Dunbeath to Sgaps Geo
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Condition (NatureScot)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Maritime cliff | Favourable | — | 2009-10-22 |
Climate exposure
This is about exposure to a nationwide pressure this habitat type carries — not a verdict on this site's own management.
Coastal habitats are exposed to sea-level rise and storm erosion. Where hard sea defences sit behind them, there's nowhere landward to retreat to — a squeeze that keeps compressing the habitat no matter how well it's managed.
Habitats
Geology & landscape
Landscape processes: Coastal
Description
DUNBEATH TO SGAPS GEO Dunbeath to Sgaps Geo Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) stretches 16km north from Dunbeath along the east coast of Caithness. The site is designated for its nationally important maritime cliff vegetation. This section of coast has low cliffs with a deposit of base-rich soil on the cliff tops. The vegetation is extremely varied and includes grasslands influenced by salt spray, species-rich maritime heath and cliff ledges with tall herb vegetation in sheltered inlets. The maritime grassland is dominated by grasses such as red fescue Festuca rubra and creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera, together with thrift Armeria maritima and buck’s horn plantain Plantago coronopus in more exposed places. The vegetation here is typically very short as a result of exposure to wind and salt spray. Red fescue, Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus, sea plantain Plantago maritima and primrose Primula vulgaris can be found further from the coast or in more sheltered spots. Taller plants that can tolerate high levels of salt, including wild carrot Daucus carota and sea mayweed Tripleurospermum maritimum, can be found in ungrazed areas. There are small areas of maritime heath which are dominated by heather Calluna vulgaris and bell heather Erica cinerea, with crowberry Empetrum nigrum, sea plantain Plantago maritima, bird’s foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus and occasional juniper Juniperus communis. The cliff ledges support an abundance of maritime species such as Scots lovage Ligusticum scoticum, thrift, sea campion Silene uniflora and roseroot Sedum rosea.
Species mentioned
Show the 17 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| creeping bent | Agrostis stolonifera | LC | grass | poaceae |
| red fescue | Festuca rubra | LC | grass | poaceae |
| Yorkshire fog | Holcus lanatus | LC | grass | poaceae |
| thrift | Armeria maritima | CR | herb | plumbaginaceae |
| wild carrot | Daucus carota | LC | herb | apiaceae |
| Scot's lovage | Ligusticum scoticum | LC | herb | apiaceae |
| birdsfoot trefoil | Lotus corniculatus | LC | herb | fabaceae |
| buck's-horn plantain | Plantago coronopus | LC | herb | plantaginaceae |
| sea plantain | Plantago maritima | LC | herb | plantaginaceae |
| primrose | Primula vulgaris | LC | herb | primulaceae |
| golden root | Sedum rosea | Not listed in GB list | herb | crassulaceae |
| sea campion | Silene uniflora | LC | herb | carophyllaceae |
| sea mayweed | Tripleurospermum maritimum | LC | herb | asteraceae |
| juniper | Juniperus communis | CR | shrub | cupressaceae |
| bell heather or ling | Calluna vulgaris | NT | shrub dwarf | ericaceae |
| crowberry | Empetrum nigrum | LC | shrub dwarf | empetraceae |
| bell heather | Erica cinerea | NT | shrub dwarf | ericaceae |
Plant communities
H7 — Hard cliff and cliff slope, Lowland dry heath
Calluna vulgaris-Scilla verna heath
Matches 13 species from the description above: Agrostis stolonifera, Armeria maritima, Calluna vulgaris, Daucus carota, Erica cinerea, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Juniperus communis, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago coronopus, Plantago maritima, Primula vulgaris, Silene uniflora
