Tintagel Cliffs

Site of Special Scientific Interest · 50.6685, -4.7442

Condition (Natural England)

Favourable (30)
UnitFeatureConditionArea (ha)Assessed
SX038864 Favourable 10.96 2009-11-30
SX039863 Favourable 10.96 2009-11-30
SX039864 Favourable 10.96 2009-11-30
SX042858 Favourable 10.96 2009-11-30
SX042861 Favourable 10.96 2009-11-30
SX043860 Favourable 10.96 2009-11-30
SX047862 Favourable 10.96 2009-11-30
SX048883 Favourable 20.75 2009-11-30
SX049889 Favourable 18.01 2009-11-30
SX049890 Favourable 18.01 2009-11-30
SX050870 Favourable 36.36 2009-11-30
SX053892 Favourable 9.33 2009-11-30
SX058892 Favourable 10.41 2009-11-30
SX060899 Favourable 28.96 2009-11-30
SX064895 Favourable 28.96 2009-11-30
SX072897 Favourable 6.34 2009-11-30
SX072902 Favourable 33.84 2009-11-30
SX073903 Favourable 33.84 2009-11-30
SX074903 Favourable 33.84 2009-11-30
SX074905 Favourable 33.84 2009-11-30
SX076906 Favourable 33.84 2009-11-30
SX076908 Favourable 33.84 2009-11-30
SX081907 Favourable 33.84 2009-11-30
SX082906 Favourable 33.84 2009-11-30
SX083908 Favourable 33.84 2009-11-30
SX083909 Favourable 33.84 2009-11-30
SX086908 Favourable 2.72 2009-11-30
SX087908 Favourable 2.72 2009-11-30
SX090916 Favourable 17.66 2009-11-30
SX091912 Favourable 17.66 2009-11-30

Climate exposure

This is about exposure to a nationwide pressure this habitat type carries — not a verdict on this site's own management.

Coastal

Coastal habitats are exposed to sea-level rise and storm erosion. Where hard sea defences sit behind them, there's nowhere landward to retreat to — a squeeze that keeps compressing the habitat no matter how well it's managed.

Geology & landscape

Geological Feature: Geological Fault · Geological Period: Carboniferous, Devonian

Landscape processes: Coastal, Volcanic / Igneous

Birds & fish recorded

Birds

SpeciesSeason
phalacrocorax aristotelis Breeding
fulmar Breeding
great black-backed gull Breeding
herring gull Breeding
house martin Breeding
kittiwake Breeding
lesser black-backed gull Breeding
peregrine Breeding
puffin Breeding
razorbill Breeding
rock pipit Breeding
stonechat Breeding
stonechat Breeding
water pipit Breeding

