Caerthillian to Kennack

Site of Special Scientific Interest · 49.9560, -5.2083

Condition (Natural England)

Not Assessed (3) Unfavourable Recovering (4)
UnitFeatureConditionArea (ha)Assessed
SW694121 Not Assessed 11.53 2023-05-04
SW699111 Not Assessed 47.62 2023-05-04
SW706116 Not Assessed 47.62 2023-05-04
SW716134 Unfavourable Recovering 32.99 2023-05-04
SW720148 Unfavourable Recovering 48.09 2021-10-28
SW722147 Unfavourable Recovering 48.09 2021-10-28
SW727153 Unfavourable Recovering 48.09 2021-10-28

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

Mining / Industrial: Quarry · Rock Type: Gabbro, Granite, Serpentinite

Landscape processes: Coastal, Volcanic / Igneous

Description

Caerthillian to Kennack SSSI Description Caerthillian to Kennack is located some 17 kilometres south of Helston at the most southerly tip of the Lizard Peninsula, which forms the southernmost point of mainland Britain. The site is underlain by metamorphosed sediments and igneous rocks including micaceous and hornblende schists of amphibolite to granulite facies. Tectonically above these lies serpentinised peridotite and gabbro into which acidic granite gneisses have been intruded. The rocks at Lizard Point and from Polbarrow to the Balk are of special geological importance in the interpretation of the Lizard Complex of rocks. Along most of the site the cliff top soils are stony and free draining and often droughty in summer. The combination of mild oceanic climate with the unusual geology and exposed location has led to the development of a range of vegetation types which, in Britain, is unique to the Lizard Peninsula. This site is of great botanical importance, with 12 Red Data Book (RDB) (*) plant species having been recorded, including three rare clovers Trifolium spp. confined on the British mainland to the Lizard Peninsula. Biology The vegetation of the cliffs exhibits a range of maritime communities. From Caerthillian to Lizard Point the cliff faces support a maritime rock-crevice community, characterised by thrift Armeria maritima subsp. maritima, rock samphire Crithmum maritimum and sea aster Aster tripolium. Higher up the cliff profile, continuing onto the cliff top, maritime grasslands dominated by red fescue Festuca rubra occur. Thrift and sea carrot Daucus carota subsp. gummifer are common here. Another maritime grassland community develops inland with Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus and cock’s-foot Dactylis glomerata dominant. In spring, abundant blooms of spring quill Scilla verna can be seen in these grasslands, with fewer individuals of the nationally rare autumn squill Scilla autumnalis later in the year. Widespread across the cliff profile are pockets of shallow soil, often associated with rock ledges or outcrops, where a maritime therophyte community occurs, characterised by an abundance of annuals such as English stonecrop Sedum anglicum. Populations of the RDB (*) plants fringed rupturewort Herniaria ciliolata, long-headed clover Trifolium incarnatum subsp. molineri and wild asparagus Asparagus officinalis subsp. prostratus occur in some stands. Passing around Lizard Point, important populations of RDB (*) wild asparagus, fringed rupturewort Herniaria ciliolata, early meadow-grass Poa infirma, long-headed clover and upright clover Trifolium strictum are found along with the nationally scarce autumn squill, hairy bird’s-foot trefoil Lotus subbiflorus, tree-mallow Malva arborea and sea radish Raphanus maritimus. The majority of the rest of the site is of an easterly aspect and so is relatively sheltered from prevailing winds. Thus the vegetation here is markedly more luxuriant than on the wind-pruned west coast of the Lizard. In most places considerable growth of scrub develops inland from the maritime grassland, therophyte and rock-crevice communities. Small areas of cliff top support a maritime bluebell community. Dominant species of the cliff scrub are gorse Ulex europaeus, blackthorn Prunus spinosa and wild privet Ligustrum vulgare, often with an understorey of bramble Rubus fruticosus, ivy Hedera helix and bracken Pteridium aquilinum with woodland species such as hart’s-tongue Asplenium scolopendrium, red campion Silene dioica, honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum and common dog-violet Viola riviniana. In other areas stands dominated by bracken are extensive. A disused serpentinite quarry at Church Cove supports the nationally scarce galingale Carex longus, bird’s-foot clover Trifolium ornithopodioides and yellow-vetch Vicia lutea, the latter at its largest concentration on the Lizard. At the Devil’s Frying Pan the only cliff woodland on the Lizard occurs, a result of suckering of elms Ulmus spp. planted around a farmstead. Three varieties are thought to occur here, namely Dutch elm Ulmus hollandica, Cornish elm Ulmus minor subsp. angustifolia and an intermediate form. A third RDB (*) clover, the twin-headed clover Trifolium bocconei is found north-east of here, together with particularly strong populations of long-headed clover, wild asparagus and fringed rupturewort. Nationally scarce thyme broomrape Orobanche alba and musk stork’s-bill Erodium moschatum also occur. Nearby, a disjunct population of the RDB (*) plant four-leaved allseed Polycarpon tetraphyllum exists, one of only two populations of this rare annual on the British mainland. At Enys Head the common dog-violet Viola riviniana subassociation of maritime heath has developed. This is dominated by ling Calluna vulgaris, bell heather Erica cinerea and sheep’s fescue Festuca ovina. Locally, a ‘Mixed Heath’ community has developed. This is a rare community restricted in Britain to the Lizard and is dominated by gorse, western gorse Ulex gallii and the RDB (*) Cornish heath Erica vagans. In the north of the site the area around Poltesco has considerable tree and shrub cover, an unusual feature on the Lizard.

