River Spey

Site of Special Scientific Interest · 57.0192, -4.3451

Condition (NatureScot)

Unfavourable Recovering (1) Favourable (2) Unfavourable Declining (1)
UnitFeatureConditionArea (ha)Assessed
F1 Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) Unfavourable Recovering 2007-02-08
F2 Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) Favourable 2014-06-11
F3 Freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) Unfavourable Declining 2015-10-27
F4 Otter (Lutra lutra) Favourable 2017-05-15

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.

Geology & landscape

Geological Feature: Floodplain

Landscape processes: Coastal, Fluvial

Birds & fish recorded

Birds

SpeciesSeason
bar-tailed godwit Wintering
common scoter Wintering
dunlin Breeding
dunlin Wintering
greylag goose Breeding
greylag goose Wintering
long-tailed duck Wintering
osprey Breeding
osprey Wintering
oystercatcher Breeding
oystercatcher Wintering
pink-footed goose Breeding
pink-footed goose Wintering
red-breasted merganser Breeding
red-breasted merganser Wintering
redshank Breeding
redshank Wintering
velvet scoter Wintering
wigeon Breeding
wigeon Wintering

Fish

SpeciesSeason
Atlantic salmon Juvenile / resident
Atlantic salmon Passage
Atlantic salmon Spawning
Atlantic salmon Unknown
River lamprey Passage
River lamprey Spawning
River lamprey Unknown
Sea lamprey Passage
Sea lamprey Spawning
Sea lamprey Unknown

Description

River Spey The River Spey rises above Loch Spey in the Monadhliath Mountains and flows in a north-easterly direction, by Aviemore and Grantown-on-Spey, to its mouth at Spey Bay in the Moray Firth. It is the second largest river in Scotland and exhibits the characteristics of an alpine river with high flow levels often associated with snow melt persisting late into spring. The river is unusual in that the upper and lower reaches are fast flowing with steep gradients whilst the middle reaches flatten out and the river slows and meanders through a wide floodplain. The river is dynamic and during periods of high flow actively erodes old river terraces and reworks floodplain deposits. During these periods the river can carry large sediment loads which result in the constantly changing position of the shingle banks, pools and riffles. The water quality of the River Spey is considered to be very good with generally low levels of nutrients and slightly higher levels in the middle and lower reaches. The River Spey has a variety of freshwater and riparian habitats including beds of shingle, gravel, sand and silt, islands, fringing woodlands and marshes. These habitats support important populations of Atlantic salmon, sea lamprey, freshwater pearl mussel and otter, which are each notified features of the River Spey SSSI. Atlantic salmon The River Spey supports a major spawning population of the Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. The river has abundant gravel beds which are free of siltation and provide good quality spawning/nursery habitat for salmon. The fringing woodland and shingle banks supply additional invertebrates to the river and these are an important food source for juvenile salmon. Salmon are able to spawn throughout virtually the entire length of the site which is unusual for a river of this size. The salmon population includes the full range of Scottish types, from late running grilse to spring fish which are returning to freshwater after two or more winters at sea. Smolt ages vary from two to four years which may reflect genetic variation within the Spey stock. Sea lamprey The River Spey supports a relatively large population of the sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus, at the northern limit of its British distribution in fresh waters. Sea lampreys are present throughout the lower and middle reaches of the river where suitable habitat (including clean gravels for spawning and silt or sand for the burrowing of larval ammocoetes) is well represented. Freshwater pearl mussel The River Spey has one of the largest populations in Scotland of the freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera, including both adults and juveniles. The freshwater pearl mussel is a long-lived species requiring water of good quality and areas of fine sandy gravels in which to live and complete its life cycle. This species’ complex life cycle is dependant on salmonid fish as an intermediary host. The glochidial (larval) stage of the mussel lodges and develops within the gills of salmonid fish before dropping off as a juvenile mussel into areas of suitable substrate where it will continue to grow. The river’s healthy population of salmonids, in particular Atlantic salmon, is essential for the continued survival of the freshwater pearl mussel. Otter The River Spey supports a healthy population of otters and is a good, representative freshwater site for this species in Scotland. Otters are known to occur widely throughout the Spey catchment and the variety of habitats such as islands, riparian woodland and marshes provides suitable places for breeding and resting. The site provides good foraging opportunities with important prey species such as fish, small mammals and amphibians present in the river and the numerous ponds, small lochans and marshy areas. The River Spey SSSI adjoins the River Spey - Insh Marshes SSSI. Parts of the River Spey SSSI overlap parts of the following SSSIs. Further details of their notified natural features can be found within the relevant citations. Parallel Roads of Lochaber SSSI Lower River Spey SSSI Alvie SSSI Spey Bay SSSI The River Spey SSSI overlaps part of the River Spey Special Area of Conservation (SAC), designated for the European species listed below. (The River Spey SAC includes many of the tributaries of the River Spey). Part of the River Spey SSSI overlaps part of the Lower River Spey - Spey Bay SAC, designated for the European habitats listed below. Part of the River Spey SSSI overlaps part of the Moray and Nairn Coast Special Protection Area (SPA), designated for the birds listed below. Lower River Spey – Spey Bay SAC Habitats: Alder woodland on floodplains Coastal shingle vegetation outside the reach of waves River Spey SAC Species: Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) Freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) Otter (Lutra lutra) Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) Moray and Nairn Coast SPA Birds: Bar-tailed godwit (Limosa lapponica), non-breeding Common scoter (Melanitta nigra), non-breeding Dunlin (Calidris alpina alpina), non-breeding Greylag goose (Anser anser), non-breeding Long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis), non-breeding Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), breeding Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus), non-breeding Pink-footed goose (Anser brachyrhynchus), non-breeding Red-breasted merganser (Mergus serrator), non-breeding Redshank (Tringa totanus), non-breeding Velvet scoter (Melanitta fusca), non-breeding Wigeon (Mareca penelope), non-breeding Waterfowl assemblage, non-breeding