Description

Tintagel Cliffs SSSI Description Within Cornwall Area of Natural Beauty and Heritage Coastline and contains four Gological Concervation Review (GCR) sites. Tintagel Cliffs lie on the North Cornwall coast between Boscastle and Dennis Point. The cliffs exhibit considerable geomorphological and geological interest in addition to supporting an outstanding flora and fauna. Geomorphologically, Tintagel provides a classic assemblage of rock-coast features, including cliffs, caves, geos, arches and stacks. It is particularly important for the strong relationships displayed between coastal forms and bedrock structures and is one of few locations where such relationships have been studied in detail. Cliffs and platforms are cut in lower Carboniferous and upper Devonian rocks. The coastal edge displays slope-over-wall forms, some bevelled and some forming hog’s-backs. Normal faults have had considerable influence on cliff forms. South of Tintagel Island, some short stretches of cliffline are true fault-line cliffs. Elsewhere, erosion has cut cliffs back from their original fault-controlled position. North of Tintagel Island, the coastline is more complex, with many inlets and headlands. Erosion along normal faults, less resistant beds and joint-planes has produced an intricate set of bays, headlands, stacks, blowholes and caves. Here, local variations of structure and rock strength are the major control on landforms. Geologically, the coastal section between Tintagel Head and Bossiney Haven shows the intimate association of various basic volcanic rocks with highly deformed sediments and is representative of a major outburst of Lower Carboniferous (Visean) extrusive volcanism in the Culm trough. Because of the pervasive deformation and higher than usual regional metamorphic grade, the volcanics are highly altered and schistose. In some cases (e.g. Barras Nose) the degree of alteration is unusually extreme and may produce secondary assemblages of chlorite-carbonate-magnetite. Variscan structures are exhibited along the coastal sections between Tintagel Head and Smiths Cliff, and Dennis Point to Bagalow Beach. The first of these contains many excellent exposures of contorted Devonian and Lower Carboniferous slates and volcanic rocks. The structure of the area was described in a classic work more than thirty years ago and has been the subject of extensive detailed investigation ever since. The main interest lies in the complex sequence of major and minor structures which can be demonstrated. Much of the complexity arises from the strata being cut and displaced by many flat-lying faults which have produced a shuffled sequence of layers, very difficult to unravel and interpret. This has given rise to conflicts in interpretation which, as yet, remain unresolved. The excellent three-dimensional exposures offer an unrivalled opportunity to study the major, minor and microstructural elements of an important segment of the geological framework of south-west England. Dennis Point to Bagalow Beach provides clear, accessible exposures of a disrupted sequence of Devonian and Carboniferous slates and volcanic rocks. The main interest here lies in the complex structural characteristics displayed; the rock sequence appears to be inverted but the interpretation of the sequence of events giving rise to this has proved controversial and remains as yet, in doubt. Evidence drawn from this site can be expected to be crucial in unravelling one of the major problems in the geological structure and history of south-west England and the site is therefore visited by many educational and research groups. A special feature of the site is the occurrence of remarkable exposures of flattened and distorted clasts of lava in the volcanic beds and of well-preserved, distorted fossils in the slates. These provide a wealth of detailed information about the amount and type of distortion suffered by the strata as a whole. This gives an invaluable insight into the structural evolution of this important element of the geological framework of south-west England. Exposure to winter gales and salt spray has led to the development of maritime grassland and maritime heathland, which together support a rich flora with a number of rare species. The extensive areas of maritime grassland are dominated by red fescue Festuca rubra with abundant wild thyme Thymus polytrichus and frequent kidney vetch Anthyllis vulneraria, oxeye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare, spring squill Scilla verna and sea campion Silene uniflora. Populations of autumn squill Scilla autumnalis and hairy bird’s foot trefoil Lotus subbiflorus, both species of restricted occurrence in Britain are abundant here. In addition the steeper cliffs support golden-samphire Inula crithmoides, and maidenhair fern Adiantum capillus-veneris. Soils derived from the basic volcanic rocks are more calcareous and support a species rich flora which includes glaucous sedge Carex flacca, saw wort Serratula tinctoria and betony Betonica officinalis, with the very rare chives Allium schoenoprasum flourishing in wetter hollows. Maritime heathland is restricted but where it occurs it consists largely of heather Calluna vulgaris, bell heather Erica cinerea with frequent western gorse Ulex gallii. Associated species include sheep’s-bit Jasione montana, tormentil Potentilla erecta and Dyer’s greenweed Genista tinctoria. Wetter areas support the uncommon yellow bartsia Parentucellia viscosa. The offshore islands, cliffs and coastal margins provide valuable breeding sites for a variety of birds including the rare peregrine Falco peregrinus. Colonies of razorbill Alca torda, shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis, kittiwake Rissa tridactyla, great black-backed gull Larus marinus, lesser black-backed gull L. fuscus, herring gull Larus argentatus and fulmar Fulmarus glacialis all successfully breed here. puffin Fratercula arctica still breed on Lye Rock and other nearby islands. Raven Corvus corax, jackdaw Coloeus monedula and rock pipit Anthus spinoletta nest along the cliffs and stonechat Saxicola rubicola breed in patches of cliff-top scrub. Also of particular note is a small colony of cliff nesting house martin Delichon urbicum.