Species mentioned

English name
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Latin name
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IUCN / Red List Type Family
hart's-tongue fern Asplenium scolopendrium LC fern aspleniaceae
bracken Pteridium aquilinum LC fern dennstaedtiaceae
cock's foot Dactylis glomerata LC grass poaceae
sheep's fescue Festuca ovina LC grass poaceae
red fescue Festuca rubra LC grass poaceae
Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus LC grass poaceae
early meadow grass Poa infirma LC grass poaceae
thrift Armeria maritima CR herb plumbaginaceae
wild asparagus Asparagus officinalis subsp. prostratus Not listed in GB list herb liliaceae
sea aster Aster tripolium Not listed in GB list herb asteraceae
rock samphire Crithmum maritimum LC herb apiaceae
wild carrot Daucus carota LC herb apiaceae
musk stork's-bill Erodium moschatum LC herb geraniaceae
fringed rupturewort Herniaria ciliolata VU herb carophyllaceae
honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum LC herb caprifoliaceae
hairy bird's-foot trefoil Lotus subbiflorus LC herb fabaceae
tree mallow Malva arborea LC herb malvaceae
thyme broomrape Orobanche alba LC herb orobanchaceae
four-leaved allseed Polycarpon tetraphyllum LC herb carophyllaceae
sea radish Raphanus maritimus Not listed in GB list herb brassicaceae
bramble Rubus fruticosus LC herb rosaceae
autumn squill Scilla autumnalis LC herb liliaceae
spring squill Scilla verna LC herb liliaceae
English stonecrop Sedum anglicum LC herb crassulaceae
red campion Silene dioica LC herb carophyllaceae
twin-headed clover Trifolium bocconei EN herb fabaceae
long-headed clover Trifolium incarnatum subsp. molineri Not listed in GB list herb fabaceae
bird's-foot clover Trifolium ornithopodioides LC herb fabaceae
soft trefoil Trifolium strictum VU herb fabaceae
yellow vetch Vicia lutea NT herb fabaceae
common dog violet Viola riviniana LC herb violaceae
galingale Carex longus Not listed in GB list sedge cyperaceae
wild privet Ligustrum vulgare LC shrub oleaceae
blackthorn Prunus spinosa LC shrub rosaceae
gorse Ulex europaeus LC shrub leguminosae
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
cornish heath Erica vagans NT shrub dwarf ericaceae
Dutch elm Ulmus hollandica Not listed in GB list tree ulmaceae
narrow leaved elm Ulmus minor subsp. angustifolia Not listed in GB list tree ulmaceae
ivy Hedera helix LC woody climber araliaceae