Species mentioned

English name
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Latin name
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IUCN / Red List Type Family
long-tailed duck Clangula hyemalis NT (NonBreeding) bird-duck anatidae
wigeon Mareca penelope LC (NonBreeding), NT (Breeding) bird-duck anatidae
velvet scoter Melanitta fusca VU (NonBreeding) bird-duck anatidae
common scoter Melanitta nigra LC (NonBreeding), CR (Breeding) bird-duck anatidae
red-breasted merganser Mergus serrator VU (NonBreeding) bird-duck anatidae
greylag goose Anser anser LC (NonBreeding) bird-goose anatidae
pink-footed goose Anser brachyrhynchus LC (NonBreeding) bird-goose anatidae
osprey Pandion haliaetus NT (Breeding) bird-hawk falconidae
dunlin Calidris alpina EN (NonBreeding) bird-wader scolopacidae
oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus LC (Breeding) bird-wader haematopodidae
bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica LC (NonBreeding) bird-wader scolopacidae
redshank Tringa totanus EN (NonBreeding) bird-wader scolopacidae
freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera Not listed in GB list bivalve margaritiferidae
otter Lutra lutra LC carnivore mustelidae
Atlantic salmon Salmo salar EN fish salmonidae
sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus LC lamprey petromyzontidae

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

MC6 — Coastal vegetated shingle, Hard cliff and cliff slope

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

Daucus carota, Sonchus oleraceus, Taraxacum officianalis, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Cochlearia officinalis, Silene uniflora, Spergularia rupicola, Atriplex hastata, Malva arborea, Plantago coronopus, Armeria maritima, Polygonum aviculare, Rumex crispus, Bromus hordeaceous, Catapodium marinum, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra

