Glannau Aberdaron
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Climate exposure
This is about exposure to a nationwide pressure this habitat type carries — not a verdict on this site's own management.
Coastal habitats are exposed to sea-level rise and storm erosion. Where hard sea defences sit behind them, there's nowhere landward to retreat to — a squeeze that keeps compressing the habitat no matter how well it's managed.
Geology & landscape
Geological Feature: Raised Beach, Rock Outcrop · Geological Period: Ordovician, Precambrian, Quaternary · Rock Type: Gneiss
Landscape processes: Coastal, Glacial
Birds & fish recorded
Birds
| Species | Season |
|---|---|
| fulmar | Breeding |
| fulmar | Roosting |
| peregrine | Breeding |
| peregrine | Roosting |
Description
Description This site is of special scientific interest for features of geological, botanical, ornithological, and marine biological interest. The site extends along 10 km of coast dominated by sea cliffs, from Porth Oer on the north coast to Porth Simdde on the south coast of Pen Llŷn. Geological Interest The geological interest is at two locations: the outstanding exposures of Precambrian rocks overlain by Ordovician strata between Braich y Pwll and Parwyd and the Quaternary deposits at Porth Oer. Braich y Pwll – Parwyd (Precambrian of England and Wales). The coastal section between Braich y Pwll and Parwyd has long been recognized as one of the key locations in the Precambrian Mona Complex of North Wales. The site provides the finest exposures of the Gwna Mélange on Anglesey and Llŷn, and displays one of the clearest transitions from the Gwna Mélange into the Llŷn Shear Zone, the latter representing a major tectonic boundary that separates the recently defined Monian Composite and Cymru terranes. Although the contact between the Llŷn Shear Zone and Sarn Complex is cut out by a post-Arenig thrust, retrogressed garnetiferous gneisses, unique within the Mona Complex, are exposed on the east side of Parwyd. The Parwyd Gneiss represents the only outcrop of high-grade metamorphic basement in mainland North Wales. The unconformity with overlying Arenig strata is one of only three such occurrences on Llŷn, and constrains the deformation in the mélange to a pre-Arenig age. The section continues to be of crucial importance to the evolution of ideas on the origin of the Gwna Mélange. The Gwyddel Beds, for example, were originally thought to lie above the Gwna Mélange; detailed mapping, however, has shown that the Gwyddel Beds are in fact huge clasts within the chaotic Gwna Mélange which have retained original bedding and way-up characteristics. The superbly exposed transition from mélange to mylonitic rocks on Trwyn Bychestyn provides rare evidence indicating that the mélange is older than the Llŷn Shear Zone. This is a crucial factor in any reconstruction of Monian tectonic history. Porth Oer (Quaternary of Wales). Porth Oer provides important evidence for interpreting the Quaternary history of Llŷn. It demonstrates one of the finest examples of a raised shore platform in North Wales. This platform is cut across Precambrian rocks, and although its age is unknown, it is likely that it was fashioned, at least in part, during high relative sea levels in more than one Pleistocene interglacial. Sediments overlying the platform and in cliff sections at the site demonstrate the following generalized sequence: 1. parautocthonous deposits; 2. sands and gravels (locally cemented); and 3. interbedded diamictons and sands and gravels. The sands and gravels of unit 2 (Porth Oer Member) were formerly interpreted as interglacial raised beach deposits – one of only a few such postulated occurrences in North Wales. Accordingly, the site featured in numerous reconstructions of Pleistocene events in the region and was afforded reference status. However, recent work suggests that the sand and gravel deposits of unit 2 are more likely to be part of the extensively developed overlying glacigenic sequence at the site, which records a major incursion of the Irish Sea glacier onto Llŷn. Nonetheless, the site remains a critical reference site for its excellent example of a raised shore platform and overlying glacigenic sequence. Biological Interest Botanically, the cliffs and areas of western coastal heath with stands of bell heather Erica cinerea, western gorse Ulex gallii and ling Calluna vulgaris are plant communities of special interest. The heath found on Mynydd Anelog, Mynydd Mawr, Mynydd y Gwyddel, Mynydd Bychestyn and Pen y Cil is ‘wave formed’ in places, as a result of exposure to salt-laden winds. Between and within the heathland blocks, maritime grassland communities and localised flushes on boulder-clay slopes provide a contrasting flora and increase the diversity of the stands. The