Species mentioned

English name
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Latin name
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IUCN / Red List Type Family
Phalacrocorax aristotelis Not listed in GB list bird phalacrocoracidae
stonechat Saxicola torquatus Not listed in GB list bird muscicapidae
razorbill Alca torda LC (Breeding) bird-auk alcidae
puffin Fratercula arctica CR (Breeding) bird-auk alcidae
jackdaw Coloeus monedula LC (Breeding) bird-corvid corvidae
raven Corvus corax LC (Breeding) bird-corvid corvidae
shag Gulosus aristotelis VU (Breeding) bird-frigate fregatidae
fulmar Fulmarus glacialis CR (Breeding) bird-fulmar procellariidae
herring gull Larus argentatus EN (NonBreeding), EN (Breeding) bird-gull laridae
lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus DD (Breeding) bird-gull laridae
great black-backed gull Larus marinus EN (NonBreeding), CR (Breeding) bird-gull laridae
kittiwake Rissa tridactyla EN (Breeding) bird-gull laridae
peregrine Falco peregrinus LC (Breeding) bird-hawk falconidae
house martin Delichon urbicum VU (Breeding) bird-martin hirundinidae
rock pipit Anthus petrosus LC (Breeding) bird-pipit motacillidae
water pipit Anthus spinoletta VU (NonBreeding) bird-pipit motacillidae
stonechat Saxicola rubicola LC (Breeding) bird-robin muscicapidae
maidenhair fern Adiantum capillus-veneris LC fern adiantaceae
red fescue Festuca rubra LC grass poaceae
wild chives Allium schoenoprasum LC herb liliaceae
lady's fingers (kidney vetch) Anthyllis vulneraria NT herb fabaceae
betony Betonica officinalis VU herb lamiaceae
dyer's greenweed Genista tinctoria LC herb fabaceae
golden samphire Inula crithmoides Not listed in GB list herb asteraceae
sheep's bit Jasione montana VU herb campanulaceae
oxeye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare LC herb asteraceae
hairy bird's-foot trefoil Lotus subbiflorus LC herb fabaceae
yellow bartsia Parentucellia viscosa LC herb orobanchaceae
tormentil Potentilla erecta LC herb rosaceae
autumn squill Scilla autumnalis LC herb liliaceae
spring squill Scilla verna LC herb liliaceae
saw wort Serratula tinctoria VU herb asteraceae
sea campion Silene uniflora LC herb carophyllaceae
wild thyme Thymus polytrichus Not listed in GB list herb lamiaceae
glaucus sedge Carex flacca LC sedge cyperaceae
western gorse Ulex gallii LC shrub leguminosae
bell heather or ling Calluna vulgaris NT shrub dwarf ericaceae
bell heather Erica cinerea NT shrub dwarf ericaceae

Insects to look out for

These moths, butterflies and beetles are known to feed on plants recorded at this site, and carry a notable UK conservation status — but a host-plant being present doesn't mean the insect has actually been recorded here. Treat this as "worth watching for," not a confirmed sighting.

SpeciesStatusVia host-plant
Reddish buff
Acosmetia caliginosa
Critically Endangered Serratula tinctoria
The grey
Hadena caesia
Endangered Silene uniflora
Shoulder-striped clover
Heliothis maritima
Endangered Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea
Least minor
Photedes captiuncula
Endangered Carex flacca
Mouse moth
Amphipyra tragopoginis
Vulnerable Serratula tinctoria
Broom moth
Ceramica pisi
Vulnerable Calluna vulgaris
Satyr pug
Eupithecia satyrata
Vulnerable Calluna vulgaris
Grayling
Hipparchia semele
Vulnerable Festuca rubra
True lover's knot
Lycophotia porphyrea
Vulnerable Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea
Silver studded blue
Plebejus argus
Vulnerable Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Ulex spp.
Grizzled skipper
Pyrgus malvae
Vulnerable Potentilla erecta
Lead belle
Scotopteryx mucronata
Vulnerable Genista tinctoria
Pale eggar
Trichiura crataegi
Vulnerable Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea
Flounced chestnut
Agrochola helvola
Near Threatened Calluna vulgaris
Small heath
Coenonympha pamphilus
Near Threatened Festuca spp.
Small blue
Cupido minimus
Near Threatened Anthyllis vulneraria
Grey scalloped
Dyscia fagaria
Near Threatened Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea
Autumnal rustic
Eugnorisma glareosa
Near Threatened Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea
Grey pug
Eupithecia subfuscata
Near Threatened Betonica officinalis
Weaver's wave
Idaea contiguaria
Near Threatened Calluna vulgaris
Rosy minor
Litoligia literosa
Near Threatened Carex flacca

Host-plant data: Cook et al. (2025), Traits data for the butterflies and macro-moths of Great Britain and Ireland, 2024, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology / Butterfly Conservation; and Padovani et al. (2020), Database of Insects and their Food Plants (DBIF), UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (both Open Government Licence). Contains data supplied by UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.

