Axmouth to Lyme Regis Under Cliffs
Also within
Devon CountyDorset County Dorset Scenic AreaEast Devon Scenic Area King Charles Way - Kingswear to Lyme Regis National TrailSouth West Coast Path National Trail
Condition (Natural England)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SY256898 | — | Favourable | 2.22 | 2011-09-26 |
| SY257896 | — | Favourable | 0.55 | 2023-05-04 |
| SY269893 | — | Unfavourable Recovering | 75.61 | 2011-09-23 |
| SY271892 | — | Unfavourable Recovering | 75.61 | 2011-09-23 |
| SY271893 | — | Unfavourable Recovering | 75.61 | 2011-09-23 |
| SY272895 | — | Unfavourable Recovering | 75.61 | 2011-09-23 |
| SY274891 | — | Unfavourable Recovering | 75.61 | 2011-09-23 |
| SY275891 | — | Unfavourable Recovering | 75.61 | 2011-09-23 |
| SY279891 | — | Unfavourable Recovering | 75.61 | 2011-09-23 |
| SY279892 | — | Unfavourable Recovering | 75.61 | 2011-09-23 |
| SY280891 | — | Unfavourable Recovering | 75.61 | 2011-09-23 |
| SY280892 | — | Unfavourable Recovering | 75.61 | 2011-09-23 |
| SY285895 | — | Unfavourable Recovering | 51.98 | 2011-09-23 |
| SY300899 | — | Favourable | 5.04 | 2011-09-23 |
| SY300900 | — | Unfavourable Recovering | 51.93 | 2011-09-23 |
| SY303898 | — | Favourable | 5.04 | 2011-09-23 |
| SY305899 | — | Unfavourable Recovering | 51.93 | 2011-09-23 |
| SY306898 | — | Favourable | 5.04 | 2011-09-23 |
| SY312904 | — | Favourable | 0.37 | 2011-09-23 |
| SY318907 | — | Unfavourable Recovering | 127.44 | 2011-09-23 |
| SY328913 | — | Unfavourable Recovering | 11.32 | 2011-09-23 |
| SY330915 | — | Unfavourable Recovering | 4.57 | 2011-09-23 |
Climate exposure
This is about exposure to a nationwide pressure this habitat type carries — not a verdict on this site's own management.
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.
Habitats
Coastal vegetated shingle, Hard cliff and cliff slope, Mixed scrub, Montane scrub, Upland mixed ash wood
Geology & landscape
Geological Period: Cretaceous, Jurassic, Quaternary, Triassic · Rock Type: Chalk, Greensand
Landscape processes: Coastal
Birds & fish recorded
Birds
| Species | Season |
|---|---|
| nightingale | Breeding |
| nightingale | Passage |
Description
Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliff SSSI Description This is the largest and most important landslip area on the British coast, with fine exposures of Lias and Cretaceous rocks, a species-rich naturally-developed ash wood, and a rich grassland and cliff flora. The National Nature Reserve is some eight kilometres long, aligned east-west along the South Devon coast. Its interest derives mainly from a massive landslip which occurred in 1839, when a large field became detached from the main cliff and moved seaward. Both the chasm and the cliffs, which rise to about 150m in altitude have largely become covered with woodland and scrub. Because of its isolation, plant and animal communities have developed virtually untouched by man. In particular, a species-rich, ungrazed, coastal ash wood has developed. A continuing series of minor slips has produced an area of varied topography, as well as exposing fresh areas for geological study and for colonisation by wildlife. The climate is typically western Atlantic, and the frequent damp mists encourage a profuse and vigorous growth of ferns and climbers. This is the most renowned area of land slipping in great Britain. Although movements probably commenced towards the end of the pleistocene, the very large Bindon Landslip of 1839, to the west of the area, brought the site to public prominence. The features of the Bindon slip are now much obscured by vegetation, but the major topographic elements, for example to the chasm-bound block known as 'Goat Island', are clearly discernible from the air. The series of slides involved Chalk, Upper Greensand and Gault of the Cretaceous Period, with Jurassic and Triassic sediments beneath. Large-scale movements are infrequent, but smaller-scale movements continue to the present day, notably near the western fringes of Lyme Regis and in the Pinhay area. This is an historic site which has played an important part in the elucidation of landslip processes. It is also the richest Lower Jurassic reptile site in Britain, and probably the world. The Lower Lias of this coast has yielded hundreds of extremely well preserved specimens of ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, pterosaurs