Dornoch Firth

Site of Special Scientific Interest · 57.8528, -4.1485

Condition (NatureScot)

Favourable (5) Unfavourable Declining (1) Part Destroyed (1)
UnitFeatureConditionArea (ha)Assessed
F1 Bar-tailed godwit (Limosa lapponica), non-breeding Favourable 2016-10-12
F2 Whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus), non-breeding Favourable 2016-12-21
F3 Wigeon (Anas penelope), non-breeding Favourable 2016-10-12
F4 Saltmarsh Favourable 2014-09-08
F5 Sand dunes Unfavourable Declining 2016-02-26
F6 Eelgrass beds Favourable 2005-03-31
F7 Vascular plant assemblage Part Destroyed 2013-01-07

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

Salt marsh, Sand dune

Geology & landscape

Landscape processes: Coastal

Birds & fish recorded

Birds

SpeciesSeason
bar-tailed godwit Roosting
bar-tailed godwit Wintering
whooper swan Breeding
whooper swan Roosting
whooper swan Wintering
wigeon Breeding
wigeon Roosting
wigeon Wintering

Description

DORNOCH FIRTH Dornoch Firth Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is located on the east coast between Dornoch (Sutherland) and Tain (Ross-shire). The Dornoch Firth is the most northerly of the large Scottish firths and one of the least industrialised estuaries on the east coast of Scotland. It supports a range of nationally important coastal habitats, plants, birds and mammals. Coastland and intertidal marine habitats At low tide, large exposed mudflats reveal extensive eelgrass beds, with populations of both narrow-leaved eelgrass Zostera marina and dwarf eelgrass Zostera noltii. Bordering the mudflats, much of the land is very low lying, and supports extensive areas of saltmarsh and meandering tidal creeks. Saltmarsh is present near Dornoch, Ardjachie, Edderton and Poll na Caorach. Saltmarsh species such as glasswort Salicornia sp. and saltmarsh-grass Puccinellia maritima are found towards the seaward edge. Further inland, these grade into extensive beds of pink thrift Armeria maritime, intermixed with sea arrowgrass Triglochin maritimum and sea plantain Plantago maritima. Sand dune vegetation at different stages of stabilisation is found in a number of locations. Sand colonised by marram grass Ammophila arenaria is constantly shifting its distribution particularly at Dornoch Point, whilst other exposed dune habitat locations are actively eroding through wave action. Large tracts of undulating stabilised dune ridges are found south of Dornoch. Where the dune vegetation is even more stable, acidic dune grasslands and coastal heathland form a mosaic of rare vegetation types. The heathland at Cuthill and Skibo Links supports extensive and unusual lichen-rich lawns, where several rare lichens are present, including malachite-green felt lichen Peltigera malacea. Vascular plants The varied coastal habitats support a range of nationally scarce vascular plants. Dwarf eelgrass Zostera noltii and narrow-leaved eelgrass Zostera marina thrive on intertidal mud and sand flats where physical disturbance is minimal. Baltic rush Juncus balticus and seaside centaury Centaurium littorale grow in the transitional zone between upper saltmarsh and damp dune grassland. Pyramidal bugle Ajuga pyramidalis grows only in a very small area of the dune heathland at Skibo. Birds The site supports nationally important aggregations of non-breeding bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica, whooper swan Cygnus cygnus and wigeon Mareca penelope. The mud and sand flats provide rich feeding areas for wildfowl and wading birds throughout the year. The saltmarshes also provide autumn and winter foraging areas during high tides and periods of flood. In normal conditions, intertidal flats, saltmarsh and dune vegetation provide high tide roost sites for bar-tailed godwit and other waders. Very large concentrations of wigeon graze on the eelgrass beds at Edderton sands, Poll na Caorach, Cuthill Sands and east of Ardjachie Point. The site also offers sheltered bays such as Ardmore Bay and Poll na Caorach where waterfowl, such as wigeon and whooper swan, can find valuable undisturbed feeding sites during harsh weather. Loch Evelix is traditionally used by night roosting and foraging whooper swans. The Dornoch Firth SSSI is part of the Dornoch Firth and Morrich More Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Part of Dornoch Firth SSSI overlaps part of the Moray Firth SAC which is designated for its subtidal sandbanks and population of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus).

