Greatwood and Cliff Copses

Site of Special Scientific Interest · 50.6214, -1.2014

Condition (Natural England)

Favourable (4) Unfavourable Recovering (1)
UnitFeatureConditionArea (ha)Assessed
SZ561805 Favourable 1.97 2011-09-27
SZ564804 Favourable 2.29 2011-09-27
SZ568805 Favourable 2.55 2011-09-27
SZ571805 Favourable 1.02 2011-09-27
SZ573800 Unfavourable Recovering 8.05 2011-09-27

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

Rock Type: Greensand

Landscape processes: Coastal, Glacial

Birds & fish recorded

Birds

SpeciesSeason
cuckoo Unknown

Description

Area, 16.3 hectares Description Greatwood and Cliff Copses comprise areas of ancient ash, wych elm and beech woodland on extremely steep, Upper Greensand scarp slopes, flushed with a number of lime enriched springs. The woodlands ecology is strongly influenced by this unusual combination of geomorphological features. This is expressed in a variety of woodland and associated ground flora types unique on the Isle of Wight and with few parallels in south east England. The situation of Greatwood and Cliff Copses on very steep slopes with thin soils combined with the presence of a number of rare and unusual plant species indicates that they are of considerable age. Parts of these copses may have persisted as woodland since they developed at the end of the last glaciation 5,000–7,000 years ago. Greatwood Copse is broadly ovoid in shape and covers an east facing scarp slope. The woodland displays a disused coppice with standards structure in which the canopy trees are often widely spaced and dominated by ash Fraxinus excelsior, commonly with pedunculate oak Quercus robur and locally wild cherry Prunus avium, beech Fagus sylvatica and wych elm Ulmus glabra. Some planted sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus and horse chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum also occur on the lower more gently sloping parts of the copse where Upper Greensand gives way to Gault Clay. The coppice and shrub layer is dominated by large over mature hazel Corylus avellana coppice stools commonly with field maple Acer campestre, dogwood Cornus sanguinea and in wetter areas goat willow Salix caprea. The woodland floor is very varied in form and flora. Its upper slopes are punctuated by a series of old stone quarries which are interspersed with a number of mounds, probably composed of spoil produced from the workings. At the junction of Upper Greensand and Gault Clay a small spring gives rise to a stream that flows through the wood. The woodland flora reflects this variety of microhabitats. Over most of the wood wild garlic Allium ursinum forms a dense carpet commonly with primroses Primula vulgaris, pendulous sedge Carex pendula, moschatel Adoxa moschatellina and lesser celandine Ficaria verna. On better drained and more acid soils such as over the old spoil mounds honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum, bluebells Hyacinthoides non-scripta, wood sorrel Oxalis acetosella and scaly male fern Dryopteris affinis are common. The micro habitat created by the stream supports an abundance of opposite leaved golden saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, yellow pimpernel Lysimachia nemorum and cuckoo-flower Cardamine pratensis. The old stone quarries contain a luxuriant growth of ferns including hart’s tongue Asplenium scolopendrium, broad buckler Dryopteris dilatata and soft shield Polystichum setiferum ferns. Cliff Copse covers an extremely steep, north facing inland cliff, forming a narrow linear wood. Ecologically it has many similarities with the adjacent Greatwood Copse but varies from it in the abundance of mature beech, wych elm and whitebeam Sorbus aria. The highest parts of Cliff Copse contain many natural rock exposures of Upper Greensand. From the fissures and cracks in these rocks whitebeam commonly grows forming the best stand of this tree species on the Isle of Wight. At the base of these rocky outcrops small springs emerge, marked by dense carpets of opposite leaved golden saxifrage and in places wild gooseberry Ribes uva-crispa. Lower on the slopes where flushing of lime enriched water is greatest, wych elm grows, commonly with ash, field maple and elder Sambucus nigra. Although most of the mature wych elm have died due to Dutch elm disease many young saplings survive. The unusual occurrence of this rare tree species on flushed soils over Upper Greensand is of considerable ecological interest whilst the stand is itself the best example of its type on the Island. The eastern and western extremities of Cliff Copse supports stands of mature beech woodland. The ground flora in these areas displays a remarkable assemblage of calcium demanding plants, such as wild garlic and calcium intolerant plants such as the great wood rush Luzula sylvatica, presumably as a consequence of varying degrees of flushing. The oldest ash trees in Cliff Copse are covered in a rich epiphytic lichen flora which includes the tree lungwort Lobaria pulmonaria, a rare lichen demanding specific conditions of light and humidity which, in southern England, are found only in the oldest woodlands. To the west of Cliff Copse the wooded escarpment gives way to an interesting and rare example of agriculturally unimproved Upper Greensand grassland. It includes an unusual association of woodland plants such as wood anemone Anemone nemorosa and lesser celandine growing with grassland plants like common knapweed Centaurea nigra, tormentil Potentilla erecta and a great abundance of burnet saxifrage Pimpinella saxifraga. Interspersed through the grassland are small thickets of bramble Rubus fruticosus and gorse Ulex europaeus in whose shade bluebells commonly grow. Status, Site of Special Scientific Interest SSSI notified under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981

