{"id":21,"date":"2021-08-12T14:10:55","date_gmt":"2021-08-12T14:10:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stage.openvirtualworlds.org\/tentsmuirclimatechange\/?page_id=21"},"modified":"2021-08-12T15:18:49","modified_gmt":"2021-08-12T15:18:49","slug":"the-future-of-climate-change-on-scotlands-coasts-the-story-of-tentsmuir-national-nature-reserve","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/stage.openvirtualworlds.org\/tentsmuirclimatechange\/","title":{"rendered":"The Future of Climate Change on Scotland\u2019s Coasts: The Story of Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

INTRODUCTION TO TENTSMUIR NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image 1: Aerial View of Tentsmuir Nature Reserve (NatureScot)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The pressure of climate change on Scotland\u2019s coastline is increasing, and the environmental conditions are only predicted to get worse. A particularly vulnerable area is Tentsmuir Nature Reserve, one of Scotland\u2019s most iconic coasts. This dynamic Reserve is managed by the Scottish Natural Heritage, and covers over 1573 hectares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes Tentsmuir internationally important is its special combination of forest plantation, beach shores and complex sand dunes system. This dynamic environments hosts a wide range of spectacular flora and fauna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FLORA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The vigorous movements of Tentsmuir’s sand banks have completely shifted the Nature Reserve’s scenery. Still, they were finally stabilized by marram grass to have the shape they display today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image 2: Marram Grass (Scotland’s Nature, 2017)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scots and Corsican pines make up over 62% of the forest, and over 500 species of plants have been identified in the Nature Reserve, making Tentsmuir an ideal place for an abundance of butterfly species. Flowers of regional importance include creeping lady\u2019s tresses, adder\u2019s tongue fern and purple milk vetch. (Forestry and Land Scotland; Scottish Natural Heritage) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image 3: Tentsmuir Forest (Personal Photograph)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

FAUNA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tentsmuir Nature Reserve is not only the home of over 45,000 butterflies, but it also hosts some of Scotland’s most magnificent animals, such as seals, red squirrels, dolphins and birds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image 4: Tentsmuir Seals (Walkhighlands)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

‘It is one of the few places on the east coast of Scotland where both grey and common seals can be seen together. Both types gather by the hundreds on the sandbanks along Tentsmuir Point. Each autumn, thousands of birds flock here to feed and rest during their migration. Up to 12,000 eider ducks gather together between October and March. You may also see pink-footed geese, bar-tailed, godwits, grey plovers and scoters… it is an important habitat for butterflies and other insects. The shoreline supports many bird species.<\/em>‘ <\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Scottish Natural Heritage)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GEOLOGY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dune system at Tentsmuir is one of the most dynamic sections of coastline in Scotland, and has undergone many changes during its 100 years of formation. Strong tidal streams significantly shape the sand banks through natural processes of coastal erosion (retreat of the coast) and accretion (advancement of the coast). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image 5: Sand Dunes at Tayport Side (Personal Photograph)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Shores with saltmarsh and sand dunes such as Tentsmuir are especially crucial for humanity as they sequester CO2, preventing its release in the atmosphere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

360 TOUR <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To immerse yourself into this spectacular environment, we have created a 360 tour of these special habitats:<\/p>\n\n\n\n