variety of rare and uncommon plants is also of special interest. The heath supports spotted rock rose Tuberaria guttata, only known elsewhere in Britain on Anglesey and prostrate broom Cytisus scoparius subsp. maritimus occurring here as a very isolated outlier at the north of its range. Golden samphire Inula crithmoides, lanceolate spleenwort Asplenium obovatum and an endemic sea-lavender Limonium procerum subsp. procerum also occur on the cliffs. Two nationally rare heathland lichens, the endangered Heterodermia leucomelos and the vulnerable Teloschistes flavicans, have been recorded from the site. Ornithologically the site supports an internationally important population of breeding chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax (20 pairs in 1997). Sea caves provide suitable nest sites, the cliffs provide roosting sites, and grazed rough grassland and heathland provide feeding areas. The site also supports a good diversity of cliff-nesting sea birds including species of gull, auks and fulmar, as well as peregrine. The marine biological interest includes bedrock cliffs which show the best example of wave-exposed rock habitat and its associated marine communities found between Bardsey Island and the great Orme. Complete community zonation characteristic of this habitat occurs along more than 8 km of the coast. The site is also of importance because of its species-rich rockpool and overhanging bedrock communities. This section of coast experiences strong wave action due to its westerly/south-westerly aspect. Steeply sloping narrow bedrock cliffs are present over most of the site, with caves and occasional storm beaches of boulders and cobbles. Between Porth Oer and Brach y Pwll the area of cliff subject to sea-spray supports a wide band of yellow and grey lichens. Below this the black tar lichen Verrucaria maura dominates, with the black lichen Lichina pygmaea also occurring regularly in this zone. Below the lichens a mixture of barnacles Semibalanus balanoides and limpets Patella sp. dominates the upper shore. From mid to low shore the community is characterised by foliose red and coralline seaweeds with thong-weed Himanthalia elongata. The zone below this is dominated by dabberlocks Alaria esculenta and oarweed Laminaria digitata, with an understorey of red seaweed. Caves in the cliff at Porth Llanllawen support a rich assemblage of sponges, ascidians, bryozoans and shade-tolerant seaweeds. The stretch of shore between Brach y Pwll and Porth Simdde forms the tip of Pen Llŷn and is subject to very strong tidal currents. The communities present are typical of a very exposed shore, with a very wide lichen zone consisting of black tar lichen below the orange lichens Caloplaca marina and Xanthorion parietinae. Further down the shore black tar lichen is associated with black lichen and laver Porphyra purpurea. The barnacles Chthamalus montagui and Semibalanus balanoides dominate the upper mid shore, and the periwinkle Littorina saxatilis inhabits their empty shells. In the most exposed areas the red seaweed Corallina officinalis dominates the lower shore, with Irish Moss Mastocarpus stellatus growing into a thick layer in slightly more sheltered areas. On the even more sheltered east-facing coast the red algae is overgrown by toothed wrack Fucus serratus. Species of Enteromorpha are the dominant seaweed in small sheltered bays along the coastline. Dabberlocks kelp covers the extreme low shore of the more exposed areas, while oarweed dominates this zone in less exposed areas. Remarks: 1. This site supports vegetation assignable to vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic, and lowland heath. These are habitat types listed on Annex 1 of the EC Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and Wild Flora and Fauna). 2. Limonium procerum subsp. procerum and Heterodermia leucomelos are listed as priority Biodiversity Action Plan species. 3. The chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax is protected under Annex 1 of the EC Conservation of Wild Birds Directive 1979. 4. The lichens Heterodermia leucomelos and Teloschistes flavicans are protected under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). 5. The sea cliffs form part of the Clogwyni Pen Llŷn/Lleyn Sea Cliffs cSAC (Directive 92/43 EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and Wild Flora and Fauna ). 6. The whole SSSI forms part of the Glannau Aberdaron and Ynys Enlli Special Protection Area (under the EC Conservation of Wild Birds Directive 1979). 7. The site is a component of the Lleyn Peninsula Environmentally Sensitive Area, the Lleyn Peninsula Heritage Coast and the Lleyn Peninsula Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Species mentioned