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

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

W1 — Wet woodland

Salix cinerea-Galium palustre woodland

Hedera helix, Salix cinerea, Salix purpurea, Salix viminalis, Betula pendula, Betula pubescens, Corylus avellana, Quercus robur, Alnus glutinosa, Frangula alnus, Crataegus monogyna, Solanum dulcamara, Carex nigra, Carex paniculata, Carex remota, Carex riparia, Juncus acutiflorus, Juncus effusus, Plagiomnium undulatum, Brachythecium rutabulum, Calliergon cordifolium, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Kindbergia praelonga, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Thuidium tamariscinum, Chiloscyphus polyanthos, Lophocolea bidentata, Angelica sylvestris, Apium nodiflorum, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Caltha palustris, Cirsium palustre, Myosotis scorpioides, Cardamine flexuosa, Lonicera periclymenum, Valeriana officinalis, Silene flos-cuculi, Equisetum fluviatile, Equisetum palustre, Lotus pedunculatus, Iris pseudacorus, Lycopus europaeus, Mentha aquatica, Lemna minor, Epilobium palustre, Callitriche stagnalis, Rumex acetosa, Rumex sanguineus, Ranunculus flammula, Ranunculus repens, Comarum palustre, Filipendula ulmaria, Rubus fruticosus agg., Galium aparine, Galium palustre, Galium uliginosum, Agrostis canina, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Dactylis glomerata, Glyceria fluitans, Holcus lanatus, Molinia caerulea, Phalaris arundinacea, Phragmites australis, Dryopteris carthusiana

W2 — Wet woodland

Salix cinerea-Betula pubescens-Phragmites australis woodland

Hedera helix, Salix aurita, Salix cinerea, Salix fragilis, Betula pubescens, Quercus petraea, Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior, Alnus glutinosa, Myrica gale, Viburnum opulus, Frangula alnus, Rhamnus cathartica, Crataegus monogyna, Solanum dulcamara, Carex acuta, Carex acutiformis, Carex nigra, Carex paniculata, Carex remota, Carex vesicaria, Cladium mariscus, Juncus effusus, Juncus subnodulosus, Aulacomnium palustre, Mnium hornum, Orthodontium lineare, Plagiomnium undulatum, Pohlia nutans, Rhizomnium pseudopunctatum, Campylopus flexuosus, Amblystegium serpens, Brachythecium rutabulum, Calliergon giganteum, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Kindbergia praelonga, Leptodictyum riparium, Plagiothecium denticulatum, Plagiothecium nemorale, Atrichum undulatum, Sphagnum fallax, Sphagnum fimbriatum, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum squarrosum, Sphagnum subnitens, Calypogeia fissa, Lophocolea bidentata, Lophocolea heterophylla, Pellia epiphylla, Humulus lupulus, Tamus communis, Angelica sylvestris, Berula erecta, Thyselium palustre, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Caltha palustris, Cirsium palustre, Eupatorium cannabinum, Lonicera periclymenum, Valeriana officinalis, Stellaria media agg., Calystegia sepium, Equisetum palustre, Lotus pedunculatus, Geranium robertianum, Ajuga reptans, Glechoma hederacea, Lycopus europaeus, Mentha aquatica, Lythrum salicaria, Menyanthes trifoliata, Epilobium hirsutum, Epilobium palustre, Lysimachia vulgaris, Filipendula ulmaria, Potentilla erecta, Rosa canina, Rubus fruticosus agg., Rubus idaeus, Galium aparine, Galium palustre, Scutellaria galericulata, Urtica dioica, Agrostis canina, Agrostis stolonifera, Calamagrostis canescens, Deschampsia cespitosa, Deschampsia flexuosa, Glyceria maxima, Holcus lanatus, Molinia caerulea, Phalaris arundinacea, Phragmites australis, Poa trivialis, Dryopteris carthusiana, Dryopteris cristata, Dryopteris dilatata, Phegopteris connectilis, Thelypteris limbosperma, Thelypteris palustris, Athyrium filix-femina

