River Dee (England)

Site of Special Scientific Interest · 53.0889, -2.8709

Open in the interactive map →

Also within

Cheshire CountyClwyd CountyShropshire County

Condition (Natural England)

Unfavourable No Change (6) Favourable (5)
UnitFeatureConditionArea (ha)Assessed
SJ297372 — Unfavourable No Change 20.01 2010-12-14
SJ309379 — Unfavourable No Change 20.01 2010-12-14
SJ311383 — Unfavourable No Change 20.01 2010-12-14
SJ332405 — Unfavourable No Change 20.01 2010-12-14
SJ395665 — Unfavourable No Change 107.36 2010-09-30
SJ418515 — Favourable 215.92 2021-11-01
SJ419507 — Favourable 215.92 2021-11-01
SJ419526 — Favourable 215.92 2021-11-01
SJ421502 — Favourable 215.92 2021-11-01
SJ422494 — Unfavourable No Change 18.7 2012-06-21
SJ425500 — Favourable 215.92 2021-11-01

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.

Habitats

Fast flowing river and stream, Hard cliff and cliff slope

Geology & landscape

Geological Period: Quaternary

Landscape processes: Coastal, Fluvial, Glacial

Birds & fish recorded

Birds

SpeciesSeason
common sandpiper Breeding
goosander Breeding
goosander Wintering
grey heron Breeding
grey heron Wintering
grey wagtail Breeding
lapwing Breeding
lapwing Wintering
mute swan Breeding
mute swan Wintering
pintail Breeding
pintail Wintering
sand martin Breeding
yellow wagtail Breeding

Fish

SpeciesSeason
Atlantic salmon Passage
Atlantic salmon Spawning
Atlantic salmon Unknown
Bullhead Passage
Bullhead Unknown
European eel Passage
European eel Spawning
Grayling Passage
Grayling Unknown
River lamprey Passage
River lamprey Spawning
River lamprey Unknown
Sea lamprey Passage
Sea lamprey Spawning
Sea lamprey Unknown
Sea trout Passage
Sea trout Spawning
Smelt Passage
Smelt Spawning
Twaite shad Passage
Twaite shad Spawning

