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Guidance Documents

The Environment Department has produced a range of guidance documents aimed at protecting our natural environment for the enjoyment of all. The guidance documents and leaflets can be downloaded below:

Guidelines for Gypsy Cove and Yorke Bay

These guidelines have been created for operators and tourists visiting the Gypsy Cove and Yorke Bay penguin colonies on cruise ship days. These guidelines will form part of the FITB’s licence to operate and have been created to minimise disturbance to wildlife at these sites, whilst also ensuring a positive experience for visitors.

Countryside Code: Our Islands for all to enjoy

The Countryside Code is here to protect our environment so all can enjoy being in and around it. We ask that those visiting and living on the islands follow it when they are out and about.  The document is available in English and Spanish.

Avian Influenza

Since 2022 outbreaks of avian influenza have resulted in deaths of hundreds of thousands of seabirds and wildfowl in areas within the Northern Hemisphere, Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Southern Africa and South America. The current worldwide outbreak is caused by a highly pathogenic strain generally specified as H5N1. Highly pathogenic means it causes serious disease. In 2023, avian influenza was confirmed in the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. The following guidance has been prepared, and updates and more information can be found from the Deparment of Agriculture. 

Dogs in Nature: Advice for Dog Owners 

Our natural environment is for everyone to enjoy. We ask that dog owners follow this advice while walking dogs to ensure that the great outdoors are enjoyable for all and to protect our unique wildlife.

Stanley Common: Information for our Community

Stanley Common is a place for the Community, accessible to all, for shared opportunities and with good infrastructure. It is a place of recreational freedom and activities such as walking, cycling, horse riding, dog walking and community sport.  Our Common looks to provide for conserving and protecting unique wildlife and nature and our heritage and culture such as peat cutting and memorials.

Drones & Wildlife: For all Small Unmanned Aircraft

Our wildlife is precious and unique.  If you are planning on flying your UAV around wildlife you must adhere to these guidelines. You may need permits/ licences from the Envrionment Department, and the Falkland Islands Civil Aviation Department.

Dolphins, Whales & Boats:  Guidance for all watercraft users

The Falkland Islands are home to over 20 species of cetacean (whales, dolphins and porpoises) who come to our waters to rest, breed and feed.  This document provides guidance on what you can do when you are out on the water to protect them.

Kidney Island: Guide information

Anyone can be a guide as long as you have visited Kidney Island before and feel confident enough to take people there.  All we ask is that guides are responsible for our natural environment by following the Countryside Code and making sure the other members of your group do the same.

More infomation about Kidney Island can be found on our Kidney Island web page.

Earwigs: Control in home and garden

Earwigs are an introduced pest that are spreading rapidly across the Falkland Islands.  Here you will find how to control this pest around your home and garden.

Wildlife Diseases: Guide for landowners, farmers and visitors

Seeing ill, sick, diseased or injured wildlife can be distressing.  If you do encounter it however, knowing what to do can help prevent further spread and keep you safe.

Wildfire Awareness: A camping fire not a “Camp Fire”

White grass and shrubs are easily ignited, especially during warm, dry weather. Some fires can burn into the peat beneath, which can lead to the quick destruction of large areas. No one likes such “camp fire”.  You can prevent it by following this guidance.

Stop Invasives Spreading 

Invasive species pose threat to our unique habitats and environment in the Falkland Islands. This leaflet provides guidance on how to prevent the spread of invasive species around the islands.

Water Resources: Tips for Saving Water at home

Water is a vital source of life and we can all play a role in conserving and protecting this precious resource. Refer to this leaflet for simple water-saving tips you can do at home.

Paper copies are also available from the Environment Department, the Post Office, FIGAS Stanly air terminal, and the Christie Community Library.

For more information, please contact
the Environment Department