Strumble Head - Llechdafad Cliffs

Site of Special Scientific Interest · 52.0098, -5.0786

Climate exposure

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

Coastal

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

Geology & landscape

Geological Period: Ordovician

Landscape processes: Coastal, Volcanic / Igneous

Birds & fish recorded

Birds

SpeciesSeason
buzzard Breeding
fulmar Breeding
great black-backed gull Breeding
guillemot Breeding
herring gull Breeding
lesser black-backed gull Breeding
razorbill Breeding
rock pipit Breeding
stonechat Breeding
stonechat Breeding
wheatear Breeding
whitethroat Breeding

Description

Description Geological The sea cliffs around Strumble Head provide sections through the vast thickness of volcanic lavas and associated rocks which accumulated here during Lower Ordovician times, some 460 million years ago. During this period of crustal instability a number of volcanoes were active in Wales, but Strumble Head is of particular interest since much of the volcanic activity took place under the sea. The exposures within the site demonstrate the character of a major Lower Ordovician volcanic episode and contain a most illustrative section through a vast pillow lava pile associated with minor sedimentary sequences and contemporaneous, high-level intrusive sheets. The site represents an important Llanvirn volcanic centre of the greatest research and educational value. Biological Strumble Head and the cliffs to the south are of the highest importance for seacliff vegetation. Dramatic vertical cliffs reach 140 metres in height. Lower bevelled cliffs are frequent and exhibit classic vegetation zonations related to exposure to strong, salt-laden winds. Several rare ‘Lusitanian’ higher plants and ferns occur in quantity, and maritime lichens are also noteworthy. Chough nest in high densities, and large feeding flocks are seen on the cliffs. There are also small colonies of seabirds. Seals breed in the caves and on the beaches of the many bays. Several notable invertebrate species occur. The geologically complex coastline is much indented, and has all aspects from north to south. The most seaward slopes support crevice communities, with thrift Armeria maritima and rock samphire Crithmum maritimum, whilst many of the islets have bird-influenced vegetation of tree-mallow Malva arborea and sea beet Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima. Maritime grassland dominated by red fescue Festuca rubra, with scattered thrift, kidney vetch Anthyllis vulneraria and spring squill Scilla verna is widespread, but the extensive areas of maritime heath are the most striking features of the vegetation. Heather Calluna vulgaris, bell heather Erica cinerea, and western gorse Ulex gallii dominate the drier rocky slopes and knolls. Cross-leaved heath Erica tetralix and purple moor-grass Molinia caerulea are found where the heath merges into spring fed valley mires. Sea campion Silene uniflora, spring squill, common bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatus and sea plantain Plantago maritima are abundant. Carline thistle Carlina vulgaris, saw-wort Serratula tinctoria, wild thyme Thymus praecox and burnet rose Rosa spinosissima are also present in the heath. Bracken Pteridium aquilinum and bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta, along with European gorse Ulex europaeus on shallow soils, dominate the more sheltered slopes. Numerous small springs and streams are present. Royal fern Osmunda regalis is frequent where these tumble over the cliffs. The flushes around the springs and seepages have a rich flora which merges with heath and maritime or acidic grassland in places. cowslip Primula veris and early-purple orchid Orchis mascula are a feature of these habitat mosaics. Most of the numerous rare higher plants are found in the heathland and associated flushes. These include large populations of the rare hairy greenweed Genista pilosa and pale dog-violet Viola lactea. The spiked speedwell Veronica spicata subsp. hybrida also flourishes on rocky ledges and open areas in the heath, at its only known location in West Wales. Open areas (maintained by grazing and livestock trampling) in the flushes of Porthsychan and Pwll Arian have several other ‘Lusitanian’ species, including wavy St. John’s-wort Hypericum undulatum and the annuals, yellow centaury Cicendia filiformis and yellow bartsia Parentucellia viscosa. The scarce south-western fern, lanceolate spleenwort Asplenium obovatum grows on the ledges of Dinas Mawr. Notable lichens include the pollution-sensitive beard lichen Usnea articulata, which grows on hawthorn at Porthsychan, and Parmelia britannica and P. crinita occurring on sheltered rock outcrops. Cliff nesting birds in 1987 included several pairs of chough, 8 small razorbill colonies with some 140 birds, and 2 small guillemot colonies with at least 50 birds. There were also 100 pairs of fulmar, 346 pairs of herring gull, 8 pairs of great black-backed gull and 4 pairs of lesser black-backed gull. Other breeding birds include buzzard, raven, wheatear, stonechat, rock pipit and whitethroat. Palmate newt, toad, frog, lizard and adder occur. Grey seals Halichoerus grypus breed on the beaches and in the caves, with about 50 pups born each year. Twenty species of butterfly have been recorded, including a small colony of the small blue Cupido minimus and abundant grayling Hipparchia semele. Other scarce invertebrates include the tortoise beetle Pilemostoma fastuosum and two flies Paragus haemorrhous and Epitriptus cingulatus. Remarks: The site is within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Species mentioned