and dinosaurs, including type specimens of more than 15 species. Fossil reptiles have been collected here since the 18th century, and important finds are still being made as cliff erosion exposes fresh rock. Entire skeletons have been extracted from the Blue Lias and the 'Shales with beef'. The coast from Pinhay Bay eastwards into Dorset is an outstanding, internationally important, locality. It shows the most complete Lower Jurassic sequence in Europe. In Britain it is the only single section which provides exposures through the entire Lias, and thus practically constitutes the British standard section. The coast has been the subject of innumerable studies documented in an enormous body of literature spanning two centuries, and dealing with all aspects of palaeontology and stratigraphy. Pinhay Bay itself is an important site for studying Rhaetian (Triassic) sediments showing a thick development of White Lias and their transition into the Jurassic strata above, affording unrivalled exposures for this rock interval. The White Lias section, eight metres in thickness, includes the 'Sun Bed' at its top. Above, these beds grade into the Pre-Planorbis Beds and overlying Hettangian Blue Lias. The most extensive exposures of the most southerly British Rhaetic outcrops are seen at Culverhole, where an outstanding section of Rhaetian strata is overlain by the Albian (Cretaceous). A section from the Tea Green Marls to the White Lias is exposed here. At the base of the section, a highly fossiliferous bone bed is seen to penetrate the Tea Green Marls; this has yielded archosaur bones. Landscape marble occurs in the two metre Cotham section, beneath the White Lias. The ash wood represents one of the best recent examples of plant succession to be found in Britain. Photographic records establish that much of it has developed since 1905, and all ages of tree from that date are present. Some of the more accessible parts have been planted with exotic species, but much of the Reserve is covered by a mixture of ash Fraxinus excelsior and field maple Acer campestre, with a thick understorey of hazel Corylus avellana, dogwood Cornus sanguinea, spindle Euonymus europaeus, blackthorn Prunus spinosa and other shrub species. There is a mosaic of developing woodland and scrub, together with abundant climbers, notably traveller's joy Clematis vitalba and ivy Hedera helix. Some of the scrub is dominated by privet Ligustrum vulgare, with bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. and madder Rubia peregrina. The ground flora varies in luxuriance depending on tree cover, ranging from areas dominated by ivy and hart's-tongue fern Asplenium scolopendrium to almost open grassland where scrub is just developing. Species present in some abundance include dog's mercury Mercurialis perennis, enchanter's nightshade Circaea lutetiana, herb Robert Geranium robertianum, pendulous sedge Carex pendula, bramble, male fern Dryopteris filix-mas, broad buckler-fern Dryopteris dilatata and soft shield-fern Polystichum setiferum. Purple gromwell Lithospermum purpurocaeruleum occurs near to the privet scrub. Other plants of local distribution, occurring mainly in the more open and cliff grassland communities, include sea kale Crambe maritima, Portland spurge Euphorbia portlandica, spring felwort Gentianella anglica, mountain St John's wort Hypericum montanum, rock sea lavender Limonium binervosum, sea radish Raphanus maritimus and Nottingham catchfly Silene nutans. Some 400 species of flowering plants have been recorded and many lower plants, for example 75 mosses and 150 fungi. There is an abrupt transition at the cliff base to intertidal rock or shingle; this is only sparsely vegetated by seaweeds but some 60 species of these have been recorded. This is one of the few key sites with the wood white butterfly Leptidea sinapis, the Lulworth skipper Thymelicus acteon has also been recorded. The breeding bird community contains species generally characteristic of coastal cliffs, scrub and woodland, but interesting species such as the nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos have bred. Over 100 species of birds have been recorded but this includes sea birds, waders, and birds of passage. Roe deer Capreolus capreolus inhabit the woods. Because of its inaccessibility the area is certainly under-recorded, especially for invertebrates.