Plant communities

H7 — Hard cliff and cliff slope, Lowland dry heath

Calluna vulgaris-Scilla verna heath

Matches 11 species from the description above: Anthyllis vulneraria, Calluna vulgaris, Carex flacca, Erica cinerea, Festuca rubra, Jasione montana, Leucanthemum vulgare, Potentilla erecta, Scilla verna, Serratula tinctoria, Silene uniflora

Salix repens, Empetrum nigrum subsp.nigrum, Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix, Erica vagans, Juniperus communis, Ulex europaeus, Carex caryophyllea, Carex flacca, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Carex pulicaris, Carex serotina, Luzula campestris, Luzula multiflora, Selaginella selaginoides, Hypnum cupressiforme, Frullania tamarisci, Cladonia chlorophaea, Cladonia rangiformis, Daucus carota, Achillea millefolium, Hypochaeris radicata, Leontodon saxatilis, Leucanthemum vulgare, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Serratula tinctoria, Jasione montana, Succisa pratensis, Cerastium diffusum, Cerastium fontanum, Silene uniflora, Sedum anglicum, Anthyllis vulneraria, Astragalus danicus, Genista pilosa, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium repens, Centaurium erythraea, Thymus praecox, Scilla verna, Dactylorhiza purpurella, Euphrasia officinalis, Plantago coronopus, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Polygala serpyllifolia, Polygala vulgaris, Rumex acetosa, Primula vulgaris, Filipendula vulgaris, Potentilla erecta, Galium verum, Viola riviniana, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Aira caryophyllea, Aira praecox, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Dactylis glomerata, Danthonia decumbens, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Koeleria macrantha, Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta, Chara curta

MC9 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Festuca rubra-Holcus lanatus maritime grassland

Matches 9 species from the description above: Anthyllis vulneraria, Carex flacca, Festuca rubra, Genista tinctoria, Leucanthemum vulgare, Potentilla erecta, Scilla verna, Serratula tinctoria, Silene uniflora

Empetrum nigrum subsp.nigrum, Carex caryophyllea, Carex flacca, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Luzula campestris, Hypnum cupressiforme, Kindbergia praelonga, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Trichostomum brachydontium, Cladonia chlorophaea, Peltigera canina, Angelica sylvestris, Conopodium majus, Daucus carota, Heracleum sphondylium, Achillea millefolium, Bellis perennis, Centaurea nigra, Hypochaeris radicata, Jacobaea vulgaris, Leontodon saxatilis, Leucanthemum vulgare, Pilosella officinarum, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Serratula tinctoria, Solidago virgaurea, Cochlearia officinalis, Campanula rotundifolia, Cerastium diffusum, Cerastium fontanum, Sagina apetala, Silene uniflora, Sedum anglicum, Euphorbia portlandica, Anthyllis vulneraria, Genista tinctoria, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium repens, Geranium sanguineum, Thymus praecox, Scilla verna, Euphrasia officinalis, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Rumex acetosa, Rumex crispus, Ficaria verna, Ranunculus acris, Potentilla erecta, Galium verum, Viola riviniana, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Aira praecox, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Dactylis glomerata, Danthonia decumbens, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Koeleria macrantha, Poa pratensis

H8 — Hard cliff and cliff slope, Lowland dry heath, Upland dry heath

Calluna vulgaris-Ulex gallii heath

Matches 8 species from the description above: Calluna vulgaris, Carex flacca, Erica cinerea, Festuca rubra, Jasione montana, Potentilla erecta, Scilla verna, Ulex gallii

Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix, Vaccinium myrtillus, Ulex europaeus, Ulex gallii, Carex binervis, Carex caryophyllea, Carex flacca, Carex pilulifera, Campylopus flexuosus, Dicranum scoparium, Hypnum cupressiforme, Pleurozium schreberi, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Polytrichum juniperinum, Polytrichum piliferum, Cladonia impexa, Cladonia squamosa, Hypochaeris radicata, Jasione montana, Lotus corniculatus, Hypericum pulchrum, Teucrium scorodonia, Thymus praecox, Scilla verna, Linum catharticum, Pedicularis sylvatica, Digitalis purpurea, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Polygala serpyllifolia, Rumex acetosella, Potentilla erecta, Poterium sanguisorba, Rubus fruticosus agg., Galium saxatile, Galium verum, Viola lactea, Viola riviniana, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis curtisii, Agrostis stolonifera, Agrostis vinealis, Aira praecox, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Avenula pubescens, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Dactylis glomerata, Danthonia decumbens, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta, Pteridium aquilinum, Chara curta

MC5 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Armeria maritima-Cerastium diffusum ssp. diffusum maritime therophyte community

Matches 7 species from the description above: Anthyllis vulneraria, Carex flacca, Festuca rubra, Jasione montana, Scilla autumnalis, Scilla verna, Silene uniflora

