservation Officer and Conservation Officer.

2005

A series of leaflets on key wildlife sites produced. A two-year education project starts, working with Falkland schools to produce teaching materials on native wildlife and local environmental issues. Island-wide surveys (conducted every five years) of albatrosses and penguins reveal further declines in numbers, but a huge reduction in seabird mortality in Falkland waters following introduction of mitigation measures, trialed by Falklands Conservation. New Breeding Birds Survey is launched. Grant Munro takes over as Director.

2006

In March Falklands Conservation hosted an international Workshop 'Albatross and Petrels in the South Atlantic: Conservation Priorities'.

This gathering brought together 35 experts and key players from the UK’s South Atlantic Overseas Territories and representatives from neighbouring countries.

The directory Important Bird Areas of the Falkland Islands was published and a copy presented to the Governor, His Excellency Mr Alan Huckle (centre, above). This details 22 sites which qualify as IBAs under international criteria.

In November a repeat census of the rare Striated Caracara was conducted, following the initial count in 1997. Oliver Yates left us in July, and was replaced by Albatross & Petrel Programme Officer, Isaac Forster. Jan Cheek is appointed Chairman in the Falkland Islands, taking over from Gordon Liddle who returns to the UK.

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2007

A series of practical conservation leaflets were published covering Marine Mammal Rescue,Tussac Grass Planting and Management, Management and Removal of Invasive Plants, and Wild Bird Rescue. We also published a Falkland Island Penguin Arts and Crafts book for children.

1 and 2 Jubilee Villas, our new offices in Stanley

Our new book for children

In August we purchased our own premises in Stanley, one of the historic terrace of Jubilee Villas on the harbour front. A long-term albatross demographic programme was started on Steeple Jason Island. A two-year Plants Project started in collaboration with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. We help and support implementation the EU South Atlantic Invasive Species Project.

Our Falkland Islands Invertebrates Conservation Project finished in August 2007. During its three-year term, over 100 new records were added to previously know species lists.

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2008

An international workshop was held in Edinburgh, Scotland, to investigate the continued decline of rockhopper penguin populations.

We rescued many oiled penguins as a result of the sinking of the fishing vessel Ocean 8 in Berkeley Sound.

Plants of the Falkland Islands published.

An at sea observer was employed to check on the effectiveness and use of seabird mitigation devices and not by-catch within the loligo (squid) and finfish trawlers in Falkland waters.

Funds were received from the Overseas Territories Environment Programme to commence a Shallow Marine Survey in partnership with the Falkland Islands Shallow Marine Survey Group.

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2009

Craig Dockrill was appointed Chief Executive Officer in April 2009.

2009 was the 100th anniversary of the naming of Cobb’s wren, one of two endemic birds found in the Falkland Islands. At the request of the Falkland Islands Government, a Species Action Plan was produced. A Flagship Species for Cobb’s wren project was undertaken to survey, monitor and eradicate rats from offshore islands.

Our WATCH Group for children aged 8 –13 years celebrated its first 10 years. It now involves 50 young members from Stanley in a full programme of wildlife activities and field trips.

The Rockhopper Penguin Study, based on Steeple Jason Island, commenced to investigate foraging patterns and diet both through the winter and in the breeding season.

A Falkland Island Albatross Arts and Crafts book is published.

A Native Plants Programme was launched. This will establish a native plant nursery in Stanley, progress designation of Important Plant Areas, implement plant and habitat action plans and set up long term plant monitoring systems.

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