Species mentioned
Show the 30 species mentioned in the description, with red-list statusInsects 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.
| Species | Status | Via host-plant |
|---|---|---|
| Figure of eight Diloba caeruleocephala |
Endangered | Prunus spinosa, Prunus spp. |
| Maple pug Eupithecia inturbata |
Endangered | Acer campestre |
| The lappet Gastropacha quercifolia |
Endangered | Prunus spinosa, Prunus spp. |
| Scarce vapourer Orgyia recens |
Endangered | Corylus avellana, Prunus spinosa, Rubus fruticosus |
| Black hairstreak Satyrium pruni |
Endangered | Prunus spinosa |
| The sprawler Asteroscopus sphinx |
Vulnerable | Corylus avellana, Fraxinus excelsior, Prunus spinosa, Prunus spp. |
| Broom moth Ceramica pisi |
Vulnerable | Rubus fruticosus |
| Mottled umber Erannis defoliaria |
Vulnerable | Acer campestre, Corylus avellana, Prunus spinosa |
| Satyr pug Eupithecia satyrata |
Vulnerable | Hypericum spp. |
| Bedstraw hawk-moth Hyles gallii |
Vulnerable | Rubia peregrina |
| The lackey Malacosoma neustria |
Vulnerable | Corylus avellana, Prunus spinosa, Prunus spp., Rubus fruticosus |
| Pale brindled Phigalia pilosaria |
Vulnerable | Cornus sanguinea, Corylus avellana, Fraxinus excelsior, Prunus spinosa |
| Grizzled skipper Pyrgus malvae |
Vulnerable | Rubus fruticosus |
| Brown hairstreak Thecla betulae |
Vulnerable | Prunus spinosa |
| Early moth Theria primaria |
Vulnerable | Prunus spinosa |
| Pale eggar Trichiura crataegi |
Vulnerable | Corylus avellana, Prunus spinosa, Rubus fruticosus |
| Garden tiger Arctia caja |
Near Threatened | Prunus spinosa |
| Large thorn Ennomos autumnaria |
Near Threatened | Corylus avellana, Prunus spinosa, Prunus spp. |
| Dusky thorn Ennomos fuscantaria |
Near Threatened | Fraxinus excelsior |
| Grey pug Eupithecia subfuscata |
Near Threatened | Prunus spinosa |
| Double dart Graphiphora augur |
Near Threatened | Prunus spinosa |
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
W8 — Lowland mixed oak and ash wood, Upland mixed ash wood
Fraxinus excelsior-Acer campestre-Mercurialis perennis woodland
Matches 16 species from the description above: Asplenium scolopendrium, Circaea lutetiana, Clematis vitalba, Cornus sanguinea, Corylus avellana, Dryopteris dilatata, Dryopteris filix-mas, Euonymus europaeus, Fraxinus excelsior, Geranium robertianum, Hedera helix, Ligustrum vulgare, Mercurialis perennis, Polystichum setiferum, Prunus spinosa, Rubus fruticosus agg.