Species mentioned

English name
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Latin name
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IUCN / Red List Type Family
wigeon Mareca penelope LC (NonBreeding), NT (Breeding) bird-duck anatidae
whooper swan Cygnus cygnus LC (NonBreeding), EN (Breeding) bird-swan anatidae
bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica LC (NonBreeding) bird-wader scolopacidae
bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus None dolphin delphinidae
marram grass Ammophila arenaria LC grass poaceae
saltmarsh grass Puccinellia maritima LC grass poaceae
pyramidal bugle Ajuga pyramidalis NT herb lamiaceae
seaside centuary Centaurium littorale LC herb gentianaceae
sea plantain Plantago maritima LC herb plantaginaceae
sea arrrowgrass Triglochin maritimum Not listed in GB list herb juncaginaceae
eelgrass Zostera marina VU herb zosteraceae
veinless pelt Peltigera malacea EN lichen no common name
Baltic rush Juncus balticus LC rush juncaceae

Plant communities

SD1 — Coastal vegetated shingle, Sand dune

Rumex crispus-Glaucium flavum shingle community

Solanum 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

SD2 — Coastal vegetated shingle, Sand dune

Honkenya peploides-Cakile maritima strandline community

Salsola 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

Bolboschoenus 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

SD4 — Sand dune

Elymus farctus ssp. boreali-atlanticus foredune community

Salsola kali, Artemisia maritima, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium vulgare, Eryngium maritimum, Hypochaeris radicata, Jacobaea vulgaris, Matricaria chamomilla, Senecio squalidus, Senecio vulgaris, Sonchus arvensis, Sonchus asper, Taraxacum officianalis, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Cakile maritima, Cerastium diffusum, Honckenya peploides, Atriplex glabriuscula, Atriplex laciniata, Atriplex prostrata, Euphorbia paralias, Polygonum oxyspermum subsp. Raii, Rumex crispus, Agrostis stolonifera, Ammophila arenaria, Elytrigia atherica, Elytrigia juncea, Festuca rubra, Leymus arenarius

SD5 — Sand dune

Leymus arenarius mobile dune community

Bryum algovicum, Ceratodon purpureus, Brachythecium rutabulum, Syntrichia ruraliformis, Cirsium arvense, Hypochaeris radicata, Sonchus arvensis, Sonchus asper, Taraxacum officianalis, Cakile maritima, Cerastium fontanum, Honckenya peploides, Atriplex glabriuscula, Atriplex prostrata, Chamerion angustifolium, Rumex crispus, Galium aparine, Ammophila arenaria, Elytrigia atherica, Elytrigia juncea, Elytrigia repens, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Leymus arenarius, Poa pratensis

SD6 — Sand dune

Ammophila arenaria mobile dune community

Lupinus arboreus, Carex arenaria, Ceratodon purpureus, Brachythecium albicans, Syntrichia ruraliformis, Angelica sylvestris, Heracleum sphondylium, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium vulgare, Eryngium maritimum, Hypochaeris radicata, Jacobaea vulgaris, Senecio squalidus, Senecio vulgaris, Sonchus arvensis, Sonchus asper, Taraxacum officianalis, Tussilago farfara, Cynoglossum officinale, Cakile maritima, Honckenya peploides, Atriplex glabriuscula, Atriplex laciniata, Calystegia soldanellla, Euphorbia paralias, Euphorbia portlandica, Trifolium arvense, Trifolium repens, Eriodium cicutarium, Chamerion angustifolium, Linaria vulgaris, Rumex crispus, Ranunculus repens, Rubus fruticosus agg., Galium verum, Urtica dioica, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Ammophila arenaria, Catapodium marinum, Dactylis glomerata, Elytrigia atherica, Elytrigia juncea, Elytrigia repens, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Leymus arenarius, Poa annua, Poa pratensis