Show 70 indicator speciesSalix repens, Empetrum nigrum subsp.nigrum, Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix, Erica vagans, Juniperus communis, Ulex europaeus, Carex caryophyllea, Carex flacca, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Carex pulicaris, Carex serotina, Luzula campestris, Luzula multiflora, Selaginella selaginoides, Hypnum cupressiforme, Frullania tamarisci, Cladonia chlorophaea, Cladonia rangiformis, Daucus carota, Achillea millefolium, Hypochaeris radicata, Leontodon saxatilis, Leucanthemum vulgare, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Serratula tinctoria, Jasione montana, Succisa pratensis, Cerastium diffusum, Cerastium fontanum, Silene uniflora, Sedum anglicum, Anthyllis vulneraria, Astragalus danicus, Genista pilosa, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium repens, Centaurium erythraea, Thymus praecox, Scilla verna, Dactylorhiza purpurella, Euphrasia officinalis, Plantago coronopus, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Polygala serpyllifolia, Polygala vulgaris, Rumex acetosa, Primula vulgaris, Filipendula vulgaris, Potentilla erecta, Galium verum, Viola riviniana, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Aira caryophyllea, Aira praecox, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Dactylis glomerata, Danthonia decumbens, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Koeleria macrantha, Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta, Chara curta
MC10 — Maritime cliff
Festuca rubra-Plantago spp. maritime grassland
Matches 11 species from the description above: Agrostis stolonifera, Armeria maritima, Calluna vulgaris, Daucus carota, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago coronopus, Plantago maritima, Primula vulgaris, Silene uniflora
Show 64 indicator speciesSalix repens, Empetrum nigrum subsp.nigrum, Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Carex serotina, Schoenus nigricans, Juncus acutiflorus, Luzula campestris, Selaginella selaginoides, Mnium hornum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Angelica sylvestris, Daucus carota, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Bellis perennis, Hypochaeris radicata, Leontodon saxatilis, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Cochlearia officinalis, Succisa pratensis, Cerastium diffusum, Cerastium fontanum, Sagina apetala, Sagina procumbens, Silene acaulis, Silene uniflora, Parnassia palustris, Sedum anglicum, Anthyllis vulneraria, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium repens, Gentianella campestris, Thymus praecox, Pinguicula vulgaris, Scilla verna, Linum catharticum, Dactylorhiza purpurella, Euphrasia officinalis, Plantago coronopus, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Polygala serpyllifolia, Rumex acetosa, Anagallis tenella, Primula vulgaris, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus flammula, Potentilla erecta, Viola riviniana, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Aira praecox, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Danthonia decumbens, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Koeleria macrantha, Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta, Poa pratensis
MC8 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Festuca rubra-Armeria maritima maritime grassland
Matches 11 species from the description above: Agrostis stolonifera, Armeria maritima, Daucus carota, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Ligusticum scoticum, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago coronopus, Plantago maritima, Silene uniflora, Tripleurospermum maritimum
Show 45 indicator speciesCarex caryophyllea, Carex distans, Kindbergia praelonga, Tortella flavovirens, Trichostomum brachydontium, Angelica sylvestris, Crithmum maritimum, Daucus carota, Ligusticum scoticum, Achillea millefolium, Cirsium arvense, Hypochaeris radicata, Inula crithmoides, Leontodon saxatilis, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Sonchus oleraceus, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Brassica oleracea, Cochlearia danica, Cochlearia officinalis, Cerastium diffusum, Cerastium fontanum, Sagina apetala, Sagina maritima, Silene uniflora, Spergularia rupicola, Sedum anglicum, Anthyllis vulneraria, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium repens, Centaurium erythraea, Scilla verna, Plantago coronopus, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Rumex acetosa, Potentilla erecta, Agrostis stolonifera, Brachypodium pinnatum, Catapodium marinum, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Poa subcaerulea
MC3 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Rhodiola rosea-Armeria maritima 36-ledge community
Matches 10 species from the description above: Agrostis stolonifera, Armeria maritima, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Ligusticum scoticum, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago maritima, Sedum rosea, Silene uniflora, Tripleurospermum maritimum
