Muir is Tir

Vatersay Bay

Muir is Tir is a partnership between islanders, local groups, other climate initiatives and researchers from disciplines of civil engineering, agri-engineering, marine ecology, fine art and anthropology.

Working as a partnership we aim to develop nature-based solutions (NbS) to coastal change that promote a flourishing ecology whilst mitigating the harms of coastal erosion. Our research will also generate knowledge on collaborative working between communities and environmental science researchers. The project has been funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) part of UK Research and Innovation until 31st October 2028.

Research Approach

Muir is Tir recognises that adapting to environmental change requires an understanding of community values, economies, social and cultural heritage, as well as natural science. As a multidisciplinary team we are undertaking a variety of work with our partners and local people to develop knowledge across these areas.

Land and Sea Surveys

We are surveying the land and intertidal zones of the coast to understand changing geomorphology and biodiversity.

Botanical surveys of plant species and biomass in our three designated sites.
Ecological surveys – habitat surveys in our three land-based sites.
Weather monitoring network – with community support we will set up a network of weather stations that enable us to understand weather conditions and how they impact different parts of the islands.
Salt-marsh and seagrass surveys of Barra and Vatersay – Salt marsh is increasingly recognised as a carbon store. We will map the salt marsh across Barra and Vatersay.