Species mentioned

English name
search for this in other sites
Latin name
search with Google
IUCN / Red List Type Family
hart's-tongue fern Asplenium scolopendrium LC fern aspleniaceae
scaly male-fern Dryopteris affinis LC fern dryopteridaceae
broad buckler fern Dryopteris dilatata LC fern dryopteridaceae
soft shield-fern Polystichum setiferum LC fern dryopteridaceae
moschatel Adoxa moschatellina LC herb adoxaceae
ramson Allium ursinum LC herb liliaceae
wood anemone Anemone nemorosa LC herb ranunculaceae
cuckoo-flower Cardamine pratensis LC herb brassicaceae
black knapweed Centaurea nigra LC herb asteraceae
opposite-leaved golden- saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium LC herb saxifragaceae
lesser celandine Ficaria verna LC herb ranunculaceae
bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta LC herb liliaceae
honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum LC herb caprifoliaceae
yellow pimpernel Lysimachia nemorum LC herb primulaceae
wood sorrel Oxalis acetosella LC herb oxalidaceae
burnet saxifrage Pimpinella saxifraga NT herb apiaceae
tormentil Potentilla erecta LC herb rosaceae
primrose Primula vulgaris LC herb primulaceae
bramble Rubus fruticosus LC herb rosaceae
tree lungwort Lobaria pulmonaria LC lichen no common name
great wood rush Luzula sylvatica LC rush juncaceae
pendulous sedge Carex pendula LC sedge cyperaceae
dogwood Cornus sanguinea LC shrub cornaceae
gooseberry Ribes uva-crispa Not listed in GB list shrub grossulariaceae
elder Sambucus nigra LC shrub caprifoliaceae
gorse Ulex europaeus LC shrub leguminosae
field maple Acer campestre LC tree aceraceae
sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus Not listed in GB list tree aceraceae
horse chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum Not listed in GB list tree hippocastanaceae
hazel Corylus avellana LC tree corylaceae
beech Fagus sylvatica LC tree fabiaceae
ash Fraxinus excelsior LC tree oleaceae
wild cherry Prunus avium LC tree rosaceae
common oak Quercus robur LC tree fagaceae
whitebeams Sorbus aria CR tree rosaceae
wych elm Ulmus glabra LC tree ulmaceae
goat willow Salix caprea LC tree shrub salicaceae