SD7 — Sand dune

Ammophila arenaria-Festuca rubra semi-fixed dune community

Carex arenaria, Luzula campestris, Bryum argenteum, Bryum capillare, Ceratodon purpureus, Dicranum scoparium, Brachythecium albicans, Brachythecium rutabulum, Homalothecium lutescens, Hypnum cupressiforme, Kindbergia praelonga, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Syntrichia ruraliformis, Tortella flavovirens, Lophocolea bidentata, Cladonia fimbriata, Cladonia furcata, Cladonia impexa, Cladonia pyxidata, Cladonia rangiformis, Peltigera canina, Peltigera rufescens, Heracleum sphondylium, Achillea millefolium, Centaurea nigra, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium vulgare, Crepis capillaris, Eryngium maritimum, Hypochaeris radicata, Jacobaea vulgaris, Leontodon hispidus, Leontodon saxatilis, Pilosella officinarum, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Senecio vulgaris, Sonchus arvensis, Sonchus asper, Taraxacum officianalis, Tragopogon pratensis, Tussilago farfara, Myosotis ramosissima, Erophila verna, Campanula rotundifolia, Valerianella locusta, Arenaria serpyllifolia, Cerastium diffusum, Cerastium fontanum, Cerastium semidecandrum, Calystegia soldanellla, Sedum acre, Euphorbia paralias, Euphorbia portlandica, Anthyllis vulneraria, Lotus corniculatus, Ononis repens, Trifolium arvense, Trifolium campestre, Trifolium repens, Vicia lathyroides, Vicia sativa, Centaurium erythraea, Eriodium cicutarium, Thymus praecox, Linum catharticum, Chamerion angustifolium, Rhinanthus minor, Plantago coronopus, Plantago lanceolata, Veronica arvensis, Veronica chamaedrys, Rumex crispus, Ranunculus bulbosus, Ranunculus repens, Acaena novae-zelandiae, Rubus caesius, Rubus fruticosus agg., Galium verum, Viola canina, Viola riviniana, Viola tricolor, Agrostis capillaris, Aira praecox, Ammophila arenaria, Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Elytrigia atherica, Elytrigia juncea, Elytrigia repens, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Leymus arenarius, Phleum arenarium, Poa pratensis

SD8 — Machair sand dune, Sand dune

Festuca rubra-Galium verum fixed dune grassland

Salix repens, Rosa spinosissima, Carex arenaria, Carex caryophyllea, Carex flacca, Luzula campestris, Plagiomnium rostratum, Plagiomnium undulatum, Ditrichum flexicaule, Brachythecium albicans, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Climacium dendroides, Entodon concinnus, Homalothecium lutescens, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum cupressiforme, Kindbergia praelonga, Pleurozium schreberi, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Thuidium delicatulum, Thuidium tamariscinum, Syntrichia ruraliformis, Lophocolea bidentata, Cladonia rangiformis, Odontites verna, Peltigera canina, Peltigera rufescens, Angelica sylvestris, Daucus carota, Heracleum sphondylium, Achillea millefolium, Bellis perennis, Centaurea nigra, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium vulgare, Crepis capillaris, Hypochaeris radicata, Jacobaea vulgaris, Leucanthemum vulgare, Pilosella officinarum, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Sonchus oleraceus, Taraxacum officianalis, Myosotis arvensis, Myosotis ramosissima, Campanula rotundifolia, Succisa pratensis, Cerastium arvense, Cerastium diffusum, Cerastium fontanum, Cerastium semidecandrum, Sedum acre, Equisetum arvense, Anthyllis vulneraria, Astragalus danicus, Lotus corniculatus, Medicago lupulina, Ononis repens, Trifolium campestre, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens, Vicia cracca, Vicia lathyroides, Gentianella amarella, Eriodium cicutarium, Thymus praecox, Linum catharticum, Dactylorhiza viridis, Neottia ovata, Euphrasia officinalis, Rhinanthus minor, Plantago coronopus, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago major, Plantago maritima, Veronica arvensis, Veronica chamaedrys, Polygala vulgaris, Rumex acetosa, Rumex acetosella, Primula veris, Primula vulgaris, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus bulbosus, Ranunculus repens, Thalictrum minus, Potentilla anserina, Galium verum, Viola riviniana, Viola tricolor, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Aira praecox, Ammophila arenaria, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Arrhenatherum elatius, Avenula pubescens, Cynosurus cristatus, Dactylis glomerata, Elytrigia atherica, Elytrigia juncea, Elytrigia repens, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Koeleria macrantha, Leymus arenarius, Lolium perenne, Poa pratensis, Poa trivialis, Trisetum flavescens

