Arfordir Niwgwl - Aber Bach / Newgale - Little Haven Coast
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: Cave / Cavern, Geological Fault · Geological Period: Carboniferous, Ordovician, Quaternary
Landscape processes: Coastal, Glacial, Karst
Birds & fish recorded
Birds
| Species | Season |
|---|---|
| peregrine | Breeding |
| peregrine | Wintering |
Description
Description Arfordir Niwgwl - Aber Bach/Newgale - Little Haven Coast is of special interest for its geology and marine biology including specialised rockpool, cave, overhang and under-boulder communities, which enhance the interest of the rocky habitats. The special geological interests consist of exposures of Upper Westphalian rocks, a section through the Irish Sea till deposits and two important exposures of features developed during the Variscan orogeny. The site extends south of the popular tourist beach at Newgale on the north-east of St Brides Bay coastline, to Little Haven in the south-east. Adjacent villages include Broad Haven and Nolton Haven lying approximately eight kilometres from Haverfordwest. GEOLOGY: Upper Carboniferous: Nolton Haven Coast This is the only section of the upper Westphalian (Carboniferous) rocks in the western part of the South Wales Coalfield. Nine beds yielding non-marine bivalves and nine plant beds allow the section to be correlated with the lower part of the Pennant Measures in the main part of the coalfield. They are thus middle Westphalian C to lower Westphalian D in age, and this is probably the best natural exposure of the Westphalian C - Westphalian D boundary in northern Europe. The full sequence is about 700m thick and confirms the general trend of increasing thickness of upper Westphalian strata towards the western part of the basin. The section here also shows that, as in the central part of the coalfield, the sediments were deposited in deltas spreading out from the south. This information, which can only be determined from this section, is of vital importance for understanding the development of the South Wales Coal-Basin. Quaternary of Wales: Druidston Druidston is a classic site on the west-facing shore of St Bride's Bay, containing the largest and best-exposed section through Irish Sea till deposits in south-west Wales. The exposures extend laterally for about 150m and comprise a blocky lower head overlain by up to 15m of Irish Sea till and outwash deposits. The sections are capped by head and a sandy loam. The till at Druidston, which contains abundant wood and marine shell fragments and a wide range of exotic rock types, provides very clear evidence demonstrating the incursion of an ice sheet from the Irish Sea Basin into Pembrokeshire. Whilst the precise dating of events at Druidston has not yet been established, the sequence provides detailed evidence for changing environmental conditions during the Late Pleistocene, and the site may be regarded as a reference site for Irish Sea till deposits in south-west Wales. Variscan Structures: Druidston Haven The cliffs at this site provide important exposures of a fault-bounded block of Ordovician slates confined between Carboniferous strata. This configuration was produced by a phase of extension which immediately preceded the Variscan mountain building episode (orogeny). The principle interest of this locality lies in the complex fold and fault structures displayed by the Ordovician slates. Most of these structures were formed during the Caledonian Orogeny, about 100 million years before the Variscan Orogeny. During the Variscan mountain building episode these early structures were overprinted by a second set of structures which can be clearly distinguished at this locality. This is the only site providing accessible, high-quality exposures which demonstrate the superimposition of Variscan orogenic structures onto Caledonian structures. The importance of pre-existing Caledonian structures on the evolution of the Variscan orogenic belt in Britain has long been debated. This site is recognised as a key locality providing a unique opportunity to study this phenomenon in detail. Broad Haven to Settling Nose: This coastal section provides cliff and foreshore exposures of Carboniferous sandstones and shales distorted by a complex sequence of folds and faults. These structures formed during the Variscan mountain building episode (orogeny) at the end of the Carboniferous Period in response to intense compressive stress. This section is important in exemplifying the structural characteristics of one of the major structural zones of the Variscan orogenic belt in Pembrokeshire. At the northern end of the site, at Black Point and Settling Nose, a group of folds and thrust faults correspond with the northern margin of the Variscan orogenic belt. This feature, known as the “Variscan Front” has attracted debate and controversy for many years and an appreciation of its significance remains critical to understanding the Variscan orogenic belt in Britain. BIOLOGY: The site consists of sedimentary