Flora and Fauna
Throughout the Spring and Summer, Western Scotland is renowned for its profusion of wildflowers. Bluebells carpeting woodlands, orchids decorating the moorlands and grasslands, and an abundance of colourful flora across the machair. There are over 1000 species of wildflower found in the Hebrides alone, many of which are very rare and localised. Scottish Primrose, Field Pansies, Alpine Lady’s Mantle, Yellow Marsh Saxifrage, Holy Grass and Bog Cotton to name a few. This colourful display attracts an array of insects including the very rare Great Yellow Bumblebee. Later in the year the attention turns to a fungal foray with hundreds of species of fungi emerging.
Peering over the boat into the colourful waters of the Hebrides you often see Jellyfish like the impressive Lion’s Mane and Blue jelly’s. When walking on the beautiful beaches and inspecting the many rock pools you are likely to find crabs, starfish and if you’re lucky small and striking nudibranchs. The waters around the Scottish coastline are some of the most biodiverse habitats in the UK, you may want to bring your snorkel as you never know what wonders you may find!
Last but not least there are many butterflies, moths and dragonflies to see. The exotic sounding Slender Scotch Burnet moth is thought to only survive on the islands of Mull and Ulva. Though rare, you may just be lucky to see one of these wonderful day-flying moths as well as some of the large and colourful hawk moths. Many butterflies including Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Dark Green Fritillary, Scotch Argus and migrating species like the Painted Lady. In the height of Summer the wetland habitats of the Inner and Outer Hebrides can be a great place to watch dragonflies as they hunt and breed. The enormous Golden-ringed dragonfly flying amongst Common Hawkers and rare Azure Hawkers.
No matter your preference, cruising with Hebridean Adventures will show you a wealth of wildlife offering something for everyone. Our expert guides work hard to find you the big, the small, the rare and the beautiful flora and fauna. Be sure to let us know what you want to see and we will do our best to accommodate.
