Natural History
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Fungi growing on tree stump
Lochaber is one of the richest parts of Britain for its biodiversity, with many habitats and species of national and international importance.
With 35 sites of Special Scientific Interest, 13 Sites of Conservation Importance under the EU Habitats Directive and four Special Protection Areas under the EU Birds Directive, there are nationally and internationally important habitats and species here.
Geology plays a major part in creating this rich ecological mix. That’s because the igneous rocks of Morvern, Ardnamurchan and the Small Isles support a distinctly different range of habitats and species from the older metamorphic and igneous rocks to the north and east.
Of course, it's not just the geology that creates this amazing biodiversity. The wide range of altitudes and varied types of landscape, the range of climates within the area, and the relatively unpolluted air and water all play an important part.
To find out more about Lochaber’s biodiversity have a look at the local Biodiversity Action Plan.