cliffs, a series of small sandy bays that lie between rocky headlands, intertidal bedrock, boulders and extensive areas of lower shore sandflats. The vertical rock sides and overhangs on lower mid-shore rock are the most extensive and phylogenetically rich in south and west Wales and support a rich variety of animal species including purse sponge Grantia compressa, white lace sponge Clathrina coriacea, boring sponge Cliona celata, and sea squirts such as gooseberry sea squirt Dendrodoa grossularia, Morchellium argus and Trididemnum cereum. Some of these overhangs are dominated by shade tolerant red algae and include species such as Plumaria plumosa, Lomentaria articulata and pepper dulse. Rockpool communities of particular interest occur throughout the site. Those characterised by the coralline alga Corallina officinalis and brown alga Bifurcaria bifurcata are rare in south and west Wales and Nationally. Other species found in these rockpools are the sea oak Halidrys siliquosa, carragheen moss Chondrus crispus, common prawn Palaemon serratus, snakelocks anemone Anemonia viridis and flat top shell Steromphala umbilicalis. Other rockpools include those that are sediment floored, containing sand tolerant seaweeds such as Polyides rotundus and Dumontia contorta, along with species such as green shore crab Carcinus maenas and snakelocks anemone. Deep wrack and kelp-dominated pools occur in areas on the extreme lower shore. Cave communities along the bottom of the cliffs that are also of interest, support species such as Catenella caespitosa, encrusting red algae Hildenbrandia rubra, lichens Verrucaria mucosa and pygmy lichen, barnacles and small periwinkle Melarhaphe neritoides. The upper sand shore in these bays supports communities dominated by amphipods Bathyporeia sp. and isopods such as Eurydice pulchra. The lower to middle shore supports communities of segmented worms including catworms Nephtys sp., lug worm Arenicola marina and sand mason worm Lanice conchilega, together with molluscs such as thin tellin Angulus tenuis and striped venus Chamelea gallina. Between the bays, areas of the extreme lower shore are colonised by kelps such as dabberlocks Alaria esculenta, oar weed Laminaria digitata and L. hyperborea. Amongst the kelps clusters of common mussel Mytilus edulis, dahlia anemone Urticina felina and gem anemone Bunodactis verrucosa occur. Further up the shore many of the lower shore rocks are dominated by serrated wrack Fucus serratus and turf-forming red algae such as pepper dulse Osmundea pinnatifida and carragheen moss Mastocarpus stellatus along with common mussel. A mussel dominated zone occurs higher up the rocky shores and at the base of the cliffs backing the sandy bays. Further up the rock, mussels are replaced by a zone of barnacles Chthamalus sp. and Semibalanus balanoides, interspersed with limpets Patella sp and pygmy lichen Lichina pygmaea. In areas of increased shelter there is an occurrence of the fucoids spiral wrack Fucus spiralis, bladder wrack Fucus vesiculosus and channel wrack Pelvetia canaliculata. The lichen zone at the top of the cliff consists of black tar lichen Verrucaria maura with bands of yellow and grey lichens in the splash zone above. Further inland the vegetated coastal slopes support a mixture of maritime grasslands dominated by red fescue Festuca rubra, containing species such as thrift Armeria maritima, buck's-horn plantain Plantago coronopus, cowslip Primula veris and sea campion Silene uniflora. Western gorse Ulex gallii and European gorse Ulex europaeus, and blackthorn Prunus spinosa dominate in areas, along with species such as burnet rose Rosa spinosissima, occasional heather Calluna vulgaris, and spring squill Scilla verna. Species of interest occurring within the maritime grassland, scrub, coastal crevice and shingle communities include maidenhair fern Adiantum capillus-veneris and invertebrates such as the craneflies Dicranomyia goritiensis, Gonomyia conoviensis, Thaumastoptera calceata, pyrallid moth Dolicharthria punctalis, hoverfly Eumerus sabulonum and ground beetle Aepus robini. Nationally scarce mosses and liverworts occur on some of the exposed rocks and slopes around fresh water seepages within the site. These include the mosses Weissia perssonii, Gemmabryum dichotomum, Tortula viridifolia, and Tortula atrovirens and the liverwort Cololejeunea minutissima. Breeding peregrine Falco peregrinus and over wintering greater horseshoe bats Rhinolophus ferrumequinum have also been recorded within the site. Remarks: The site lies entirely within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The site is a component part of Pembrokeshire Marine/Sir Benfro Fôrol Special Area of Conservation for its shallow inlets and bays, mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide, reefs and sea cave features. Greater Horseshoe Bats are listed on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), and on Annex IIa of the EC Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora).