Carex flacca, Hypnum cupressiforme, Tortella flavovirens, Cladonia chlorophaea, Cladonia foliacea, Cladonia rangiformis, Collema spp., Daucus carota, Achillea millefolium, Bellis perennis, Cirsium acaule, Echium vulgare, Jacobaea vulgaris, Leontodon saxatilis, Pilosella officinarum, Senecio vulgaris, Sonchus oleraceus, Taraxacum officianalis, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Myosotis ramosissima, Brassica oleracea, Cochlearia danica, Cochlearia officinalis, Diplotaxis muralis, Jasione montana, Arenaria serpyllifolia, Cerastium diffusum, Cerastium fontanum, Herniaria ciliolata, Sagina apetala, Sagina maritima, Silene uniflora, Spergularia rupicola, Atriplex littoralis, Sedum acre, Sedum anglicum, Euphorbia portlandica, Anthyllis vulneraria, Hippocrepis comosa, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium arvense, Trifolium occidentale, Trifolium repens, Trifolium scabrum, Vicia sativa, Centaurium erythraea, Eriodium cicutarium, Salvia verbenaca, Thymus praecox, Scilla autumnalis, Scilla verna, Radiola linoides, Plantago coronopus, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Veronica arvensis, Armeria maritima, Ranunculus acris, Reseda lutea, Filipendula vulgaris, Poterium sanguisorba, Galium verum, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Aira caryophyllea, Aira praecox, Brachypodium pinnatum, Bromus hordeaceous, Catapodium marinum, Catapodium rigidum, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Koeleria macrantha, Lolium perenne, Schedonorus arundinaceus

MC8 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Festuca rubra-Armeria maritima maritime grassland

Matches 6 species from the description above: Anthyllis vulneraria, Festuca rubra, Inula crithmoides, Potentilla erecta, Scilla verna, Silene uniflora

Carex caryophyllea, Carex distans, Kindbergia praelonga, Tortella flavovirens, Trichostomum brachydontium, Angelica sylvestris, Crithmum maritimum, Daucus carota, Ligusticum scoticum, Achillea millefolium, Cirsium arvense, Hypochaeris radicata, Inula crithmoides, Leontodon saxatilis, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Sonchus oleraceus, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Brassica oleracea, Cochlearia danica, Cochlearia officinalis, Cerastium diffusum, Cerastium fontanum, Sagina apetala, Sagina maritima, Silene uniflora, Spergularia rupicola, Sedum anglicum, Anthyllis vulneraria, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium repens, Centaurium erythraea, Scilla verna, Plantago coronopus, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Rumex acetosa, Potentilla erecta, Agrostis stolonifera, Brachypodium pinnatum, Catapodium marinum, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Poa subcaerulea

MC4 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Brassica oleracea 36-ledge community

Matches 4 species from the description above: Anthyllis vulneraria, Festuca rubra, Leucanthemum vulgare, Silene uniflora

Daucus carota, Centaurea nigra, Centaurea scabiosa, Cirsium arvense, Echium vulgare, Jacobaea vulgaris, Leucanthemum vulgare, Pilosella officinarum, Senecio vulgaris, Sonchus oleraceus, Taraxacum officianalis, Tragopogon pratensis, Brassica nigra, Brassica oleracea, Cheiranthus cheiri, Silene nutans, Silene uniflora, Sedum acre, Anthyllis vulneraria, Ononis repens, Teucrium scorodonia, Plantago coronopus, Plantago lanceolata, Armeria maritima, Rumex acetosa, Potentilla reptans, Galium aparine, Agrostis stolonifera, Brachypodium pinnatum, Bromus hordeaceous, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Schedonorus arundinaceus

MC1 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Crithmum maritimum-Spergularia rupicola maritime rock-crevice community

Matches 3 species from the description above: Festuca rubra, Inula crithmoides, Silene uniflora

Tortella flavovirens, Crithmum maritimum, Daucus carota, Inula crithmoides, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Cochlearia danica, Cochlearia officinalis, Cerastium diffusum, Silene uniflora, Spergularia rupicola, Atriplex hastata, Plantago coronopus, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Limonium binervosum, Catapodium marinum, Festuca rubra, Parapholis incurva, Asplenium marinum

W20 — Montane scrub

Salix lapponum-Luzula sylvatica scrub

Matches 3 species from the description above: Calluna vulgaris, Carex flacca, Festuca rubra

