Earth Heritage Sites
Designated Sites
lāraich sōnraich
Lochaber's remarkable Earth heritage is recognised and protected in many different ways.
Geological Conservation Review Sites
Scottish Natural Heritage is responsible for the conservation of geological and geomorphological sites in Scotland. The Geological Conservation Review (GCR) aims to identify geological sites of national and international importance.
These sites display sediments, rocks, minerals, fossils, and features of the landscape that make a special contribution to our understanding and appreciation of Earth science and the geological history of Britain. There are 63 GCR sites across Lochaber.
Sites of Special Scientific Interest
Most of these GCR sites have been notified as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which are protected by law. SSSIs may be ‘special’ because of their plants, animals or habitats, their rocks or landforms, or a combination of these.
Several of the geological and geomorphological SSSIs contain more than one Geological Conservation Review site within their boundaries. There is a total of 38 geological SSSIs in Lochaber.
National Nature Reserves
Scotland’s National Nature Reserves (NNRs) are world-class nature sites which help safeguard a great variety of animals, plants, geological features and landscapes. NNRs offer superb opportunities for people to get close to, enjoy, and learn more about Scotland’s natural history.
Lochaber has five National Nature Reserves:
Glencripesdale – a remote broadleaf woodland on the shores of Loch Sunart.
Claish Moss - one of the best examples in Britain of a ‘raised’ bog that has evolved over the last 8000 years.
Isle of Rum - once the core of a volcano, the island was one of the earliest human settlement sites in Scotland.
Ariundale Oakwoods – an ancient mossy oakwood, of a type that was once widespread along the Atlantic coast.
Glen Roy - site of the famous 'Parallel Roads' - among the most remarkable landforms in Britain created by glacial action.
Two of the five NNRs in Lochaber, Rum and Glen Roy, are recognised specifically for their geological importance.
National Scenic Areas
Areas which are considered to be of 'national scenic significance' and of 'unsurpassed attractiveness which must be conserved as part of our national heritage' are designated as National Scenic Areas. There are five of these areas in Lochaber:
Ben Nevis and Glen Coe
Knoydart
Loch Shiel
Morar, Moidart and Ardnamurchan
The Small Isles
Other Conservation Designations
Other statutory nature conservations found in Lochaber include one Special Protection Area (SPA) on Rum, and a number of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). These European designations give quite formidable protection.
