Portmuck

Site of Special Scientific Interest · 54.8481, -5.7252

Also within

Climate exposure

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

Coastal

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

Habitats

Hard cliff and cliff slope, Salt marsh

Geology & landscape

Geological Feature: Igneous Intrusion, Rock Outcrop · Geological Period: Cretaceous, Jurassic · Rock Type: Basalt, Chalk, Flint, Limestone, Mudstone, Sandstone, Siltstone

Landscape processes: Coastal, Volcanic / Igneous

Birds & fish recorded

Birds

Species	Season
fulmar	Breeding
guillemot	Breeding
kittiwake	Breeding
puffin	Breeding
razorbill	Breeding
razorbill	Unknown

Description

Portmuck Razorbill Coastal processes, Cretaceous stratigraphy, Tertiary igneous, Mineralogy The coastal section from McIlroy's Port to Isle of Muck exhibits a range of notable geological and geomorphological features. These include, from oldest to youngest, the Mesozoic sediments west of Portmuck harbour, the volcanic vent and associated minerals at McIlroy's Port, the unusual minerals which occur near Isle of Muck and the gravel barrier or tombolo between Isle of Muck and the mainland. The cliffs also support a range of plant species typical of such habitat together with some saltmarsh. The cliffs at the Isle of Muck are the site of a small seabird colony. At Portmuck, Mesozoic strata from the Lias Waterloo Mudstone Formation to the Cretaceous Glenarrn Chalk Member are well exposed in a series of coastal cliffs. The fossiliferous Lower Lias Waterloo Mudstone Formation is exposed as a foreshore outcrop of soft blue clay and limestone. The thin shelly limestone forms a foreshore reef. These are Jurassic in age, some 200 million years old. The Hibernian Greensands Formation is well exposed in the cliffs to the west of Portmuck Harbour and includes sandstone and marl of the Kilcoan Sands, Island Magee Siltstone and Belfast Marls Members. These are the best exposures of the Hibernian Greensands Formation in Northern Ireland and form the oldest Cretaceous sediments present here, dating from some 97 million years ago. The Hibernian Greensands Formation is overlain by the slightly younger Cloghfin Sponge Beds Member. This series is approximately lm thick and is a glauconitic chalk rich in fossil sponges; it contains fragments of Inoceramus shells, a bivalve common in these Cretaceous seas. This in turn is overlain by a sequence of the Ulster White Limestone Formation, 32 m. thick but often much affected by slippage and faulting. McIlroy's Port to the north of Portmuck exhibits an explosive volcanic vent sited in a composite flow. These features date from the Tertiary period, some 60 million years old. This site contains the only known occurrence of the mineral sodalite in Ireland. The lava flow, which is divided into a composite flow, is the best example of this feature in the Antrim basalts. The upper component is some 15 m. thick while the lower basalt is about 3 m thick. The lower zone of the flow is particularly rich in olivine, a mineral which solidifies early in molten basaltic lava, and here has settled due to gravity. Within this lower zone, there are numerous patches and veins of a range of minerals including the sodalite. South ofMcIlroy's Port a conspicuous dolerite dyke intrudes the older chalk and the overlying basalt. The development of a wide range of minerals in the metamorphosed, mineral-filled hollows or amygdales of the adjacent basalts has been noted. The White Limestone is disturbed and baked close to the dyke. The basalt flows just west of this dyke are thin pahoehoe units which exhibit ropey lava surfaces, evidence of a more viscous lava type. A further dolerite dyke, opposite the Isle of Muck, has resulted in the chalk here being replaced by the minerals chalcedony, magnetite and garnet. At the southern end of the site, faulting brings the Lower Basalts to sea-level as a cliffline. Contained in the basalts are a range of secondary minerals known as zeolites. These formed within cavities in the basalt as warm water circulated within the igneous rocks soon after they solidified. The warm water dissolved a range of minerals which solidified as zeolites as the water cooled. Among these is a type first identified from this area and named Gobbinsite; a range of other zeolites are also present. South of Portmuck a gravel barrier, or tombolo, links the Isle of Muck and the mainland. This tombolo is the only such feature on the open sea coast of Northern Ireland. The gravel barrier, composed of rounded gravel and boulders of chalk, flint and basalt, appears to resemble a classic tombolo but it is possible that it did not form in the normal manner for such features. Rather, evidence points to it having originated through southward movement and eventual stranding of a gravel barrier in shallow water. As there is no evidence of fresh gravel input from the adjacent coastline, it is likely that the tombolo is in an advanced stage of development in which a fixed volume of sediment is redistributed within the structure. Evidence of former higher sea-levels can be seen at a number of places within the area. Portmuck exhibits a number of stranded clifflines, notably opposite the Isle of Muck while abandoned sea caves, arches and raised beaches are present to the north of McIlroy's Port. A range of plant communities are associated within the site. Although the cliffs within the site are composed of a variety of rock types, the distribution of these communities depends more on the nature and stability of the cliff section. While the composition of communities may vary in detail, there are a number of species which occur commonly throughout the site in most situations. These include red fescue Festuca rubra, sea mayweed Tripleurospermum maritima, sea plantain Plantago maritima, common scurvey grass Cochlearia officinalis and thrift Armeria maritima. Cliff sections which experience slippage, and so have a disturbed soil, support rank red fescue Festuca rubra, common ragwort Jacobaea vulgaris, common nettle Urtica dioica, perennial sow thistle Sonchus arvensis and hogweed Heracleum sphondylium. Stable, near-vertical rock faces, generally have either high ivy Hedera helix cover or, on less steep faces, sea campion Silene uniflora. Where soil is very thin or almost non-existent on these slopes the grass component is reduced allowing a greater diversity of associated species including harebell Campanula rotundifolia, common knapweed Centaurea nigra, kidney vetch Anthyllis vulneraria, yarrow Achillea millefolium, birdsfoot trefoil Lotus corniculatus, lady's bedstraw Galium verum, wild carrot Daucus carota and sea campion Silene uniflora. These tend to be the most species rich areas within the site. Isle of Muck supports a notable population of breeding seabirds. The most numerous group are the auks with razorbill Alca torda and guillemot Uria aalgae present together with small numbers of puffin Fratercula arctica. Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla and fulmar Fulmarus glacialis are also present together with black guillemot Cepphus grylle which utilises a series of small caves and crevices for nesting. https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/portmuck-assi