Show the 25 species mentioned in the description, with red-list status| English name search for this in other sites |
Latin name search with Google |
IUCN / Red List | Type | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| dabberlocks | Alaria esculenta | Not listed in GB list | algae brown | alariaceae |
| serrated wrack | Fucus serratus | Not listed in GB list | algae brown | fucaceae |
| thong weed | Himanthalia elongata | Not listed in GB list | algae brown | himanthaliaceae |
| oar weed | Laminaria digitata | Not listed in GB list | algae brown | laminariaceae |
| common coral weed | Corallina officinalis | Not listed in GB list | algae red | corallinaceae |
| grape pip weed | Mastocarpus stellatus | Not listed in GB list | algae red | phyllophoraceae |
| acorn barnacle | Semibalanus balanoides | Not listed in GB list | barnacle | archaeobalanidae |
| chough | Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax | VU (Breeding) | bird-corvid | corvidae |
| fulmar | Fulmarus glacialis | CR (Breeding) | bird-fulmar | procellariidae |
| peregrine | Falco peregrinus | LC (Breeding) | bird-hawk | falconidae |
| Chthamalus montagui | Not listed in GB list | crustacean | chthamalidae | |
| lanceolate spleenwort | Asplenium obovatum | LC | herb | aspleniaceae |
| golden samphire | Inula crithmoides | Not listed in GB list | herb | asteraceae |
| rock sea-lavender | Limonium procerum | Not listed in GB list | herb | plumbaginaceae |
| spotted rock rose | Tuberaria guttata | VU | herb | cistaceae |
| Caloplaca marina | Not listed in GB list | lichen | teloschistaceae | |
| Lichina pygmaea | LC | lichen | lichinaceae | |
| powdered orange bush lichen | Teloschistes flavicans | VU | lichen | no common name |
| sea tar | Verrucaria maura | Not listed in GB list | lichen | no common name |
| no common name | Xanthorion parietinae | Not listed in GB list | lichen | no common name |
| Littorina saxatilis | Not listed in GB list | mollusc | littorinidae | |
| broom | Cytisus scoparius | LC | shrub | fabaceae |
| 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 |
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.
| Species | Status | Via host-plant |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder-striped clover Heliothis maritima |
Endangered | Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea |
| Broom moth Ceramica pisi |
Vulnerable | Calluna vulgaris, Cytisus scoparius |
| Satyr pug Eupithecia satyrata |
Vulnerable | Calluna vulgaris |
| True lover's knot Lycophotia porphyrea |
Vulnerable | Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea |
| Silver studded blue Plebejus argus |
Vulnerable | Calluna vulgaris, Cytisus scoparius, Erica cinerea, Ulex spp. |
| Lead belle Scotopteryx mucronata |
Vulnerable | Cytisus scoparius |
| Pale eggar Trichiura crataegi |
Vulnerable | Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea |
| Flounced chestnut Agrochola helvola |
Near Threatened | Calluna vulgaris |
| Broom-tip chesias Chesias rufata |
Near Threatened | Cytisus scoparius |
| Grey scalloped Dyscia fagaria |
Near Threatened | Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea |
| Autumnal rustic Eugnorisma glareosa |
Near Threatened | Calluna vulgaris, Cytisus scoparius, Erica cinerea |
| 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
H11 — Lowland dry heath
Calluna vulgaris-Carex arenaria heath
Matches 3 species from the description above: Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Ulex gallii
Show 65 indicator speciesSalix repens, Empetrum nigrum subsp.nigrum, Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix, Vaccinium myrtillus, Ulex gallii, Rosa spinosissima, Carex arenaria, Luzula campestris, Pohlia nutans, Campylopus introflexus, Ceratodon purpureus, Dicranum scoparium, Racomitrium canescens sens.lat., Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum jutlandicum, Pleurozium schreberi, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Polytrichum juniperinum, Polytrichum piliferum, Lophocolea bidentata, Ptilidium ciliare, Hypogymnia physodes, Cladonia arbuscula, Cladonia coccifera, Cladonia crispata, Cladonia floerkeana, Cladonia foliacea, Cladonia furcata, Cladonia gracilis, Cladonia impexa, Cladonia pyxidata, Cladonia rangiferina, Cladonia rangiformis, Cladonia subcervicornis, Cladonia uncialis, Cornicularia aculeata, Peltigera canina, Hypochaeris radicata, Jacobaea vulgaris, Pilosella officinarum, Teesdalia nudicaulis, Campanula rotundifolia, Jasione montana, Cerastium fontanum, Sedum anglicum, Lotus corniculatus, Ononis repens, Trifolium repens, Thymus praecox, Rumex acetosella, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Galium verum, Viola riviniana, Agrostis capillaris, Aira caryophyllea, Aira praecox, Ammophila arenaria, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Poa pratensis
H2 — Lowland dry heath
