ENVIRONMENT
The Isle of Harris
The Outer Hebrides are a unique habitat lying on weathered granite and Lewisian Gneiss, one of the oldest rocks in the world. The grass is sparse and the grazing poor, but there is an abundance of heather on the damp, peaty ground.
Peat is still cut for fuel today on Harris and the scars of the peat beds are visible. Sheep graze and roam free on the island, making tree growth and planting difficult. The occasional rowan trees flourish out of reach of the sheep.
Gallery: Click on each image to see the larger version
The fauna on the island is varied; eagles and buzzards on the hill and seals and otters along the shore. There are also red deer that visitors may be lucky enough to glimpse, or even a moorhen or oyster catcher.
The unique habitat created by the species thriving on Harris is what makes the Island distinct and alluring to guests from all over the world.
