Skinsdale Peatlands

Site of Special Scientific Interest · 58.1915, -4.1542

Condition (NatureScot)

Favourable (5) Unfavourable No Change (1)
UnitFeatureConditionArea (ha)Assessed
F1 Breeding bird assemblage Favourable 2009-02-18
F2 Dunlin (Calidris alpina schinzii), breeding Favourable 2024-03-11
F3 Golden plover (Pluvialis apricaria), breeding Favourable 2024-02-21
F4 Greenshank (Tringa nebularia), breeding Favourable 2024-01-29
F5 Blanket bog Unfavourable No Change 2023-07-26
F6 Vascular plant assemblage Favourable 2017-03-07

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.

Geology & landscape

Landscape processes: Glacial, Peatland / Mire

Birds & fish recorded

Birds

SpeciesSeason
dunlin Breeding
golden eagle Breeding
golden plover Breeding
greenshank Breeding
grey wagtail Breeding
merlin Breeding
red-throated diver Breeding
teal Breeding
wheatear Breeding

Description

Skinsdale Peatlands Skinsdale Peatlands Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is an extensive area of blanket bog in east Sutherland. The site is located at the headwaters of the River Brora between Lairg and Kinbrace. It includes the extensive area of peatlands to the east of Ben Armine, together with the summit of Ben Armine itself and the east-facing slope of Creag Mhor. The site is nationally important for its blanket bog habitat, vascular plants and the assemblage of breeding birds. The populations of breeding dunlin, golden plover and greenshank that breed here are each nationally important in their own right. Blanket bog The glaciated landscape of Skinsdale Peatlands SSSI, with its knolls, basins and river valleys, supports a wide range of mire types. Watershed, valleyside and terrace mires are the most common types. Most of the mire vegetation is dominated by deergrass Trichophorum cespitosum, heather Calluna vulgaris and hare’s-tail cottongrass Eriophorum vaginatum. Bog mosses form extensive carpets at some locations. Of particular note are the hummock forming bog-mosses Sphagnum magellanicum and rusty bog-moss Sphagnum fuscum, as well as the nationally scarce, Austin’s bog-moss S. austinii. This site supports bog pool systems, fringed with common cottongrass Eriophorum angustifolium and carpets of bog-mosses with the small cranberry Vaccinium microcarpum. Bogbean Menyanthes trifoliata grows in the larger pools. Vascular (flowering) plants The site also supports large populations of three nationally scarce species; dwarf birch Betula nana, small cranberry V. microcarpum and alpine bearberry Arctostaphylos alpinus. Awlwort Subularia aquatica, another nationally scarce species, grows in Gorm-loch Beag . The nationally scarce downy willow Salix lapponum, creeping ladies tresses Goodyera repens and pyramidal bugle Ajuga pyramidalis grow on the slopes of Ben Armine. Breeding bird assemblage The blanket bog habitat together with freshwater lochs, small rivers, and heaths support a range of upland and moorland breeding bird species. The crags and steep slopes support merlin Falco columbarius, golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos and ring ouzel Turdus torquatus which breed and feed in the area. Large lochs and small lochans support red-throated diver Gavia stellata, teal Anas crecca and greenshank. The River Skinsdale and surrounding habitats support dipper Cinclus cinclus, grey wagtail Motacilla cinerea and wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe. Dunlin, golden plover, greenshank The moorland waders: greenshank Tringa nebularia, golden plover Pluvialis apricaria and dunlin Calidris alpina schinzii all breed at above the average densities for Caithness and Sutherland on this site.