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
Black-veined moth
Siona lineata
Critically Endangered Centaurea nigra
Oak lutestring
Cymatophorina diluta
Endangered Quercus robur
Figure of eight
Diloba caeruleocephala
Endangered Prunus spp.
Maple pug
Eupithecia inturbata
Endangered Acer campestre
The lappet
Gastropacha quercifolia
Endangered Prunus spp., Salix spp.
Duke of Burgundy
Hamearis lucina
Endangered Primula vulgaris
The v-moth
Macaria wauaria
Endangered Ribes uva-crispa
Heath fritillary
Melitaea athalia
Endangered Ficaria verna
Scarce vapourer
Orgyia recens
Endangered Corylus avellana, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus spp., Rubus fruticosus, Salix spp., Ulmus spp.
White-letter hairstreak
Satyrium w-album
Endangered Ulmus glabra, Ulmus spp.
Mouse moth
Amphipyra tragopoginis
Vulnerable Salix caprea
The sprawler
Asteroscopus sphinx
Vulnerable Corylus avellana, Fagus sylvatica, Fraxinus excelsior, Prunus spp., Quercus spp., Salix spp., Ulmus spp.
Broom moth
Ceramica pisi
Vulnerable Rubus fruticosus, Ulmus spp.
Scarce chocolate-tip
Clostera anachoreta
Vulnerable Salix spp.
Mottled umber
Erannis defoliaria
Vulnerable Acer campestre, Acer pseudoplatanus, Corylus avellana, Fagus sylvatica, Lonicera periclymenum, Quercus spp., Salix spp., Ulmus spp.
The spinach
Eulithis mellinata
Vulnerable Ribes uva-crispa
Marsh fritillary
Euphydryas aurinia
Vulnerable Lonicera periclymenum
Satyr pug
Eupithecia satyrata
Vulnerable Centaurea spp., Salix spp.
White admiral
Limenitis camilla
Vulnerable Lonicera periclymenum
The lackey
Malacosoma neustria
Vulnerable Corylus avellana, Prunus spp., Quercus spp., Ribes uva-crispa, Rubus fruticosus, Salix spp., Ulmus spp.
Pale brindled
Phigalia pilosaria
Vulnerable Cornus sanguinea, Corylus avellana, Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus spp., Salix caprea, Ulmus glabra
Silver studded blue
Plebejus argus
Vulnerable Ulex spp.
Grizzled skipper
Pyrgus malvae
Vulnerable Potentilla erecta, Rubus fruticosus
Lead belle
Scotopteryx mucronata
Vulnerable Ulex europaeus
Early moth
Theria primaria
Vulnerable Quercus spp.
Pale eggar
Trichiura crataegi
Vulnerable Corylus avellana, Quercus spp., Rubus fruticosus, Salix spp.
Oak hook-tip
Watsonalla binaria
Vulnerable Quercus robur
Flounced chestnut
Agrochola helvola
Near Threatened Quercus spp., Salix spp., Ulmus spp.
Beaded chestnut
Agrochola lychnidis
Near Threatened Salix spp.
Grey chi
Antitype chi
Near Threatened Salix caprea
Purple emperor
Apatura iris
Near Threatened Salix caprea
Minor shoulder-knot
Brachylomia viminalis
Near Threatened Salix caprea
Light crimson underwing
Catocala promissa
Near Threatened Quercus robur
Dark crimson underwing
Catocala sponsa
Near Threatened Quercus robur
Dusky-lemon sallow
Cirrhia gilvago
Near Threatened Ulmus glabra
The sallow
Cirrhia icteritia
Near Threatened Salix spp., Ulmus glabra
Dingy mocha
Cyclophora pendularia
Near Threatened Salix caprea
Heart moth
Dicycla oo
Near Threatened Quercus robur
Large thorn
Ennomos autumnaria
Near Threatened Acer pseudoplatanus, Corylus avellana, Prunus spp., Quercus spp., Salix spp., Ulmus spp.
September thorn
Ennomos erosaria
Near Threatened Fagus sylvatica, Quercus spp.
Dusky thorn
Ennomos fuscantaria
Near Threatened Fraxinus excelsior
Autumnal rustic
Eugnorisma glareosa
Near Threatened Hyacinthoides non-scripta
Grey pug
Eupithecia subfuscata
Near Threatened Centaurea spp., Pimpinella saxifraga, Salix spp.
White-spotted pug
Eupithecia tripunctaria
Near Threatened Sambucus nigra
Double dart
Graphiphora augur
Near Threatened Quercus spp., Salix spp., Ulmus spp.
Scarce forester
Jordanita globulariae
Near Threatened Centaurea nigra
Swallowtail papilio
Papilio machaon
Near Threatened Pimpinella saxifraga
Clay fan-foot
Paracolax tristalis
Near Threatened Quercus spp.
Common fan-foot
Pechipogo strigilata
Near Threatened Quercus robur
Frosted green
Polyploca ridens
Near Threatened Quercus robur