Species mentioned

Show the 23 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
razorbill	Alca torda	LC (Breeding)	bird-auk	alcidae
black guillemot	Cepphus grylle	NT (Breeding)	bird-auk	alcidae
puffin	Fratercula arctica	CR (Breeding)	bird-auk	alcidae
guillemot	Uria aalge	LC (Breeding)	bird-auk	alcidae
fulmar	Fulmarus glacialis	CR (Breeding)	bird-fulmar	procellariidae
kittiwake	Rissa tridactyla	EN (Breeding)	bird-gull	laridae
red fescue	Festuca rubra	LC	grass	poaceae
yarrow	Achillea millefolium	LC	herb	asteraceae
lady's fingers (kidney vetch)	Anthyllis vulneraria	NT	herb	fabaceae
thrift	Armeria maritima	CR	herb	plumbaginaceae
harebell	Campanula rotundifolia	LC	herb	campanulaceae
black knapweed	Centaurea nigra	LC	herb	asteraceae
scurvy grass	Cochlearia officinalis	LC	herb	brassicaceae
wild carrot	Daucus carota	LC	herb	apiaceae
lady's bedstraw	Galium verum	LC	herb	rubiaceae
hogweed	Heracleum sphondylium	CR(PE)	herb	apiaceae
ragwort	Jacobaea vulgaris	LC	herb	asteraceae
birdsfoot trefoil	Lotus corniculatus	LC	herb	fabaceae
sea plantain	Plantago maritima	LC	herb	plantaginaceae
sea campion	Silene uniflora	LC	herb	carophyllaceae
perennial sow- thistle	Sonchus arvensis	LC	herb	asteraceae
nettle	Urtica dioica	LC	herb	urticaceae
ivy	Hedera helix	LC	woody climber	araliaceae