Species mentioned
Show the 59 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 |
| tuning fork algae | Bifurcaria bifurcata | Not listed in GB list | algae brown | cystoseiraceae |
| serrated wrack | Fucus serratus | Not listed in GB list | algae brown | fucaceae |
| spiraled wrack | Fucus spiralis | Not listed in GB list | algae brown | fucaceae |
| bladder wrack | Fucus vesiculosus | Not listed in GB list | algae brown | fucaceae |
| sea oak | Halidrys siliquosa | Not listed in GB list | algae brown | cystoseiraceae |
| oar weed | Laminaria digitata | Not listed in GB list | algae brown | laminariaceae |
| channel wrack | Pelvetia canaliculata | Not listed in GB list | algae brown | fucaceae |
| creeping chain weed | Catenella caespitosa | Not listed in GB list | algae red | caulacanthaceae |
| Irish moss | Chondrus crispus | Not listed in GB list | algae red | gigartinaceae |
| common coral weed | Corallina officinalis | Not listed in GB list | algae red | corallinaceae |
| Dumont's tubular weed | Dumontia contorta | Not listed in GB list | algae red | dumontiaceae |
| no common name | Hildenbrandia rubra | Not listed in GB list | algae red | hilenbrandiaceae |
| bunny-eared bead weed | Lomentaria articulata | Not listed in GB list | algae red | lomentariaceae |
| grape pip weed | Mastocarpus stellatus | Not listed in GB list | algae red | phyllophoraceae |
| pepper dulse | Osmundea pinnatifida | Not listed in GB list | algae red | rhodomelaceae |
| soft feather weed | Plumaria plumosa | Not listed in GB list | algae red | ceramiaceae |
| discoid fork weed | Polyides rotundus | Not listed in GB list | algae red | corallinaceae |
| amphipod | Bathyporeia | Not listed in GB list | amphipod | bathyporeiidae |
| snakelocks anemone | Anemonia viridis | Not listed in GB list | anemone | actiniidae |
| sand mason worm | Lanice conchilega | Not listed in GB list | annelid | terebellidae |
| acorn barnacle | Semibalanus balanoides | Not listed in GB list | barnacle | archaeobalanidae |
| greater horseshoe bat | Rhinolophus ferrumequinum | LC | bat | vespertillonidae |
| beetle | Aepus robini | Not listed in GB list | beetle | carabidae |
| peregrine | Falco peregrinus | LC (Breeding) | bird-hawk | falconidae |
| thin tellin | Angulus tenuis | Not listed in GB list | bivalve | tellinidae |
| blue mussel | Mytilus edulis | LC | bivalve | mytilidae |
| cranefly | Gonomyia conoviensis | Not listed in GB list | cranefly | limoniidae |
| shore crab | Carcinus maenas | Not listed in GB list | crustacean | portunidae |
| maidenhair fern | Adiantum capillus-veneris | LC | fern | adiantaceae |
| Dicranomyia goritiensis | Not listed in GB list | fly | limoniidae | |
| fly | Thaumastoptera calceata | Not listed in GB list | fly | limoniidae |
| red fescue | Festuca rubra | LC | grass | poaceae |
| thrift | Armeria maritima | CR | herb | plumbaginaceae |
| buck's-horn plantain | Plantago coronopus | LC | herb | plantaginaceae |
| cowslip | Primula veris | LC | herb | primulaceae |
| spring squill | Scilla verna | LC | herb | liliaceae |
| sea campion | Silene uniflora | LC | herb | carophyllaceae |
| Dendrodoa grossularia | Not listed in GB list | invertebrate | styelidae | |
| Lichina pygmaea | LC | lichen | lichinaceae | |
| sea tar | Verrucaria maura | Not listed in GB list | lichen | no common name |
| minute pouncewort | Cololejeunea minutissima | Not listed in GB list | liverwort | jungermanniales |
| Bunodactis verrucosa | Not listed in GB list | marine invertebrate | actiniidae | |
| Melarhaphe neritoides | LC | mollusc | littorinidae | |
| Steromphala umbilicalis | LC | mollusc | trochidae | |
| Gemmabryum dichotomum | Not listed in GB list | moss | bryaceae | |
| rib leaf moss | Tortula atrovirens | LC | moss | dicranales |
| bristly pottia | Tortula viridifolia | LC | moss | pottiales |
| no common name | Dolicharthria punctalis | Not listed in GB list | moth | crambidae |
| blow lugworm | Arenicola marina | Not listed in GB list | polychaete | arenicolidae |
| speckled sea louse | Eurydice pulchra | Not listed in GB list | sea louse | cirolanidae |
| sea squirt | Morchellium argus | Not listed in GB list | seasquirt | polyclinidae |
| blackthorn | Prunus spinosa | LC | shrub | rosaceae |
| 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 |
| boring sponge | Cliona celata | Not listed in GB list | sponge | clionaidae |
| purse sponge | Grantia compressa | Not listed in GB list | sponge | grantiidae |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Figure of eight Diloba caeruleocephala |