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

W12 — Beech wood

Fagus sylvatica-Mercurialis perennis woodland

Matches 18 species from the description above: Acer pseudoplatanus, Aesculus hippocastanum, Allium ursinum, Anemone nemorosa, Asplenium scolopendrium, Cornus sanguinea, Corylus avellana, Dryopteris dilatata, Fagus sylvatica, Ficaria verna, Fraxinus excelsior, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Lonicera periclymenum, Prunus avium, Quercus robur, Sambucus nigra, Sorbus aria, Ulmus glabra

Hedera helix, Acer pseudoplatanus, Ilex aquifolium, Betula pendula, Betula pubescens, Carpinus betulus, Corylus avellana, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus robur, Aesculus hippocastanum, Fraxinus excelsior, Prunus avium, Sorbus aria, Taxus baccata, Ulmus glabra, Buxus sempervirens, Sambucus nigra, Viburnum lantana, Viburnum opulus, Euonymus europaeus, Cornus sanguinea, Ligustrum vulgare, Clematis vitalba, Crataegus monogyna, Daphne laureola, Carex flacca, Carex sylvatica, Mnium hornum, Plagiomnium undulatum, Fissidens taxifolius, Brachythecium rutabulum, Kindbergia praelonga, Thamnobryum alopecurum, Tamus communis, Anthriscus sylvestris, Heracleum sphondylium, Sanicula europaea, Arum maculatum, Arctium minus, Mycelis muralis, Solidago virgaurea, Cynoglossum officinale, Alliaria petiolata, Campanula trachelium, Lonicera periclymenum, Silene dioica, Euphorbia amygdaloides, Mercurialis perennis, Geranium robertianum, Hypericum hirsutum, Iris foetidissima, Ajuga reptans, Glechoma hederacea, Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Stachys sylvatica, Teucrium scorodonia, Allium ursinum, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Chamerion angustifolium, Circaea lutetiana, Epilobium montanum, Cephalanthera damasonium, Neottia nidus-avis, Neottia ovata, Veronica chamaedrys, Rumex sanguineus, Anemone nemorosa, Ficaria verna, Ranunculus bulbosus, Fragaria vesca, Geum urbanum, Rosa canina, Rubus fruticosus agg., Galium aparine, Galium mollugo sens.lat., Galium odoratum, Urtica dioica, Viola riviniana, Anisantha sterilis, Arrhenatherum elatius, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Bromopsis ramosa, Dactylis glomerata, Deschampsia cespitosa, Melica uniflora, Milium effusum, Poa nemoralis, Poa trivialis, Asplenium scolopendrium, Dryopteris dilatata, Dryopteris filix-mas

W14 — Beech wood, Wood pasture

Fagus sylvatica-Rubus fruticosus woodland

Matches 15 species from the description above: Acer pseudoplatanus, Anemone nemorosa, Corylus avellana, Dryopteris dilatata, Fagus sylvatica, Fraxinus excelsior, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Lonicera periclymenum, Oxalis acetosella, Prunus avium, Quercus robur, Salix caprea, Sambucus nigra, Sorbus aria, Ulmus glabra