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
High brown fritillary
Fabriciana adippe
Critically Endangered Viola riviniana
Pearl-bordered fritillary
Boloria euphrosyne
Endangered Viola riviniana
Figure of eight
Diloba caeruleocephala
Endangered Prunus spinosa, Prunus spp.
The lappet
Gastropacha quercifolia
Endangered Prunus spinosa, Prunus spp.
Shoulder-striped clover
Heliothis maritima
Endangered Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea
Scarce vapourer
Orgyia recens
Endangered Prunus spinosa, Rubus fruticosus, Ulmus spp.
Black hairstreak
Satyrium pruni
Endangered Prunus spinosa
White-letter hairstreak
Satyrium w-album
Endangered Ulmus spp.
Sussex emerald
Thalera fimbrialis
Endangered Daucus carota
The sprawler
Asteroscopus sphinx
Vulnerable Prunus spinosa, Prunus spp., Ulmus spp.
Broom moth
Ceramica pisi
Vulnerable Calluna vulgaris, Pteridium aquilinum, Rubus fruticosus, Ulmus spp.
Mottled umber
Erannis defoliaria
Vulnerable Lonicera periclymenum, Prunus spinosa, Ulmus spp.
Marsh fritillary
Euphydryas aurinia
Vulnerable Lonicera periclymenum
Satyr pug
Eupithecia satyrata
Vulnerable Calluna vulgaris
Garden dart
Euxoa nigricans
Vulnerable Trifolium spp.
Grayling
Hipparchia semele
Vulnerable Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra
White admiral
Limenitis camilla
Vulnerable Lonicera periclymenum
True lover's knot
Lycophotia porphyrea
Vulnerable Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea
The lackey
Malacosoma neustria
Vulnerable Prunus spinosa, Prunus spp., Rubus fruticosus, Ulmus spp.
Pale brindled
Phigalia pilosaria
Vulnerable Prunus spinosa
Silver studded blue
Plebejus argus
Vulnerable Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Ulex spp.
Grizzled skipper
Pyrgus malvae
Vulnerable Rubus fruticosus
Lead belle
Scotopteryx mucronata
Vulnerable Ulex europaeus
Brown hairstreak
Thecla betulae
Vulnerable Prunus spinosa
Early moth
Theria primaria
Vulnerable Prunus spinosa
Pale eggar
Trichiura crataegi
Vulnerable Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Prunus spinosa, Rubus fruticosus
Flounced chestnut
Agrochola helvola
Near Threatened Calluna vulgaris, Ulmus spp.
Beaded chestnut
Agrochola lychnidis
Near Threatened Trifolium spp.
Grey chi
Antitype chi
Near Threatened Armeria maritima
Large nutmeg
Apamea anceps
Near Threatened Dactylis glomerata
Garden tiger
Arctia caja
Near Threatened Prunus spinosa, Pteridium aquilinum
Small pearl-bordered
Boloria selene
Near Threatened Viola riviniana
Latticed heath
Chiasmia clathrata
Near Threatened Trifolium spp.
Small heath
Coenonympha pamphilus
Near Threatened Festuca spp., Poa spp.
Grey scalloped
Dyscia fagaria
Near Threatened Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea
Large thorn
Ennomos autumnaria
Near Threatened Prunus spinosa, Prunus spp., Ulmus spp.
Autumnal rustic
Eugnorisma glareosa
Near Threatened Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Festuca ovina
Grey pug
Eupithecia subfuscata
Near Threatened Prunus spinosa
White-spotted pug
Eupithecia tripunctaria
Near Threatened Daucus carota
Double dart
Graphiphora augur
Near Threatened Prunus spinosa, Ulmus spp.
Silver-spotted skipper
Hesperia comma
Near Threatened Festuca ovina
Weaver's wave
Idaea contiguaria
Near Threatened Calluna vulgaris
Wall
Lasiommata megera
Near Threatened Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus
Rosy minor
Litoligia literosa
Near Threatened Dactylis glomerata, Festuca ovina
Swallowtail papilio
Papilio machaon
Near Threatened Daucus carota

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

H6 — Lizard peninsula, Lowland heath

Erica vagans-Ulex europaeus heath

Matches 14 species from the description above: Calluna vulgaris, Dactylis glomerata, Daucus carota, Erica cinerea, Erica vagans, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Prunus spinosa, Pteridium aquilinum, Scilla verna, Ulex europaeus, Ulex gallii, Viola riviniana

Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix, Erica vagans, Ulex europaeus, Ulex gallii, Prunus spinosa, Carex caryophyllea, Carex flacca, Carex panicea, Carex pulicaris, Schoenus nigricans, Campylopus flexuosus, Dicranum scoparium, Hypnum cupressiforme, Hypnum jutlandicum, Trichostomum brachydontium, Cladonia fimbriata, Cladonia furcata, Cladonia impexa, Daucus carota, Pimpinella saxifraga, Hypochaeris radicata, Leontodon saxatilis, Leucanthemum vulgare, Serratula tinctoria, Solidago virgaurea, Jasione montana, Anthyllis vulneraria, Lotus corniculatus, Centaurium erythraea, Geranium sanguineum, Hypericum humifusum, Hypericum pulchrum, Teucrium scorodonia, Thymus praecox, Scilla verna, Pedicularis sylvatica, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Polygala serpyllifolia, Polygala vulgaris, Filipendula vulgaris, Potentilla erecta, Rubus fruticosus agg., Sanguisorba officinalis, Galium verum, Viola lactea, Viola riviniana, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis curtisii, Agrostis vinealis, Aira caryophyllea, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Dactylis glomerata, Danthonia decumbens, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Koeleria macrantha, Molinia caerulea, Pteridium aquilinum, Chara curta