Endangered | Prunus spinosa, Prunus spp., Rosa spp. |
| The lappet Gastropacha quercifolia |
Endangered | Prunus spinosa, Prunus spp. |
| The grey Hadena caesia |
Endangered | Silene uniflora |
| Duke of Burgundy Hamearis lucina |
Endangered | Primula veris |
| Shoulder-striped clover Heliothis maritima |
Endangered | Calluna vulgaris |
| Glanville fritillary Melitaea cinxia |
Endangered | Plantago coronopus |
| Scarce vapourer Orgyia recens |
Endangered | Prunus spinosa, Rosa spp. |
| Black hairstreak Satyrium pruni |
Endangered | Prunus spinosa |
| The sprawler Asteroscopus sphinx |
Vulnerable | Prunus spinosa, Prunus spp. |
| Broom moth Ceramica pisi |
Vulnerable | Calluna vulgaris |
| Mottled umber Erannis defoliaria |
Vulnerable | Prunus spinosa |
| Marsh fritillary Euphydryas aurinia |
Vulnerable | Plantago spp. |
| Satyr pug Eupithecia satyrata |
Vulnerable | Calluna vulgaris |
| Garden dart Euxoa nigricans |
Vulnerable | Plantago spp. |
| Grayling Hipparchia semele |
Vulnerable | Festuca rubra |
| True lover's knot Lycophotia porphyrea |
Vulnerable | Calluna vulgaris |
| The lackey Malacosoma neustria |
Vulnerable | Prunus spinosa, Prunus spp. |
| Pale brindled Phigalia pilosaria |
Vulnerable | Prunus spinosa, Rosa spp. |
| Silver studded blue Plebejus argus |
Vulnerable | Calluna vulgaris, Ulex spp. |
| Lead belle Scotopteryx mucronata |
Vulnerable | Ulex europaeus |
| Brown hairstreak Thecla betulae |
Vulnerable | Prunus spinosa |
| Early moth Theria primaria |
Vulnerable | Prunus spinosa |
| Pale eggar Trichiura crataegi |
Vulnerable | Calluna vulgaris, Prunus spinosa |
| 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., Prunus spinosa |
| Small heath Coenonympha pamphilus |
Near Threatened | Festuca spp. |
| Grey scalloped Dyscia fagaria |
Near Threatened | Calluna vulgaris |
| Large thorn Ennomos autumnaria |
Near Threatened | Prunus spinosa, Prunus spp. |
| Autumnal rustic Eugnorisma glareosa |
Near Threatened | Calluna vulgaris, Plantago spp. |
| Grey pug Eupithecia subfuscata |
Near Threatened | Prunus spinosa |
| Double dart Graphiphora augur |
Near Threatened | Prunus spinosa |
| 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 7 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Calluna vulgaris, Festuca rubra, Plantago coronopus, Scilla verna, Silene uniflora, Ulex europaeus
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
H8 — Hard cliff and cliff slope, Lowland dry heath, Upland dry heath
Calluna vulgaris-Ulex gallii heath
Matches 5 species from the description above: Calluna vulgaris, Festuca rubra, Scilla verna, Ulex europaeus, 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
MC5 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Armeria maritima-Cerastium diffusum ssp. diffusum maritime therophyte community
Matches 5 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Festuca rubra, Plantago coronopus, Scilla verna, Silene uniflora
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
MC8 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Festuca rubra-Armeria maritima maritime grassland
Matches 5 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Festuca rubra, Plantago coronopus, Scilla verna, Silene uniflora
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
W22 — Hedgerow scrub, Mixed scrub
Prunus spinosa-Rubus fruticosus scrub
Matches 5 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Festuca rubra, Prunus spinosa, Silene uniflora, Ulex europaeus
Show 49 indicator speciesHedera helix, Acer campestre, Corylus avellana, Ulex europaeus, Prunus spinosa, Plagiomnium undulatum, Brachythecium rutabulum, Eurhynchium striatum, Kindbergia praelonga, Thuidium tamariscinum, Atrichum undulatum, Lophocolea bidentata, Achillea millefolium, Cardamine flexuosa, Lonicera periclymenum, Moehringia trinervia, Silene dioica, Silene uniflora, Stellaria media agg., Mercurialis perennis, Geranium robertianum, Stachys sylvatica, Teucrium scorodonia, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Oxalis acetosella, Digitalis purpurea, Plantago lanceolata, Veronica chamaedrys, Armeria maritima, Rumex acetosa, Filipendula ulmaria, Geum urbanum, Rosa canina, Rubus fruticosus agg., Rubus idaeus, Galium aparine, Urtica dioica, Viola riviniana, Agrostis capillaris, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Holcus mollis, Poa trivialis, Asplenium scolopendrium, Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris borreri, Dryopteris filix-mas