Show 176 indicator speciesHedera helix, Salix caprea, Salix cinerea, Acer pseudoplatanus, Ilex aquifolium, Betula pendula, Betula pubescens, Carpinus betulus, Corylus avellana, Fagus sylvatica, Castanea sativa, Quercus hybrid, Quercus petraea, Quercus robur, Tilia cordata, Tilia platyphyllos, Fraxinus excelsior, Larix decidua, Malus sylvestris, Prunus avium, Prunus padus, Sorbus aria, Sorbus aucuparia, Sorbus domesticus, Alnus glutinosa, Populus tremula, Taxus baccata, Ulmus glabra, Ulmus minor, Ulmus procera, Sambucus nigra, Viburnum lantana, Viburnum opulus, Euonymus europaeus, Cornus sanguinea, Ribes sylvestris, Ribes uva-crispa, Ligustrum vulgare, Clematis vitalba, Rhamnus cathartica, Crataegus hybrid, Crataegus laevigata, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Rubus saxatilis, Daphne laureola, Daphne mezereum, Carex remota, Carex sylvatica, Juncus effusus, Luzula sylvatica, Mnium hornum, Plagiomnium affine, Plagiomnium rostratum, Plagiomnium undulatum, Rhizomnium punctatum, Dicranella heteromalla, Fissidens curnovii, Fissidens taxifolius, Amblystegium serpens, Brachythecium rutabulum, Cirriphyllum piliferum, Climacium dendroides, Ctenidium molluscum, Eurhynchium striatum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Isothecium myosuroides, Kindbergia praelonga, Oxyrrhynchium hians, Plagiothecium denticulatum, Plagiothecium nemorale, Rhynchostegium confertum, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Thamnobryum alopecurum, Thuidium tamariscinum, Atrichum undulatum, Lophocolea bidentata, Lophocolea heterophylla, Plagiochila asplenioides, Plagiochila porelloides, Pellia epiphylla, Tamus communis, Adoxa moschatellina, Narcissus pseudonarcissus, Angelica sylvestris, Anthriscus sylvestris, Conopodium majus, Heracleum sphondylium, Sanicula europaea, Arum maculatum, Arctium minus, Lapsana communis, Mycelis muralis, Taraxacum officianalis, Myosotis sylvatica, Alliaria petiolata, Cardamine flexuosa, Campanula latifolia, Campanula trachelium, Lonicera periclymenum, Moehringia trinervia, Silene dioica, Stellaria holostea, Euphorbia amygdaloides, Mercurialis perennis, Vicia sepium, Geranium robertianum, Hypericum hirsutum, Iris foetidissima, Ajuga reptans, Glechoma hederacea, Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Stachys sylvatica, Teucrium scorodonia, Allium ursinum, Convallaria majalis, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Polygonatum multiflorum, Chamerion angustifolium, Circaea lutetiana, Epilobium montanum, Neottia ovata, Orchis mascula, Platanthera chlorantha, Oxalis acetosella, Digitalis purpurea, Veronica chamaedrys, Veronica montana, Rumex crispus, Rumex sanguineus, Lysimachia nemorum, Primula elatior, Primula vulgaris, Anemone nemorosa, Ficaria verna, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus auricomus, Ranunculus repens, Filipendula ulmaria, Fragaria vesca, Geum urbanum, Potentilla sterilis, Rosa canina, Rosa villosa, Rubus caesius, Rubus fruticosus agg., Rubus idaeus, Galium aparine, Galium odoratum, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Urtica dioica, Viola odorata, Viola riviniana, Arrhenatherum elatius, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Bromopsis ramosa, Dactylis glomerata, Deschampsia cespitosa, Holcus lanatus, Holcus mollis, Melica nutans, Melica uniflora, Milium effusum, Poa nemoralis, Poa trivialis, Schedonorus giganteus, Asplenium scolopendrium, Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris borreri, Dryopteris dilatata, Dryopteris filix-mas, Polystichum aculeatum, Polystichum setiferum, Polypodium vulgare, Athyrium filix-femina
W21 — Hedgerow scrub, Mixed scrub
Crataegus monogyna-Hedera helix scrub
Matches 15 species from the description above: Asplenium scolopendrium, Circaea lutetiana, Clematis vitalba, Cornus sanguinea, Corylus avellana, Dryopteris filix-mas, Euonymus europaeus, Fraxinus excelsior, Geranium robertianum, Hedera helix, Ligustrum vulgare, Mercurialis perennis, Prunus spinosa, Rubia peregrina, Rubus fruticosus agg.
Show 81 indicator speciesHedera 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
W9 — Altantic hazel wood, Limestone pavement, Upland mixed ash wood
Fraxinus excelsior-Sorbus aucuparia-Mercurialis perennis woodland
Matches 11 species from the description above: Acer campestre, Asplenium scolopendrium, Circaea lutetiana, Corylus avellana, Dryopteris dilatata, Dryopteris filix-mas, Fraxinus excelsior, Geranium robertianum, Hedera helix, Mercurialis perennis, Rubus fruticosus agg.
