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.
Project Background
Barra and Vatersay in Scotland’s Western Isles are areas of stunning natural beauty and home to an array of rare animal and plant life on land and sea. However, the islands' population is confronted with challenging coastal change (see Barra and Vatersay Community Action Plan, 2023). Sea levels across Scotland have been rising and are predicted to rise further due to climate change. (For more detail on this see these reports by IPCC, CREW and. Amartunga 2022). At present extreme weather can disrupt travel, services, family and social relationships, crofting practices and the wider economy of the islands. Further changes to the coast will exacerbate this situation. At the most extreme this will present a risk to property, transport and access to vital services. There is therefore a need to adapt to these changes in ways that protect lives and livelihoods. Muir is Tir aims to develop nature-based solutions (NbS) that aim to restore natural ecosystems as a means of addressing societal challenges and mitigating climate harm. The vast array of knowledge on coastal change and coastal stewardship amongst islanders and some island communities on Barra and Vatersay provides a means of responding to this challenge in ways that mitigate the impact on the beautiful and fragile island ecology and the local community.
Partners
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Carbon Neutral Islands, Barra
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Coimhearsnachd Bharraidh agus Bhatarsaidh (Barra & Vatersay Community) Ltd
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Borve Graveyard Committee
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Vatersay Community Association
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Eoligarry Crofters
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Nautilus Club
The Sites
Borve Graveyard
The graveyard at Borve in Barra is believed to be one of the earliest Christian settlements dating back to around/or before 700AD. It is therefore not a just a place of social importance, as generations of many families rest there, it is also a site of archaeological significance. A section of the graveyard wall is affected by erosion caused by the strong Atlantic waves.
Vatersay Bay
Vatersay Bay is a tombolo that joins the two sections of Vatersay Island. The Atlantic lies to the west and the Sea of the Hebrides to the East. The dune systems in Vatersay Bay have become less stable as a result of extreme weather. The area is also a busy tourist attraction throughout spring and summer.
Eoligarry Beach
The dune systems of Eoligarry Beach in North East Barra have seen significant erosion in recent years. This has impacted available crofting land.
Submarine coastline
The plants and sea creatures that inhabit the coastline affect the strength of the waves and their ability to cause erosion. This sea life is also an important carbon store that promotes climate health. We seek to understand the different forms and distribution of sea grass across Barra and Vatersay and understand its impact on coastal change.
Erosion casues by the sea
The land between two beaches, Isle of Vatersay
A seagrass meadow
Erosion casues by the sea
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
Surveys will be led by our researcher Amanda Vestergaard and as much as impossible include local people in gathering material and generating knowledge.
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Botanical surveys of plant species and biomass in our three designated sites.
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Ecological surveys – habitat surveys in our three sites.
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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.
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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.
Textile Map
Working with local crafters and all who want to contribute we are creating a textile map of Barra and Vatersay that includes, stories and memories of the coastline shared by local people. This map will bring together the social history of Barra and Vatersay’s coastline and the scientific knowledge generated through the surveys. The map will be a record of the project that evolves across the next three years.