Salix arbuscula, Salix cinerea, Salix lapponum, Salix myrsinites, Salix phylicifolia, Salix reticulata, Empetrum nigrum, Calluna vulgaris, Salix lanata, Vaccinium myrtillus, Vaccinium uliginosum, Carex atrata, Carex bigelowii, Carex binervis, Carex flacca, Luzula multiflora, Luzula sylvatica, Huperzia selago, Selaginella selaginoides, Aulacomnium palustre, Mnium hornum, Philonotis fontana, Plagiomnium undulatum, Rhizomnium punctatum, Dicranum bonjeanii, Dicranum majus, Dicranum scoparium, Fissidens adianthoides, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Ctenidium molluscum, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum callichroum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Palustriella commutatum, Plagiothecium denticulatum, Plagiothecium undulatum, Pleurozium schreberi, Ptilium crista-castrensis, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Sanionia uncinata, Scorpidium revolvens, Thuidium tamariscinum, Atrichum undulatum, Polytrichastrum alpinum, Sphagnum capillifolium, Sphagnum fallax, Sphagnum girgensohnii, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum russowii, Sphagnum squarrosum, Sphagnum subnitens, Sphagnum teres, Barbilophozia barbata, Chiloscyphus polyanthos, Diplophyllum albicans, Lophocolea bidentata, Plagiochila porelloides, Ptilidium ciliare, Scapania undulata, Cladonia squamosa, Peltigera canina, Angelica sylvestris, Caltha palustris, Hieraclium spp., Saussurea alpina, Solidago virgaurea, Campanula rotundifolia, Succisa pratensis, Valeriana officinalis, Rhodiola rosea, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Thymus praecox, Epilobium anagallidifolium, Dactylorhiza viridis, Euphrasia officinalis, Rhinanthus minor, Oxalis acetosella, Oxyria digyna, Polygonum viviparum, Rumex acetosa, Anemone nemorosa, Ranunculus acris, Thalictrum alpinum, Alchemilla alpina, Alchemilla glabra, Filipendula ulmaria, Geum rivale, Galium boreale, Galium saxatile, Saxifraga aizoides, Saxifraga hypnoides, Saxifraga oppositifolia, Saxifraga stellaris, Viola riviniana, Agrostis canina, Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Deschampsia cespitosa, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Nardus stricta, Dryopteris dilatata, Phegopteris connectilis

MC2 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Armeria maritima-Ligusticum scoticum maritime rock-crevice community

Matches 2 species from the description above: Festuca rubra, Silene uniflora

Schistidium maritimum, Ligusticum scoticum, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Cochlearia officinalis, Cerastium fontanum, Silene uniflora, Spergularia rupicola, Atriplex hastata, Sedum rosea, Plantago coronopus, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Rumex crispus, Agrostis stolonifera, Festuca rubra, Asplenium marinum

MC3 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Rhodiola rosea-Armeria maritima 36-ledge community

Matches 2 species from the description above: Festuca rubra, Silene uniflora

Angelica sylvestris, Ligusticum scoticum, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Silene dioica, Silene uniflora, Sedum rosea, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Rumex acetosa, Agrostis stolonifera, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus

MC6 — Coastal vegetated shingle, Hard cliff and cliff slope

Atriplex prostrata-Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima sea-bird cliff community

Matches 2 species from the description above: Festuca rubra, Silene uniflora

Daucus carota, Sonchus oleraceus, Taraxacum officianalis, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Cochlearia officinalis, Silene uniflora, Spergularia rupicola, Atriplex hastata, Malva arborea, Plantago coronopus, Armeria maritima, Polygonum aviculare, Rumex crispus, Bromus hordeaceous, Catapodium marinum, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra

MC7 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Stellaria media-Rumex acetosa sea-bird cliff community

Matches 2 species from the description above: Festuca rubra, Silene uniflora

Juncus articulatus, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Senecio vulgaris, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Cochlearia officinalis, Cerastium fontanum, Cerastium glomeratum, Silene uniflora, Spergula arvensis, Stellaria media agg., Atriplex hastata, Sedum anglicum, Trifolium repens, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Polygonum aviculare, Rumex acetosa, Rumex crispus, Potentilla anserina, Agrostis stolonifera, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Poa annua, Poa pratensis

MG1 — Brownfield, Hard cliff and cliff slope

Arrhenatherum elatius grassland

Matches 2 species from the description above: Festuca rubra, Leucanthemum vulgare

