Lochaber (including Moidart, Ardnamurchan, Morar and Morvern) supports a diversity of habitat types with flora and fauna of local, regional, national and international importance for biodiversity and conservation.  The species-rich coastal grassland, Machair, is unique to the west coast and the Western Isles, whilst the Atlantic oak woodlands and raised peak bogs are arguably the best examples in Europe.  

The main habitats within the region include native woodland, moorland, grassland, freshwater, marine and coastal zones. The diversity of ecosystems and habitats is the product of the interplay between geology, topography and climate, including the complex interactions between local abiotic and biotic factors, as well as more remote long distance connections.  

Please explore the range of habitat types in Moidart, Ardnamurchan and The Rough Bounds to find out more about the distribution, ecology and biodiversity of each habitat type, as well as its conservation importance.  The region as a whole contains 35 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), 13 Sites of Conservation Importance and four Special Protection Areas within the area.