Calluna vulgaris-Ulex minor heath
Matches 3 species from the description above: Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Ulex gallii
Show 32 indicator speciesPinus sylvestris, Sorbus aucuparia, Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix, Vaccinium myrtillus, Ulex europaeus, Ulex gallii, Ulex minor, Campylopus flexuosus, Dicranum scoparium, Hypnum jutlandicum, Polytrichum juniperinum, Polytrichum piliferum, Kurzia spp., Cladonia arbuscula, Cladonia chlorophaea, Cladonia coccifera, Cladonia fimbriata, Cladonia furcata, Cladonia impexa, Cuscuta epithymum, Genista anglica, Potentilla erecta, Rubus fruticosus agg., Agrostis canina, Agrostis curtisii, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Molinia caerulea, Pteridium aquilinum
H4 — Lowland dry heath, Lowland wet heath, Upland dry heath
Ulex gallii-Agrostis curtisii heath
Matches 3 species from the description above: Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Ulex gallii
Show 63 indicator speciesSalix repens, Calluna vulgaris, Erica ciliaris, Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix, Erica vagans, Vaccinium myrtillus, Ulex gallii, Carex binervis, Carex flacca, Carex montana, Carex panicea, Carex pilulifera, Trichophorum cespitosum, Juncus squarrosus, Luzula multiflora, Pohlia nutans, Campylopus flexuosus, Campylopus introflexus, Dicranum scoparium, Leucobryum glaucum, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Pleurozium schreberi, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Polytrichum juniperinum, Calypogeia fissa, Calypogeia muelleriana, Cephalozia bicuspidata, Diplophyllum albicans, Lophocolea bidentata, Hypogymnia physodes, Cladonia arbuscula, Cladonia chlorophaea, Cladonia coccifera, Cladonia crispata, Cladonia fimbriata, Cladonia floerkeana, Cladonia furcata, Cladonia impexa, Cladonia subcervicornis, Cladonia uncialis, Cuscuta epithymum, Lotus corniculatus, Thymus praecox, Pedicularis sylvatica, Polygala serpyllifolia, Polygala vulgaris, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Viola lactea, Agrostis canina, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis curtisii, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Danthonia decumbens, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta, Pteridium aquilinum
H5 — Lowland wet heath
Erica vagans-Schoenus nigricans heath
Matches 3 species from the description above: Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Ulex gallii
Show 50 indicator speciesSalix repens, Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix, Erica vagans, Ulex europaeus, Ulex gallii, Carex flacca, Carex hostiana, Carex panicea, Carex pulicaris, Eriophorum angustifolium, Schoenus nigricans, Eleocharis multicaulis, Juncus acutiflorus, Juncus maritimus, Fissidens adianthoides, Kindbergia praelonga, Scorpidium scorpioides, Calypogeia fissa, Riccardia multifida, Angelica sylvestris, Eupatorium cannabinum, Serratula tinctoria, Succisa pratensis, Drosera rotundifolia, Genista anglica, Hypericum pulchrum, Scutellaria minor, Thymus praecox, Pinguicula lusitanica, Linum catharticum, Dactylorhiza incarnata, Dactylorhiza maculata, Gymnadenia conopsea, Platanthera bifolia, Pedicularis sylvatica, Plantago maritima, Polygala vulgaris, Anagallis tenella, Potentilla erecta, Sanguisorba officinalis, Galium uliginosum, Agrostis curtisii, Agrostis vinealis, Danthonia decumbens, Festuca ovina, Molinia caerulea, Phragmites australis, Chara curta
H6 — Lizard peninsula, Lowland heath
Erica vagans-Ulex europaeus heath
Matches 3 species from the description above: Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Ulex gallii
Show 64 indicator speciesCalluna 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
H8 — Hard cliff and cliff slope, Lowland dry heath, Upland dry heath
Calluna vulgaris-Ulex gallii heath
Matches 3 species from the description above: Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Ulex gallii
Show 59 indicator speciesCalluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix, Vaccinium myrtillus, Ulex europaeus, Ulex gallii, Carex binervis, Carex caryophyllea, Carex flacca, Carex pilulifera, Campylopus flexuosus, Dicranum scoparium, Hypnum cupressiforme, Pleurozium schreberi, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Polytrichum juniperinum, Polytrichum piliferum, Cladonia impexa, Cladonia squamosa, Hypochaeris radicata, Jasione montana, Lotus corniculatus, Hypericum pulchrum, Teucrium scorodonia, Thymus praecox, Scilla verna, Linum catharticum, Pedicularis sylvatica, Digitalis purpurea, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Polygala serpyllifolia, Rumex acetosella, Potentilla erecta, Poterium sanguisorba, Rubus fruticosus agg., Galium saxatile, Galium verum, Viola lactea, Viola riviniana, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis curtisii, Agrostis stolonifera, Agrostis vinealis, Aira praecox, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Avenula pubescens, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Dactylis glomerata, Danthonia decumbens, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta, Pteridium aquilinum, Chara curta