Show 15 indicator speciesAngelica sylvestris, Ligusticum scoticum, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Silene dioica, Silene uniflora, Sedum rosea, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Rumex acetosa, Agrostis stolonifera, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus
MC5 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Armeria maritima-Cerastium diffusum ssp. diffusum maritime therophyte community
Matches 10 species from the description above: Agrostis stolonifera, Armeria maritima, Daucus carota, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago coronopus, Plantago maritima, Silene uniflora, Tripleurospermum maritimum
Show 77 indicator speciesCarex flacca, Hypnum cupressiforme, Tortella flavovirens, Cladonia chlorophaea, Cladonia foliacea, Cladonia rangiformis, Collema spp., Daucus carota, Achillea millefolium, Bellis perennis, Cirsium acaule, Echium vulgare, Jacobaea vulgaris, Leontodon saxatilis, Pilosella officinarum, Senecio vulgaris, Sonchus oleraceus, Taraxacum officianalis, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Myosotis ramosissima, Brassica oleracea, Cochlearia danica, Cochlearia officinalis, Diplotaxis muralis, Jasione montana, Arenaria serpyllifolia, Cerastium diffusum, Cerastium fontanum, Herniaria ciliolata, Sagina apetala, Sagina maritima, Silene uniflora, Spergularia rupicola, Atriplex littoralis, Sedum acre, Sedum anglicum, Euphorbia portlandica, Anthyllis vulneraria, Hippocrepis comosa, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium arvense, Trifolium occidentale, Trifolium repens, Trifolium scabrum, Vicia sativa, Centaurium erythraea, Eriodium cicutarium, Salvia verbenaca, Thymus praecox, Scilla autumnalis, Scilla verna, Radiola linoides, Plantago coronopus, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Veronica arvensis, Armeria maritima, Ranunculus acris, Reseda lutea, Filipendula vulgaris, Poterium sanguisorba, Galium verum, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Aira caryophyllea, Aira praecox, Brachypodium pinnatum, Bromus hordeaceous, Catapodium marinum, Catapodium rigidum, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Koeleria macrantha, Lolium perenne, Schedonorus arundinaceus
MC2 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Armeria maritima-Ligusticum scoticum maritime rock-crevice community
Matches 9 species from the description above: Agrostis stolonifera, Armeria maritima, Festuca rubra, Ligusticum scoticum, Plantago coronopus, Plantago maritima, Sedum rosea, Silene uniflora, Tripleurospermum maritimum
Show 17 indicator speciesSchistidium maritimum, Ligusticum scoticum, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Cochlearia officinalis, Cerastium fontanum, Silene uniflora, Spergularia rupicola, Atriplex hastata, Sedum rosea, Plantago coronopus, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Rumex crispus, Agrostis stolonifera, Festuca rubra, Asplenium marinum
MC11 — Maritime cliff
Festuca rubra-Daucus carota ssp. gummifer maritime grassland
Matches 8 species from the description above: Agrostis stolonifera, Armeria maritima, Daucus carota, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago coronopus, Silene uniflora
Show 65 indicator speciesCarex caryophyllea, Carex flacca, Crithmum maritimum, Daucus carota, Achillea millefolium, Bellis perennis, Carlina vulgaris, Centaurea nigra, Centaurea scabiosa, Cirsium acaule, Cirsium vulgare, Echium vulgare, Hypochaeris radicata, Jacobaea vulgaris, Leontodon saxatilis, Leucanthemum vulgare, Pilosella officinarum, Senecio vulgaris, Sonchus oleraceus, Taraxacum officianalis, Impatiens nolitangere, Brassica oleracea, Crambe maritima, Arenaria serpyllifolia, Silene nutans, Silene uniflora, Convolvulus arvensis, Sedum acre, Euphorbia portlandica, Anthyllis vulneraria, Hippocrepis comosa, Lotus corniculatus, Medicago lupulina, Ononis repens, Trifolium repens, Vicia sativa, Blackstonia perfoliata, Centaurium erythraea, Teucrium scorodonia, Thymus praecox, Scilla verna, Glaucium flavum, Plantago coronopus, Plantago lanceolata, Armeria maritima, Rumex acetosa, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus bulbosus, Potentilla reptans, Poterium sanguisorba, Galium verum, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Brachypodium pinnatum, Bromus hordeaceous, Catapodium marinum, Cynosurus cristatus, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Koeleria macrantha, Lolium perenne, Schedonorus arundinaceus, Chara curta
