Town Common

Site of Special Scientific Interest · 50.7798, -1.8226

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Dorset County

Condition (Natural England)

Unfavourable Recovering (10) Unfavourable Declining (5) Favourable (1) Unfavourable No Change (8)
UnitFeatureConditionArea (ha)Assessed
SZ126978 — Unfavourable Recovering 1.39 2009-10-26
SZ127982 — Unfavourable Declining 8.09 2010-09-20
SZ131974 — Unfavourable Recovering 17.22 2010-06-28
SZ131980 — Unfavourable Recovering 24.27 2010-04-27
SZ133973 — Unfavourable Recovering 11.49 2010-06-28
SZ134965 — Unfavourable Recovering 3.41 2010-06-28
SZ134971 — Favourable 3.45 2010-09-14
SZ135968 — Unfavourable Recovering 14.65 2011-09-20
SZ138960 — Unfavourable Recovering 15.87 2014-02-24
SZ139966 — Unfavourable Recovering 40.4 2010-11-25
SZ140961 — Unfavourable No Change 13.53 2010-11-16
SZ142954 — Unfavourable No Change 18.23 2011-10-14
SZ142964 — Unfavourable Declining 2.27 2010-11-07
SZ143951 — Unfavourable No Change 0.54 2009-06-10
SZ143966 — Unfavourable No Change 24.09 2009-07-28
SZ144954 — Unfavourable No Change 1.27 2009-06-10
SZ144956 — Unfavourable No Change 1.44 2009-06-10
SZ144957 — Unfavourable No Change 17.85 2011-09-05
SZ145952 — Unfavourable Recovering 2.4 2013-07-29
SZ146950 — Unfavourable No Change 25.12 2012-01-03
SZ146958 — Unfavourable Declining 2.51 2012-03-12
SZ146960 — Unfavourable Recovering 7.36 2016-03-01
SZ147952 — Unfavourable Declining 2.27 2010-11-07
SZ147953 — Unfavourable Declining 2.51 2012-03-12

Climate exposure

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

Peatland

Peat habitats store centuries of carbon and depend on a stable, waterlogged water table. Warmer, drier summers dry out peat, making it far more vulnerable to wildfire and to carbon release — a pressure that can undo years of restoration work regardless of how well the site is otherwise managed.

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

Blanket bog, Fast flowing river and stream, Lowland wet heath, Purple moor grass and rush pasture, Upland wet heath, Valley mire

Geology & landscape

Geological Feature: River Terrace · Geological Period: Paleogene

Landscape processes: Coastal, Fluvial, Peatland / Mire

Birds & fish recorded

Birds

SpeciesSeason
dartford warbler Breeding
hobby Breeding
hobby Wintering
nightjar Breeding
redshank Breeding
redshank Wintering
shelduck Breeding
shelduck Wintering
snipe Breeding
snipe Wintering
sparrowhawk Breeding
sparrowhawk Wintering
stonechat Breeding
teal Breeding
teal Wintering
tree pipit Breeding
woodcock Breeding