H1 — Lowland dry heath
Calluna vulgaris-Festuca ovina heath
Matches 2 species from the description above: Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea
Show 36 indicator speciesCalluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix, Ulex europaeus, Carex arenaria, Dicranella heteromalla, Dicranum scoparium, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum cupressiforme, Pleurozium schreberi, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Polytrichum juniperinum, Ptilidium ciliare, Hypogymnia physodes, Cladonia arbuscula, Cladonia coniocraea, Cladonia fimbriata, Cladonia furcata, Cladonia impexa, Cladonia macilenta, Cladonia pyxidata, Cladonia squamosa, Cladonia tenuis, Cladonia uncialis, Cornicularia aculeata, Jacobaea vulgaris, Campanula rotundifolia, Cerastium fontanum, Teucrium scorodonia, Rumex acetosella, Galium saxatile, Agrostis capillaris, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Holcus lanatus, Pteridium aquilinum
H3 — Lowland dry heath, Lowland wet heath
Ulex minor-Agrostis curtisii heath
Matches 2 species from the description above: Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea
Show 33 indicator speciesQuercus robur, Calluna vulgaris, Erica ciliaris, Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix, Ulex europaeus, Ulex minor, Carex pilulifera, Schoenus nigricans, Campylopus brevipilus, Campylopus flexuosus, Leucobryum glaucum, Hypnum jutlandicum, Polytrichum juniperinum, Kurzia spp., Hypogymnia physodes, Cladonia arbuscula, Cladonia coccifera, Cladonia crispata, Cladonia floerkeana, Cladonia impexa, Cladonia pyxidata, Cladonia uncialis, Cuscuta epithymum, Hypericum pulchrum, Polygala serpyllifolia, Potentilla erecta, Viola lactea, Agrostis curtisii, Danthonia decumbens, Molinia caerulea, Pteridium aquilinum, Zygogonium ericetorum
H7 — Hard cliff and cliff slope, Lowland dry heath
Calluna vulgaris-Scilla verna heath
Matches 2 species from the description above: Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea
Show 70 indicator speciesSalix repens, Empetrum nigrum subsp.nigrum, Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix, Erica vagans, Juniperus communis, Ulex europaeus, Carex caryophyllea, Carex flacca, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Carex pulicaris, Carex serotina, Luzula campestris, Luzula multiflora, Selaginella selaginoides, Hypnum cupressiforme, Frullania tamarisci, Cladonia chlorophaea, Cladonia rangiformis, Daucus carota, Achillea millefolium, Hypochaeris radicata, Leontodon saxatilis, Leucanthemum vulgare, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Serratula tinctoria, Jasione montana, Succisa pratensis, Cerastium diffusum, Cerastium fontanum, Silene uniflora, Sedum anglicum, Anthyllis vulneraria, Astragalus danicus, Genista pilosa, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium repens, Centaurium erythraea, Thymus praecox, Scilla verna, Dactylorhiza purpurella, Euphrasia officinalis, Plantago coronopus, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Polygala serpyllifolia, Polygala vulgaris, Rumex acetosa, Primula vulgaris, Filipendula vulgaris, Potentilla erecta, Galium verum, Viola riviniana, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Aira caryophyllea, Aira praecox, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Dactylis glomerata, Danthonia decumbens, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Koeleria macrantha, Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta, Chara curta
M14 — Lowland dry heath, Upland wet heath
Schoenus nigricans-Narthecium ossifragum mire
Matches 2 species from the description above: Calluna vulgaris, Ulex gallii
Show 35 indicator speciesPinus sylvestris, Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Myrica gale, Ulex gallii, Carex panicea, Eriophorum angustifolium, Rhynchospora alba, Schoenus nigricans, Eleocharis multicaulis, Juncus acutiflorus, Juncus bulbosus, Ctenidium molluscum, Hypnum jutlandicum, Scorpidium revolvens, Scorpidium scorpioides, Sphagnum auriculatum, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum papillosum, Sphagnum subnitens, Sphagnum tenellum, Calypogeia fissa, Kurzia pauciflora, Ordontoschisma sphagni, Aneura pinguis, Riccardia multifida, Drosera intermedia, Drosera rotundifolia, Pinguicula lusitanica, Narthecium ossifragum, Pedicularis sylvatica, Polygala serpyllifolia, Anagallis tenella, Potentilla erecta, Molinia caerulea
