Rosemary Parslow Obituary: Wildlife Expert and Scilly Islands 2026

Rosemary Parslow, a dedicated naturalist and the acknowledged authority on the wildlife of the Isles of Scilly, has died at age 90. Her lifelong study of the archipelago's seabirds, plants, and marine life made her a pivotal figure in British natural history.

Early Life and First Visit to Scilly

Parslow first visited the Isles of Scilly in 1958 to ring seabirds and collect marine specimens for the Natural History Museum. That initial trip sparked what she called "a lifetime love affair with Scilly," leading to annual visits for over five decades.

Contributions to Natural History

Her meticulous documentation of the islands' wildlife—from seabirds and bats to rockpool creatures—culminated in her authoritative book, The Isles of Scilly (2007), part of the prestigious New Naturalist Library. She timed her visits to coincide with the lowest spring tides, collecting fishes, sponges, worms, and starfish that now reside in the museum's permanent collections.

Fieldwork and Challenges

Working alongside her husband, ornithologist John Parslow, she operated the bird observatory on St Agnes. They often overnighted on uninhabited islets to ring seabirds, including her favorites—Manx shearwaters and storm petrels. The museum sent collecting gear in milk churns, which were returned filled with preserved specimens. One memorable mishap involved a carrier mistaking Scilly for Sicily, delaying her equipment.

Parslow once nearly drowned after falling from a boat overloaded with gear, yet she persevered. Her deep knowledge of local farmers earned their friendship and respect, enabling her to access private lands for research.

Fascination with the Least Adder's-Tongue Fern

One of her greatest passions was the least adder's-tongue fern (Ophioglossum lusitanicum), a thumbnail-sized plant found in Britain only on a few square yards of Wingletang Down, St Agnes. Because it grows only in midwinter, she scheduled family holidays at Christmas to observe it.

Legacy and Impact

Rosemary Parslow's work has left an indelible mark on conservation and ornithology. Her data and collections continue to inform researchers, and her book remains a standard reference. She inspired countless amateur naturalists to explore and protect the fragile ecosystems of the Isles of Scilly.

Key Takeaways from Rosemary Parslow's Life

• She was the leading expert on Isles of Scilly wildlife for over 50 years.
• Her collections at the Natural History Museum are invaluable for scientific study.
• She co-operated a bird observatory, ringing thousands of seabirds.
• Her book The Isles of Scilly is a definitive reference.
• She championed the conservation of rare species like the least adder's-tongue fern.

Comparison of Her Major Contributions

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