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Deflation of the machair surface
Loss of the vegetated surface of the machair today occurs where close-cropped
species-rich turf has been over-grazed (often by sheep). This can lead locally
to a complete deflation of the machair surface as sand is blown inland. It is
argued that historically the scale of erosion has been much more than today
(Angus & Elliot 1992). However in Ireland
loss of species rich turf can be extensive, as is illustrated in the picture
opposite.
Caption:
Eroding machair on the west coast of Ireland. Heavy grazing, recreational activity,
sand extraction and exposure combine to cause loss of surface vegetation and
erosion of the sand. The sand cliff in the foreground is approximately 3 metres
high.
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Guidance: Where this level of erosion is occurring remedial action
may need to be taken. The methods of restoring the surface vegetation
are similar to sand dune sites more generally and reference should be
made to that section of the guide which is concerned with the physical
reconstruction of the sand dune. Detailed guidance is also
provided in the Scottish Natural Heritage guide
to beach management.
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References
Angus, S. & Elliot, M.M.
1992.
Erosion in Scottish machair with particular reference to the Outer Hebrides.
In: Coastal Dunes. Geomorphology, Ecology and Management: Proceedings of the Third European Dune Congres, eds.Carter, R.W.G., Curtis, T.G.F. & Sheehy-Skeffington, M.J.A.A. Balkema, Rotterdam, 93-112.
Abstract...
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