Loch of Isbister
| Country | Scotland |
| Unitary Authority | Highlands and Islands |
| Centroid* | HY255237 |
| Latitude | 59.09444444 |
| Longitude | -3.3 |
| SAC EU Code | UK0030193 |
| Status | Designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC) |
| Area (ha) | 105.41 |
| * 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. | |
General site character
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Inland water bodies (Standing water, Running water) (36%)
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Bogs, Marshes, Water fringed vegetation, Fens (59%)
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Improved grassland (5%)
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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
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Loch of Isbister is an excellent example of a shallow moderate-sized naturally eutrophic loch. Formerly the Loch of Isbister was more extensive, but encroachment by peripheral vegetation and peat has resulted in the development of a high-quality basin-mire complex, with excellent examples of open-water transition plant communities. The loch supports a rich plant flora typical of the Magnopotamion type, with plants able to grow in the centre of the loch due to its shallow nature, including abundant stoneworts Chara spp. and pondweeds Potamogeton spp. The loch is rich in northern species and is the most northerly site for natural eutrophic lakes in the UK.
Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site
Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site
- Not Applicable
Annex II species present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for site selection
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1355 Otter Lutra lutra
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