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Coastal habitats

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Coastal habitats

Aerial view of Gress Saltings SSSI, Lewis. ©Stewart Angus/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.snh.gov.uk

Saltmarshes

Saltmarshes form in sheltered environments at the head of bays and inlets, where plants can be covered by the tide twice a day

Panorama. Looking north towards dunes, beach and Loch Sandwood Loch. ©Alexander Macdonald/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.snh.gov.uk

Sand dunes

Scotland has the bulk of the UK's sand dunes, backing some of Europe's most spectacular beaches

Machair

Machair is a Scottish speciality, where people manage the land in a way that encourages wildlife

Shingle spits at Spey Bay, Grampian Area. ©P&A Macdonald/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.snh.gov.uk

Coastal shingle

Coastal shingle fringes many coasts, sometimes forming larger deposits

The coast at Mangerstadh, Isle of Lewis, Western Isles Area. ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.snh.gov.uk

Cliffs

Scotland's coasts support a wide range of superb cliff habitats

Last updated on Wednesday 9th December 2009 at 17:35 PM. Click here to comment on this page