Hedera helix, Luzula campestris, Brachythecium rutabulum, Kindbergia praelonga, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Aegopodium podagraria, Anthriscus sylvestris, Conopodium majus, Daucus carota, Heracleum sphondylium, Pimpinella major, Pimpinella saxifraga, Achillea millefolium, Artemisia vulgaris, Carduus nutans, Centaurea nigra, Centaurea scabiosa, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium vulgare, Hypochaeris radicata, Jacobaea vulgaris, Leontodon hispidus, Leucanthemum vulgare, Sonchus asper, Taraxacum officianalis, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Campanula rotundifolia, Knautia arvensis, Scabiosa columbaria, Cerastium fontanum, Silene nutans, Stellaria graminea, Convolvulus arvensis, Lathyrus pratensis, Lotus corniculatus, Lotus pedunculatus, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens, Vicia cracca, Vicia sativa, Vicia sepium, Geranium dissectum, Hypericum perforatum, Clinopodium vulgare, Glechoma hederacea, Lamium album, Origanum vulgare, Teucrium scorodonia, Thymus praecox, Linum catharticum, Chamerion angustifolium, Epilobium hirsutum, Epipactis purpurata, Rhinanthus minor, Papaver dubium, Plantago lanceolata, Veronica chamaedrys, Rumex acetosa, Rumex crispus, Rumex obtusifolius, Primula veris, Primula vulgaris, Ficaria verna, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus bulbosus, Ranunculus repens, Agrimonia eupatoria, Filipendula ulmaria, Potentilla reptans, Poterium sanguisorba, Rubus fruticosus agg., Galium aparine, Galium mollugo sens.lat., Galium verum, Urtica dioica, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Alopecurus pratensis, Anisantha sterilis, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Arrhenatherum elatius, Avenula pubescens, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Briza media, Bromopsis erecta, Bromus hordeaceous, Cynosurus cristatus, Dactylis glomerata, Elytrigia repens, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Holcus mollis, Lolium perenne, Phleum pratense, Poa pratensis, Poa trivialis, Schedonorus pratensis, Trisetum flavescens, Pteridium aquilinum, Chara vulgaris

MG11 — Brownfield, Coastal floodplain grazing marsh, Hard cliff and cliff slope

Festuca rubra-Agrostis stolonifera-Potentilla anserina grassland

Matches 2 species from the description above: Festuca rubra, Silene uniflora

Atriplex portulacoides, Carex arenaria, Carex distans, Juncus articulatus, Juncus bufonius, Juncus gerardii, Brachythecium rutabulum, Odontites verna, Oenanthe lachenalii, Bellis perennis, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium vulgare, Hypochaeris radicata, Matricaria discoidea, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Senecio aquaticus, Sonchus asper, Taraxacum officianalis, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Cochlearia anglica, Cochlearia officinalis, Cerastium fontanum, Honckenya peploides, Sagina procumbens, Silene dioica, Silene uniflora, Stellaria media agg., Atriplex hastata, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium repens, Triglochin maritimum, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago major, Plantago maritima, Polygonum aviculare, Rumex acetosa, Rumex crispus, Rumex obtusifolius, Glaux maritima, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus repens, Potentilla anserina, Potentilla reptans, Galium aparine, Urtica dioica, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Alopecurus geniculatus, Ammophila arenaria, Arrhenatherum elatius, Bromus hordeaceous, Dactylis glomerata, Elytrigia juncea, Elytrigia repens, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne, Parapholis strigosa, Phleum pratense, Poa annua, Poa pratensis, Poa trivialis, Schedonorus arundinaceus, Schedonorus pratensis

W22 — Hedgerow scrub, Mixed scrub

Prunus spinosa-Rubus fruticosus scrub

Matches 2 species from the description above: Festuca rubra, Silene uniflora

Hedera helix, Acer campestre, Corylus avellana, Ulex europaeus, Prunus spinosa, Plagiomnium undulatum, Brachythecium rutabulum, Eurhynchium striatum, Kindbergia praelonga, Thuidium tamariscinum, Atrichum undulatum, Lophocolea bidentata, Achillea millefolium, Cardamine flexuosa, Lonicera periclymenum, Moehringia trinervia, Silene dioica, Silene uniflora, Stellaria media agg., Mercurialis perennis, Geranium robertianum, Stachys sylvatica, Teucrium scorodonia, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Oxalis acetosella, Digitalis purpurea, Plantago lanceolata, Veronica chamaedrys, Armeria maritima, Rumex acetosa, Filipendula ulmaria, Geum urbanum, Rosa canina, Rubus fruticosus agg., Rubus idaeus, Galium aparine, Urtica dioica, Viola riviniana, Agrostis capillaris, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Holcus mollis, Poa trivialis, Asplenium scolopendrium, Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris borreri, Dryopteris filix-mas