MC9 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Festuca rubra-Holcus lanatus maritime grassland
Matches 8 species from the description above: Agrostis stolonifera, Armeria maritima, Daucus carota, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago maritima, Silene uniflora
Show 67 indicator speciesEmpetrum nigrum subsp.nigrum, Carex caryophyllea, Carex flacca, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Luzula campestris, Hypnum cupressiforme, Kindbergia praelonga, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Trichostomum brachydontium, Cladonia chlorophaea, Peltigera canina, Angelica sylvestris, Conopodium majus, Daucus carota, Heracleum sphondylium, Achillea millefolium, Bellis perennis, Centaurea nigra, Hypochaeris radicata, Jacobaea vulgaris, Leontodon saxatilis, Leucanthemum vulgare, Pilosella officinarum, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Serratula tinctoria, Solidago virgaurea, Cochlearia officinalis, Campanula rotundifolia, Cerastium diffusum, Cerastium fontanum, Sagina apetala, Silene uniflora, Sedum anglicum, Euphorbia portlandica, Anthyllis vulneraria, Genista tinctoria, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium repens, Geranium sanguineum, Thymus praecox, Scilla verna, Euphrasia officinalis, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Rumex acetosa, Rumex crispus, Ficaria verna, Ranunculus acris, Potentilla erecta, Galium verum, Viola riviniana, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Aira praecox, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Dactylis glomerata, Danthonia decumbens, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Koeleria macrantha, Poa pratensis
H8 — Hard cliff and cliff slope, Lowland dry heath, Upland dry heath
Calluna vulgaris-Ulex gallii heath
Matches 7 species from the description above: Agrostis stolonifera, Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago maritima
Show 59 indicator speciesCalluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix, Vaccinium myrtillus, Ulex europaeus, Ulex gallii, Carex binervis, Carex caryophyllea, Carex flacca, Carex pilulifera, Campylopus flexuosus, Dicranum scoparium, Hypnum cupressiforme, Pleurozium schreberi, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Polytrichum juniperinum, Polytrichum piliferum, Cladonia impexa, Cladonia squamosa, Hypochaeris radicata, Jasione montana, Lotus corniculatus, Hypericum pulchrum, Teucrium scorodonia, Thymus praecox, Scilla verna, Linum catharticum, Pedicularis sylvatica, Digitalis purpurea, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Polygala serpyllifolia, Rumex acetosella, Potentilla erecta, Poterium sanguisorba, Rubus fruticosus agg., Galium saxatile, Galium verum, Viola lactea, Viola riviniana, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis curtisii, Agrostis stolonifera, Agrostis vinealis, Aira praecox, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Avenula pubescens, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Dactylis glomerata, Danthonia decumbens, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta, Pteridium aquilinum, Chara curta
MC1 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Crithmum maritimum-Spergularia rupicola maritime rock-crevice community
Matches 7 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Daucus carota, Festuca rubra, Plantago coronopus, Plantago maritima, Silene uniflora, Tripleurospermum maritimum
Show 19 indicator speciesTortella flavovirens, Crithmum maritimum, Daucus carota, Inula crithmoides, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Cochlearia danica, Cochlearia officinalis, Cerastium diffusum, Silene uniflora, Spergularia rupicola, Atriplex hastata, Plantago coronopus, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Limonium binervosum, Catapodium marinum, Festuca rubra, Parapholis incurva, Asplenium marinum
MC7 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Stellaria media-Rumex acetosa sea-bird cliff community
Matches 7 species from the description above: Agrostis stolonifera, Armeria maritima, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Plantago maritima, Silene uniflora, Tripleurospermum maritimum