MC1 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Crithmum maritimum-Spergularia rupicola maritime rock-crevice community
Matches 1 species from the description above: Inula crithmoides
Show 19 indicator speciesTortella flavovirens, Crithmum maritimum, Daucus carota, Inula crithmoides, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Cochlearia danica, Cochlearia officinalis, Cerastium diffusum, Silene uniflora, Spergularia rupicola, Atriplex hastata, Plantago coronopus, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Limonium binervosum, Catapodium marinum, Festuca rubra, Parapholis incurva, Asplenium marinum
MC8 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Festuca rubra-Armeria maritima maritime grassland
Matches 1 species from the description above: Inula crithmoides
Show 45 indicator speciesCarex caryophyllea, Carex distans, Kindbergia praelonga, Tortella flavovirens, Trichostomum brachydontium, Angelica sylvestris, Crithmum maritimum, Daucus carota, Ligusticum scoticum, Achillea millefolium, Cirsium arvense, Hypochaeris radicata, Inula crithmoides, Leontodon saxatilis, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Sonchus oleraceus, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Brassica oleracea, Cochlearia danica, Cochlearia officinalis, Cerastium diffusum, Cerastium fontanum, Sagina apetala, Sagina maritima, Silene uniflora, Spergularia rupicola, Sedum anglicum, Anthyllis vulneraria, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium repens, Centaurium erythraea, Scilla verna, Plantago coronopus, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Rumex acetosa, Potentilla erecta, Agrostis stolonifera, Brachypodium pinnatum, Catapodium marinum, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Poa subcaerulea
MC2 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Armeria maritima-Ligusticum scoticum maritime rock-crevice community
Show 17 indicator speciesSchistidium maritimum, Ligusticum scoticum, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Cochlearia officinalis, Cerastium fontanum, Silene uniflora, Spergularia rupicola, Atriplex hastata, Sedum rosea, Plantago coronopus, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Rumex crispus, Agrostis stolonifera, Festuca rubra, Asplenium marinum
MC3 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Rhodiola rosea-Armeria maritima 36-ledge community
Show 15 indicator speciesAngelica sylvestris, Ligusticum scoticum, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Silene dioica, Silene uniflora, Sedum rosea, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Rumex acetosa, Agrostis stolonifera, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus
MC4 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Brassica oleracea 36-ledge community
Show 33 indicator speciesDaucus carota, Centaurea nigra, Centaurea scabiosa, Cirsium arvense, Echium vulgare, Jacobaea vulgaris, Leucanthemum vulgare, Pilosella officinarum, Senecio vulgaris, Sonchus oleraceus, Taraxacum officianalis, Tragopogon pratensis, Brassica nigra, Brassica oleracea, Cheiranthus cheiri, Silene nutans, Silene uniflora, Sedum acre, Anthyllis vulneraria, Ononis repens, Teucrium scorodonia, Plantago coronopus, Plantago lanceolata, Armeria maritima, Rumex acetosa, Potentilla reptans, Galium aparine, Agrostis stolonifera, Brachypodium pinnatum, Bromus hordeaceous, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Schedonorus arundinaceus
MC5 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Armeria maritima-Cerastium diffusum ssp. diffusum maritime therophyte community
Show 77 indicator speciesCarex flacca, Hypnum cupressiforme, Tortella flavovirens, Cladonia chlorophaea, Cladonia foliacea, Cladonia rangiformis, Collema spp., Daucus carota, Achillea millefolium, Bellis perennis, Cirsium acaule, Echium vulgare, Jacobaea vulgaris, Leontodon saxatilis, Pilosella officinarum, Senecio vulgaris, Sonchus oleraceus, Taraxacum officianalis, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Myosotis ramosissima, Brassica oleracea, Cochlearia danica, Cochlearia officinalis, Diplotaxis muralis, Jasione montana, Arenaria serpyllifolia, Cerastium diffusum, Cerastium fontanum, Herniaria ciliolata, Sagina apetala, Sagina maritima, Silene uniflora, Spergularia rupicola, Atriplex littoralis, Sedum acre, Sedum anglicum, Euphorbia portlandica, Anthyllis vulneraria, Hippocrepis comosa, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium arvense, Trifolium occidentale, Trifolium repens, Trifolium scabrum, Vicia sativa, Centaurium erythraea, Eriodium cicutarium, Salvia verbenaca, Thymus praecox, Scilla autumnalis, Scilla verna, Radiola linoides, Plantago coronopus, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Veronica arvensis, Armeria maritima, Ranunculus acris, Reseda lutea, Filipendula vulgaris, Poterium sanguisorba, Galium verum, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Aira caryophyllea, Aira praecox, Brachypodium pinnatum, Bromus hordeaceous, Catapodium marinum, Catapodium rigidum, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Koeleria macrantha, Lolium perenne, Schedonorus arundinaceus