MG10 — Coastal floodplain grazing marsh, Hard cliff and cliff slope, Upland rush pasture

Holcus lanatus-Juncus effusus rush-pasture

Matches 1 species from the description above: Festuca rubra

Carex hirta, Carex panicea, Juncus articulatus, Juncus effusus, Juncus inflexus, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Kindbergia praelonga, Angelica sylvestris, Oenanthe crocata, Caltha palustris, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium palustre, Pulicaria dysenterica, Senecio aquaticus, Taraxacum officianalis, Myosotis scorpioides, Cardamine pratensis, Cerastium fontanum, Silene flos-cuculi, Stellaria alsine, Equisetum arvense, Equisetum palustre, Lotus pedunculatus, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens, Vicia cracca, Iris pseudacorus, Mentha aquatica, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago major, Polygonum hydropiper, Rumex acetosa, Rumex conglomeratus, Rumex crispus, Rumex obtusifolius, Primula vulgaris, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus repens, Filipendula ulmaria, Potentilla anserina, Urtica dioica, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Alopecurus geniculatus, Alopecurus pratensis, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Cynosurus cristatus, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Festulolium loliaceum, Glyceria fluitans, Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne, Phalaris arundinacea, Phleum pratense, Poa pratensis, Poa trivialis, Schedonorus pratensis

MG12 — Coastal floodplain grazing marsh, Hard cliff and cliff slope

Festuca arundinacea grassland

Matches 1 species from the description above: Festuca rubra

Atriplex portulacoides, Carex distans, Carex nigra, Carex otrubae, Eleocharis uniglumis, Juncus acutiflorus, Juncus articulatus, Juncus gerardii, Juncus inflexus, Juncus maritimus, Kindbergia praelonga, Odontites verna, Oenanthe crocata, Oenanthe lachenalii, Torilis japonica, Cirsium arvense, Hypochaeris radicata, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Sonchus arvensis, Taraxacum officianalis, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Cerastium fontanum, Stellaria media agg., Atriplex hastata, Equisetum palustre, Lathyrus pratensis, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens, Vicia cracca, Iris pseudacorus, Triglochin maritimum, Triglochin palustre, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago major, Plantago maritima, Rumex crispus, Glaux maritima, Ranunculus acris, Potentilla anserina, Galium palustre, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Arrhenatherum elatius, Cynosurus cristatus, Dactylis glomerata, Elytrigia atherica, Elytrigia repens, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne, Phragmites australis, Poa pratensis, Schedonorus arundinaceus, Schedonorus pratensis

W21 — Hedgerow scrub, Mixed scrub

Crataegus monogyna-Hedera helix scrub

Hedera helix, Salix cinerea, Acer pseudoplatanus, Ilex aquifolium, Betula pendula, Corylus avellana, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior, Malus sylvestris, Sorbus aria, Taxus baccata, Ulmus glabra, Ulmus procera, Sambucus nigra, Viburnum lantana, Euonymus europaeus, Cornus sanguinea, Juniperus communis, Ligustrum vulgare, Clematis vitalba, Rhamnus cathartica, Crataegus laevigata, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Juncus effusus, Plagiomnium undulatum, Brachythecium rutabulum, Kindbergia praelonga, Rhynchostegium confertum, Tamus communis, Heracleum sphondylium, Torilis japonica, Arum maculatum, Arctium minus, Cirsium arvense, Lonicera periclymenum, Moehringia trinervia, Silene dioica, Stellaria graminea, Stellaria holostea, Stellaria media agg., Calystegia sepium, Mercurialis perennis, Geranium robertianum, Iris foetidissima, Glechoma hederacea, Lamium purpureum, Origanum vulgare, Stachys sylvatica, Teucrium scorodonia, Allium ursinum, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Circaea lutetiana, Rumex sanguineus, Anemone nemorosa, Ranunculus repens, Fragaria vesca, Geum urbanum, Potentilla sterilis, Poterium sanguisorba, Rosa arvensis, Rosa canina, Rubia peregrina, Rubus fruticosus agg., Galium aparine, Urtica dioica, Viola riviniana, Anisantha sterilis, Arrhenatherum elatius, Brachypodium pinnatum, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Bromopsis erecta, Dactylis glomerata, Elytrigia repens, Holcus lanatus, Holcus mollis, Poa trivialis, Asplenium scolopendrium, Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris filix-mas