H7 — Hard cliff and cliff slope, Lowland dry heath

Calluna vulgaris-Scilla verna heath

Matches 13 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Calluna vulgaris, Dactylis glomerata, Daucus carota, Erica cinerea, Erica vagans, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Scilla verna, Sedum anglicum, Ulex europaeus, Viola riviniana

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

W22 — Hedgerow scrub, Mixed scrub

Prunus spinosa-Rubus fruticosus scrub

Matches 12 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Asplenium scolopendrium, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Hedera helix, Holcus lanatus, Lonicera periclymenum, Prunus spinosa, Pteridium aquilinum, Silene dioica, Ulex europaeus, Viola riviniana

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

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

Calluna vulgaris-Ulex gallii heath

Matches 11 species from the description above: Calluna vulgaris, Dactylis glomerata, Erica cinerea, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Pteridium aquilinum, Scilla verna, Ulex europaeus, Ulex gallii, Viola riviniana

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 10 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Dactylis glomerata, Daucus carota, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Herniaria ciliolata, Holcus lanatus, Scilla autumnalis, Scilla verna, Sedum anglicum

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

W21 — Hedgerow scrub, Mixed scrub

Crataegus monogyna-Hedera helix scrub

Matches 10 species from the description above: Asplenium scolopendrium, Dactylis glomerata, Hedera helix, Holcus lanatus, Ligustrum vulgare, Lonicera periclymenum, Prunus spinosa, Pteridium aquilinum, Silene dioica, Viola riviniana

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

W25 — Bracken scrub

Pteridium aquilinum-Rubus fruticosus underscrub

Matches 10 species from the description above: Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Hedera helix, Holcus lanatus, Lonicera periclymenum, Prunus spinosa, Pteridium aquilinum, Silene dioica, Ulex europaeus, Viola riviniana

Hedera helix, Acer pseudoplatanus, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior, Sambucus nigra, Ulex europaeus, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Luzula multiflora, Mnium hornum, Brachythecium rutabulum, Kindbergia praelonga, Angelica sylvestris, Conopodium majus, Heracleum sphondylium, Arum maculatum, Cirsium arvense, Lonicera periclymenum, Silene dioica, Stellaria holostea, Mercurialis perennis, Geranium robertianum, Glechoma hederacea, Teucrium scorodonia, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Chamerion angustifolium, Circaea lutetiana, Digitalis purpurea, Rumex acetosa, Anemone nemorosa, Ficaria verna, Potentilla erecta, Rosa arvensis, Rosa canina, Rubus fruticosus agg., Rubus idaeus, Galium aparine, Galium mollugo sens.lat., Galium saxatile, Urtica dioica, Viola riviniana, Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Holcus mollis, Poa trivialis, Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris dilatata, Dryopteris filix-mas

MC9 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Festuca rubra-Holcus lanatus maritime grassland

Matches 9 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Dactylis glomerata, Daucus carota, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Scilla verna, Sedum anglicum, Viola riviniana

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

MC8 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Festuca rubra-Armeria maritima maritime grassland

Matches 8 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Crithmum maritimum, Dactylis glomerata, Daucus carota, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Scilla verna, Sedum anglicum

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

MG1 — Brownfield, Hard cliff and cliff slope

Arrhenatherum elatius grassland

Matches 7 species from the description above: Dactylis glomerata, Daucus carota, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Hedera helix, Holcus lanatus, Pteridium aquilinum

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

MC6 — Coastal vegetated shingle, Hard cliff and cliff slope

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

Matches 5 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Dactylis glomerata, Daucus carota, Festuca rubra, Malva arborea

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

MC1 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Crithmum maritimum-Spergularia rupicola maritime rock-crevice community

Matches 4 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Crithmum maritimum, Daucus carota, Festuca rubra

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

MC3 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Rhodiola rosea-Armeria maritima 36-ledge community

Matches 4 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Silene dioica

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

MC4 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Brassica oleracea 36-ledge community

Matches 4 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Dactylis glomerata, Daucus carota, Festuca rubra

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

MC7 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Stellaria media-Rumex acetosa sea-bird cliff community

Matches 4 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Sedum anglicum

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

Matches 4 species from the description above: Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Silene dioica

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

W20 — Montane scrub

Salix lapponum-Luzula sylvatica scrub

Matches 4 species from the description above: Calluna vulgaris, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Viola riviniana

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

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

Holcus lanatus-Juncus effusus rush-pasture

Matches 3 species from the description above: Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus

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 3 species from the description above: Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus

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

MC2 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Armeria maritima-Ligusticum scoticum maritime rock-crevice community

Matches 2 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Festuca rubra

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