W3 — Turlough and fluctuation mere, Wet woodland

Salix pentandra-Carex rostrata woodland

Hedera helix, Salix aurita, Salix cinerea, Salix myrsinifolia, Salix pentandra, Salix phylicifolia, Salix viminalis, Betula pubescens, Alnus glutinosa, Crataegus monogyna, Solanum dulcamara, Carex appropinquata, Carex echinata, Carex laevigata, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Carex rostrata, Carex vesicaria, Juncus acutiflorus, Juncus effusus, Aulacomnium androgynum, Mnium hornum, Plagiomnium affine, Plagiomnium elatum, Plagiomnium ellipticum, Plagiomnium rostratum, Rhizomnium punctatum, Dicranoweisia cirrata, Fissidens adianthoides, Brachythecium rutabulum, Calliergon cordifolium, Calliergon giganteum, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Climacium dendroides, Hypnum cupressiforme, Kindbergia praelonga, Oxyrrhynchium speciosum, Sanionia uncinata, Sphagnum fallax, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum squarrosum, Cephalozia bicuspidata, Chiloscyphus pallescens, Chiloscyphus polyanthos, Douinia ovata, Jungermannia obovata, Lophocolea bidentata, Lophocolea heterophylla, Plagiochila asplenioides, Saccogyna viticulosa, Conocephalum conicum, Marchantia polymorpha sens.lat., Pellia endiviifolia, Angelica sylvestris, Oenanthe crocata, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Caltha palustris, Cirsium palustre, Crepis paludosa, Eupatorium cannabinum, Myosotis laxa caespitosa, Myosotis scorpioides, Cardamine flexuosa, Cardamine pratensis, Succisa pratensis, Valeriana dioica, Valeriana officinalis, Silene flos-cuculi, Parnassia palustris, Equisetum fluviatile, Equisetum palustre, Pyrola rotundifolia, Ajuga reptans, Galeopsis tetrahit, Lycopus europaeus, Mentha aquatica, Lemna minor, Menyanthes trifoliata, Epilobium palustre, Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Callitriche stagnalis, Veronica beccabunga, Veronica scutellata, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Lysimachia vulgaris, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus flammula, Ranunculus repens, Trollius europaeus, Comarum palustre, Filipendula ulmaria, Geum rivale, Rubus fruticosus agg., Galium aparine, Galium palustre, Galium uliginosum, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Scutellaria galericulata, Urtica dioica, Viola palustris, Agrostis stolonifera, Deschampsia cespitosa, Holcus lanatus, Molinia caerulea, Phalaris arundinacea, Phragmites australis, Poa trivialis, Dryopteris dilatata, Athyrium filix-femina

W4 — Raised bog, Upland birch wood, Wet woodland

Betula pubescens-Molinia caerulea woodland

Hedera helix, Salix aurita, Salix caprea, Salix cinerea, Salix pentandra, Ilex aquifolium, Betula pendula, Betula pubescens, Corylus avellana, Quercus hybrid, Quercus petraea, Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior, Pinus sylvestris, Sorbus aucuparia, Alnus glutinosa, Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Myrica gale, Vaccinium myrtillus, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Crataegus monogyna, Carex laevigata, Carex nigra, Carex rostrata, Eriophorum angustifolium, Eriophorum vaginatum, Juncus acutiflorus, Juncus effusus, Aulacomnium palustre, Mnium hornum, Orthodontium lineare, Pohlia nutans, Campylopus flexuosus, Dicranella heteromalla, Dicranum scoparium, Leucobryum glaucum, Brachythecium rutabulum, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Drepanocladus fluitans, Hypnum cupressiforme, Hypnum jutlandicum, Kindbergia praelonga, Plagiothecium denticulatum, Pleurozium schreberi, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Pseudotaxiphyllum elegans, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Straminergon stramineum, Polytrichum commune, Polytrichum formosum, Sphagnum capillifolium, Sphagnum cuspidatum, Sphagnum fallax, Sphagnum fimbriatum, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum papillosum, Sphagnum squarrosum, Sphagnum subnitens, Calypogeia fissa, Chiloscyphus polyanthos, Lophocolea bidentata, Lophocolea heterophylla, Angelica sylvestris, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Cirsium palustre, Lonicera periclymenum, Succisa pratensis, Valeriana officinalis, Equisetum fluviatile, Equisetum palustre, Lotus pedunculatus, Menyanthes trifoliata, Chamerion angustifolium, Epilobium palustre, Oxalis acetosella, Rumex acetosa, Comarum palustre, Filipendula ulmaria, Potentilla erecta, Rubus fruticosus agg., Galium palustre, Galium saxatile, Galium uliginosum, Viola palustris, Agrostis canina, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis stolonifera, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Deschampsia cespitosa, Deschampsia flexuosa, Holcus lanatus, Holcus mollis, Molinia caerulea, Poa trivialis, Blechnum spicant, Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris carthusiana, Dryopteris cristata, Dryopteris dilatata, Athyrium filix-femina