Show 24 indicator speciesJuncus articulatus, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Senecio vulgaris, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Cochlearia officinalis, Cerastium fontanum, Cerastium glomeratum, Silene uniflora, Spergula arvensis, Stellaria media agg., Atriplex hastata, Sedum anglicum, Trifolium repens, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Polygonum aviculare, Rumex acetosa, Rumex crispus, Potentilla anserina, Agrostis stolonifera, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Poa annua, Poa pratensis
MG11 — Brownfield, Coastal floodplain grazing marsh, Hard cliff and cliff slope
Festuca rubra-Agrostis stolonifera-Potentilla anserina grassland
Matches 7 species from the description above: Agrostis stolonifera, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago maritima, Silene uniflora, Tripleurospermum maritimum
Show 64 indicator speciesAtriplex portulacoides, Carex arenaria, Carex distans, Juncus articulatus, Juncus bufonius, Juncus gerardii, Brachythecium rutabulum, Odontites verna, Oenanthe lachenalii, Bellis perennis, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium vulgare, Hypochaeris radicata, Matricaria discoidea, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Senecio aquaticus, Sonchus asper, Taraxacum officianalis, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Cochlearia anglica, Cochlearia officinalis, Cerastium fontanum, Honckenya peploides, Sagina procumbens, Silene dioica, Silene uniflora, Stellaria media agg., Atriplex hastata, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium repens, Triglochin maritimum, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago major, Plantago maritima, Polygonum aviculare, Rumex acetosa, Rumex crispus, Rumex obtusifolius, Glaux maritima, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus repens, Potentilla anserina, Potentilla reptans, Galium aparine, Urtica dioica, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Alopecurus geniculatus, Ammophila arenaria, Arrhenatherum elatius, Bromus hordeaceous, Dactylis glomerata, Elytrigia juncea, Elytrigia repens, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne, Parapholis strigosa, Phleum pratense, Poa annua, Poa pratensis, Poa trivialis, Schedonorus arundinaceus, Schedonorus pratensis
MC12 — Maritime cliff
Festuca rubra-Hyacinthoides non-scripta maritime bluebell community
Matches 6 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Daucus carota, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Lotus corniculatus, Silene uniflora
Show 33 indicator speciesHedera helix, Daucus carota, Heracleum sphondylium, Achillea millefolium, Cirsium vulgare, Hypochaeris radicata, Sonchus oleraceus, Cochlearia danica, Cochlearia officinalis, Silene uniflora, Spergularia rupicola, Sedum telephium, Lotus corniculatus, Lotus pedunculatus, Ononis repens, Vicia sativa, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Scilla verna, Plantago lanceolata, Armeria maritima, Rumex acetosa, Ficaria verna, Potentilla erecta, Rubus fruticosus agg., Galium verum, Viola riviniana, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Arrhenatherum elatius, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Pteridium aquilinum
MC4 — Hard cliff and cliff slope
Brassica oleracea 36-ledge community
Matches 6 species from the description above: Agrostis stolonifera, Armeria maritima, Daucus carota, Festuca rubra, Plantago coronopus, Silene uniflora
Show 33 indicator speciesDaucus carota, Centaurea nigra, Centaurea scabiosa, Cirsium arvense, Echium vulgare, Jacobaea vulgaris, Leucanthemum vulgare, Pilosella officinarum, Senecio vulgaris, Sonchus oleraceus, Taraxacum officianalis, Tragopogon pratensis, Brassica nigra, Brassica oleracea, Cheiranthus cheiri, Silene nutans, Silene uniflora, Sedum acre, Anthyllis vulneraria, Ononis repens, Teucrium scorodonia, Plantago coronopus, Plantago lanceolata, Armeria maritima, Rumex acetosa, Potentilla reptans, Galium aparine, Agrostis stolonifera, Brachypodium pinnatum, Bromus hordeaceous, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Schedonorus arundinaceus
MC6 — Coastal vegetated shingle, Hard cliff and cliff slope
Atriplex prostrata-Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima sea-bird cliff community