Description

Area, 256.75 ha Description Town Common SSSI covers an extensive tract of lowland heathland centred on a hilly ridge separating the flood plain of the Avon Valley from the Moors River. Exposures of the deposits forming this ridge are of special geological interest. The topography is diverse and with variations in the underlying geology and drainage conditions, there is a varied mosaic of heathland plant communities. Areas of succession from open heath to conifer and mixed woodland add further interest. The heathland is especially valued for a wide assemblage of bird, reptile, dragonfly and other invertebrate species distinctive to this habitat, including several that are nationally rare or scarce. Further heathland, wet grassland and other wetland covered by the adjoining Avon Valley, Moors River and Hurn Common SSSIs place Town Common within an exceptionally large tract of such habitats for lowland Britain. This entire area has a national and international importance for its wildlife interest. St. Catherine’s Hill at the southern end of the ridge provides key evidence for reconstructing the geography of the area during late Eocene times, some 35 to 40 million years ago. Two disused pits expose a sequence offine sands and silty clays containing plant debris and the sediments show evidence of having been laid down in fluvial river lain or estuarine conditions. The strata are the lateral equivalents of marine rocks “ Lower Barton Beds” seen at Hengistbury Head and Friar’s Cliff on the coast to the south. They are the only known strata of this age in southern England to have been laid down in a fluvial or estuarine environment, all others having been deposited under marine conditions. If the determination of the age of the rocks seen at St. Catherine’s Hill is correct, then the site is of critical importance in showing that the late Eocene shoreline lay in the area between Christchurch and Hengistbury Head. Lowland heathland has become much reduced in extent both in Britain and continental Europe. The loss in south east Dorset has been about 86 percent since the mid 18th century but this remains one of the few locations in Britain where heathland has an extensive presence. The tract at Town Common is relatively little fragmented and includes one of the largest unbroken blocks. The heathland has developed on infertile and mostly sandy soils, which along the ridge are derived from the Branksome Sand and Poole Formation, with occasional clay layers causing impeded drainage on the slopes. A broad, low lying plain extends along the eastern flank of the ridge on Head and River Terrace deposits, widely giving rise to poorly drained clayey sands. In places these deposits have a rather hummocky surface due to areas of blown sand. Gravely sands from an older river terrace cap parts of the ridge adding yet further diversity to the physical nature of the site. The freely drained soils on the higher ground support dry heath. This is dominated by heather Calluna vulgaris, a dwarf shrub which widely forms deep, mature stands. bell heather Erica cinerea and dwarf gorse Ulex minor also occur, while bare areas of firm, sandy ground are important for the diminutive and nationally scarce mossy stonecrop Crassula tillaea. Cross leaved heath Erica tetralix becomes significant where conditions are less dry, forming a humid heath. In places this vegetation supports an abundance of Cladonia lichens such as C. impexa. On large parts of the ridge, particularly at St. Catherine’s Hill, the heathland has been replaced by pine woodland. Other areas are at a transitional wooded heath stage with invading Scot's pine Pinus sylvestris, maritime pine Pinus pinaster and birch Betula species. This succession to woodland provides temporary niches for heathland edge animals, mostly notably some bird species, but causes a decline and eventual loss of the heathland interest. Flushes on the slopes of the ridge give rise to a sequence of communities from the dry and humid heath to wet heath and valley mire. The wet heath occurs on seasonally waterlogged soils, with differences in soil moisture conditions leading to varying proportions of heather, crossleaved heath, purple moor grass Molinia caerulea and certain bog moss Sphagnum species such as Sphagnum compactum. Where the soils are permanently waterlogged small valley mires have developed on peat. These areas are more floristically rich. Among the characteristic plants are bog asphodel Narthecium ossifragum and cotton grass Eriophorum species, including hare’s tail cotton grass Eriophorum vaginatum which is very local in Dorset and further species of bog moss such as the nationally scarce Sphagnum pulchrum. The insectivorous plants oblong leaved sundew Drosera intermedia, round leaved sundew Drosera rotundifolia and pale butterwort Pinguicula lusitanica are particularly associated with this community and also open patches of peat within the wet heath. The broad plain on the eastern flank of the ridge extends from near the Moors River in the north to the flood plain of the Avon Valley. Wet and humid heath widely dominates the rather flat and poorly drained land, while occasional hummocks provide transitions to dry heath. Numerous pools are scattered across this plain. These support carpets of the aquatic bog moss Sphagnum cuspidatum and margins that include purple moor grass, many stalked spike rush Eleocharis multicaulis, common cotton grass Eriophorum angustifolium, white beak sedge Rhynchospora alba and the nationally scarce brown beak sedge Rhyncospora fusca. The heathland is used by a diverse assemblage of dragonflies and damselflies Odonata, with some 24 species recorded in recent years. Some of these species occur as a consequence of the close position of the heathland with breeding locations along the Moors River and the wetlands of the Avon Valley. The scarce chaser Libellula fulva, a nationally rare damselfly, is an example. The many heathland pools support breeding populations of other species such as hairy dragonfly Brachytron pratense and downy emerald Cordulia aenea, both nationally scarce and black tailed skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum, another local species. Other insect groups strongly associated with lowland heathland have been little studied at this site, but the available records indicate a significant interest. The assemblage of grasshoppers and crickets Orthoptera includes the nationally rare heath grasshopper Chorthippus vagans and the nationally scarce bog bush cricket Metrioptera brachyptera. Suitable short heathland supports silver studded blue butterfly Plebejus argus, also nationally scarce. The spiders Arachnida include many rare, scarce and local species such as the pirate spider Eroaphana presently recorded from only a few east Dorset heathlands, a jumping spider Evarcha arcuata and a crab spider Thomisus onustus. The site has breeding populations of all six reptile species native to Britain. These include the rare sand lizard Lacerta agilis* and smooth snake Coronella austriaca* which are typically associated with the mature dry heath. This is an especially important stronghold for the sand lizard in Britain, with the many favourable heathland slopes supporting widespread populations. The bird interest is substantial. The dry heath supports a large population of the rare Dartford warbler Sylvia undata §, with the number of breeding pairs reaching about two percent of the British total. Among the other breeding birds of the open heath are stonechat Saxicola rubicola and the rare woodlark Lullula arborea §, while species of the heathland edge such as nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus§ and tree pipit Anthus trivialis also use the wooded heath. The woodlands attract a further range of breeding birds including woodcock Scolopax rusticola, green and great spotted woodpecker Picus viridis and Dendrocopos major and siskin Carduelio spinus. There is also a mix of heathland and woodland raptors with the site being used during the breeding season by species such as hobby Falco subbuteo †, sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus and long eared owl Asio otus. The proximity of the ornithologically important wetlands of the Avon Valley and the extensive presence of wet heath and pools serves to attract a variety of wildfowl and waders. Small numbers of snipe Gallinago gallinago are often present, together in winter with teal and other wildfowl. The site has supported several of these wetland birds as breeding species including snipe, redshank Tringa totanus and shelduck Tadorna tadorna. * Species listed in Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. † Species listed in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. § Species listed in Annex 1 of the EC Birds Directive.