Description

Description The River Dee is notified for its nationally important transition through a range of river types from mesotrophic to eutrophic. It is also notified for Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, otter Lutra lutra, club tailed dragonfly Gomphus vulgatissimus and fluvial geomorphology. The River Dee lies within both England and Wales and is notified as separate SSSIs –the River Dee England and the Afon Dyfrdwy River Dee SSSI in Wales. The features for which the two SSSIs are notified, in particular the range of river types and migratory fish, depend upon the whole river ecosystem. The fluvial geomorphological interest occurs in both England and Wales. The English sections of the river are therefore notified as components of the whole ecosystem for which the river is a nationally important example and because the otter, club tailed dragonfly and the geomorphological interest occurs on the English reaches. General description The River Dee England SSSI comprises the part of the river of the same name and the part of its tributary, the Ceiriog, that flow through England. The site includes a section of the river as it meanders across the Cheshire plain down stream from Shocklach, where it forms the national boundary, northwards through Chester to the city’s western outskirts. Further up the catchment, the southern half of river channel of the River Ceiriog located in North Shropshire between Chirk Castle and Erbistock forms part of the SSSI. The Afon Dyfrdwy River Dee SSSI has its source in Snowdonia at the outflow of Llyn Tegid SSSI and it includes the Ceiriog, Meloch, Tryweryn and Mynach tributaries. Its catchment contains a wide spectrum of landscape from high mountains around Bala, rugged peaks near Llangollen, steep sided wooded valleys and the plains of Cheshire and North Shropshire through to the vast mud flats of the estuary. There is a tidal influence as far upstream as Farndon and high tides regularly exceed the Chester weir crest level. It flows through broad valley near Corwen and through the spectacular Vale of Llangollen before meandering northwards through parts of the Cheshire plain where it joins the River Dee England SSSI. Further downstream it includes the stretch below Chester to where the river meets the Dee Estuary. The River Dee is reputed to be the most regulated river in Europe, with flow controlled by the reservoirs of Tegid, Celyn and Brenig. Flora The River Dee England is typical of a mesotrophic river. The aquatic plant community includes species of water crowfoot Ranunculus fluitans x aquatilis and Ranunculus peltatus and also floating water plantain Luronium natans. Water crowfoot forms extensive beds along the whole length of the Dee where flow conditions are suitable. Other aquatic plants which occur within the site include intermediate water starwort Callitriche brutia ssp. hamulata, alternate flowered water milfoil Myriophyllum alterniflorum and bryophytes including Rhyncostegium riparioides and Fontinalis antipyretica. Marginal vegetation consists mainly of reed canary grass Phalaris arundinacea with occasional branched bur reed Sparganium erectum. Downstream of Llangollen to Bangor on Dee the river shows signs of nutrient enrichment with Canadian waterweed Elodea canadensis becoming more prevalent. Below Bangor on Dee the River Dee England flows into the Cheshire plains and displays typical characteristics of lowland river types with shallow gradients and rich geology, with curled pondweed Potamogeton crispus and fennel pondweed Potamogeton pectinatus occurring frequently. There is good tree cover along the banks of the River Dee and the tributaries, with the Ceiriog being tree lined on both banks along much of its length. The dominant species are alder Alnus glutinosa and willow Salix spp., with occasional ash Fraxinus excelsior and oak Quercus spp.. Where sections of the river bank have been fenced off the vegetation tends to be dominated by bramble Rubus fruticosus, nettles Urtica dioica and other tall ruderals. Himalayan balsam Impatiens glandulifera and Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica are increasing throughout the site. Mammals The otter Lutra lutra is well established throughout the river system, especially where appropriate bank side cover exists. Numbers have increased along the River Dee England in recent years and there is a record of young being seen in 2000. water vole Arvicola amphibius have been recorded on the middle and lower reaches of the River Dee. Fish The River Dee is recognised as one of North Wales’ premier rivers for Atlantic salmon Salmo sala. The Mynach, Meloch and Ceiriog tributaries are the most important salmon spawning tributaries in the Dee catchment and are included in the Afon Dyfrdwy River Dee SSSI and also in relation to the English part of Ceiriog in the River Dee England. Other migratory fish utilising the river system include sea trout Salmo trutta trutta, eel Anguilla anguilla, river lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis and sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus. Smelt Osmerus eperlanus and twaite shad Alosa fallax have been recorded in the section between Chester and the estuary. The Dee also supports important populations of non migratory fish including brown trout Salmo trutta, bullhead Cottus gobio and brook lamprey Lampetra planeri. The middle and lower reaches of the Dee support a diverse coarse fish population. The river is noted for its grayling Thymallus thymallus. Birds The entire River Dee system and associated tributaries support a wide range of breeding birds, which utilise a variety of bankside habitats. Nesting habitat for the kingfisher Alcedo atthis and sand martin Riparia riparia is provided by active erosion of river banks. Areas of fast flowing water and bankside cover are favoured by the dipper Cinclus cinclus and grey wagtail Motacilla cinerea, whereas the yellow wagtail Motacilla flava and mute swan Cygnus olor are found along the slower flowing reaches. Populations of grey heron Ardea cinerea, common sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos and goosander Mergus merganser also occur on the River Dee. Areas of the Lower Dee flood plains provide breeding grounds for waders such as the lapwing Vanellus vanellus, and, when flooded, provide important over wintering sites for the pintail Anas acuta. Invertebrates The club tailed dragonfly Gomphus vulgatissimus is nationally scarce and present along the lower Dee including several parts of the River Dee England, particularly where the river is slow flowing and there is adjacent woodland habitat or bankside tree cover available for adults. This population is the most northerly in Britain and the only one within the Cheshire Area of Search. The lower reaches of the River Dee support Britain’s only known population of the stonefly Isogenus nubecula, which is classified as vulnerable in the Red Data Book The nationally scarce weevil Baris lepidii has been recorded on sandy river banks along the lower Dee but has not been recorded on any other Welsh river. Geology / Geomorphology The River Dee Holt to Worthenbury Geological Conservation Review GCR, previously notified as an SSSI, straddles the border and is partly located within the River Dee England SSSI and the Afon Dyfrdwy River Dee SSSI. Holt to Worthenbury Fluvial Geomorphology This area of interest comprises a meandering reach of the River Dee between Holt in the north and Worthenbury in the south. It includes land in Wrexham Wales and Cheshire England and consists of some of the most spectacular and intricately developed river bends or meanders seen anywhere in Britain. The area is of national importance for studies of fluvial geomorphology. The main features of interest within the area are: 1. the present river channel and its intricate pattern of meanders; 2. the main areas of flood plain either side of the river, for the full length of the selected reach; 3. all the visible palaeochannels abandoned channels located on the flood plain adjacent to the present channel; 4. the gravel and sand bars located within the modern channel and the other evidence of modern day river processes contained within the channel; and 5. the most impressive of the remnants of ancient cliffs located towards the north east and south west margins of the site. The scientific value of the site can be summarised as follows, First, the pattern and scale of the meanders are exceptional on a British scale, the range of forms from simple curves to double headed forms and the intricacy of the pattern developed over the whole reach is outstanding. Second, the total landform assemblage, including the remnants of ancient river cliffs, the flood plain areas and the present and abandoned channels, provides the basis for reconstructing the development of the river since the end of the last glaciation. Third, the abandoned channels and old meander loops some of which were once oxbow lakes are exceptional landforms in their own right; their pattern, location and contained sediments provide significant potential for reconstructing some of the geologically recent changes in the course of the River Dee in its long evolution during Holocene times, i.e. the last 11,500 years. Fourth, the gravel and sand bars distributed along the course of the modern channel and the changing form of its banks and bed, bear witness to a range of important modern day fluvial processes. Although this part of the course of the River Dee has changed in position markedly during the Holocene, the last few hundred years have been characterised by relative channel stability. It seems likely that the banks and bed of the modern channel are now evolving in response to changing flow and sediment regimes induced by upstream regulation and other human modifications to the fluvial system. The significance of the site for studying modern day river processes is enhanced by the tidally influenced downstream reach. This renders the area potentially significant for investigating the effects of possible future sea level rise on the development of the river channel, particularly in view of the long history of tidal influence and stage records river level at downstream locations. This reach of the Dee is therefore of major scientific importance and, as such, is a valuable part of the heritage of great Britain. Its national importance stems from its outstanding combination of landform, sedimentary and process evidence. Most large British rivers have been significantly channelised or straightened in their lower reaches. The Dee is exceptional in maintaining an extremely sinuous planform across the sensitive fluvial tidal transition zone. Other information The River Dee England abuts Afon Dyfrdwy River Dee SSSI The Afon Dyfrdwy River Dee proposed SAC abuts onto the Dee Estuary SAC. The River Dee England SSSI in association with the Afon Dyfrdwy River Dee SSSIsupports the following habitats and species listed in the EC Directive 92/43/ EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora. Those marked with an asterisk occur within England, Floating vegetation of Ranunculus of plane, sub mountainous rivers – Annex I Otter Lutra lutra* Annex II and IV Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinus* Annex II River Lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis * Annex II and V Brook lamprey Lampetra planeri* Annex II Atlantic salmon Salmo salar* Annex II and V Bullhead Cottus gobio* Annex II Freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera – Annex II and V grayling Thymallus thymallus – Annex V The otter Lutra lutra and the Freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritiferare listed under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended. Parts of this site have been selected as a result of the former Nature Conservancy Council’s Geological Conservation Review Gregory, K. J. 1997. Fluvial Geomorphology of great Britain. Geological Conservation Review Series No. 13., Chapman and Hall, a national survey and evaluation of sites of geological and geomorphological interest. The River Dee England lies within the Meres and Mosses and Oswestry Uplands Natural Areas.