MC1 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Crithmum maritimum-Spergularia rupicola maritime rock-crevice community
Matches 4 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Festuca rubra, Plantago coronopus, Silene uniflora
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
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 coronopus, Silene uniflora
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
MC4 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Brassica oleracea 36-ledge community
Matches 4 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Festuca rubra, Plantago coronopus, Silene uniflora
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
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, Plantago coronopus, Silene uniflora
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
MC9 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Festuca rubra-Holcus lanatus maritime grassland
Matches 4 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Festuca rubra, Scilla verna, Silene uniflora
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
MC3 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Rhodiola rosea-Armeria maritima 36-ledge community
Matches 3 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Festuca rubra, Silene uniflora
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
MC7 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Stellaria media-Rumex acetosa sea-bird cliff community
Matches 3 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Festuca rubra, Silene uniflora
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
SD1 — Coastal vegetated shingle, Sand dune
Rumex crispus-Glaucium flavum shingle community
Matches 3 species from the description above: Festuca rubra, Plantago coronopus, Silene uniflora
Show 35 indicator speciesSolanum dulcamara, Crithmum maritimum, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium vulgare, Helminthotheca echioides, Hypochaeris radicata, Jacobaea vulgaris, Lactuca serriola, Leontodon saxatilis, Senecio viscosus, Sonchus arvensis, Sonchus asper, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Crambe maritima, Cerastium fontanum, Honckenya peploides, Sagina apetala, Silene uniflora, Atriplex prostrata, Sedum acre, Euphorbia paralias, Lathyrus japonicus, Geranium robertianum, Glaucium flavum, Plantago coronopus, Plantago lanceolata, Rumex crispus, Potentilla anserina, Ammophila arenaria, Arrhenatherum elatius, Elytrigia atherica, Elytrigia juncea, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne
MG1 — Brownfield, Hard cliff and cliff slope
Arrhenatherum elatius grassland
Matches 2 species from the description above: Festuca rubra, Primula veris
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
MG11 — Brownfield, Coastal floodplain grazing marsh, Hard cliff and cliff slope
Festuca rubra-Agrostis stolonifera-Potentilla anserina grassland
Matches 2 species from the description above: Festuca rubra, Silene uniflora
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
SD2 — Coastal vegetated shingle, Sand dune
Honkenya peploides-Cakile maritima strandline community
Matches 2 species from the description above: Festuca rubra, Silene uniflora
Show 30 indicator speciesSalsola kali, Achillea millefolium, Cirsium arvense, Eryngium maritimum, Hypochaeris radicata, Senecio vulgaris, Sonchus arvensis, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Cakile maritima, Cerastium diffusum, Honckenya peploides, Silene uniflora, Stellaria media agg., Atriplex glabriuscula, Atriplex laciniata, Atriplex littoralis, Atriplex patula, Atriplex prostrata, Sedum acre, Polygonum oxyspermum subsp. Raii, Rumex crispus, Potentilla anserina, Agrostis stolonifera, Ammophila arenaria, Arrhenatherum elatius, Elytrigia juncea, Elytrigia repens, Festuca rubra, Leymus arenarius, Poa annua
SD3 — Coastal vegetated shingle, Sand dune
Matricaria maritima-Galium aparine strandline community
Matches 2 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Festuca rubra
Show 28 indicator speciesBolboschoenus maritimus, Juncus bufonius, Juncus gerardii, Ligusticum scoticum, Matricaria discoidea, Sonchus arvensis, Sonchus asper, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Mertensia maritima, Cakile maritima, Cochlearia officinalis, Honckenya peploides, Stellaria media agg., Atriplex glabriuscula, Atriplex patula, Atriplex prostrata, Triglochin maritimum, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Rumex crispus, Glaux maritima, Galium aparine, Agrostis stolonifera, Elytrigia repens, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Leymus arenarius, Poa annua