SD9 — Sand dune

Ammophila arenaria-Arrhenatherum elatius dune grassland

Rosa spinosissima, Carex arenaria, Carex flacca, Luzula campestris, Brachythecium rutabulum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Syntrichia ruraliformis, Heracleum sphondylium, Pimpinella saxifraga, Torilis japonica, Achillea millefolium, Bellis perennis, Centaurea nigra, Cirsium arvense, Crepis capillaris, Hypochaeris radicata, Jacobaea vulgaris, Leontodon hispidus, Pilosella officinarum, Taraxacum officianalis, Myosotis arvensis, Campanula rotundifolia, Cerastium fontanum, Silene latifolia, Equisetum arvense, Astragalus danicus, Lathyrus pratensis, Lotus corniculatus, Ononis repens, Trifolium repens, Vicia sativa, Geranium sanguineum, Thymus praecox, Plantago lanceolata, Veronica chamaedrys, Rumex acetosa, Primula veris, Ranunculus bulbosus, Thalictrum minus, Fragaria vesca, Potentilla reptans, Poterium sanguisorba, Cruciata laevipes, Galium verum, Viola riviniana, Agrostis capillaris, Ammophila arenaria, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Elytrigia atherica, Elytrigia juncea, Elytrigia repens, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Koeleria macrantha, Leymus arenarius, Poa pratensis, Trisetum flavescens, Pteridium aquilinum

SD10 — Sand dune

Carex arenaria dune community

Carex arenaria, Ceratodon purpureus, Hypnum cupressiforme, Achillea millefolium, Jacobaea vulgaris, Senecio vulgaris, Taraxacum officianalis, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Cerastium fontanum, Honckenya peploides, Astragalus danicus, Chamerion angustifolium, Plantago lanceolata, Rumex acetosella, Potentilla anserina, Galium verum, Agrostis capillaris, Aira praecox, Ammophila arenaria, Dactylis glomerata, Elytrigia juncea, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Koeleria macrantha

SD11 — Sand dune

Carex arenaria-Cornicularia aculeata dune community

Calluna vulgaris, Carex arenaria, Luzula campestris, Ceratodon purpureus, Dicranum scoparium, Racomitrium canescens sens.lat., Brachythecium albicans, Hypnum cupressiforme, Rhytidium rugosum, Polytrichum juniperinum, Polytrichum piliferum, Syntrichia ruraliformis, Ptilidium ciliare, Hypogymnia physodes, Cladonia arbuscula, Cladonia coccifera, Cladonia fimbriata, Cladonia foliacea, Cladonia furcata, Cladonia gracilis, Cladonia impexa, Cladonia pyxidata, Cladonia rangiferina, Cladonia rangiformis, Cladonia squamosa, Cladonia tenuis, Cladonia uncialis, Cornicularia aculeata, Hypochaeris radicata, Jacobaea vulgaris, Logfia minima, Teesdalia nudicaulis, Campanula rotundifolia, Sedum acre, Astragalus danicus, Eriodium cicutarium, Thymus praecox, Plantago lanceolata, Rumex acetosella, Galium saxatile, Galium verum, Viola canina, Viola tricolor, Agrostis capillaris, Aira praecox, Ammophila arenaria, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Corynephorus canescens, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Phleum arenarium

SD12 — Sand dune

Carex arenaria-Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris dune grassland

Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Carex arenaria, Carex pilulifera, Luzula campestris, Ceratodon purpureus, Dicranum scoparium, Brachythecium albicans, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum cupressiforme, Pleurozium schreberi, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Polytrichum juniperinum, Cladonia arbuscula, Cladonia furcata, Peltigera canina, Achillea millefolium, Cirsium arvense, Hypochaeris radicata, Jacobaea vulgaris, Pilosella officinarum, Campanula rotundifolia, Cerastium diffusum, Cerastium fontanum, Astragalus danicus, Lathyrus pratensis, Lotus corniculatus, Ononis repens, Trifolium repens, Vicia lathyroides, Geranium molle, Thymus praecox, Plantago lanceolata, Veronica officinalis, Rumex acetosa, Rumex acetosella, Primula vulgaris, Ranunculus repens, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Galium verum, Urtica dioica, Viola riviniana, Agrostis capillaris, Ammophila arenaria, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Danthonia decumbens, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Koeleria macrantha, Poa pratensis