English name
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Latin name
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IUCN / Red List Type Family
no common name Pilemostoma fastuosum NT beetle leaf chrysomelidae
stonechat Saxicola torquatus Not listed in GB list bird muscicapidae
razorbill Alca torda LC (Breeding) bird-auk alcidae
guillemot Uria aalge LC (Breeding) bird-auk alcidae
raven Corvus corax LC (Breeding) bird-corvid corvidae
chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax VU (Breeding) bird-corvid corvidae
fulmar Fulmarus glacialis CR (Breeding) bird-fulmar procellariidae
herring gull Larus argentatus EN (NonBreeding), EN (Breeding) bird-gull laridae
lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus DD (Breeding) bird-gull laridae
great black-backed gull Larus marinus EN (NonBreeding), CR (Breeding) bird-gull laridae
buzzard Buteo buteo LC (Breeding) bird-hawk falconidae
rock pipit Anthus petrosus LC (Breeding) bird-pipit motacillidae
wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe LC (Breeding) bird-robin muscicapidae
whitethroat Sylvia communis Not listed in GB list bird-warbler sylviidae
small blue Cupido minimus NT butterfly lycaenidae
grayling Hipparchia semele EN butterfly nymphalidae
royal fern Osmunda regalis LC fern osmundaceae
bracken Pteridium aquilinum LC fern dennstaedtiaceae
flies Paragus haemorrhous Not listed in GB list fly syrphidae
red fescue Festuca rubra LC grass poaceae
purple moor grass Molinia caerulea LC grass poaceae
lady's fingers (kidney vetch) Anthyllis vulneraria NT herb fabaceae
thrift Armeria maritima CR herb plumbaginaceae
lanceolate spleenwort Asplenium obovatum LC herb aspleniaceae
carline thistle Carlina vulgaris LC herb asteraceae
yellow centaury Cicendia filiformis NT herb gentianaceae
rock samphire Crithmum maritimum LC herb apiaceae
hairy greenweed Genista pilosa LC herb fabaceae
bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta LC herb liliaceae
wavy St John's Wort Hypericum undulatum LC herb hypericaceae
birdsfoot trefoil Lotus corniculatus LC herb fabaceae
tree mallow Malva arborea LC herb malvaceae
early purple orchid Orchis mascula LC herb orchidaceae
yellow bartsia Parentucellia viscosa LC herb orobanchaceae
sea plantain Plantago maritima LC herb plantaginaceae
cowslip Primula veris LC herb primulaceae
spring squill Scilla verna LC herb liliaceae
saw wort Serratula tinctoria VU herb asteraceae
sea campion Silene uniflora LC herb carophyllaceae
creeping thyme Thymus praecox Not listed in GB list herb lamiaceae
spiked speedwell Veronica spicata LC herb plantaginaceae
pale dog- violet Viola lactea LC herb violaceae
lichen Usnea articulata NT lichen parmeliaceae
grey seal Halichoerus grypus None seal phocidae
burnet rose Rosa spinosissima 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
cross leaved heath Erica tetralix NT shrub dwarf ericaceae

Insects to look out for

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

SpeciesStatusVia host-plant
Reddish buff
Acosmetia caliginosa
Critically Endangered Serratula tinctoria
High brown fritillary
Fabriciana adippe
Critically Endangered Viola lactea
Black-veined moth
Siona lineata
Critically Endangered Lotus corniculatus
New forest
Zygaena viciae
Critically Endangered Lotus corniculatus
Straw belle
Aspitates gilvaria
Endangered Lotus corniculatus
Chequered skipper
Carterocephalus palaemon
Endangered Molinia caerulea
Figure of eight
Diloba caeruleocephala
Endangered Rosa spp.
The grey
Hadena caesia
Endangered Silene uniflora
Duke of Burgundy
Hamearis lucina
Endangered Primula veris
Shoulder-striped clover
Heliothis maritima
Endangered Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix
Wood white
Leptidea sinapis
Endangered Lotus corniculatus
Glanville fritillary
Melitaea cinxia
Endangered Plantago maritima
Scarce vapourer
Orgyia recens
Endangered Rosa spp.
Slender scotch
Zygaena loti
Endangered Lotus corniculatus
Mouse moth
Amphipyra tragopoginis
Vulnerable Lotus corniculatus, Serratula tinctoria
Broom moth
Ceramica pisi
Vulnerable Calluna vulgaris, Pteridium aquilinum
Large heath
Coenonympha tullia
Vulnerable Molinia caerulea
Beetle
Cryptocephalus biguttatus
Vulnerable Erica tetralix
Dingy skipper
Erynnis tages
Vulnerable Lotus corniculatus
Marsh fritillary
Euphydryas aurinia
Vulnerable Plantago spp.
Satyr pug
Eupithecia satyrata
Vulnerable Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Hypericum spp.
Garden dart
Euxoa nigricans
Vulnerable Plantago spp.
Grayling
Hipparchia semele
Vulnerable Festuca rubra
True lover's knot
Lycophotia porphyrea
Vulnerable Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea
Pale brindled
Phigalia pilosaria
Vulnerable Rosa spp.
Silver studded blue
Plebejus argus
Vulnerable Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix, Lotus corniculatus, Ulex spp.
Lead belle
Scotopteryx mucronata
Vulnerable Ulex europaeus
The anomalous
Stilbia anomala
Vulnerable Molinia caerulea
Pale eggar
Trichiura crataegi
Vulnerable Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea
Flounced chestnut
Agrochola helvola
Near Threatened Calluna vulgaris, Rosa spinosissima
Grey chi
Antitype chi
Near Threatened Armeria maritima
Garden tiger
Arctia caja
Near Threatened Plantago spp., Pteridium aquilinum
Small heath
Coenonympha pamphilus
Near Threatened Festuca spp.
Small blue
Cupido minimus
Near Threatened Anthyllis vulneraria
Silver barred
Deltote bankiana
Near Threatened Molinia caerulea
Grey scalloped
Dyscia fagaria
Near Threatened Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix
Autumnal rustic
Eugnorisma glareosa
Near Threatened Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Plantago spp.
Weaver's wave
Idaea contiguaria
Near Threatened Calluna vulgaris