Species mentioned

English name
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Latin name
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IUCN / Red List Type Family
Phalacrocorax aristotelis Not listed in GB list bird phalacrocoracidae
dipper Cinclus cinclus NT (Breeding) bird-dipper cinclidae
red-throated diver Gavia stellata LC (NonBreeding), LC (Breeding) bird-diver gaviidae
teal Anas crecca LC (NonBreeding), LC (Breeding) bird-duck anatidae
golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos NT (Breeding) bird-hawk falconidae
merlin Falco columbarius EN (Breeding) bird-hawk falconidae
wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe LC (Breeding) bird-robin muscicapidae
ring ouzel Turdus torquatus VU (Breeding) bird-thrush turdidae
dunlin Calidris alpina EN (NonBreeding) bird-wader scolopacidae
golden plover Pluvialis apricaria LC (NonBreeding), LC (Breeding) bird-wader charadriidae
greenshank Tringa nebularia LC (Breeding) bird-wader scolopacidae
grey wagtail Motacilla cinerea NT (Breeding) bird-wagtail motacillidae
pyramidal bugle Ajuga pyramidalis NT herb lamiaceae
creeping lady's tresses Goodyera repens LC herb orchidaceae
bogbean Menyanthes trifoliata LC herb manyanthaceae
awlwort Subularia aquatica LC herb brassicaceae
rusty bog moss Sphagnum fuscum LC moss sphagnales
Magellanic bog moss Sphagnum magellanicum Not listed in GB list moss sphagnales
common cottongrass Eriophorum angustifolium NT sedge cyperaceae
hare's-tail cottongrass Eriophorum vaginatum LC sedge cyperaceae
deergrass, deer sedge Trichophorum cespitosum LC sedge cyperaceae
alpine bearberry Arctostaphylos alpinus LC shrub ericaceae
dwarf birch Betula nana LC shrub betulaceae
small cranberry Vaccinium microcarpum LC shrub ericaceae
bell heather or ling Calluna vulgaris NT shrub dwarf ericaceae
downy willow Salix lapponum LC tree shrub salicaceae

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

CG12 — Alpine and subalpine calcareous grassland, High montane heath and snow bed

Festuca ovina-Alchemilla alpina-Silene acaulis dwarf-herb community

Empetrum nigrum, Calluna vulgaris, Kalmia procumbens, Vaccinium myrtillus, Salix herbacea, Carex bigelowii, Carex demissa, Carex panicea, Carex pilulifera, Carex pulicaris, Juncus trifidus, Juncus triglumis, Luzula campestris, Luzula multiflora, Luzula spicata, Luzula sylvatica, Diphasiastrum alpinum, Huperzia selago, Selaginella selaginoides, Andreaea alpina, Aulacomnium turgidum, Bartramia ithyphylla, Breutelia chrysocoma, Mnium hornum, Dicranum scoparium, Ditrichum flexicaule, Racomitrium canescens sens.lat., Racomitrium fasciculare, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Ctenidium molluscum, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum callichroum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Hypnum hamulosum, Lescuraea incurvata, Pleurozium schreberi, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Sanionia uncinata, Thuidium delicatulum, Thuidium tamariscinum, Pogonatum urnigerum, Polytrichastrum alpinum, Tortella tortuosa, Barbilophozia hatcheri, Barbilophozia lycopodioides, Diplophyllum albicans, Frullania tamarisci, Nardia scalaris, Plagiochila asplenioides, Ptilidium ciliare, Scapania subalpina, Tritomaria quinquedentata, Cetraria islandica, Cladonia arbuscula, Cladonia gracilis, Cladonia pyxidata, Cladonia uncialis, Peltigera canina, Achillea millefolium, Antennaria dioica, Gnaphalium supinum, Hieraclium spp., Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Solidago virgaurea, Taraxacum officianalis, Myosotis alpestris, Cardamine pratensis, Draba norvegica, Campanula rotundifolia, Succisa pratensis, Cerastium alpinum, Cerastium fontanum, Minuartia sedoides, Sagina saginoides, Silene acaulis, Sedum rosea, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Thymus praecox, Linum catharticum, Epilobium anagallidifolium, Euphrasia frigida, Euphrasia officinalis, Oxalis acetosella, Plantago maritima, Veronica alpina, Veronica officinalis, Veronica serpyllifolia, Armeria maritima, Polygonum viviparum, Rumex acetosa, Anemone nemorosa, Ranunculus acris, Thalictrum alpinum, Trollius europaeus, Alchemilla alpina, Alchemilla filicaulis, Filipendula ulmaria, Geum rivale, Potentilla crantzii, Potentilla erecta, Sibbaldia procumbens, Galium boreale, Galium saxatile, Saxifraga aizoides, Saxifraga hypnoides, Saxifraga nivalis, Saxifraga oppositifolia, Saxifraga stellaris, Viola lutea, Viola palustris, Viola riviniana, Agrostis canina, Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Deschampsia cespitosa, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Festuca vivipara, Nardus stricta, Poa pratensis, Botrychium lunaria