Species mentioned

English name
search for this in other sites		 Latin name
search with Google		 IUCN / Red List Type Family
stonechat Saxicola torquatus Not listed in GB list bird muscicapidae
teal Anas crecca LC (NonBreeding), LC (Breeding) bird-duck anatidae
shelduck Tadorna tadorna EN (NonBreeding), EN (Breeding) bird-duck anatidae
siskin Spinus spinus LC (Breeding) bird-finch fringillidae
sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus NT (Breeding) bird-hawk falconidae
hobby Falco subbuteo LC (Breeding) bird-hawk falconidae
woodlark Lullula arborea VU (Breeding) bird-lark alaudidae
nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus LC (Breeding) bird-nightjar caprimulgidae
long-eared owl Asio otus LC (Breeding) bird-owl strigidae
tree pipit Anthus trivialis LC (Breeding) bird-pipit motacillidae
stonechat Saxicola rubicola LC (Breeding) bird-robin muscicapidae
snipe Gallinago gallinago DD (NonBreeding) bird-snipe scolopacidae
redshank Tringa totanus EN (NonBreeding) bird-wader scolopacidae
dartford warbler Sylvia undata Not listed in GB list bird-warbler sylviidae
woodcock Scolopax rusticola LC (NonBreeding), VU (Breeding) bird-woodcock scolopacidae
great spotted woodpecker Dendrocopos major LC (Breeding) bird-woodpecker picidae
green woodpecker Picus viridis LC (Breeding) bird-woodpecker picidae
bog bush-cricket Metrioptera brachyptera LC bush cricket tettigoniidae
silver studded blue Plebejus argus VU butterfly lycaenidae
hairy dragonfly Brachytron pratense LC dragonfly aeshnidae
downy emerald dragonfly Cordulia aenea LC dragonfly cordulidae
scarce chaser Libellula fulva NT dragonfly libellulidae
black-tailed skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum LC dragonfly libellulidae
purple moor grass Molinia caerulea LC grass poaceae
heath grasshopper Chorthippus vagans NT grasshoppers acrididae
mossy stonecrop Crassula tillaea LC herb crassulaceae
oblong-leaved sundew Drosera intermedia LC herb droceraceae
round leaved sundew Drosera rotundifolia LC herb droceraceae
bog asphodel Narthecium ossifragum LC herb nartheciaceae
pale butterwort Pinguicula lusitanica LC herb lentibulariaceae
compact bog moss Sphagnum compactum LC moss sphagnales
feathery bog moss Sphagnum cuspidatum LC moss sphagnales
golden bog moss Sphagnum pulchrum LC moss sphagnales
smooth snake Coronella austriaca EN reptile colubridae
sand lizard Lacerta agilis EN reptile lacertidae
many-stemmed spike-rush Eleocharis multicaulis LC rush juncaceae
common cottongrass Eriophorum angustifolium NT sedge cyperaceae
hare's-tail cottongrass Eriophorum vaginatum LC sedge cyperaceae
white-beak sedge Rhynchospora alba LC sedge cyperaceae
dwarf gorse Ulex minor LC shrub leguminosae
bell heather or ling Calluna vulgaris NT shrub dwarf ericaceae
bell heather Erica cinerea NT shrub dwarf ericaceae
cross leaved heath Erica tetralix NT shrub dwarf ericaceae
spider Evarcha arcuata LC spider salticidae
maritime pine Pinus pinaster Not listed in GB list tree pinaceae
Scot's pine Pinus sylvestris LC tree pinaceae

Plant communities

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

Potamogeton natans community

Schoenoplectus lacustris, Juncus bulbosus, Sparganium angustifolium, Sparganium erectum, Sparganium minimum, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Lobelia dortmanna, Equisetum fluviatile, Myriophyllum alterniflorum, Elodea canadensis, Lemna minor, Lemna trisulca, Nymphaea alba, Callitriche platycarpa, Callitriche stagnalis, Littorella uniflora, Potamogeton natans, Ranunculus trichophyllus, Glyceria fluitans, Chara subspinosa

A14 — Fast flowing river and stream

Myriophyllum alterniflorum community

Isolepis fluitans, Juncus bulbosus, Fontinalis antipyretica, Lobelia dortmanna, Equisetum fluviatile, Myriophyllum alterniflorum, Lemna minor, Callitriche stagnalis, Littorella uniflora, Potamogeton filiformis, Potamogeton gramineus, Potamogeton natans, Ranunculus peltatus, Chara spp., Nitella hyalina