Hedera helix, Salix caprea, Acer pseudoplatanus, Ilex aquifolium, Betula pendula, Betula pubescens, Corylus avellana, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior, Pinus sylvestris, Prunus avium, Sorbus aria, Sorbus aucuparia, Taxus baccata, Ulmus glabra, Sambucus nigra, Ruscus aculeatus, Ligustrum vulgare, Carex remota, Carex sylvatica, Luzula pilosa, Mnium hornum, Dicranella heteromalla, Dicranum scoparium, Fissidens taxifolius, Brachythecium rutabulum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Isothecium myosuroides, Kindbergia praelonga, Plagiothecium denticulatum, Plagiothecium undulatum, Pseudotaxiphyllum elegans, Thuidium tamariscinum, Atrichum undulatum, Polytrichum commune, Polytrichum formosum, Arum maculatum, Lonicera periclymenum, Moehringia trinervia, Stellaria media agg., Euphorbia amygdaloides, Mercurialis perennis, Hypericum pulchrum, Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Circaea lutetiana, Epipactis helleborine, Oxalis acetosella, Digitalis purpurea, Anemone nemorosa, Ranunculus repens, Geum urbanum, Rubus fruticosus agg., Rubus idaeus, Galium odoratum, Galium verum, Urtica dioica, Viola riviniana, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Bromopsis ramosa, Dactylis glomerata, Deschampsia cespitosa, Deschampsia flexuosa, Holcus lanatus, Holcus mollis, Melica uniflora, Milium effusum, Poa nemoralis, Poa trivialis, Schedonorus giganteus, Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris dilatata, Dryopteris filix-mas

W15 — Beech wood, Wood pasture

Fagus sylvatica-Deschampsia flexuosa woodland

Matches 8 species from the description above: Acer pseudoplatanus, Dryopteris dilatata, Fagus sylvatica, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Lonicera periclymenum, Luzula sylvatica, Oxalis acetosella, Quercus robur

Hedera helix, Acer pseudoplatanus, Ilex aquifolium, Betula pendula, Betula pubescens, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus hybrid, Quercus petraea, Quercus robur, Pinus sylvestris, Sorbus aucuparia, Taxus baccata, Calluna vulgaris, Rhododendron ponticum, Vaccinium myrtillus, Ruscus aculeatus, Carex pilulifera, Luzula pilosa, Luzula sylvatica, Mnium hornum, Orthodontium lineare, Dicranella heteromalla, Dicranum scoparium, Leucobryum glaucum, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum cupressiforme, Kindbergia praelonga, Plagiothecium undulatum, Pseudotaxiphyllum elegans, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Thuidium tamariscinum, Polytrichum formosum, Tetraphis pellucida, Calypogeia fissa, Diplophyllum albicans, Gymnocolea inflata, Lepidozia reptans, Cladonia fimbriata, Cladonia squamules, Lonicera periclymenum, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Chamerion angustifolium, Oxalis acetosella, Rubus fruticosus agg., Melanpyrum pratense, Agrostis capillaris, Deschampsia flexuosa, Holcus lanatus, Holcus mollis, Molinia caerulea, Poa nemoralis, Blechnum spicant, Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris dilatata

MG1 — Brownfield, Hard cliff and cliff slope

Arrhenatherum elatius grassland

Matches 4 species from the description above: Centaurea nigra, Ficaria verna, Pimpinella saxifraga, Primula vulgaris

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

H7 — Hard cliff and cliff slope, Lowland dry heath

Calluna vulgaris-Scilla verna heath

Matches 3 species from the description above: Potentilla erecta, Primula vulgaris, Ulex europaeus

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 3 species from the description above: Centaurea nigra, Ficaria verna, Potentilla erecta

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 2 species from the description above: Potentilla erecta, Ulex europaeus

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

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

Holcus lanatus-Juncus effusus rush-pasture

Matches 2 species from the description above: Cardamine pratensis, Primula vulgaris

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

U18 — Rocky slope, Scree

Cryptogramma crispa-Athyrium distentifolium snow-bed

Matches 2 species from the description above: Dryopteris dilatata, Oxalis acetosella