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

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

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

U7 — High montane heath and snow bed

Nardus stricta-Carex bigelowii grass-heath

Empetrum nigrum, Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus, Vaccinium uliginosum, Salix herbacea, Carex bigelowii, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Carex pilulifera, Eriophorum vaginatum, Trichophorum cespitosum, Juncus squarrosus, Juncus trifidus, Luzula multiflora, Luzula sylvatica, Diphasiastrum alpinum, Huperzia selago, Campylopus flexuosus, Dicranum fuscescens, Dicranum scoparium, Kiaeria starkei, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum cupressiforme, Plagiothecium undulatum, Pleurozium schreberi, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Polytrichastrum alpinum, Polytrichum commune, Polytrichum juniperinum, Polytrichum piliferum, Polytrichum strictum, Sphagnum capillifolium, Anastrepta orcadensis, Anastrophyllum donianum, Barbilophozia floerkei, Barbilophozia hatcheri, Bazzania tricrenata, Diplophyllum albicans, Lophozia sudetica, Pleurozia purpurea, Ptilidium ciliare, Scapania gracilis, Scapania nemorea, Cetraria delisei, Cetraria islandica, Cladonia arbuscula, Cladonia bellidiflora, Cladonia coccifera, Cladonia gracilis, Cladonia impexa, Cladonia leucophaea, Cladonia pyxidata, Cladonia rangiferina, Cladonia tenuis, Cladonia uncialis, Gnaphalium supinum, Solidago virgaurea, Cornus suecica, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Thymus praecox, Narthecium ossifragum, Rumex acetosa, Alchemilla alpina, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Viola palustris, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis vinealis, Deschampsia cespitosa, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Nardus stricta

U8 — High montane heath and snow bed

Carex bigelowii-Polytrichum alpinum sedge-heath

Vaccinium myrtillus, Salix herbacea, Carex bigelowii, Juncus trifidus, Luzula spicata, Huperzia selago, Pohlia nutans, Dicranum fuscescens, Dicranum scoparium, Racomitrium canescens sens.lat., Racomitrium fasciculare, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Hylocomium splendens, Pleurozium schreberi, Sanionia uncinata, Polytrichastrum alpinum, Sphagnum compactum, Ptilidium ciliare, Cetraria delisei, Cetraria islandica, Cladonia arbuscula, Cladonia bellidiflora, Cladonia coccifera, Cladonia floerkeana, Cladonia gracilis, Cladonia macrophylla, Cladonia pyxidata, Cladonia rangiferina, Cladonia squamosa, Cladonia uncialis, Cornicularia aculeata, Ochrolechia frigida, Galium saxatile, Saxifraga stellaris, Agrostis capillaris, Deschampsia cespitosa, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Nardus stricta

U9 — High montane heath and snow bed

Juncus trifidus-Racomitrium lanuginosum rush-heath

Empetrum nigrum, Kalmia procumbens, Vaccinium myrtillus, Vaccinium uliginosum, Salix herbacea, Carex bigelowii, Carex pilulifera, Juncus trifidus, Luzula spicata, Diphasiastrum alpinum, Huperzia selago, Dicranum fuscescens, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Pleurozium schreberi, Polytrichastrum alpinum, Polytrichum piliferum, Barbilophozia floerkei, Diplophyllum albicans, Ptilidium ciliare, Cetraria delisei, Cetraria islandica, Cetraria nivalis, Cladonia arbuscula, Cladonia bellidiflora, Cladonia coccifera, Cladonia crispata, Cladonia gracilis, Cladonia pyxidata, Cladonia rangiferina, Cladonia uncialis, Cornicularia aculeata, Ochrolechia frigida, Sphaerophorus globosus, Stereocaulon vesuvianum, Thamnolia vermicularis, Silene acaulis, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Armeria maritima, Polygonum viviparum, Alchemilla alpina, Galium saxatile, Agrostis capillaris, Deschampsia cespitosa, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Nardus stricta, Nitella flexilis