A17 — Chalk river and stream, Fast flowing river and stream

Ranunculus penicillatus ssp. pseudofluitans community

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

A18 — Fast flowing river and stream

Ranunculus fluitans community

Fontinalis antipyretica, Fontinalis squamosa var. curnowii, Myriophyllum alterniflorum, Myriophyllum spicatum, Elodea canadensis, Mentha aquatica, Lemna gibba, Lemna minor, Potamogeton perfoliatus, Ranunculus fluitans, Glyceria fluitans, Phalaris arundinacea

H3 — Lowland dry heath, Lowland wet heath

Ulex minor-Agrostis curtisii heath

Quercus 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

H4 — Lowland dry heath, Lowland wet heath, Upland dry heath

Ulex gallii-Agrostis curtisii heath

Salix 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

Salix 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

M1 — Blanket bog, Raised bog

Sphagnum auriculatum bog pool community

Erica tetralix, Myrica gale, Carex limosa, Eriophorum angustifolium, Rhynchospora alba, Rhynchospora fusca, Trichophorum cespitosum, Eleocharis multicaulis, Juncus bulbosus, Sphagnum auriculatum, Sphagnum cuspidatum, Sphagnum fallax, Sphagnum magellanicum, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum papillosum, Sphagnum pulchrum, Sphagnum subnitens, Cladopodiella fluitans, Gymnocolea inflata, Ordontoschisma sphagni, Drosera anglica, Drosera intermedia, Drosera rotundifolia, Utricularia intermedia, Utricularia minor, Menyanthes trifoliata, Narthecium ossifragum, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Scheuchzeria palustris, Molinia caerulea

M2 — Blanket bog, Raised bog, Valley mire

Sphagnum cuspidatum/recurvum bog pool community

Empetrum nigrum subsp.nigrum, Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Myrica gale, Andromeda polifolia, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Carex canescens, Carex magellanica, Carex rostrata, Eriophorum angustifolium, Eriophorum vaginatum, Rhynchospora alba, Aulacomnium palustre, Polytrichum commune, Polytrichum strictum, Sphagnum cuspidatum, Sphagnum fallax, Sphagnum magellanicum, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum papillosum, Sphagnum pulchrum, Sphagnum tenellum, Cephalozia connivens, Cephalozia lunulifolia, Gymnocolea inflata, Mylia anomala, Ordontoschisma sphagni, Cladonia impexa, Cladonia uncialis, Drosera anglica, Drosera intermedia, Drosera rotundifolia, Menyanthes trifoliata, Narthecium ossifragum, Agrostis canina, Deschampsia flexuosa, Molinia caerulea

M3 — Blanket bog, Raised bog

Eriophorum angustifolium bog pool community

Empetrum nigrum subsp.nigrum, Erica tetralix, Eriophorum angustifolium, Eriophorum vaginatum, Campylopus brevipilus, Drepanocladus fluitans, Polytrichum commune, Sphagnum cuspidatum, Sphagnum fallax, Sphagnum papillosum, Gymnocolea inflata, Ordontoschisma sphagni, Drosera rotundifolia, Agrostis canina, Molinia caerulea

M12 — Upland spring flush, Valley mire

Carex saxatilis mire

Salix herbacea, Carex atrofusca, Carex bigelowii, Carex canescens, Carex demissa, Carex dioica, Carex echinata, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Carex pulicaris, Carex saxatilis, Carex vaginata, Eriophorum angustifolium, Juncus articulatus, Juncus castaneus, Juncus triglumis, Luzula multiflora, Luzula spicata, Huperzia selago, Selaginella selaginoides, Bryum pseudotriquetrum, Cinclidium stygium, Mnium hornum, Philonotis fontana, Rhizomnium pseudopunctatum, Dicranum scoparium, Fissidens adianthoides, Fissidens osmundoides, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Hylocomium splendens, Palustriella commutatum, Pseudocalliergon trifarium, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Scorpidium revolvens, Scorpidium scorpioides, Straminergon stramineum, Warnstorfia exannulata, Polytrichastrum alpinum, Polytrichum commune, Blindia acuta, Sphagnum auriculatum, Sphagnum capillifolium, Sphagnum fallax, Sphagnum girgensohnii, Sphagnum subnitens, Sphagnum warnstorfii, Anthelia julacea, Barbilophozia lycopodioides, Jungermannia obovata, Marsupella emarginata, Scapania irrigua, Scapania uliginosa, Scapania undulata, Aneura pinguis, Pellia endiviifolia, Riccardia multifida, Cladonia arbuscula, Caltha palustris, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Taraxacum officianalis, Cerastium fontanum, Equisetum palustre, Pinguicula vulgaris, Tofieldia pusilla, Narthecium ossifragum, Epilobium anagallidifolium, Euphrasia officinalis, Armeria maritima, Polygonum viviparum, Rumex acetosa, Ranunculus acris, Thalictrum alpinum, Alchemilla alpina, Alchemilla filicaulis, Alchemilla glabra, Geum rivale, Potentilla erecta, Saxifraga aizoides, Saxifraga oppositifolia, Saxifraga stellaris, Viola palustris, Agrostis canina, Agrostis capillaris, Alopecurus alpinus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Festuca vivipara, Nardus stricta

