Coastland Habitat: Machair

Machair is a diverse and unique habitat found only along the west coasts of Ireland and Scotland. In Ireland, machair habitats can be found from Galway Bay up to Malin Head, Co. Donegal, thriving in these cool, moist, and windy climates.

Machair is formed from calcareous, shell-rich sands blowing over low-lying coastal land. This combination and its proximity to the water table has resulted in species-rich grassy plains with pockets of water. 

Machair is listed as a priority habitat in Ireland. However, human activity such as development and over-grazing has accelerated erosion, resulting in its overall decline.

Machair Species:

 Chough /Small Heath Butterfly / Daisy/ Lapwing