Conservation

The Ministry of Defence is a responsible landowner, and supervises the Cape Wrath Conservation Group, which is made up from MOD Agencies, other Government and non-governmental bodies.

The Conservation Group works to protect and enhance the unique and valuable diversity of the area. The range contains a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Protected Birds Area under the EU Birds Directive. In addition Cape Wrath is known for a number of rare botanical species and has some interesting sites of archaeological importance which are under long-term investigation.

Whilst it may at first seem incongruous that a military firing range is such an important natural habitat, it is worth noting that the use of the land in this way preserves it in its natural state better than certain types of farming, forestry and other commercial activity found in rural areas on the UK mainland.