Vaccinium myrtillus, Carex bigelowii, Juncus trifidus, Luzula spicata, Huperzia selago, Pohlia nutans, Rhizomnium punctatum, Dicranum fuscescens, Dicranum majus, Dicranum scoparium, Kiaeria starkei, Racomitrium canescens sens.lat., Racomitrium fasciculare, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Hylocomiastrum umbratum, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum callichroum, Kindbergia praelonga, Plagiothecium denticulatum, Plagiothecium nemorale, Plagiothecium undulatum, Pleurozium schreberi, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Sanionia uncinata, Oligotrichum hercynicum, Pogonatum urnigerum, Polytrichastrum alpinum, Polytrichastrum sexangulare, Polytrichum piliferum, Sphagnum capillifolium, Anastrepta orcadensis, Barbilophozia floerkei, Diplophyllum albicans, Lophozia obtusa, Lophozia sudetica, Ptilidium ciliare, Tritomaria quinquedentata, Cladonia bellidiflora, Cladonia gracilis, Peltigera canina, Gnaphalium supinum, Cerastium fontanum, Epilobium anagallidifolium, Oxalis acetosella, Oxyria digyna, Rumex acetosa, Alchemilla alpina, Sibbaldia procumbens, Galium saxatile, Saxifraga stellaris, Viola palustris, Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Deschampsia cespitosa, Deschampsia flexuosa, Nardus stricta, Cryptogramma crispa, Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris dilatata, Phegopteris connectilis, Thelypteris limbosperma, Athyrium distentifolium, Gymnocarpium dryopteris

U21 — Rocky slope, Scree

Cryptogramma crispa-Deschampsia flexuosa community

Matches 2 species from the description above: Oxalis acetosella, Potentilla erecta

Empetrum nigrum subsp.nigrum, Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Vaccinium myrtillus, Diphasiastrum alpinum, Huperzia selago, Mnium hornum, Pohlia nutans, Campylopus flexuosus, Dicranella heteromalla, Dicranum majus, Dicranum scoparium, Grimmia donniana, Racomitrium fasciculare, Racomitrium heterostichum, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Isothecium myosuroides, Plagiothecium undulatum, Pleurozium schreberi, Pseudotaxiphyllum elegans, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Pogonatum urnigerum, Polytrichastrum alpinum, Polytrichum formosum, Polytrichum juniperinum, Polytrichum strictum, Sphagnum subnitens, Barbilophozia floerkei, Cephalozia bicuspidata, Cephaloziella hampeana, Diplophyllum albicans, Lophozia ventricosa, Nardia scalaris, Ptilidium ciliare, Cladonia furcata, Cladonia impexa, Cladonia squamosa, Cladonia uncialis, Cornicularia aculeata, Oxalis acetosella, Digitalis purpurea, Rumex acetosella, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Agrostis canina, Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Nardus stricta, Cryptogramma crispa, Thelypteris limbosperma

MC4 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Brassica oleracea 36-ledge community

Matches 1 species from the description above: Centaurea nigra

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

MC8 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Festuca rubra-Armeria maritima maritime grassland

Matches 1 species from the description above: Potentilla erecta

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

OV40 — Limestone pavement, Rocky slope

Asplenium viride-Cystopteris fragilis community

Matches 1 species from the description above: Asplenium scolopendrium

Plagiobryum zieri, Pohlia cruda, Fissidens dubius, Encalypta streptocarpa, Ctenidium molluscum, Homalothecium sericeum, Isopterygiopsis pulchella, Neckera crispa, Orthothecium intricatum, Orthothecium rufescens, Anoectangium aestivum, Tortella tortuosa, Trichostomum crispulum, Weissia controversa, Plagiochila porelloides, Porella platyphylla, Reboulia hemisphaerica, Pellia endiviifolia, Solorina saccata, Campanula rotundifolia, Geranium robertianum, Thymus praecox, Poterium sanguisorba, Galium sterneri, Arrhenatherum elatius, Festuca ovina, Koeleria macrantha, Asplenium ruta-muraria, Asplenium scolopendrium, Asplenium trichomanes, Asplenium viride, Polystichum aculeatum, Polystichum lonchitis, Anogramma leptophylla, Cystopteris fragilis