Matches 6 species from the description above: Armeria maritima, Daucus carota, Festuca rubra, Plantago coronopus, Silene uniflora, Tripleurospermum maritimum
Show 17 indicator speciesDaucus carota, Sonchus oleraceus, Taraxacum officianalis, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Cochlearia officinalis, Silene uniflora, Spergularia rupicola, Atriplex hastata, Malva arborea, Plantago coronopus, Armeria maritima, Polygonum aviculare, Rumex crispus, Bromus hordeaceous, Catapodium marinum, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra
MG1 — Brownfield, Hard cliff and cliff slope
Arrhenatherum elatius grassland
Matches 6 species from the description above: Agrostis stolonifera, Daucus carota, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Lotus corniculatus, Primula vulgaris
Show 102 indicator speciesHedera helix, Luzula campestris, Brachythecium rutabulum, Kindbergia praelonga, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Aegopodium podagraria, Anthriscus sylvestris, Conopodium majus, Daucus carota, Heracleum sphondylium, Pimpinella major, Pimpinella saxifraga, Achillea millefolium, Artemisia vulgaris, Carduus nutans, Centaurea nigra, Centaurea scabiosa, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium vulgare, Hypochaeris radicata, Jacobaea vulgaris, Leontodon hispidus, Leucanthemum vulgare, Sonchus asper, Taraxacum officianalis, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Campanula rotundifolia, Knautia arvensis, Scabiosa columbaria, Cerastium fontanum, Silene nutans, Stellaria graminea, Convolvulus arvensis, Lathyrus pratensis, Lotus corniculatus, Lotus pedunculatus, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens, Vicia cracca, Vicia sativa, Vicia sepium, Geranium dissectum, Hypericum perforatum, Clinopodium vulgare, Glechoma hederacea, Lamium album, Origanum vulgare, Teucrium scorodonia, Thymus praecox, Linum catharticum, Chamerion angustifolium, Epilobium hirsutum, Epipactis purpurata, Rhinanthus minor, Papaver dubium, Plantago lanceolata, Veronica chamaedrys, Rumex acetosa, Rumex crispus, Rumex obtusifolius, Primula veris, Primula vulgaris, Ficaria verna, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus bulbosus, Ranunculus repens, Agrimonia eupatoria, Filipendula ulmaria, Potentilla reptans, Poterium sanguisorba, Rubus fruticosus agg., Galium aparine, Galium mollugo sens.lat., Galium verum, Urtica dioica, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Alopecurus pratensis, Anisantha sterilis, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Arrhenatherum elatius, Avenula pubescens, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Briza media, Bromopsis erecta, Bromus hordeaceous, Cynosurus cristatus, Dactylis glomerata, Elytrigia repens, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Holcus mollis, Lolium perenne, Phleum pratense, Poa pratensis, Poa trivialis, Schedonorus pratensis, Trisetum flavescens, Pteridium aquilinum, Chara vulgaris
MG12 — Coastal floodplain grazing marsh, Hard cliff and cliff slope
Festuca arundinacea grassland
Matches 6 species from the description above: Agrostis stolonifera, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago maritima, Tripleurospermum maritimum
Show 56 indicator speciesAtriplex portulacoides, Carex distans, Carex nigra, Carex otrubae, Eleocharis uniglumis, Juncus acutiflorus, Juncus articulatus, Juncus gerardii, Juncus inflexus, Juncus maritimus, Kindbergia praelonga, Odontites verna, Oenanthe crocata, Oenanthe lachenalii, Torilis japonica, Cirsium arvense, Hypochaeris radicata, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Sonchus arvensis, Taraxacum officianalis, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Cerastium fontanum, Stellaria media agg., Atriplex hastata, Equisetum palustre, Lathyrus pratensis, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens, Vicia cracca, Iris pseudacorus, Triglochin maritimum, Triglochin palustre, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago major, Plantago maritima, Rumex crispus, Glaux maritima, Ranunculus acris, Potentilla anserina, Galium palustre, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Arrhenatherum elatius, Cynosurus cristatus, Dactylis glomerata, Elytrigia atherica, Elytrigia repens, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne, Phragmites australis, Poa pratensis, Schedonorus arundinaceus, Schedonorus pratensis
MG10 — Coastal floodplain grazing marsh, Hard cliff and cliff slope, Upland rush pasture