SD13 — Dune slack, Sand dune

Sagina nodosa-Bryum pseudotriquetrum dune-slack community

Salix repens, Hippophae rhamnoides, Carex arenaria, Carex flacca, Carex serotina, Juncus articulatus, Bryum pseudotriquetrum, Amblystegium serpens, Didymodon tophaceus, Moerckia hibernica, Aneura pinguis, Pellia endiviifolia, Petalophyllum ralfsii, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Jacobaea vulgaris, Leontodon hispidus, Pilosella officinarum, Pulicaria dysenterica, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Sonchus arvensis, Taraxacum officianalis, Arenaria serpyllifolia, Cerastium fontanum, Sagina nodosa, Equisetum palustre, Equisetum variegatum, Pyrola rotundifolia, Anthyllis vulneraria, Lotus corniculatus, Ononis repens, Blackstonia perfoliata, Centaurium erythraea, Mentha aquatica, Epilobium palustre, Dactylorhiza incarnata, Epipactis palustris, Euphrasia officinalis, Polygala vulgaris, Primula vulgaris, Samolus valerandi, Rubus caesius, Galium verum, Agrostis stolonifera, Ammophila arenaria, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Phragmites australis, Poa annua, Poa pratensis

SD14 — Dune slack, Sand dune

Salix repens-Campylium stellatum dune-slack community

Salix caprea, Salix repens, Hippophae rhamnoides, Carex arenaria, Carex caryophyllea, Carex demissa, Carex flacca, Carex hirta, Carex hostiana, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Carex serotina, Cladium mariscus, Eleocharis palustris, Eleocharis quinqueflora, Juncus acutus, Juncus articulatus, Juncus gerardii, Juncus inflexus, Juncus maritimus, Bryum pseudotriquetrum, Brachythecium rutabulum, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Drepanocladus aduncus, Drepanocladus sendtneri, Kindbergia praelonga, Pseudocalliergon lycopodioides, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Leiocolea badensis, Lophocolea bidentata, Moerckia hibernica, Preissia quadrata, Aneura pinguis, Pellia endiviifolia, Riccardia chamedryfolia, Angelica sylvestris, Oenanthe lachenalii, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Bellis perennis, Eupatorium cannabinum, Jacobaea erucifolia, Jacobaea vulgaris, Leontodon hispidus, Leontodon saxatilis, Pulicaria dysenterica, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Sonchus arvensis, Taraxacum officianalis, Succisa pratensis, Sagina nodosa, Parnassia palustris, Equisetum arvense, Equisetum fluviatile, Equisetum palustre, Equisetum variegatum, Pyrola rotundifolia, Anthyllis vulneraria, Lotus corniculatus, Lotus pedunculatus, Trifolium fragiferum, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens, Blackstonia perfoliata, Centaurium pulchellum, Gentianella amarella, Lycopus europaeus, Mentha aquatica, Linum catharticum, Epilobium parviflorum, Dactylorhiza incarnata, Dactylorhiza praetermissa, Dactylorhiza purpurella, Epipactis palustris, Gymnadenia conopsea, Liparis loeselii, Euphrasia officinalis, Rhinanthus minor, Plantago coronopus, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago major, Polygala vulgaris, Anagallis tenella, Glaux maritima, Primula vulgaris, Samolus valerandi, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus flammula, Ranunculus repens, Fragaria vesca, Potentilla anserina, Rubus caesius, Galium palustre, Viola riviniana, Agrostis stolonifera, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Briza media, Danthonia decumbens, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Phragmites australis, Poa pratensis, Ophioglossum vulgatum

SD15 — Dune slack, Sand dune

Salix repens-Calliergon cuspidatum dune-slack community

Salix caprea, Salix repens, Solanum dulcamara, Bolboschoenus maritimus, Carex arenaria, Carex flacca, Carex hirta, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Cladium mariscus, Eriophorum angustifolium, Eleocharis palustris, Juncus acutus, Juncus articulatus, Juncus inflexus, Juncus maritimus, Juncus subnodulosus, Brachythecium mildeanum, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Drepanocladus sendtneri, Homalothecium lutescens, Kindbergia praelonga, Pseudocalliergon lycopodioides, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Lophocolea bidentata, Angelica sylvestris, Oenanthe lachenalii, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Caltha palustris, Centaurea nigra, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium palustre, Eupatorium cannabinum, Jacobaea vulgaris, Pulicaria dysenterica, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Cardamine pratensis, Succisa pratensis, Silene flos-cuculi, Parnassia palustris, Equisetum arvense, Equisetum fluviatile, Equisetum palustre, Equisetum variegatum, Lathyrus pratensis, Lotus corniculatus, Lotus pedunculatus, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens, Vicia cracca, Vicia sativa, Iris pseudacorus, Glechoma hederacea, Lycopus europaeus, Mentha aquatica, Linum catharticum, Lythrum salicaria, Epilobium palustre, Epilobium parviflorum, Dactylorhiza incarnata, Dactylorhiza praetermissa, Epipactis palustris, Plantago lanceolata, Anagallis tenella, Glaux maritima, Lysimachia vulgaris, Primula vulgaris, Samolus valerandi, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus flammula, Ranunculus repens, Agrimonia eupatoria, Filipendula ulmaria, Potentilla anserina, Potentilla reptans, Rubus caesius, Galium palustre, Scutellaria galericulata, Agrostis canina, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Arrhenatherum elatius, Danthonia decumbens, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Molinia caerulea, Phragmites australis, Poa pratensis, Ophioglossum vulgatum