A14 — Fast flowing river and stream

Myriophyllum alterniflorum community

Isolepis fluitans, Juncus bulbosus, Fontinalis antipyretica, Lobelia dortmanna, Equisetum fluviatile, Myriophyllum alterniflorum, Lemna minor, Callitriche stagnalis, Littorella uniflora, Potamogeton filiformis, Potamogeton gramineus, Potamogeton natans, Ranunculus peltatus, Chara spp., Nitella hyalina

A17 — Chalk river and stream, Fast flowing river and stream

Ranunculus penicillatus ssp. pseudofluitans community

Berula erecta, Nasturtium officinale, Elodea canadensis, Lemna minor, Callitriche stagnalis, Veronica beccabunga, Polygonum amphibium, Polygonum hydropiper, Potamogeton crispus, Potamogeton pectinatus, Ranunculus penicillatus ssp. pseudofluitans

A18 — Fast flowing river and stream

Ranunculus fluitans community

Fontinalis antipyretica, Fontinalis squamosa var. curnowii, Myriophyllum alterniflorum, Myriophyllum spicatum, Elodea canadensis, Mentha aquatica, Lemna gibba, Lemna minor, Potamogeton perfoliatus, Ranunculus fluitans, Glyceria fluitans, Phalaris arundinacea

A9 — Fast flowing river and stream, Marginal and inundation, Pond ditch and canal, Sluggish river and stream

Potamogeton natans community

Schoenoplectus lacustris, Juncus bulbosus, Sparganium angustifolium, Sparganium erectum, Sparganium minimum, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Lobelia dortmanna, Equisetum fluviatile, Myriophyllum alterniflorum, Elodea canadensis, Lemna minor, Lemna trisulca, Nymphaea alba, Callitriche platycarpa, Callitriche stagnalis, Littorella uniflora, Potamogeton natans, Ranunculus trichophyllus, Glyceria fluitans, Chara subspinosa

MC1 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Crithmum maritimum-Spergularia rupicola maritime rock-crevice community

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

MC2 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Armeria maritima-Ligusticum scoticum maritime rock-crevice community

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

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

MC5 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Armeria maritima-Cerastium diffusum ssp. diffusum maritime therophyte community

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

MC6 — Coastal vegetated shingle, Hard cliff and cliff slope

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

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

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

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

Festuca rubra-Agrostis stolonifera-Potentilla anserina grassland

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

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

Festuca arundinacea grassland

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

OV39 — Limestone pavement, Rocky slope

Asplenium trichomanes-Asplenium ruta-muraria community

Bryum capillare, Fissidens dubius, Encalypta streptocarpa, Schistidium apocarpum, Homalothecium sericeum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Neckera crispa, Syntrichia intermedia, Tortella tortuosa, Tortula muralis, Tortula ruralis, Tortula subulata, Trichostomum crispulum, Weissia controversa, Porella platyphylla, Reboulia hemisphaerica, Riccia sorocarpa, Targionia hypophylla, Cladonia pocillum, Dermatocarpon lachnaeum, Dermatocarpon miniatum, Squamarina cartilaginea, Toninia caeruleonigricans, Carlina vulgaris, Centaurea scabiosa, Pilosella officinarum, Arabidopsis thaliana, Hornungia petraea, Campanula rotundifolia, Scabiosa columbaria, Arenaria serpyllifolia, Silene nutans, Sedum acre, Medicago lupulina, Geranium molle, Acinos arvensis, Teucrium scorodonia, Thymus praecox, Veronica arvensis, Potentilla tabernaemontani, Poterium sanguisorba, Galium sterneri, Saxifraga tridactylites, Aira caryophyllea, Arrhenatherum elatius, Festuca ovina, Koeleria macrantha, Aphanes arvensis, Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, Asplenium ceterach, Asplenium ruta-muraria, Asplenium trichomanes, Anogramma leptophylla