Show 136 indicator speciesHedera helix, Salix cinerea, Acer campestre, Acer pseudoplatanus, Ilex aquifolium, Betula pendula, Betula pubescens, Corylus avellana, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus hybrid, Quercus petraea, Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior, Pinus sylvestris, Prunus padus, Sorbus aucuparia, Alnus glutinosa, Populus tremula, Ulmus glabra, Sambucus nigra, Crataegus monogyna, Rubus saxatilis, Carex pallescens, Carex sylvatica, Luzula sylvatica, Mnium hornum, Plagiomnium rostratum, Plagiomnium undulatum, Rhizomnium punctatum, Dicranum scoparium, Fissidens curnovii, Fissidens taxifolius, Brachythecium rutabulum, Cirriphyllum piliferum, Ctenidium molluscum, Eurhynchium striatum, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum cupressiforme, Isothecium alopecuroides, Isothecium myosuroides, Kindbergia praelonga, Loeskeobryum brevirostre, Oxyrrhynchium hians, Plagiothecium denticulatum, Plagiothecium succulentum, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Thuidium delicatulum, Thuidium tamariscinum, Atrichum undulatum, Polytrichum formosum, Lophocolea bidentata, Plagiochila asplenioides, Pellia endiviifolia, Pellia epiphylla, Adoxa moschatellina, Angelica sylvestris, Anthriscus sylvestris, Conopodium majus, Heracleum sphondylium, Sanicula europaea, Arum maculatum, Cirsium heterophyllum, Cirsium palustre, Crepis paludosa, Jacobaea vulgaris, Tussilago farfara, Cardamine flexuosa, Succisa pratensis, Valeriana officinalis, Silene dioica, Stellaria holostea, Mercurialis perennis, Vicia sepium, Geranium robertianum, Geranium sylvaticum, Ajuga reptans, Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Stachys sylvatica, Allium ursinum, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Circaea lutetiana, Circaea x intermedia, Epilobium montanum, Oxalis acetosella, Digitalis purpurea, Veronica chamaedrys, Veronica montana, Rumex acetosa, Lysimachia nemorum, Primula vulgaris, Anemone nemorosa, Ficaria verna, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus repens, Trollius europaeus, Alchemilla glabra, Alchemilla xanthochlora, Filipendula ulmaria, Fragaria vesca, Geum rivale, Geum urbanum, Potentilla erecta, Potentilla sterilis, Rosa canina, Rubus fruticosus agg., Rubus idaeus, Cruciata laevipes, Galium aparine, Galium odoratum, Galium saxatile, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Urtica dioica, Viola riviniana, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Arrhenatherum elatius, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Bromopsis ramosa, Dactylis glomerata, Deschampsia cespitosa, Holcus lanatus, Holcus mollis, Melica uniflora, Milium effusum, Poa trivialis, Schedonorus giganteus, Asplenium scolopendrium, Blechnum spicant, Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris borreri, Dryopteris dilatata, Dryopteris filix-mas, Athyrium filix-femina
W22 — Hedgerow scrub, Mixed scrub
Prunus spinosa-Rubus fruticosus scrub
Matches 9 species from the description above: Acer campestre, Asplenium scolopendrium, Corylus avellana, Dryopteris filix-mas, Geranium robertianum, Hedera helix, Mercurialis perennis, Prunus spinosa, Rubus fruticosus agg.
Show 49 indicator speciesHedera 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
MG1 — Brownfield, Hard cliff and cliff slope
Arrhenatherum elatius grassland
Matches 3 species from the description above: Hedera helix, Rubus fruticosus agg., Silene nutans
Show 102 indicator speciesHedera 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
SD1 — Coastal vegetated shingle, Sand dune
Rumex crispus-Glaucium flavum shingle community
Matches 2 species from the description above: Crambe maritima, Geranium robertianum
Show 35 indicator speciesSolanum dulcamara, Crithmum maritimum, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium vulgare, Helminthotheca echioides, Hypochaeris radicata, Jacobaea vulgaris, Lactuca serriola, Leontodon saxatilis, Senecio viscosus, Sonchus arvensis, Sonchus asper, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Crambe maritima, Cerastium fontanum, Honckenya peploides, Sagina apetala, Silene uniflora, Atriplex prostrata, Sedum acre, Euphorbia paralias, Lathyrus japonicus, Geranium robertianum, Glaucium flavum, Plantago coronopus, Plantago lanceolata, Rumex crispus, Potentilla anserina, Ammophila arenaria, Arrhenatherum elatius, Elytrigia atherica, Elytrigia juncea, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne
H8 — Hard cliff and cliff slope, Lowland dry heath, Upland dry heath
Calluna vulgaris-Ulex gallii heath
Matches 1 species from the description above: Rubus fruticosus agg.