Insects to look out for

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

Species	Status	Via host-plant
Black-veined moth Siona lineata	Critically Endangered	Centaurea nigra, Lotus corniculatus
New forest Zygaena viciae	Critically Endangered	Lotus corniculatus
Straw belle Aspitates gilvaria	Endangered	Achillea millefolium, Lotus corniculatus
The grey Hadena caesia	Endangered	Silene uniflora
Wood white Leptidea sinapis	Endangered	Lotus corniculatus
Heath fritillary Melitaea athalia	Endangered	Achillea millefolium
Glanville fritillary Melitaea cinxia	Endangered	Plantago maritima
Sussex emerald Thalera fimbrialis	Endangered	Daucus carota, Jacobaea vulgaris
Slender scotch Zygaena loti	Endangered	Lotus corniculatus
Mouse moth Amphipyra tragopoginis	Vulnerable	Lotus corniculatus
Dingy skipper Erynnis tages	Vulnerable	Lotus corniculatus
Marsh fritillary Euphydryas aurinia	Vulnerable	Plantago spp.
Satyr pug Eupithecia satyrata	Vulnerable	Centaurea spp., Galium spp., Jacobaea vulgaris
Garden dart Euxoa nigricans	Vulnerable	Heracleum sphondylium, Plantago spp.
White-line dart Euxoa tritici	Vulnerable	Galium verum
Grayling Hipparchia semele	Vulnerable	Festuca rubra
Bedstraw hawk-moth Hyles gallii	Vulnerable	Galium spp.
Silver studded blue Plebejus argus	Vulnerable	Lotus corniculatus
Grey chi Antitype chi	Near Threatened	Armeria maritima, Urtica dioica
Garden tiger Arctia caja	Near Threatened	Jacobaea vulgaris, Plantago spp., Urtica dioica
No common name Chrysolina marginata	Near Threatened	Achillea millefolium
Small heath Coenonympha pamphilus	Near Threatened	Festuca spp.
Small blue Cupido minimus	Near Threatened	Anthyllis vulneraria
Brindled ochre Dasypolia templi	Near Threatened	Heracleum sphondylium
Autumnal rustic Eugnorisma glareosa	Near Threatened	Galium spp., Plantago spp.
Tawny speckled Eupithecia icterata	Near Threatened	Achillea millefolium, Jacobaea vulgaris
Grey pug Eupithecia subfuscata	Near Threatened	Achillea millefolium, Centaurea spp., Jacobaea vulgaris
Bordered pug Eupithecia succenturiata	Near Threatened	Achillea millefolium, Jacobaea vulgaris
White-spotted pug Eupithecia tripunctaria	Near Threatened	Daucus carota, Heracleum sphondylium, Jacobaea vulgaris
Broad-barred white Hecatera bicolorata	Near Threatened	Sonchus spp.
Scarce forester Jordanita globulariae	Near Threatened	Centaurea nigra
Swallowtail papilio Papilio machaon	Near Threatened	Daucus carota
Dark-barred twin-spot carpet Xanthorhoe ferrugata	Near Threatened	Galium spp.

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

MC9 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Festuca rubra-Holcus lanatus maritime grassland

Matches 14 species from the description above: Achillea millefolium, Anthyllis vulneraria, Armeria maritima, Campanula rotundifolia, Centaurea nigra, Cochlearia officinalis, Daucus carota, Festuca rubra, Galium verum, Heracleum sphondylium, Jacobaea vulgaris, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago maritima, Silene uniflora

Show 67 indicator species

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 11 species from the description above: Achillea millefolium, Anthyllis vulneraria, Armeria maritima, Cochlearia officinalis, Daucus carota, Festuca rubra, Galium verum, Jacobaea vulgaris, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago maritima, Silene uniflora

Show 77 indicator species

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

MG1 — Brownfield, Hard cliff and cliff slope

Arrhenatherum elatius grassland

Matches 11 species from the description above: Achillea millefolium, Campanula rotundifolia, Centaurea nigra, Daucus carota, Festuca rubra, Galium verum, Hedera helix, Heracleum sphondylium, Jacobaea vulgaris, Lotus corniculatus, Urtica dioica