U10 — High montane heath and snow bed, Lowland dry acid grassland, Upland dry heath

Carex bigelowii-Racomitrium lanuginosum moss-heath

Empetrum nigrum, Kalmia procumbens, Vaccinium myrtillus, Salix herbacea, Carex bigelowii, Carex panicea, Carex pilulifera, Juncus squarrosus, Juncus trifidus, Luzula spicata, Diphasiastrum alpinum, Huperzia selago, Selaginella selaginoides, Andreaea alpina, Aulacomnium turgidum, Pohlia nutans, Campylopus flexuosus, Dicranum fuscescens, Dicranum scoparium, Kiaeria starkei, Racomitrium fasciculare, Racomitrium heterostichum, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum callichroum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Hypnum hamulosum, Pleurozium schreberi, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Sanionia uncinata, Polytrichastrum alpinum, Polytrichum juniperinum, Polytrichum longisetum, Polytrichum piliferum, Polytrichum strictum, Anastrepta orcadensis, Diplophyllum albicans, Nardia scalaris, Ptilidium ciliare, Alectoria nigricans, Cetraria islandica, Cladonia arbuscula, Cladonia cervicornis, Cladonia coccifera, Cladonia crispata, Cladonia furcata, Cladonia gracilis, Cladonia impexa, Cladonia pyxidata, Cladonia rangiferina, Cladonia squamosa, Cladonia uncialis, Cornicularia aculeata, Ochrolechia frigida, Peltigera canina, Sphaerophorus globosus, Thamnolia vermicularis, Achillea millefolium, Antennaria dioica, Gnaphalium supinum, Solidago virgaurea, Campanula rotundifolia, Succisa pratensis, Minuartia sedoides, Silene acaulis, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Thymus praecox, Armeria maritima, Polygonum viviparum, Rumex acetosa, Alchemilla alpina, Potentilla erecta, Sibbaldia procumbens, Galium saxatile, Viola palustris, Viola riviniana, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis vinealis, Deschampsia cespitosa, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Nardus stricta

U11 — High montane heath and snow bed, Lowland dry acid grassland, Upland dry heath

Polytrichum sexangulare-Kiaeria starkei snow-bed

Empetrum nigrum, Salix herbacea, Carex bigelowii, Juncus trifidus, Huperzia selago, Conostomum tetragonum, Pohlia drummondii, Pohlia ludwigii, Pohlia nutans, Dicranum fuscescens, Kiaeria falcata, Kiaeria starkei, Racomitrium canescens sens.lat., Racomitrium fasciculare, Racomitrium heterostichum, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Pleurozium schreberi, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Oligotrichum hercynicum, Polytrichastrum alpinum, Polytrichastrum sexangulare, Anthelia juratzkana, Barbilophozia floerkei, Lophozia sudetica, Marsupella emarginata, Moerckia blyttii, Nardia scalaris, Pleurocladula albescens, Cetraria islandica, Cladonia bellidiflora, Cladonia pyxidata, Cladonia uncialis, Solorina crocea, Gnaphalium supinum, Cerastium cerastoides, Silene acaulis, Alchemilla alpina, Sibbaldia procumbens, Galium saxatile, Saxifraga stellaris, Viola palustris, Agrostis capillaris, Deschampsia cespitosa, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca vivipara, Nardus stricta, Cryptogramma crispa, Blechnum spicant, Athyrium distentifolium