Species mentioned

English name
search for this in other sites		 Latin name
search with Google		 IUCN / Red List Type Family
dipper Cinclus cinclus NT (Breeding) bird-dipper cinclidae
pintail Anas acuta EN (NonBreeding), CR (Breeding) bird-duck anatidae
goosander Mergus merganser LC (NonBreeding) bird-duck anatidae
grey heron Ardea cinerea LC (NonBreeding), NT (Breeding) bird-heron ardeidae
kingfisher Alcedo atthis LC (Breeding) bird-kingfisher alcedinidae
sand martin Riparia riparia LC (Breeding) bird-martin hirundinidae
mute swan Cygnus olor LC (NonBreeding), LC (Breeding) bird-swan anatidae
common sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos VU (Breeding) bird-wader scolopacidae
lapwing Vanellus vanellus VU (NonBreeding), EN (Breeding) bird-wader charadriidae
grey wagtail Motacilla cinerea NT (Breeding) bird-wagtail motacillidae
yellow wagtail Motacilla flava NT (Breeding) bird-wagtail motacillidae
freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera Not listed in GB list bivalve margaritiferidae
otter Lutra lutra LC carnivore mustelidae
common clubtail Gomphus vulgatissimus NT dragonfly gomphaxaea
Twaite shad Alosa fallax VU fish clupeidae
eel Anguilla anguilla CR fish anguillidae
bullhead Cottus gobio Not listed in GB list fish cottidae
smelt Osmerus eperlanus LC fish osmeridae
Atlantic salmon Salmo salar EN fish salmonidae
brown trout Salmo trutta LC fish salmonidae
sea trout Salmo trutta trutta Not listed in GB list fish salmonidae
grayling Thymallus thymallus LC fish salmonidae
reed canary grass Phalaris arundinacea LC grass poaceae
intermediate water-starwort Callitriche brutia ssp. hamulata Not listed in GB list herb asteraceae
Canadian waterweed Elodea canadensis Not listed in GB list herb hydrocharitaceae
Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica Not listed in GB list herb polygonaceae
Himmalayan balsam Impatiens glandulifera Not listed in GB list herb balsaminaceae
floating water plantain Luronium natans LC herb alismataceae
alternate water-milfoil Myriophyllum alterniflorum LC herb haloragaceae
curled pondweed Potamogeton crispus LC herb potamogetonaceae
fennel pondweed Potamogeton pectinatus Not listed in GB list herb potamogetonaceae
water crowfoots Ranunculus fluitans LC herb ranunculaceae
pond water crowfoot Ranunculus peltatus LC herb ranunculaceae
bramble Rubus fruticosus LC herb rosaceae
nettle Urtica dioica LC herb urticaceae
river lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis LC lamprey petromyzontidae
brook lamprey Lampetra planeri LC lamprey petromyzontidae
sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus LC lamprey petromyzontidae
greayer water moss Fontinalis antipyretica LC moss hypnales
long beaked water feather moss Rhyncostegium riparioides Not listed in GB list moss brachytheciaceae
branched bur reed Sparganium erectum LC reed typhaceae
water vole Arvicola amphibius EN rodent cricetidae
alder Alnus glutinosa LC tree salicaceae
ash Fraxinus excelsior LC tree oleaceae

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
Scarce vapourer
Orgyia recens		 Endangered Alnus glutinosa, Rubus fruticosus
The sprawler
Asteroscopus sphinx		 Vulnerable Fraxinus excelsior
Broom moth
Ceramica pisi		 Vulnerable Rubus fruticosus
The lackey
Malacosoma neustria		 Vulnerable Rubus fruticosus
Pale brindled
Phigalia pilosaria		 Vulnerable Alnus glutinosa, Fraxinus excelsior
Grizzled skipper
Pyrgus malvae		 Vulnerable Rubus fruticosus
Pale eggar
Trichiura crataegi		 Vulnerable Rubus fruticosus
Beaded chestnut
Agrochola lychnidis		 Near Threatened Ranunculus spp.
Grey chi
Antitype chi		 Near Threatened Urtica dioica
Garden tiger
Arctia caja		 Near Threatened Urtica dioica
Dingy mocha
Cyclophora pendularia		 Near Threatened Alnus glutinosa
Kentish glory
Endromis versicolora		 Near Threatened Alnus glutinosa
Large thorn
Ennomos autumnaria		 Near Threatened Alnus glutinosa
Dusky thorn
Ennomos fuscantaria		 Near Threatened Fraxinus excelsior

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

A18 — Fast flowing river and stream

Ranunculus fluitans community

Matches 5 species from the description above: Elodea canadensis, Fontinalis antipyretica, Myriophyllum alterniflorum, Phalaris arundinacea, Ranunculus fluitans

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

A14 — Fast flowing river and stream

Myriophyllum alterniflorum community

Matches 3 species from the description above: Fontinalis antipyretica, Myriophyllum alterniflorum, Ranunculus peltatus

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

Matches 3 species from the description above: Elodea canadensis, Potamogeton crispus, Potamogeton pectinatus

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

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

Potamogeton natans community

Matches 3 species from the description above: Elodea canadensis, Myriophyllum alterniflorum, Sparganium erectum

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

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: Phalaris arundinacea, Urtica dioica

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

MG1 — Brownfield, Hard cliff and cliff slope

Arrhenatherum elatius grassland

Matches 1 species from the description above: Urtica dioica

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

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

Festuca rubra-Agrostis stolonifera-Potentilla anserina grassland

Matches 1 species from the description above: Urtica 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

H7 — Hard cliff and cliff slope, Lowland dry heath

Calluna vulgaris-Scilla verna heath

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

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

Calluna vulgaris-Ulex gallii heath

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

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

MC4 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Brassica oleracea 36-ledge community

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

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

MC8 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Festuca rubra-Armeria maritima maritime grassland

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

MC9 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Festuca rubra-Holcus lanatus maritime grassland

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

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