Show 102 indicator species

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

H7 — Hard cliff and cliff slope, Lowland dry heath

Calluna vulgaris-Scilla verna heath

Matches 9 species from the description above: Achillea millefolium, Anthyllis vulneraria, Armeria maritima, Daucus carota, Festuca rubra, Galium verum, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago maritima, Silene uniflora

Show 70 indicator species

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

MC8 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Festuca rubra-Armeria maritima maritime grassland

Matches 9 species from the description above: Achillea millefolium, Anthyllis vulneraria, Armeria maritima, Cochlearia officinalis, Daucus carota, Festuca rubra, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago maritima, Silene uniflora

Show 45 indicator species

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

SM28 — Salt marsh

Elymus repens salt-marsh community

Matches 9 species from the description above: Centaurea nigra, Cochlearia officinalis, Festuca rubra, Heracleum sphondylium, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago maritima, Silene uniflora, Sonchus arvensis, Urtica dioica

Show 51 indicator species

Bolboschoenus maritimus, Carex otrubae, Eleocharis uniglumis, Juncus gerardii, Kindbergia praelonga, Odontites verna, Anthriscus sylvestris, Apium graveolens, Heracleum sphondylium, Oenanthe crocata, Oenanthe lachenalii, Torilis japonica, Centaurea nigra, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium vulgare, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Sonchus arvensis, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Cochlearia anglica, Cochlearia officinalis, Silene uniflora, Stellaria media agg., Atriplex hastata, Atriplex littoralis, Calystegia sepium, Lotus corniculatus, Medicago lupulina, Melilotus altissima, Trifolium repens, Vicia cracca, Triglochin maritimum, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Rumex conglomeratus, Rumex crispus, Glaux maritima, Potentilla anserina, Galium aparine, Urtica dioica, Agrostis stolonifera, Alopecurus geniculatus, Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Deschampsia cespitosa, Elytrigia repens, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne, Poa pratensis, Puccinellia maritima, Schedonorus arundinaceus

MC4 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Brassica oleracea 36-ledge community

Matches 7 species from the description above: Anthyllis vulneraria, Armeria maritima, Centaurea nigra, Daucus carota, Festuca rubra, Jacobaea vulgaris, Silene uniflora

Show 33 indicator species

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

MC1 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Crithmum maritimum-Spergularia rupicola maritime rock-crevice community

Matches 6 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Cochlearia officinalis, Daucus carota, Festuca rubra, Plantago maritima, Silene uniflora

Show 19 indicator species

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

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

Festuca rubra-Agrostis stolonifera-Potentilla anserina grassland

Matches 6 species from the description above: Cochlearia officinalis, Festuca rubra, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago maritima, Silene uniflora, Urtica dioica

Show 64 indicator species

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

SM18 — Salt marsh

Juncus maritimus salt-marsh community

Matches 6 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Cochlearia officinalis, Festuca rubra, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago maritima, Sonchus arvensis

Show 32 indicator species

Carex distans, Carex extensa, Carex otrubae, Juncus gerardii, Juncus maritimus, Amblystegium serpens, Kindbergia praelonga, Oenanthe lachenalii, Cirsium arvense, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Sonchus arvensis, Cochlearia officinalis, Silene flos-cuculi, Atriplex hastata, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium repens, Vicia cracca, Triglochin maritimum, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Rumex crispus, Glaux maritima, Samolus valerandi, Ranunculus acris, Potentilla anserina, Galium palustre, Agrostis stolonifera, Elytrigia repens, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Poa pratensis, Schedonorus arundinaceus

MC2 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Armeria maritima-Ligusticum scoticum maritime rock-crevice community

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

Show 17 indicator species

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

MC3 — Hard cliff and cliff slope

Rhodiola rosea-Armeria maritima 36-ledge community

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

Show 15 indicator species

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

MC6 — Coastal vegetated shingle, Hard cliff and cliff slope

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

Matches 5 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Cochlearia officinalis, Daucus carota, Festuca rubra, Silene uniflora

