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Special Areas of Conservation

River Borgie

Designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Country Scotland
Unitary Authority Highlands and Islands
Centroid* NC666582
Latitude 58.49166667
Longitude -4.288888889
SAC EU Code UK0012995
Status Designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Area (ha) 33.92
* This is the approximate central point of the SAC. In the case of large, linear or composite sites, this may not represent the location where a feature occurs within the SAC.
Location of River Borgie SAC

General site character

  • Tidal rivers, Estuaries, Mud flats, Sand flats, Lagoons (including saltwork basins) (14%)
  • Shingle, Sea cliffs, Islets (11%)
  • Inland water bodies (Standing water, Running water) (65%)
  • Heath, Scrub, Maquis and Garrigue, Phygrana (5%)
  • Broad-leaved deciduous woodland (5%)

Download the Standard Data Form for this site (PDF <100kb)

Note When undertaking an appropriate assessment of impacts at a site, all features of European importance (both primary and non-primary) need to be considered.

Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site

  • Not Applicable

Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site

  • Not Applicable

Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site

  • 1029 Freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera

    Freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera are found throughout the main stem of the Borgie, from just above the estuary to the outflow of Loch Slaim, the lowest of a series of lochs on the river. Mussels are comparatively rare in the lower reaches and most abundant in the middle reaches, with mean densities in some places of 1–9 individuals m2, exceptionally attaining 35 m2 at one location. Although juveniles were absent at lower and upper sites, they were common in the middle reaches occurring at densities of up to 7 m2. It is likely that pearl mussels are restricted to the main stem of the river. At the time of survey in 1996, most tributaries were dry, and only one contained pearl mussels, in very low numbers.

Annex II species present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for site selection

Many designated sites are on private land: the listing of a site in these pages does not imply any right of public access.