W20 — Montane scrub
Salix lapponum-Luzula sylvatica scrub
Matches 2 species from the description above: Calluna vulgaris, Festuca rubra
Show 107 indicator speciesSalix arbuscula, Salix cinerea, Salix lapponum, Salix myrsinites, Salix phylicifolia, Salix reticulata, Empetrum nigrum, Calluna vulgaris, Salix lanata, Vaccinium myrtillus, Vaccinium uliginosum, Carex atrata, Carex bigelowii, Carex binervis, Carex flacca, Luzula multiflora, Luzula sylvatica, Huperzia selago, Selaginella selaginoides, Aulacomnium palustre, Mnium hornum, Philonotis fontana, Plagiomnium undulatum, Rhizomnium punctatum, Dicranum bonjeanii, Dicranum majus, Dicranum scoparium, Fissidens adianthoides, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Ctenidium molluscum, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum callichroum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Palustriella commutatum, Plagiothecium denticulatum, Plagiothecium undulatum, Pleurozium schreberi, Ptilium crista-castrensis, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Sanionia uncinata, Scorpidium revolvens, Thuidium tamariscinum, Atrichum undulatum, Polytrichastrum alpinum, Sphagnum capillifolium, Sphagnum fallax, Sphagnum girgensohnii, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum russowii, Sphagnum squarrosum, Sphagnum subnitens, Sphagnum teres, Barbilophozia barbata, Chiloscyphus polyanthos, Diplophyllum albicans, Lophocolea bidentata, Plagiochila porelloides, Ptilidium ciliare, Scapania undulata, Cladonia squamosa, Peltigera canina, Angelica sylvestris, Caltha palustris, Hieraclium spp., Saussurea alpina, Solidago virgaurea, Campanula rotundifolia, Succisa pratensis, Valeriana officinalis, Rhodiola rosea, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Thymus praecox, Epilobium anagallidifolium, Dactylorhiza viridis, Euphrasia officinalis, Rhinanthus minor, Oxalis acetosella, Oxyria digyna, Polygonum viviparum, Rumex acetosa, Anemone nemorosa, Ranunculus acris, Thalictrum alpinum, Alchemilla alpina, Alchemilla glabra, Filipendula ulmaria, Geum rivale, Galium boreale, Galium saxatile, Saxifraga aizoides, Saxifraga hypnoides, Saxifraga oppositifolia, Saxifraga stellaris, Viola riviniana, Agrostis canina, Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Deschampsia cespitosa, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Nardus stricta, Dryopteris dilatata, Phegopteris connectilis
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
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
MG12 — Coastal floodplain grazing marsh, Hard cliff and cliff slope
Festuca arundinacea grassland
Matches 1 species from the description above: Festuca rubra
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
W21 — Hedgerow scrub, Mixed scrub
Crataegus monogyna-Hedera helix scrub
Matches 1 species from the description above: Prunus spinosa
Show 81 indicator speciesHedera helix, Salix cinerea, Acer pseudoplatanus, Ilex aquifolium, Betula pendula, Corylus avellana, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior, Malus sylvestris, Sorbus aria, Taxus baccata, Ulmus glabra, Ulmus procera, Sambucus nigra, Viburnum lantana, Euonymus europaeus, Cornus sanguinea, Juniperus communis, Ligustrum vulgare, Clematis vitalba, Rhamnus cathartica, Crataegus laevigata, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Juncus effusus, Plagiomnium undulatum, Brachythecium rutabulum, Kindbergia praelonga, Rhynchostegium confertum, Tamus communis, Heracleum sphondylium, Torilis japonica, Arum maculatum, Arctium minus, Cirsium arvense, Lonicera periclymenum, Moehringia trinervia, Silene dioica, Stellaria graminea, Stellaria holostea, Stellaria media agg., Calystegia sepium, Mercurialis perennis, Geranium robertianum, Iris foetidissima, Glechoma hederacea, Lamium purpureum, Origanum vulgare, Stachys sylvatica, Teucrium scorodonia, Allium ursinum, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Circaea lutetiana, Rumex sanguineus, Anemone nemorosa, Ranunculus repens, Fragaria vesca, Geum urbanum, Potentilla sterilis, Poterium sanguisorba, Rosa arvensis, Rosa canina, Rubia peregrina, Rubus fruticosus agg., Galium aparine, Urtica dioica, Viola riviniana, Anisantha sterilis, Arrhenatherum elatius, Brachypodium pinnatum, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Bromopsis erecta, Dactylis glomerata, Elytrigia repens, Holcus lanatus, Holcus mollis, Poa trivialis, Asplenium scolopendrium, Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris filix-mas