South Uist Machair and Lochs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South Uist Machair and Lochs |
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A view across Loch Druidibeg, one of the wetland areas that make up the South Uist Machair and Lochs
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| Location | Outer Hebrides, Scotland |
| Nearest city | Benbecula |
| Area | 50.19 km2 (19.38 sq mi) |
| Established | 5 January 1976 |
| Governing body | Scottish Natural Heritage |
The South Uist Machair and Lochs is a special natural area in Scotland. It is located on the west coast of South Uist, which is one of the Outer Hebrides islands. This area is protected because it is a very important wetland.
It covers a large space, about 50 square kilometers. This includes many different types of land. You can find wet bogs, clear lakes, and unique sandy grasslands called machair. There are also marshes, coastal dunes, and sandy or rocky shores. The area also includes parts of the Howmore River estuary and two important lochs, Loch Bi and Loch Druidibeg.
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What Makes This Area Special?
This place is recognized around the world for its importance. Since 1976, it has been a Ramsar Site. This means it is a wetland that is important for nature on an international level. It is also a Special Protection Area. This helps to protect the birds that live or visit here.
Home to Amazing Wildlife
The South Uist Machair and Lochs is a vital home for many birds. Some of these birds are very rare or have important populations here.
- The corncrake is a shy bird that hides in tall grass. It has a loud, rasping call.
- The little tern is a small seabird that nests on sandy beaches.
- The sanderling is a small shorebird that runs along the water's edge.
Besides birds, the area also has a rare plant. This plant is called the slender naiad. It is a delicate water plant that grows in the lochs.
What is Machair?
Machair is a special type of low-lying, fertile grassland. You can only find it on the northwest coasts of Scotland and Ireland. It forms on sandy soil that has a lot of shell fragments. This makes the soil rich in calcium.
Machair areas are very important for wildlife. They support many different plants and insects. They are also crucial for ground-nesting birds like the corncrake.
Why is Protection Important?
Protecting places like the South Uist Machair and Lochs helps keep nature healthy. It ensures that rare birds have safe places to nest and feed. It also protects unique plants like the slender naiad.
The protection helps keep the different habitats safe. This includes the lochs, bogs, and machair. These habitats work together to create a rich ecosystem. It is a great example of how different parts of nature connect.
