Loch of Inch and Torrs Warren (2526)
United Kingdom, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2007
National site name: Loch of Inch and Torrs Warren
Central coordinates: Latitude: 54.8483, Longitude: -4.9060
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 29
Area of KBA (km2): 53.51045
Protected area coverage (%): 44.43
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Lochinch (also known as White Loch) is shallow and rich in nutrients. Torrs Warren lies to the south, at the head of Luce Bay, and is the largest acidic dune system in western Scotland, with a very varied dune morphology. The IBA is important for wintering geese.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard.
Delineation rationale: First identified in 1989 as Lochinch (White Loch) and Torrs Warren; renamed in 1992 as Lochinch and Torrs Warren; renamed in 2007 as Loch of Inch and Torrs Warren. SPA boundary used from JNCC; digitised at 1:10,000 scale. Additional area added on 1:50,000 maps.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | forestry | military | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 5 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 48 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 48 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Agro-industry farming | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Intentional use (species being assessed is the target) | Ongoing |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing |