Factfile - Environment
Introduction
View of Taransay and West Loch Tarbert
The quality of the natural environment in the Western Isles is unique. A large percentage of land, areas of inland water and marine sites are designated for nature conservation purposes. The Islands are also home to a number of rare species such as the golden eagle, basking shark, whale, dolphin, otter and corncrake.
The importance of the environment of the Western Isles extends beyond the land to the seas around the Islands. Not only is the coastal landscape of the Islands unique and beautiful in its variety but also the coast and coastal waters are important for a range of species and habitats.
In recognition of the importance of the environment, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar are in the process of developing a Local Biodiversity Action Plan, this implements actions for conserving and enhancing biodiversity at a local level based on the aims and objectives of the nationwide
UK Biodiversity Action Plan.
Contacts
Scottish Natural Heritage |
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds |
Further References
Geology and Landscape
British Regional Geology: The Northern Highlands, Institute of Geological Sciences. HMSO, 1968
Outer Hebrides . Localities of Geological and Geomorphological Importance, Geology and Physiography Section, Nature Conservancy Council, 1977
Craig, G, Y (Ed.). Geology of Scotland (Second Edition), Scottish Academic Press, Edinburgh, 1983
Price, Robert, J. Highland Landforms, Highlands and Islands Development Board, 1976
Whitton, J, B. Geology and Scenery in Scotland, Penguin Books Ltd, 1977
Plants
R, Pankhurst. The Flora of the Outer Hebrides, British Museum, 1991
Birds
Cunningham, P. The Birds of the Outer Hebrides, Mercat Press. Edinburgh, 1991
M, P, Harris & S, Murray. The Birds of St Kilda ITE, 1978
S, Small (Ed.). A St Kilda Handbook, Dundee University, 1979
Benn, S, Murray, S & Tasker, M, L. Birds of North Rona and Sula Sgeir, NCC, 1989
Cunningham, Peter. Birds of the Outer Hebrides, Melven Press, 1983. ISBN 0-90664-00-0.
Stroud, D, A, et al. A survey of moorland birds on the Isle of Lewis in 1987, Nature Conservancy Council, 1987
Green, G, H (Ed). A survey of waders breeding on the west coast of the Uists and Benbecula (Outer Hebrides) 1983, Published by Wader Studies Group and Nature Conservancy Council, 1984.
Invertebrates
Waterston, A, R. Non-marine Invertebrate Fauna of the Outer Hebrides, Royal Society of Edinburgh, 1981
General
Various papers in the Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, of which volume 77b, 1979 is entirely devoted to the natural environment of the Western Isles.
Boyd, J, M, & Boyd, I, L. The Hebrides, Collins, 1990. ISBN 0-00-2198-85/1
Various papers in the Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, of which volume 77b, 1979 is entirely devoted to the natural environment of the Western Isles.
The Islands of Western Scotland , W H Murray Eyre Methuen, 1973
