Botanical Eigg

Eigg has been rightly called the isle of flowers by naturalists. Its rich and varied plantlife includes 500 higher plant species and a byophyte list numbering well over 300 species of which over 20 are national rarities .

A good deal of the sland is covered in hazel scrub woodland so that Bluebells, Wild Garlic, Wood Anenome , Wood sorrel and Primroses abound in the spring. Later in the summer, they are rplaced by Honeysuckle, Enchanter's Nightshade and many other species.

12 species of Orchids grow on the island, including the often abundant Heath Spotted, Fragrant and Northern Marsh Orchids. Scarcer species are Great Butterfly, Small White and Frog Orchids.

The island cliffs are home to a good cross section of Alpine and Arctic species: Mountain Avens, both Purple and Yellow Saxifrage, Moss Campion, and the rare Arctic Sandwort.

Ferns are abundant and include species such as Rusty Bark, Adderstongue and the odd-looking Moonwort.

An Island Plant list is available from the Isle of Eigg Craftshop or directly from John Chester (£1.00 plus 50p P&P)

Many familiar mammals such as hedgehogs, weasels, foxes etc, do not occur on a Hebridean island such as Eigg. Rabbits, on the other hand are abundant.

The island's largest land mammal is the otter. Occuring all around the coastline, it can be secretive and hard to see at times. Sightings require patience and luck!

The smallest mammal on the island (and in Britain) is the Pigmy Shrew, whilst the island wood mouse, brought over in Viking longships, provides a link to the Norse occupation of the island.

Bats also occur on the island, featuring a large pipistrelle colony and a few Long-Eared bats.

Insect life is varied and equally interesting. 9 species of Damsel/Dragon flies have been recorded and can be admired during the summer months, like the island's 18 species of Butterflies.

The most noteworthy species ocurring regurlarly are Speckled Woods, both Dark Green and Small Pearl bordered fritillaries, and the unobtrusive Green Hairstreak. Migrant species that have occured in recent years include Orange Tips, Peacock, Painted Lady and the occasional Clouded Yellow.