Show 17 indicator species

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 5 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Cochlearia officinalis, Festuca rubra, Plantago maritima, Silene uniflora

Show 24 indicator species

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

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

Calluna vulgaris-Ulex gallii heath

Matches 4 species from the description above: Festuca rubra, Galium verum, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago maritima

Show 59 indicator species

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

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

Festuca arundinacea grassland

Matches 4 species from the description above: Festuca rubra, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago maritima, Sonchus arvensis

Show 56 indicator species

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

SM13 — Salt marsh

Puccinellia maritima salt-marsh community

Matches 4 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Cochlearia officinalis, Festuca rubra, Plantago maritima

Show 23 indicator species

Atriplex portulacoides, Juncus gerardii, Suaeda maritima, Aster tripolium, Cochlearia anglica, Cochlearia officinalis, Spergularia media, Atriplex hastata, Salicornia europaea, Salicornia perennis, Triglochin maritimum, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Limonium humile, Limonium vulgare, Glaux maritima, Agrostis stolonifera, Festuca rubra, Puccinellia maritima, Spartina anglica, Spartina maritima, Bostrychia scorpioides, Fucus cottonii

SM15 — Salt marsh

Juncus maritimus-Triglochin maritima salt-marsh community

Matches 4 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Cochlearia officinalis, Festuca rubra, Plantago maritima

Show 24 indicator species

Atriplex portulacoides, Carex extensa, Juncus gerardii, Juncus maritimus, Suaeda maritima, Oenanthe lachenalii, Artemisia maritima, Cochlearia anglica, Cochlearia officinalis, Spergularia media, Atriplex hastata, Salicornia europaea, Triglochin maritimum, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Limonium humile, Limonium vulgare, Glaux maritima, Agrostis stolonifera, Festuca rubra, Phragmites australis, Puccinellia maritima, Spartina anglica, Fucus cottonii

SM16 — Salt marsh

Festuca rubra salt-marsh community

Matches 4 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Festuca rubra, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago maritima

Show 30 indicator species

Atriplex portulacoides, Carex distans, Carex flacca, Juncus gerardii, Hypnum cupressiforme, Kindbergia praelonga, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Cochlearia anglica, Cerastium fontanum, Sagina procumbens, Spergularia media, Atriplex hastata, Salicornia europaea, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium repens, Triglochin maritimum, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Limonium vulgare, Glaux maritima, Ranunculus acris, Potentilla anserina, Agrostis stolonifera, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Cynosurus cristatus, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Puccinellia maritima

SM17 — Salt marsh

Artemisia maritima salt-marsh community

Matches 4 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Cochlearia officinalis, Festuca rubra, Plantago maritima

Show 24 indicator species

Atriplex portulacoides, Juncus gerardii, Juncus maritimus, Suaeda maritima, Suaeda vera, Artemisia maritima, Cochlearia anglica, Cochlearia officinalis, Spergularia media, Atriplex hastata, Salicornia europaea, Triglochin maritimum, Plantago coronopus, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Limonium vulgare, Glaux maritima, Agrostis stolonifera, Elytrigia atherica, Elytrigia repens, Festuca rubra, Hordeum marinum, Parapholis strigosa, Puccinellia maritima

SM21 — Salt marsh

Suaeda vera-Limonium binervosum salt-marsh community

Matches 4 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Cochlearia officinalis, Festuca rubra, Plantago maritima

Show 21 indicator species

Atriplex portulacoides, Frankenia laevis, Suaeda maritima, Suaeda vera, Artemisia maritima, Cochlearia anglica, Cochlearia danica, Cochlearia officinalis, Sagina maritima, Spergularia marina, Spergularia media, Salicornia europaea, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Limonium bellidifolium, Limonium binervosum, Limonium vulgare, Glaux maritima, Elytrigia atherica, Festuca rubra, Puccinellia maritima

SM24 — Salt marsh

Elymus pycnanthus salt-marsh community

Matches 4 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Festuca rubra, Plantago maritima, Sonchus arvensis

