Situated on the Isle of South Uist west off the Scottish coast, the Loch Druidibeg Biosphere Reserve exhibits a cross-section of habitats from alkaline machair grassland through oligotrophic loch to acidic moorland. This highly diverse range of habitats is variously influenced by the oceanic exposure with high levels of salt spray and humidity, and the influence of settled agriculture on which the species-rich machair grassland depends. Loch Druidibeg is managed for strict conservation purposes, however traditional cultivation and cattle grazing practices are encouraged as an integral part of management for biodiversity. Numerous cooperative projects between conservation agencies and the local community in the Uists are carried out. The biosphere reserve also includes a Ramsar site.
Although no special research and education facilities are available, the biosphere reserve is frequently used for scientific and conservation-orientated research as well as for environmental education of schoolchildren.
Proposals made in the periodic review for extending this reserve to meet the Seville criteria are being considered.
Ownership
The area, in total, is 1,677 hectares (4,140 acres). 1,043 hectares (2,580 acres) of freshwater and moorland, with some croftland, is owned by Scottish Natural Heritage (bought in 1958); 643 hectares (1,590 acres) acquired in 1962 under a management agreement with the owners South Uist Estates and the crofters occupying and managing the croftland/grazings. The local planning authority is Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
There are buffer zones extending 10 miles (16 km) to 15 miles (24 km) north and south of the zone, under similar schemes.