Holcus lanatus-Juncus effusus rush-pasture
Matches 4 species from the description above: Agrostis stolonifera, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Primula vulgaris
Show 58 indicator speciesCarex hirta, Carex panicea, Juncus articulatus, Juncus effusus, Juncus inflexus, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Kindbergia praelonga, Angelica sylvestris, Oenanthe crocata, Caltha palustris, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium palustre, Pulicaria dysenterica, Senecio aquaticus, Taraxacum officianalis, Myosotis scorpioides, Cardamine pratensis, Cerastium fontanum, Silene flos-cuculi, Stellaria alsine, Equisetum arvense, Equisetum palustre, Lotus pedunculatus, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens, Vicia cracca, Iris pseudacorus, Mentha aquatica, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago major, Polygonum hydropiper, Rumex acetosa, Rumex conglomeratus, Rumex crispus, Rumex obtusifolius, Primula vulgaris, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus repens, Filipendula ulmaria, Potentilla anserina, Urtica dioica, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Alopecurus geniculatus, Alopecurus pratensis, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Cynosurus cristatus, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Festulolium loliaceum, Glyceria fluitans, Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne, Phalaris arundinacea, Phleum pratense, Poa pratensis, Poa trivialis, Schedonorus pratensis
Insects to look out for
These moths and butterflies 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 | Lotus corniculatus |
| New forest Zygaena viciae |
Critically Endangered | Lotus corniculatus |
| Straw belle Aspitates gilvaria |
Endangered | Lotus corniculatus |
| The grey Hadena caesia |
Endangered | Silene uniflora |
| Duke of Burgundy Hamearis lucina |
Endangered | Primula vulgaris |
| Shoulder-striped clover Heliothis maritima |
Endangered | Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea |
| Wood white Leptidea sinapis |
Endangered | Lotus corniculatus |
| Glanville fritillary Melitaea cinxia |
Endangered | Plantago coronopus, Plantago maritima |
| Sussex emerald Thalera fimbrialis |
Endangered | Daucus carota |
| Slender scotch Zygaena loti |
Endangered | Lotus corniculatus |
| Mouse moth Amphipyra tragopoginis |
Vulnerable | Lotus corniculatus |
| Broom moth Ceramica pisi |
Vulnerable | Calluna vulgaris |
| Dingy skipper Erynnis tages |
Vulnerable | Lotus corniculatus |
| Marsh fritillary Euphydryas aurinia |
Vulnerable | Plantago spp. |
| Juniper pug Eupithecia pusillata |
Vulnerable | Juniperus communis, Juniperus spp. |
| Satyr pug Eupithecia satyrata |
Vulnerable | Calluna vulgaris |
| Garden dart Euxoa nigricans |
Vulnerable | Plantago spp. |
| Grayling Hipparchia semele |
Vulnerable | Festuca rubra |
| True lover's knot Lycophotia porphyrea |
Vulnerable | Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea |
| Silver studded blue Plebejus argus |
Vulnerable | Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Lotus corniculatus |
| Pale eggar Trichiura crataegi |
Vulnerable | Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea |
| Flounced chestnut Agrochola helvola |
Near Threatened | Calluna vulgaris |
| Grey chi Antitype chi |
Near Threatened | Armeria maritima |
| Garden tiger Arctia caja |
Near Threatened | Plantago spp. |
| Small heath Coenonympha pamphilus |
Near Threatened | Agrostis spp., Festuca spp. |
| Rosy marsh moth Coenophila subrosea |
Near Threatened | Empetrum nigrum |
| Grey scalloped Dyscia fagaria |
Near Threatened | Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea |
| Autumnal rustic Eugnorisma glareosa |
Near Threatened | Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Plantago spp. |
| White-spotted pug Eupithecia tripunctaria |
Near Threatened | Daucus carota |
| Weaver's wave Idaea contiguaria |
Near Threatened | Calluna vulgaris, Empetrum nigrum |
| Wall Lasiommata megera |
Near Threatened | Agrostis spp., Holcus lanatus |
| Swallowtail papilio Papilio machaon |
Near Threatened | Daucus carota |
| Scotch burnet Zygaena exulans |
Near Threatened | Empetrum nigrum |
Hostplant 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 (Open Government Licence). Contains data supplied by UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.