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

Plant communities

H7 — Hard cliff and cliff slope, Lowland dry heath

Calluna vulgaris-Scilla verna heath

Matches 15 species from the description above: Anthyllis vulneraria, Armeria maritima, Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix, Festuca rubra, Genista pilosa, Lotus corniculatus, Molinia caerulea, Plantago maritima, Scilla verna, Serratula tinctoria, Silene uniflora, Thymus praecox, Ulex europaeus

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

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

Calluna vulgaris-Ulex gallii heath

Matches 13 species from the description above: Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix, Festuca rubra, Lotus corniculatus, Molinia caerulea, Plantago maritima, Pteridium aquilinum, Scilla verna, Thymus praecox, Ulex europaeus, Ulex gallii, Viola lactea

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

MC9 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Festuca rubra-Holcus lanatus maritime grassland

Matches 9 species from the description above: Anthyllis vulneraria, Armeria maritima, Festuca rubra, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago maritima, Scilla verna, Serratula tinctoria, Silene uniflora, Thymus praecox

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

MC5 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Armeria maritima-Cerastium diffusum ssp. diffusum maritime therophyte community

Matches 8 species from the description above: Anthyllis vulneraria, Armeria maritima, Festuca rubra, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago maritima, Scilla verna, Silene uniflora, Thymus praecox

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

MC8 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Festuca rubra-Armeria maritima maritime grassland

Matches 8 species from the description above: Anthyllis vulneraria, Armeria maritima, Crithmum maritimum, Festuca rubra, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago maritima, Scilla verna, Silene uniflora

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

MC1 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Crithmum maritimum-Spergularia rupicola maritime rock-crevice community

Matches 5 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Crithmum maritimum, Festuca rubra, Plantago maritima, Silene uniflora

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

MC3 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Rhodiola rosea-Armeria maritima 36-ledge community

Matches 5 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Festuca rubra, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago maritima, Silene uniflora

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

MG1 — Brownfield, Hard cliff and cliff slope

Arrhenatherum elatius grassland

Matches 5 species from the description above: Festuca rubra, Lotus corniculatus, Primula veris, Pteridium aquilinum, Thymus praecox

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

MC2 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Armeria maritima-Ligusticum scoticum maritime rock-crevice community

Matches 4 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Festuca rubra, Plantago maritima, Silene uniflora

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

MC4 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Brassica oleracea 36-ledge community

Matches 4 species from the description above: Anthyllis vulneraria, Armeria maritima, Festuca rubra, Silene uniflora

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

MC6 — Coastal vegetated shingle, Hard cliff and cliff slope

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

Matches 4 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Festuca rubra, Malva arborea, Silene uniflora

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

MC7 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Stellaria media-Rumex acetosa sea-bird cliff community

Matches 4 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Festuca rubra, Plantago maritima, Silene uniflora

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

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: Festuca rubra, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago maritima, Silene uniflora

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

W25 — Bracken scrub

Pteridium aquilinum-Rubus fruticosus underscrub

Matches 4 species from the description above: Festuca rubra, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Pteridium aquilinum, Ulex europaeus

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

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

Festuca arundinacea grassland

Matches 3 species from the description above: Festuca rubra, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago maritima

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

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

Holcus lanatus-Juncus effusus rush-pasture

Matches 1 species from the description above: Festuca rubra

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