MC6 — Coastal vegetated shingle, Hard cliff and cliff slope
Atriplex prostrata-Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima sea-bird cliff community
Show 17 indicator speciesDaucus carota, Sonchus oleraceus, Taraxacum officianalis, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Cochlearia officinalis, Silene uniflora, Spergularia rupicola, Atriplex hastata, Malva arborea, Plantago coronopus, Armeria maritima, Polygonum aviculare, Rumex crispus, Bromus hordeaceous, Catapodium marinum, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra
MC7 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Stellaria media-Rumex acetosa sea-bird cliff community
Show 24 indicator speciesJuncus articulatus, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Senecio vulgaris, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Cochlearia officinalis, Cerastium fontanum, Cerastium glomeratum, Silene uniflora, Spergula arvensis, Stellaria media agg., Atriplex hastata, Sedum anglicum, Trifolium repens, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Polygonum aviculare, Rumex acetosa, Rumex crispus, Potentilla anserina, Agrostis stolonifera, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Poa annua, Poa pratensis
MC9 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Festuca rubra-Holcus lanatus maritime grassland
Show 67 indicator speciesEmpetrum nigrum subsp.nigrum, Carex caryophyllea, Carex flacca, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Luzula campestris, Hypnum cupressiforme, Kindbergia praelonga, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Trichostomum brachydontium, Cladonia chlorophaea, Peltigera canina, Angelica sylvestris, Conopodium majus, Daucus carota, Heracleum sphondylium, Achillea millefolium, Bellis perennis, Centaurea nigra, Hypochaeris radicata, Jacobaea vulgaris, Leontodon saxatilis, Leucanthemum vulgare, Pilosella officinarum, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Serratula tinctoria, Solidago virgaurea, Cochlearia officinalis, Campanula rotundifolia, Cerastium diffusum, Cerastium fontanum, Sagina apetala, Silene uniflora, Sedum anglicum, Euphorbia portlandica, Anthyllis vulneraria, Genista tinctoria, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium repens, Geranium sanguineum, Thymus praecox, Scilla verna, Euphrasia officinalis, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Rumex acetosa, Rumex crispus, Ficaria verna, Ranunculus acris, Potentilla erecta, Galium verum, Viola riviniana, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Aira praecox, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Dactylis glomerata, Danthonia decumbens, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Koeleria macrantha, Poa pratensis
MG1 — Brownfield, Hard cliff and cliff slope
Arrhenatherum elatius grassland
Show 102 indicator speciesHedera helix, Luzula campestris, Brachythecium rutabulum, Kindbergia praelonga, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Aegopodium podagraria, Anthriscus sylvestris, Conopodium majus, Daucus carota, Heracleum sphondylium, Pimpinella major, Pimpinella saxifraga, Achillea millefolium, Artemisia vulgaris, Carduus nutans, Centaurea nigra, Centaurea scabiosa, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium vulgare, Hypochaeris radicata, Jacobaea vulgaris, Leontodon hispidus, Leucanthemum vulgare, Sonchus asper, Taraxacum officianalis, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Campanula rotundifolia, Knautia arvensis, Scabiosa columbaria, Cerastium fontanum, Silene nutans, Stellaria graminea, Convolvulus arvensis, Lathyrus pratensis, Lotus corniculatus, Lotus pedunculatus, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens, Vicia cracca, Vicia sativa, Vicia sepium, Geranium dissectum, Hypericum perforatum, Clinopodium vulgare, Glechoma hederacea, Lamium album, Origanum vulgare, Teucrium scorodonia, Thymus praecox, Linum catharticum, Chamerion angustifolium, Epilobium hirsutum, Epipactis purpurata, Rhinanthus minor, Papaver dubium, Plantago lanceolata, Veronica chamaedrys, Rumex acetosa, Rumex crispus, Rumex obtusifolius, Primula veris, Primula vulgaris, Ficaria verna, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus bulbosus, Ranunculus repens, Agrimonia eupatoria, Filipendula ulmaria, Potentilla reptans, Poterium sanguisorba, Rubus fruticosus agg., Galium aparine, Galium mollugo sens.lat., Galium verum, Urtica dioica, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Alopecurus pratensis, Anisantha sterilis, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Arrhenatherum elatius, Avenula pubescens, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Briza media, Bromopsis erecta, Bromus hordeaceous, Cynosurus cristatus, Dactylis glomerata, Elytrigia repens, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Holcus mollis, Lolium perenne, Phleum pratense, Poa pratensis, Poa trivialis, Schedonorus pratensis, Trisetum flavescens, Pteridium aquilinum, Chara vulgaris