SD16 — Dune slack, Sand dune

Salix repens-Holcus lanatus dune-slack community

Salix caprea, Salix repens, Betula pubescens, Quercus robur, Carex arenaria, Carex flacca, Carex nigra, Carex serotina, Eleocharis quinqueflora, Juncus acutus, Juncus articulatus, Juncus inflexus, Juncus maritimus, Luzula campestris, Bryum pseudotriquetrum, Amblystegium serpens, Brachythecium albicans, Brachythecium rutabulum, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Kindbergia praelonga, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Syntrichia ruraliformis, Lophocolea bidentata, Moerckia hibernica, Pellia endiviifolia, Petalophyllum ralfsii, Riccardia chamedryfolia, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Bellis perennis, Carlina vulgaris, Cirsium arvense, Crepis capillaris, Erigeron acris, Eupatorium cannabinum, Hypochaeris radicata, Jacobaea vulgaris, Leontodon hispidus, Leontodon saxatilis, Pilosella officinarum, Pulicaria dysenterica, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Sonchus arvensis, Taraxacum officianalis, Cerastium fontanum, Sagina nodosa, Parnassia palustris, Equisetum arvense, Equisetum palustre, Equisetum variegatum, Pyrola rotundifolia, Anthyllis vulneraria, Lotus corniculatus, Ononis repens, Trifolium dubium, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens, Gentianella amarella, Mentha aquatica, Thymus praecox, Linum catharticum, Epilobium palustre, Dactylorhiza incarnata, Epipactis helleborine, Epipactis palustris, Euphrasia officinalis, Rhinanthus minor, Plantago lanceolata, Anagallis tenella, Primula vulgaris, Samolus valerandi, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus flammula, Ranunculus repens, Fragaria vesca, Potentilla anserina, Rubus caesius, Galium verum, Viola riviniana, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Ammophila arenaria, Cynosurus cristatus, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Phragmites australis, Poa annua, Poa pratensis

SD17 — Dune slack, Sand dune

Potentilla anserina-Carex nigra dune-slack community

Salix caprea, Salix repens, Carex arenaria, Carex disticha, Carex flacca, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Eriophorum angustifolium, Eleocharis palustris, Juncus acutiflorus, Juncus articulatus, Juncus bufonius, Juncus effusus, Juncus inflexus, Plagiomnium rostratum, Brachythecium rutabulum, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Cratoneuron filicinum, Drepanocladus aduncus, Drepanocladus sendtneri, Homalothecium lutescens, Kindbergia praelonga, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Lophocolea bidentata, Odontites verna, Angelica sylvestris, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Bellis perennis, Caltha palustris, Centaurea nigra, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Taraxacum officianalis, Myosotis laxa, Cardamine pratensis, Cerastium fontanum, Sagina procumbens, Silene flos-cuculi, Parnassia palustris, Equisetum arvense, Equisetum fluviatile, Equisetum palustre, Equisetum variegatum, Lathyrus pratensis, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium repens, Vicia cracca, Iris pseudacorus, Triglochin maritimum, Mentha aquatica, Linum catharticum, Epilobium palustre, Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Dactylorhiza incarnata, Dactylorhiza purpurella, Epipactis palustris, Euphrasia officinalis, Pedicularis palustris, Rhinanthus minor, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Persicaria maculosa, Rumex acetosa, Rumex crispus, Glaux maritima, Primula vulgaris, Ranunculus flammula, Ranunculus repens, Comarum palustre, Filipendula ulmaria, Potentilla anserina, Rubus caesius, Galium palustre, Galium verum, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Alopecurus geniculatus, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Cynosurus cristatus, Elytrigia repens, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne, Poa annua, Poa pratensis, Poa trivialis