U12 — High montane heath and snow bed, Upland dry heath

Salix herbacea-Racomitrium heterostichum snow-bed

Salix herbacea, Carex bigelowii, Juncus trifidus, Luzula spicata, Huperzia selago, Andreaea rupestris, Conostomum tetragonum, Pohlia nutans, Dicranum scoparium, Kiaeria starkei, Racomitrium fasciculare, Racomitrium heterostichum, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Oligotrichum hercynicum, Polytrichastrum alpinum, Polytrichastrum sexangulare, Polytrichum piliferum, Barbilophozia floerkei, Diplophyllum albicans, Gymnomitrion concinnatum, Gymnomitrion corallioides, Lophozia sudetica, Marsupella brevissima, Nardia scalaris, Cetraria delisei, Cetraria islandica, Cladonia bellidiflora, Cladonia coccifera, Cladonia gracilis, Cladonia pyxidata, Cladonia uncialis, Cornicularia aculeata, Ochrolechia frigida, Gnaphalium supinum, Silene acaulis, Alchemilla alpina, Galium saxatile, Agrostis canina, Deschampsia cespitosa, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Nardus stricta

U13 — High montane heath and snow bed, Upland dry heath

Deschampsia cespitosa-Galium saxatile grassland

Vaccinium myrtillus, Salix herbacea, Carex bigelowii, Carex pilulifera, Luzula multiflora, Luzula sylvatica, Diphasiastrum alpinum, Huperzia selago, Selaginella selaginoides, Pohlia nutans, Kiaeria starkei, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum callichroum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Plagiothecium undulatum, Pleurozium schreberi, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Sanionia uncinata, Polytrichastrum alpinum, Polytrichum commune, Sphagnum capillifolium, Sphagnum russowii, Anastrepta orcadensis, Barbilophozia floerkei, Barbilophozia lycopodioides, Nardia scalaris, Ptilidium ciliare, Cetraria islandica, Cladonia gracilis, Peltigera canina, Achillea millefolium, Gnaphalium supinum, Saussurea alpina, Campanula rotundifolia, Cerastium alpinum, Cerastium fontanum, Minuartia sedoides, Silene acaulis, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Thymus praecox, Euphrasia frigida, Oxalis acetosella, Armeria maritima, Polygonum viviparum, Rumex acetosa, Ranunculus acris, Alchemilla alpina, Alchemilla filicaulis, Alchemilla glabra, Potentilla erecta, Sibbaldia procumbens, Galium saxatile, Saxifraga hypnoides, Saxifraga stellaris, Viola palustris, Viola riviniana, Agrostis canina, Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Deschampsia cespitosa, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Nardus stricta, Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris dilatata

U14 — High montane heath and snow bed, Upland dry heath

Alchemilla alpina-Sibbaldia procumbens dwarf-herb community

Vaccinium myrtillus, Salix herbacea, Carex bigelowii, Carex pilulifera, Juncus trifidus, Luzula multiflora, Luzula spicata, Diphasiastrum alpinum, Huperzia selago, Selaginella selaginoides, Andreaea alpina, Pohlia nutans, Dicranum scoparium, Racomitrium aquaticum, Racomitrium canescens sens.lat., Racomitrium fasciculare, Racomitrium heterostichum, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Ctenidium molluscum, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum callichroum, Pleurozium schreberi, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Sanionia uncinata, Oligotrichum hercynicum, Pogonatum urnigerum, Polytrichastrum alpinum, Polytrichum piliferum, Barbilophozia floerkei, Diplophyllum albicans, Lophozia sudetica, Nardia scalaris, Ptilidium ciliare, Cetraria islandica, Cladonia arbuscula, Cladonia bellidiflora, Cladonia pyxidata, Achillea millefolium, Gnaphalium supinum, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Campanula rotundifolia, Cerastium alpinum, Cerastium fontanum, Minuartia sedoides, Sagina saginoides, Silene acaulis, Thymus praecox, Euphrasia officinalis, Armeria maritima, Polygonum viviparum, Rumex acetosa, Ranunculus acris, Thalictrum alpinum, Trollius europaeus, Alchemilla alpina, Alchemilla filicaulis, Alchemilla glabra, Potentilla erecta, Sibbaldia procumbens, Galium saxatile, Saxifraga hypnoides, Saxifraga oppositifolia, Saxifraga stellaris, Viola palustris, Agrostis canina, Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Deschampsia cespitosa, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Nardus stricta, Blechnum spicant, Botrychium lunaria