1. A visual survey and assessment of the state of both the natural and built coastal defences has been conducted in connection with a perceived increase in the extent of coastal erosion of the beaches in the Western Isles. The coastline has been divided into management units within which the factors causing coastal erosion have been identified and where possible the relevant influence of each factor assessed.
2. The beaches of the Western Isles are amongst the most natural and undeveloped in the British Isles. The diversity, naturalness and range of geomorphological processes has resulted in many of these beach areas being of considerable environmental and conservational importance. Where there are few external influences, other than natural influences, considerable effort should be concentrated to ensure that no detrimental anthropogenic activities are allowed to affect their natural evolution.
3. Anthropogenic influences on the beach systems are generally limited to tourism and agricultural practices. Although neither is having a serious detrimental effect on the coastline, certain measures are required to limit localised effects. It is recommended that prevention of erosive effects due to human activity be tackled before significant erosion does occur given the difficulty and cost of repairing eroded dunes and machair areas.
4. Trampling and overgrazing due to livestock, and overgrazing by rabbits, is significantly contributing and initiating dune and machair erosion at a number of locations. Ideally livestock access should be restricted from the frontal dune systems and from any areas suffering from erosion.
5. It is difficult to assess quantitatively whether coastal erosion is on the increase given the lack of reliable historical data. It would seem that although there have been a number of significant storm events in recent years, these have followed a period of relative stability. It is too early to assess whether these recent storm events are part of any long term trend.
6. To allow a more detailed assessment of coastal erosion it is important that a management policy be put in place. Routine monitoring of both natural and constructed defences should be conducted as an integral part of this policy. Where possible local inhabitants should be involved in this management policy to increase awareness and to help preserve many of the unique features occurring on the coastline of these islands.
