Introduction

The Western Isles are an isolated, peaceful and unspoilt chain of islands, with a wide variety of interesting species and habitats and beautiful landscapes in a relatively compact area. The environment is recognised internationally as being of global importance.

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 32 Francis Street Stornoway Isle of Lewis HS1 2ND Tel: 01851 705258

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Druidibeg Cottage Grogarry South Uist Tel: 01870 620369

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