M14 — Lowland dry heath, Upland wet heath

Schoenus nigricans-Narthecium ossifragum mire

Pinus 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

M15 — Blanket bog, Raised bog, Upland wet heath

Scirpus cespitosus-Erica tetralix wet heath

Empetrum nigrum subsp.nigrum, Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix, Myrica gale, Vaccinium myrtillus, Carex binervis, Carex demissa, Carex dioica, Carex echinata, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Carex pilulifera, Carex pulicaris, Eriophorum angustifolium, Eriophorum vaginatum, Schoenus nigricans, Trichophorum cespitosum, Juncus acutiflorus, Juncus articulatus, Juncus bulbosus, Juncus conglomeratus, Juncus effusus, Juncus squarrosus, Luzula multiflora, Huperzia selago, Selaginella selaginoides, Aulacomnium palustre, Breutelia chrysocoma, Pohlia nutans, Campylopus atrovirens, Campylopus flexuosus, Dicranum scoparium, Leucobryum glaucum, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum cupressiforme, Hypnum jutlandicum, Plagiothecium undulatum, Pleurozium schreberi, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Scorpidium revolvens, Scorpidium scorpioides, Polytrichum commune, Sphagnum auriculatum, Sphagnum capillifolium, Sphagnum compactum, Sphagnum fallax, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum papillosum, Sphagnum subnitens, Sphagnum tenellum, Calypogeia fissa, Calypogeia muelleriana, Diplophyllum albicans, Lophozia ventricosa, Ordontoschisma sphagni, Pleurozia purpurea, Aneura pinguis, Cladonia arbuscula, Cladonia chlorophaea, Cladonia coccifera, Cladonia impexa, Cladonia uncialis, Succisa pratensis, Drosera anglica, Drosera rotundifolia, Hypericum pulchrum, Triglochin palustre, Pinguicula vulgaris, Menyanthes trifoliata, Narthecium ossifragum, Dactylorhiza maculata, Euphrasia officinalis, Pedicularis palustris, Pedicularis sylvatica, Polygala serpyllifolia, Trientalis europaea, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Viola palustris, Agrostis canina, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Danthonia decumbens, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Festuca vivipara, Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta, Blechnum spicant, Pteridium aquilinum

M17 — Blanket bog

Scirpus cespitosus-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire

Empetrum nigrum subsp.nigrum, Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix, Myrica gale, Vaccinium myrtillus, Carex demissa, Carex echinata, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Eriophorum angustifolium, Eriophorum vaginatum, Rhynchospora alba, Schoenus nigricans, Trichophorum cespitosum, Juncus acutiflorus, Juncus squarrosus, Luzula multiflora, Huperzia selago, Aulacomnium palustre, Breutelia chrysocoma, Pohlia nutans, Campylopus atrovirens, Campylopus flexuosus, Campylopus setifolius, Campylopus shawii, Dicranum scoparium, Leucobryum glaucum, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum cupressiforme, Hypnum jutlandicum, Plagiothecium undulatum, Pleurozium schreberi, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Polytrichum commune, Polytrichum strictum, Sphagnum auriculatum, Sphagnum capillifolium, Sphagnum cuspidatum, Sphagnum imbricatum, Sphagnum magellanicum, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum papillosum, Sphagnum strictum, Sphagnum subnitens, Sphagnum tenellum, Calypogeia fissa, Diplophyllum albicans, Kurzia pauciflora, Lophozia ventricosa, Mylia anomala, Mylia taylorii, Ordontoschisma sphagni, Pleurozia purpurea, Ptilidium ciliare, Scapania gracilis, Cladonia arbuscula, Cladonia coccifera, Cladonia impexa, Cladonia uncialis, Cornicularia aculeata, Drosera anglica, Drosera rotundifolia, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Pinguicula vulgaris, Narthecium ossifragum, Pedicularis sylvatica, Polygala serpyllifolia, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Agrostis canina, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta

M18 — Blanket bog, Raised bog

Erica tetralix-Sphagnum papillosum raised and blanket mire

Empetrum nigrum subsp.nigrum, Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Myrica gale, Andromeda polifolia, Vaccinium myrtillus, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Eriophorum angustifolium, Eriophorum vaginatum, Rhynchospora alba, Trichophorum cespitosum, Juncus squarrosus, Aulacomnium palustre, Pohlia nutans, Campylopus flexuosus, Dicranum scoparium, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Hypnum jutlandicum, Plagiothecium undulatum, Pleurozium schreberi, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Polytrichum commune, Polytrichum strictum, Sphagnum capillifolium, Sphagnum cuspidatum, Sphagnum fallax, Sphagnum fuscum, Sphagnum magellanicum, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum papillosum, Sphagnum pulchrum, Sphagnum subnitens, Sphagnum tenellum, Calypogeia muelleriana, Cephalozia bicuspidata, Cephalozia connivens, Cladopodiella fluitans, Kurzia pauciflora, Lophozia ventricosa, Mylia anomala, Ordontoschisma sphagni, Hypogymnia physodes, Cladonia arbuscula, Cladonia gracilis, Cladonia impexa, Cladonia uncialis, Drosera anglica, Drosera rotundifolia, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Narthecium ossifragum, Rubus chamaemorus, Deschampsia flexuosa, Molinia caerulea