SD18 — Sand dune

Hippophae rhamnoides dune scrub

Salix repens, Sambucus nigra, Hippophae rhamnoides, Crataegus monogyna, Solanum dulcamara, Carex arenaria, Ceratodon purpureus, Brachythecium albicans, Brachythecium rutabulum, Kindbergia praelonga, Cladonia fimbriata, Cladonia furcata, Daucus carota, Heracleum sphondylium, Achillea millefolium, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium vulgare, Hypochaeris radicata, Jacobaea vulgaris, Leontodon saxatilis, Sonchus arvensis, Taraxacum officianalis, Cynoglossum officinale, Diplotaxis tenuifolia, Cerastium diffusum, Cerastium semidecandrum, Honckenya peploides, Sagina procumbens, Stellaria media agg., Calystegia soldanellla, Convolvulus arvensis, Lotus corniculatus, Ononis repens, Glechoma hederacea, Montia perfoliata, Chamerion angustifolium, Anacamptis pyramidalis, Plantago lanceolata, Rubus caesius, Rubus fruticosus agg., Galium aparine, Galium verum, Urtica dioica, Agrostis stolonifera, Aira praecox, Ammophila arenaria, Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Elytrigia atherica, Elytrigia juncea, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Leymus arenarius, Phleum arenarium, Phragmites australis, Poa pratensis, Poa trivialis

SD19 — Sand dune

Phleum arenarium-Arenaria serpyllifolia dune annual community

Carex arenaria, Luzula campestris, Brachythecium albicans, Homalothecium lutescens, Hypnum cupressiforme, Syntrichia ruraliformis, Tortella flavovirens, Tortella tortuosa, Peltigera canina, Cirsium arvense, Crepis capillaris, Hypochaeris glabra, Jacobaea vulgaris, Logfia minima, Erophila verna, Arenaria serpyllifolia, Cerastium diffusum, Cerastium semidecandrum, Sedum acre, Euphorbia paralias, Anthyllis vulneraria, Lotus corniculatus, Ononis repens, Trifolium arvense, Trifolium campestre, Trifolium dubium, Trifolium repens, Centaurium erythraea, Eriodium cicutarium, Geranium molle, Thymus praecox, Plantago coronopus, Plantago lanceolata, Galium verum, Viola tricolor, Aira caryophyllea, Aira praecox, Ammophila arenaria, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Catapodium marinum, Festuca rubra, Mibora minima, Phleum arenarium, Poa pratensis, Vulpia fasciculata

SM1 — Salt marsh

Zostera communities

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

Ruppia maritima

SM3 — Salt marsh

Eleocharis parvula salt-marsh community

Eleocharis parvula

SM4 — Salt marsh

Spartina maritima salt-marsh community

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

SM5 — Salt marsh

Spartina alterniflora salt-marsh community

Puccinellia maritima, Spartina alterniflora, Spartina anglica

SM6 — Salt marsh

Spartina anglica salt-marsh community

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

SM7 — Salt marsh

Arthrocnemum perenne stands

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

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

SM9 — Salt marsh

Suaeda maritima salt-marsh community

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

SM10 — Salt marsh

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

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

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

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

SM13 — Salt marsh

Puccinellia maritima salt-marsh community

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

SM14 — Salt marsh

Halimione portulacoides salt-marsh community

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

SM15 — Salt marsh

Juncus maritimus-Triglochin maritima salt-marsh community

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

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

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

SM18 — Salt marsh

Juncus maritimus salt-marsh community

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

SM19 — Saline lagoon, Salt marsh

Blysmus rufus salt-marsh community

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

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

SM21 — Salt marsh

Suaeda vera-Limonium binervosum salt-marsh community

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

SM22 — Salt marsh

Halimione portulacoides-Frankenia laevis salt-marsh community

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

SM23 — Salt marsh

Spergularia marina-Puccinellia distans salt-marsh community

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

SM24 — Salt marsh

Elymus pycnanthus salt-marsh community

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

SM25 — Salt marsh

Suaeda vera drift-line community

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

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

SM28 — Salt marsh

Elymus repens salt-marsh community

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