Show 24 indicator species

Atriplex portulacoides, Juncus gerardii, Juncus maritimus, Hypnum cupressiforme, Suaeda vera, Artemisia maritima, Aster tripolium, Sonchus arvensis, Atriplex hastata, Atriplex littoralis, Beta vulgaris sp maritima, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Limonium vulgare, Glaux maritima, Potentilla anserina, Galium aparine, Agrostis stolonifera, Ammophila arenaria, Elytrigia atherica, Festuca rubra, Parapholis strigosa, Phragmites australis, Puccinellia maritima

SM19 — Saline lagoon, Salt marsh

Blysmus rufus salt-marsh community

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

Show 26 indicator species

Blysmus rufus, Carex extensa, Carex lepidocarpa, Carex nigra, Eleocharis quinqueflora, Eleocharis uniglumis, Juncus articulatus, Juncus gerardii, Amblystegium serpens, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Drepanocladus polygamus, Leptodictyum riparium, Oenanthe lachenalii, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Cochlearia anglica, Trifolium repens, Triglochin maritimum, Triglochin palustre, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Glaux maritima, Potentilla anserina, Agrostis stolonifera, Alopecurus geniculatus, Festuca rubra, Puccinellia maritima

SM20 — Saline lagoon, Salt marsh

Eleocharis uniglumis salt-marsh community

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

Show 25 indicator species

Bolboschoenus maritimus, Carex distans, Carex extensa, Carex nigra, Eleocharis quinqueflora, Eleocharis uniglumis, Juncus articulatus, Juncus gerardii, Leptodictyum riparium, Oenanthe lachenalii, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Atriplex hastata, Trifolium repens, Triglochin maritimum, Triglochin palustre, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Glaux maritima, Samolus valerandi, Potentilla anserina, Galium palustre, Agrostis stolonifera, Alopecurus geniculatus, Festuca rubra

SM22 — Salt marsh

Halimione portulacoides-Frankenia laevis salt-marsh community

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

Show 14 indicator species

Atriplex portulacoides, Frankenia laevis, Suaeda maritima, Spergularia media, Salicornia europaea, Salicornia perennis, Plantago coronopus, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Limonium vulgare, Elytrigia juncea, Festuca rubra, Parapholis strigosa, Puccinellia maritima

SM25 — Salt marsh

Suaeda vera drift-line community

Matches 3 species from the description above: Cochlearia officinalis, Festuca rubra, Plantago maritima

Show 20 indicator species

Atriplex portulacoides, Suaeda maritima, Suaeda vera, Artemisia maritima, Cochlearia anglica, Cochlearia danica, Cochlearia officinalis, Spergularia media, Atriplex littoralis, Salicornia europaea, Salicornia perennis, Triglochin maritimum, Plantago maritima, Limonium vulgare, Glaux maritima, Elytrigia atherica, Festuca rubra, Puccinellia maritima, Bostrychia scorpioides, Pelvetia canaliculata

SM26 — Salt marsh

Inula crithmoides stands

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

Show 14 indicator species

Atriplex portulacoides, Suaeda maritima, Inula crithmoides, Spergularia media, Salicornia europaea, Salicornia perennis, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Limonium vulgare, Elytrigia atherica, Festuca rubra, Puccinellia maritima, Spartina anglica, Bostrychia scorpioides

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

Holcus lanatus-Juncus effusus rush-pasture

Matches 2 species from the description above: Festuca rubra, Urtica dioica

Show 58 indicator species

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

SM14 — Salt marsh

Halimione portulacoides salt-marsh community

Matches 2 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Plantago maritima

Show 16 indicator species

Atriplex portulacoides, Juncus maritimus, Suaeda maritima, Artemisia maritima, Aster tripolium, Inula crithmoides, Spergularia media, Salicornia europaea, Salicornia perennis, Triglochin maritimum, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Limonium vulgare, Elytrigia atherica, Puccinellia maritima, Spartina anglica

