Nic Coombey, Community and Learning Officer of the Galloway and South Ayrshire Biosphere Team, was fortunately able to stand in at short notice for a colleague and address the February meeting of the Stewartry U3A on the impact of the changing environment on the plants and wildlife in South West Scotland.
He said that there was no doubt that the climate was changing and measurements showed that in Scotland over the past 20 to 30 years, average temperatures had risen and it had also been wetter. It could be expected that this warmer and wetter trend would continue. The rise in sea temperature and rising sea levels are having an effect on wildlife in the Solway area and the much more regular storms are having a major impact on sandy beaches. Nic also pointed out that the waters of the Solway tend to be colder in winter and hotter in summer than other estuaries due to the wide tidal range and the number of rivers discharging into the estuary.
These changes are affecting the wildlife – cod are now moving further north away from the area but sea bass are moving into the area. Pacific oysters are now regularly found on the shores due to the warming seas. In turn the bird populations of the Solway area are affected by the change in feedstocks.
Plant life around the Solway is also changing with many plants having moved north into the Solway area as the northern edge of their territory. This is especially so on the warmer, south facing coast of Dumfries and Galloway. Nic showed examples such as Common Cord Grass which is spreading rapidly, Japanese Wire Weed in the sea, Sea Bindweed growing in the sand dunes, Sea Holly, Sea Radish, Sea Kale and others. On the other hand the Oyster Plant which is normally found in the Northern Isles and Scandinavia is becoming rarer.
Nic also explained his particular area of interest – the Galloway and South Ayrshire Biosphere. The area of South West Scotland from Ayr to Dumfries with the exception of the Rhinns is a UNESCO designated Biosphere in view of its important natural heritage. The aim of the designation is to ensure that residents of the area and visitors alike are aware of the significance of the natural heritage of the area and people and businesses are encouraged to sign up and support this special area through lifelong learning, nature conservation and sustainable development. It is hoped to develop a passion for living in the area in a way that benefits both people and the natural environment.
The next meeting of the Stewartry U3A will be held on Tuesday 22 March at 2.00pm in the Parish Church Hall, Castle Douglas when Mhairi Hastings will talk about Rev. Henry Duncan, Pioneer of the Savings Bank Movement.