M19 — Blanket bog, Raised bog

Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire

Empetrum nigrum, Empetrum nigrum subsp.nigrum, Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Betula nana, Arctostaphylos alpinus, Vaccinium microcarpum, Vaccinium myrtillus, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Vaccinium uliginosum, Carex bigelowii, Carex binervis, Carex nigra, Eriophorum angustifolium, Eriophorum vaginatum, Trichophorum cespitosum, Juncus squarrosus, Luzula sylvatica, Huperzia selago, Aulacomnium palustre, Pohlia nutans, Campylopus flexuosus, Dicranum fuscescens, Dicranum majus, Dicranum scoparium, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum cupressiforme, Hypnum jutlandicum, Plagiothecium undulatum, Pleurozium schreberi, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Polytrichastrum alpinum, Polytrichum commune, Polytrichum strictum, Sphagnum capillifolium, Sphagnum compactum, Sphagnum fallax, Sphagnum fuscum, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum papillosum, Sphagnum russowii, Sphagnum subnitens, Sphagnum tenellum, Barbilophozia floerkei, Calypogeia fissa, Calypogeia muelleriana, Calypogeia trichomanis, Cephalozia bicuspidata, Diplophyllum albicans, Kurzia pauciflora, Lophozia ventricosa, Mylia anomala, Mylia taylorii, Ordontoschisma sphagni, Ptilidium ciliare, Hypogymnia physodes, Cetraria islandica, Cladonia arbuscula, Cladonia bellidiflora, Cladonia coccifera, Cladonia floerkeana, Cladonia gracilis, Cladonia impexa, Cladonia squamosa, Cladonia tenuis, Cladonia uncialis, Cornicularia aculeata, Cornus suecica, Drosera rotundifolia, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Pinguicula vulgaris, Narthecium ossifragum, Neottia cordata, Potentilla erecta, Rubus chamaemorus, Galium saxatile, Melanpyrum pratense, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca vivipara, Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta, Blechnum spicant

M20 — Blanket bog, Raised bog, Valley mire

Eriophorum vaginatum blanket and raised mire

Empetrum nigrum subsp.nigrum, Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus, Carex bigelowii, Eriophorum angustifolium, Eriophorum vaginatum, Trichophorum cespitosum, Juncus squarrosus, Orthodontium lineare, Pohlia nutans, Campylopus flexuosus, Dicranum scoparium, Drepanocladus fluitans, Hypnum jutlandicum, Plagiothecium undulatum, Pleurozium schreberi, Polytrichum commune, Sphagnum capillifolium, Sphagnum fuscum, Sphagnum papillosum, Barbilophozia floerkei, Calypogeia muelleriana, Calypogeia trichomanis, Cephalozia bicuspidata, Cephaloziella hampeana, Diplophyllum albicans, Gymnocolea inflata, Kurzia pauciflora, Lophozia ventricosa, Mylia taylorii, Ptilidium ciliare, Cetraria islandica, Cladonia arbuscula, Cladonia chlorophaea, Cladonia coccifera, Cladonia floerkeana, Cladonia impexa, Cladonia squamosa, Cladonia uncialis, Cornicularia aculeata, Rubus chamaemorus, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina

M22 — Coastal floodplain grazing marsh, Lowland fen, Purple moor grass and rush pasture

