Machair zonation of the Monach Isles, N.N.R., Outer Hebrides

Abstract

Summary The vegetation of the Monach Islands is described by means of a grid of 336 1 m quadrats. Using the error sum of squares statistic these quadrats are grouped into seven communities and a residue: a brief outline and a frequency table of each is presented. These communities are seen to result in a zonation away from the sea which is related to soil differences, particularly an increase in organic matter; biotic differences, including rabbit and sheep grazing; and man's past cultivation practises.