MG10 — Coastal floodplain grazing marsh, Hard cliff and cliff slope, Upland rush pasture
Holcus lanatus-Juncus effusus rush-pasture
Show 58 indicator speciesCarex hirta, Carex panicea, Juncus articulatus, Juncus effusus, Juncus inflexus, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Kindbergia praelonga, Angelica sylvestris, Oenanthe crocata, Caltha palustris, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium palustre, Pulicaria dysenterica, Senecio aquaticus, Taraxacum officianalis, Myosotis scorpioides, Cardamine pratensis, Cerastium fontanum, Silene flos-cuculi, Stellaria alsine, Equisetum arvense, Equisetum palustre, Lotus pedunculatus, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens, Vicia cracca, Iris pseudacorus, Mentha aquatica, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago major, Polygonum hydropiper, Rumex acetosa, Rumex conglomeratus, Rumex crispus, Rumex obtusifolius, Primula vulgaris, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus repens, Filipendula ulmaria, Potentilla anserina, Urtica dioica, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Alopecurus geniculatus, Alopecurus pratensis, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Cynosurus cristatus, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Festulolium loliaceum, Glyceria fluitans, Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne, Phalaris arundinacea, Phleum pratense, Poa pratensis, Poa trivialis, Schedonorus pratensis
MG11 — Brownfield, Coastal floodplain grazing marsh, Hard cliff and cliff slope
Festuca rubra-Agrostis stolonifera-Potentilla anserina grassland
Show 64 indicator speciesAtriplex portulacoides, Carex arenaria, Carex distans, Juncus articulatus, Juncus bufonius, Juncus gerardii, Brachythecium rutabulum, Odontites verna, Oenanthe lachenalii, Bellis perennis, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium vulgare, Hypochaeris radicata, Matricaria discoidea, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Senecio aquaticus, Sonchus asper, Taraxacum officianalis, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Cochlearia anglica, Cochlearia officinalis, Cerastium fontanum, Honckenya peploides, Sagina procumbens, Silene dioica, Silene uniflora, Stellaria media agg., Atriplex hastata, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium repens, Triglochin maritimum, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago major, Plantago maritima, Polygonum aviculare, Rumex acetosa, Rumex crispus, Rumex obtusifolius, Glaux maritima, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus repens, Potentilla anserina, Potentilla reptans, Galium aparine, Urtica dioica, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Alopecurus geniculatus, Ammophila arenaria, Arrhenatherum elatius, Bromus hordeaceous, Dactylis glomerata, Elytrigia juncea, Elytrigia repens, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne, Parapholis strigosa, Phleum pratense, Poa annua, Poa pratensis, Poa trivialis, Schedonorus arundinaceus, Schedonorus pratensis
MG12 — Coastal floodplain grazing marsh, Hard cliff and cliff slope
Festuca arundinacea grassland
Show 56 indicator speciesAtriplex portulacoides, Carex distans, Carex nigra, Carex otrubae, Eleocharis uniglumis, Juncus acutiflorus, Juncus articulatus, Juncus gerardii, Juncus inflexus, Juncus maritimus, Kindbergia praelonga, Odontites verna, Oenanthe crocata, Oenanthe lachenalii, Torilis japonica, Cirsium arvense, Hypochaeris radicata, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Sonchus arvensis, Taraxacum officianalis, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Cerastium fontanum, Stellaria media agg., Atriplex hastata, Equisetum palustre, Lathyrus pratensis, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens, Vicia cracca, Iris pseudacorus, Triglochin maritimum, Triglochin palustre, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago major, Plantago maritima, Rumex crispus, Glaux maritima, Ranunculus acris, Potentilla anserina, Galium palustre, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Arrhenatherum elatius, Cynosurus cristatus, Dactylis glomerata, Elytrigia atherica, Elytrigia repens, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne, Phragmites australis, Poa pratensis, Schedonorus arundinaceus, Schedonorus pratensis