Juncus subnodulosus-Cirsium palustre fen-meadow

Salix cinerea, Solanum dulcamara, Carex acutiformis, Carex disticha, Carex elata, Carex flacca, Carex hirta, Carex lepidocarpa, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Carex rostrata, Cladium mariscus, Eriophorum angustifolium, Eleocharis palustris, Eleocharis uniglumis, Juncus articulatus, Juncus effusus, Juncus inflexus, Juncus subnodulosus, Luzula multiflora, Plagiomnium affine, Plagiomnium rostratum, Plagiomnium undulatum, Rhizomnium punctatum, Brachythecium rutabulum, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Cratoneuron filicinum, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Lophocolea bidentata, Angelica sylvestris, Berula erecta, Oenanthe lachenalii, Thyselium palustre, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Achillea ptarmica, Caltha palustris, Centaurea nigra, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium dissectum, Cirsium palustre, Eupatorium cannabinum, Pulicaria dysenterica, Myosotis laxa, Myosotis scorpioides, Cardamine pratensis, Succisa pratensis, Valeriana dioica, Valeriana officinalis, Cerastium fontanum, Silene flos-cuculi, Stellaria palustris, Calystegia sepium, Equisetum fluviatile, Equisetum palustre, Lathyrus pratensis, Lotus pedunculatus, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens, Vicia cracca, Hypericum tetrapterum, Iris pseudacorus, Triglochin palustre, Ajuga reptans, Lycopus europaeus, Mentha aquatica, Lemna minor, Lythrum salicaria, Menyanthes trifoliata, Epilobium hirsutum, Epilobium palustre, Epilobium parviflorum, Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Dactylorhiza incarnata, Dactylorhiza praetermissa, Epipactis palustris, Pedicularis palustris, Rhinanthus minor, Plantago lanceolata, Veronica beccabunga, Polygonum amphibium, Rumex acetosa, Rumex conglomeratus, Rumex sanguineus, Lysimachia vulgaris, Primula vulgaris, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus flammula, Ranunculus repens, Thalictrum flavum, Comarum palustre, Filipendula ulmaria, Potentilla anserina, Potentilla erecta, Potentilla reptans, Galium palustre, Galium uliginosum, Scrophularia auriculata, Scutellaria galericulata, Agrostis stolonifera, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Arrhenatherum elatius, Briza media, Calamagrostis canescens, Cynosurus cristatus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Molinia caerulea, Phalaris arundinacea, Phleum pratense, Phragmites australis, Poa trivialis, Schedonorus arundinaceus, Ophioglossum vulgatum, Thelypteris palustris

M23 — Coastal floodplain grazing marsh, Purple moor grass and rush pasture, Upland rush pasture

Juncus effusus/acutiflorus-Galium palustre rush-pasture

Carex demissa, Carex echinata, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Juncus acutiflorus, Juncus articulatus, Juncus bulbosus, Juncus conglomeratus, Juncus effusus, Luzula campestris, Luzula multiflora, Aulacomnium palustre, Brachythecium rivulare, Brachythecium rutabulum, Calliergon cordifolium, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Kindbergia praelonga, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Polytrichum commune, Calypogeia fissa, Lophocolea bidentata, Pellia epiphylla, Angelica sylvestris, Carum verticillatum, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Achillea ptarmica, Caltha palustris, Cirsium palustre, Senecio aquaticus, Taraxacum officianalis, Myosotis laxa, Myosotis secunda, Cardamine flexuosa, Cardamine pratensis, Succisa pratensis, Valeriana officinalis, Cerastium fontanum, Silene flos-cuculi, Stellaria alsine, Stellaria graminea, Equisetum fluviatile, Equisetum palustre, Lathyrus pratensis, Lotus pedunculatus, Trifolium repens, Iris pseudacorus, Mentha aquatica, Scutellaria minor, Lythrum salicaria, Narthecium ossifragum, Epilobium obscurum, Epilobium palustre, Dactylorhiza maculata, Plantago lanceolata, Veronica scutellata, Polygonum hydropiper, Rumex acetosa, Primula vulgaris, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus flammula, Ranunculus repens, Comarum palustre, Filipendula ulmaria, Potentilla anserina, Potentilla erecta, Galium palustre, Viola palustris, Agrostis canina, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Cynosurus cristatus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Festuca rubra, Glyceria fluitans, Holcus lanatus, Molinia caerulea, Poa pratensis, Poa trivialis, Dryopteris expansa, Athyrium filix-femina

M24 — Coastal floodplain grazing marsh, Lowland fen, Purple moor grass and rush pasture

Molinia caerulea-Cirsium dissectum fen-meadow

Salix cinerea, Salix repens, Alnus glutinosa, Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Carex hostiana, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Carex pulicaris, Cladium mariscus, Eriophorum angustifolium, Schoenus nigricans, Juncus acutiflorus, Juncus articulatus, Juncus conglomeratus, Juncus effusus, Juncus subnodulosus, Luzula multiflora, Aulacomnium palustre, Brachythecium rutabulum, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Kindbergia praelonga, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Thuidium tamariscinum, Sphagnum auriculatum, Sphagnum subnitens, Angelica sylvestris, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Achillea ptarmica, Centaurea nigra, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium dissectum, Cirsium palustre, Eupatorium cannabinum, Leontodon saxatilis, Pulicaria dysenterica, Senecio aquaticus, Serratula tinctoria, Cardamine pratensis, Succisa pratensis, Valeriana dioica, Cerastium fontanum, Silene flos-cuculi, Drosera rotundifolia, Equisetum palustre, Lathyrus pratensis, Lotus pedunculatus, Trifolium pratense, Vicia cracca, Hypericum tetrapterum, Hypericum undulatum, Mentha aquatica, Scutellaria minor, Linum catharticum, Lythrum salicaria, Narthecium ossifragum, Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Dactylorhiza incarnata, Dactylorhiza maculata, Epipactis palustris, Gymnadenia conopsea, Pedicularis sylvatica, Plantago lanceolata, Polygala vulgaris, Rumex acetosa, Anagallis tenella, Primula vulgaris, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus flammula, Filipendula ulmaria, Potentilla anserina, Potentilla erecta, Potentilla reptans, Rubus fruticosus agg., Galium palustre, Galium uliginosum, Galium verum, Viola palustris, Agrostis canina, Agrostis stolonifera, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Briza media, Danthonia decumbens, Deschampsia cespitosa, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Molinia caerulea, Phragmites australis