SM23 — Salt marsh

Spergularia marina-Puccinellia distans salt-marsh community

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

Show 18 indicator species

Atriplex portulacoides, Juncus bufonius, Suaeda maritima, Spergularia marina, Spergularia media, Atriplex hastata, Salicornia europaea, Triglochin maritimum, Plantago maritima, Polygonum aviculare, Glaux maritima, Agrostis stolonifera, Alopecurus geniculatus, Elytrigia atherica, Festuca rubra, Parapholis strigosa, Puccinellia distans, Puccinellia maritima

SM10 — Salt marsh

Transitional low-marsh vegetation with Puccinellia maritima annual Salicornia species and Suaeda maritima

Matches 1 species from the description above: Armeria maritima

Show 10 indicator species

Atriplex portulacoides, Suaeda maritima, Aster tripolium, Spergularia media, Salicornia europaea, Triglochin maritimum, Armeria maritima, Limonium vulgare, Puccinellia maritima, Spartina anglica

SM11 — Salt marsh

Aster tripolium var. discoideus salt-marsh community

Matches 1 species from the description above: Plantago maritima

Show 12 indicator species

Atriplex portulacoides, Suaeda maritima, Aster tripolium, Spergularia media, Salicornia europaea, Salicornia perennis, Plantago maritima, Puccinellia maritima, Spartina anglica, Bostrychia scorpioides, Fucus vesiculosus, Pelvetia canaliculata

SM12 — Salt marsh

Rayed Aster Tripolium on slat marshes

Matches 1 species from the description above: Plantago maritima

Show 13 indicator species

Schoenoplectus lacustris, Juncus bufonius, Suaeda maritima, Aster tripolium, Spergularia marina, Spergularia media, Atriplex hastata, Salicornia europaea, Triglochin maritimum, Plantago maritima, Puccinellia distans, Puccinellia maritima, Spartina anglica

SM6 — Salt marsh

Spartina anglica salt-marsh community

Matches 1 species from the description above: Plantago maritima

Show 14 indicator species

Atriplex portulacoides, Suaeda maritima, Aster tripolium, Cochlearia anglica, Spergularia media, Atriplex hastata, Salicornia europaea, Plantago maritima, Limonium vulgare, Puccinellia maritima, Spartina anglica, Catenella caespitosa, Fucus vesiculosus, Fucus vesiculosus ecad volubilis

SM1 — Salt marsh

Zostera communities

Show 15 indicator species

Zostera angustifolia, Zostera marina, Zostera noltei, Spartina anglica, Porphyra umbilicalis, Chondria dasyphylla, Polysiphonia nigra, Chara aspera, Chaetomorpha linum, Chaetomorpha tortuosa, Cladophora battersii, Cladophora retroflexa, Ulva intestinalis, Ulva lactuca, Fucus spiralis

SM2 — Salt marsh

Ruppia maritima salt-marsh community

Show 1 indicator species

Ruppia maritima

SM3 — Salt marsh

Eleocharis parvula salt-marsh community

Show 1 indicator species

Eleocharis parvula

SM4 — Salt marsh

Spartina maritima salt-marsh community

Show 6 indicator species

Suaeda maritima, Salicornia europaea, Salicornia perennis, Puccinellia maritima, Spartina anglica, Spartina maritima

SM5 — Salt marsh

Spartina alterniflora salt-marsh community

Show 3 indicator species

Puccinellia maritima, Spartina alterniflora, Spartina anglica

SM7 — Salt marsh

Arthrocnemum perenne stands

Show 9 indicator species

Atriplex portulacoides, Suaeda maritima, Aster tripolium, Spergularia media, Salicornia europaea, Salicornia perennis, Limonium vulgare, Puccinellia maritima, Bostrychia scorpioides

SM8 — Salt marsh

Annual Salicornia salt-marsh community

Show 6 indicator species

Atriplex portulacoides, Suaeda maritima, Aster tripolium, Salicornia europaea, Puccinellia maritima, Spartina anglica

SM9 — Salt marsh

Suaeda maritima salt-marsh community

Show 6 indicator species

Atriplex portulacoides, Suaeda maritima, Aster tripolium, Salicornia europaea, Puccinellia maritima, Spartina anglica