CONSERVATION

The Dornoch Firth is highly regarded as an area of great importance conservation wise. The Firth is virtually unaffected by industrial development and supports a wide range of marine and bird life. Around one third of the Firth lies within Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The International conservation importance of the Dornoch Firth is recognised by the proposal to designate the firth and its surrounding coastal habitats as a Special Area of Conservation, under the EC Habitats Directive. The importance of the Firth for birds is recognised through its status as a Special Protection Area for wildfowl and waders under the EC Wild Birds Directive.