M25 — Blanket bog, Coastal floodplain grazing marsh, Lowland fen, Purple moor grass and rush pasture, Upland acid grassland

Molinia caerulea-Potentilla erecta mire

Salix cinerea, Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Myrica gale, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Ulex europaeus, Ulex gallii, Carex echinata, Carex flacca, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Eriophorum angustifolium, Schoenus nigricans, Juncus acutiflorus, Juncus articulatus, Juncus effusus, Juncus subnodulosus, Luzula campestris, Luzula multiflora, Aulacomnium palustre, Pohlia nutans, Calliergon giganteum, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Hypnum jutlandicum, Kindbergia praelonga, Pleurozium schreberi, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Polytrichum commune, Sphagnum auriculatum, Sphagnum capillifolium, Sphagnum fallax, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum papillosum, Sphagnum subnitens, Calypogeia fissa, Cephalozia bicuspidata, Lophocolea bidentata, Lophozia ventricosa, Angelica sylvestris, Carum verticillatum, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Achillea ptarmica, Centaurea nigra, Cirsium palustre, Eupatorium cannabinum, Pulicaria dysenterica, Serratula tinctoria, Cardamine pratensis, Lobelia urens, Succisa pratensis, Valeriana officinalis, Equisetum palustre, Lotus pedunculatus, Hypericum pulchrum, Hypericum tetrapterum, Mentha aquatica, Scutellaria minor, Menyanthes trifoliata, Narthecium ossifragum, Epilobium palustre, Dactylorhiza maculata, Rumex acetosa, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus flammula, Filipendula ulmaria, Potentilla erecta, Rubus fruticosus agg., Galium palustre, Viola palustris, Agrostis canina, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis curtisii, Agrostis stolonifera, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Danthonia decumbens, Deschampsia cespitosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta, Phragmites australis, Dryopteris carthusiana, Osmunda regalis

M26 — Limestone pavement, Purple moor grass and rush pasture

Molinia caerulea-Crepis paludosa mire

Carex appropinquata, Carex disticha, Carex echinata, Carex flacca, Carex hostiana, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Carex pulicaris, Juncus acutiflorus, Juncus articulatus, Juncus conglomeratus, Aulacomnium palustre, Plagiomnium undulatum, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Campylium elodes, Climacium dendroides, Ctenidium molluscum, Hylocomium splendens, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Thuidium tamariscinum, Lophocolea bidentata, Plagiochila asplenioides, Angelica sylvestris, Caltha palustris, Centaurea nigra, Cirsium palustre, Crepis paludosa, Leontodon hispidus, Serratula tinctoria, Succisa pratensis, Valeriana dioica, Silene flos-cuculi, Equisetum fluviatile, Equisetum palustre, Lathyrus pratensis, Trifolium repens, Menyanthes trifoliata, Rhinanthus minor, Plantago lanceolata, Rumex acetosa, Primula farinosa, Primula vulgaris, Anemone nemorosa, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus auricomus, Trollius europaeus, Comarum palustre, Filipendula ulmaria, Geum rivale, Potentilla erecta, Sanguisorba officinalis, Galium palustre, Galium uliginosum, Agrostis stolonifera, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Briza media, Deschampsia cespitosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Molinia caerulea, Phragmites australis

M29 — Upland spring flush, Valley mire

Hypericum elodes-Potamogeton polygonifolius soakway

Salix cinerea, Erica tetralix, Carex demissa, Carex echinata, Carex hostiana, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Eriophorum angustifolium, Isolepis fluitans, Rhynchospora alba, Eleocharis multicaulis, Eleocharis palustris, Juncus acutiflorus, Juncus articulatus, Juncus bufonius, Juncus bulbosus, Juncus effusus, Sparganium angustifolium, Aulacomnium palustre, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Scorpidium revolvens, Warnstorfia exannulata, Polytrichum commune, Sphagnum auriculatum, Sphagnum cuspidatum, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum papillosum, Aneura pinguis, Baldellia ranunculoides, Apium inundatum, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Cirsium dissectum, Myosotis secunda, Succisa pratensis, Drosera intermedia, Drosera rotundifolia, Equisetum fluviatile, Equisetum palustre, Lotus pedunculatus, Hypericum elodes, Scutellaria minor, Utricularia minor, Menyanthes trifoliata, Narthecium ossifragum, Pedicularis palustris, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Anagallis tenella, Ranunculus flammula, Comarum palustre, Potentilla erecta, Galium constrictum, Galium palustre, Viola palustris, Agrostis canina, Agrostis stolonifera, Glyceria fluitans, Holcus lanatus, Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta, Pilularia globulifera