Show 59 indicator speciesCalluna 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
MC1 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Crithmum maritimum-Spergularia rupicola maritime rock-crevice community
Matches 1 species from the description above: Limonium binervosum
Show 19 indicator speciesTortella 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
MC4 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Brassica oleracea 36-ledge community
Matches 1 species from the description above: Silene nutans
Show 33 indicator speciesDaucus 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
MC5 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Armeria maritima-Cerastium diffusum ssp. diffusum maritime therophyte community
Matches 1 species from the description above: Euphorbia portlandica
Show 77 indicator speciesCarex 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
MC9 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Festuca rubra-Holcus lanatus maritime grassland
Matches 1 species from the description above: Euphorbia portlandica
Show 67 indicator speciesEmpetrum 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
W20 — Montane scrub
Salix lapponum-Luzula sylvatica scrub
Matches 1 species from the description above: Dryopteris dilatata
Show 107 indicator speciesSalix 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
H7 — Hard cliff and cliff slope, Lowland dry heath
Calluna vulgaris-Scilla verna heath
Show 70 indicator speciesSalix 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
MC2 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Armeria maritima-Ligusticum scoticum maritime rock-crevice community
Show 17 indicator speciesSchistidium 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
Show 15 indicator speciesAngelica 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
Show 17 indicator speciesDaucus 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
Show 24 indicator speciesJuncus 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
MC8 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Festuca rubra-Armeria maritima maritime grassland
Show 45 indicator speciesCarex 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
MG10 — Coastal floodplain grazing marsh, Hard cliff and cliff slope, Upland rush pasture
Holcus lanatus-Juncus effusus rush-pasture
Show 58 indicator speciesCarex 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
MG11 — Brownfield, Coastal floodplain grazing marsh, Hard cliff and cliff slope
Festuca rubra-Agrostis stolonifera-Potentilla anserina grassland
Show 64 indicator speciesAtriplex 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
Show 56 indicator speciesAtriplex 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
SD2 — Coastal vegetated shingle, Sand dune
Honkenya peploides-Cakile maritima strandline community
Show 30 indicator speciesSalsola kali, Achillea millefolium, Cirsium arvense, Eryngium maritimum, Hypochaeris radicata, Senecio vulgaris, Sonchus arvensis, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Cakile maritima, Cerastium diffusum, Honckenya peploides, Silene uniflora, Stellaria media agg., Atriplex glabriuscula, Atriplex laciniata, Atriplex littoralis, Atriplex patula, Atriplex prostrata, Sedum acre, Polygonum oxyspermum subsp. Raii, Rumex crispus, Potentilla anserina, Agrostis stolonifera, Ammophila arenaria, Arrhenatherum elatius, Elytrigia juncea, Elytrigia repens, Festuca rubra, Leymus arenarius, Poa annua
SD3 — Coastal vegetated shingle, Sand dune
Matricaria maritima-Galium aparine strandline community
Show 28 indicator speciesBolboschoenus maritimus, Juncus bufonius, Juncus gerardii, Ligusticum scoticum, Matricaria discoidea, Sonchus arvensis, Sonchus asper, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Mertensia maritima, Cakile maritima, Cochlearia officinalis, Honckenya peploides, Stellaria media agg., Atriplex glabriuscula, Atriplex patula, Atriplex prostrata, Triglochin maritimum, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Rumex crispus, Glaux maritima, Galium aparine, Agrostis stolonifera, Elytrigia repens, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Leymus arenarius, Poa annua