The ultimate test of man's conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard. - Gaylord Nelson (1916-2005), former governor of Wisconsin, founder of Earth Day.

The natural environment of the Outer Hebrides encompasses all the living and non living parts that make up our islands. These include:
- the land (the topography: rocks, soils, grasslands, woodlands, wetlands)
- the water (fresh waters & sea waters)
- the air
- the climate
- the flora & fauna (biodiversity)
- and not to forget, us humans!


Scotland is a coastal nation.

The islands of the Outer Hebrides, like Scotland as a whole are coastal settlements. This means that much of the human settlement, industry and agricultural production are by the sea. This long history of coastal living has entwined with our culture & heritage.

To find out more about Scotland's environment check out www.environment.gov.scot/. Here you will find out up to date current information about the data recorded and the monitoring being done across Scotland.

Similarly, check out www.sepa.org.uk/environment/ for more information about Scotland's unique resources and the efforts and regulation put in place to protect them.

Finally, check out the Volunteer Centre Westen Isles video focusing on remote island living in Mingulay an island South of Barra. Here, like many other places, human settlement has shaped the environment.