W5 — Wet woodland

Alnus glutinosa-Carex paniculata woodland

Hedera helix, Salix aurita, Salix cinerea, Ilex aquifolium, Betula pubescens, Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior, Sorbus aucuparia, Alnus glutinosa, Viburnum opulus, Ribes nigrum, Ribes sylvestris, Ligustrum vulgare, Frangula alnus, Rhamnus cathartica, Crataegus monogyna, Solanum dulcamara, Carex acutiformis, Carex appropinquata, Carex elata, Carex elongata, Carex paniculata, Carex pseudocyperus, Carex remota, Carex riparia, Scirpus sylvaticus, Juncus effusus, Sparganium erectum, Bryum pseudotriquetrum, Mnium hornum, Plagiomnium rostratum, Plagiomnium undulatum, Rhizomnium punctatum, Amblystegium serpens, Brachythecium rutabulum, Calliergon cordifolium, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Kindbergia praelonga, Plagiothecium denticulatum, Atrichum undulatum, Sphagnum fimbriatum, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum squarrosum, Lophocolea bidentata, Lophocolea heterophylla, Pellia endiviifolia, Pellia epiphylla, Humulus lupulus, Angelica sylvestris, Berula erecta, Cicuta virosa, Oenanthe crocata, Thyselium palustre, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Caltha palustris, Cirsium palustre, Eupatorium cannabinum, Impatiens capensis, Myosotis laxa, Myosotis scorpioides, Cardamine amara, Cardamine pratensis, Lonicera periclymenum, Valeriana dioica, Valeriana officinalis, Silene flos-cuculi, Calystegia sepium, Equisetum fluviatile, Equisetum palustre, Equisetum telmateia, Geranium robertianum, Hypericum tetrapterum, Iris pseudacorus, Ajuga reptans, Lycopus europaeus, Mentha aquatica, Lythrum salicaria, Circaea lutetiana, Epilobium hirsutum, Epilobium parviflorum, Callitriche stagnalis, Rumex hydrolapathum, Rumex sanguineus, Lysimachia vulgaris, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus flammula, Ranunculus lingua, Ranunculus repens, Thalictrum flavum, Filipendula ulmaria, Rosa canina, Rubus fruticosus agg., Galium aparine, Galium palustre, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Scrophularia auriculata, Scutellaria galericulata, Urtica dioica, Viola palustris, Agrostis stolonifera, Calamagrostis canescens, Deschampsia cespitosa, Glyceria maxima, Holcus lanatus, Phalaris arundinacea, Phragmites australis, Poa trivialis, Dryopteris carthusiana, Dryopteris cristata, Dryopteris dilatata, Dryopteris filix-mas, Osmunda regalis, Thelypteris palustris, Athyrium filix-femina

W6 — Brownfield, Wet woodland

Alnus glutinosa-Urtica dioica woodland

Hedera helix, Salix caprea, Salix cinerea, Salix fragilis, Salix viminalis, Acer pseudoplatanus, Ilex aquifolium, Betula pubescens, Corylus avellana, Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior, Pinus sylvestris, Alnus glutinosa, Sambucus nigra, Viburnum opulus, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Solanum dulcamara, Carex acutiformis, Carex paniculata, Carex riparia, Plagiomnium affine, Plagiomnium undulatum, Brachythecium rutabulum, Kindbergia praelonga, Plagiothecium denticulatum, Lophocolea heterophylla, Humulus lupulus, Angelica sylvestris, Heracleum sphondylium, Oenanthe crocata, Caltha palustris, Cirsium palustre, Eupatorium cannabinum, Petasites hybridus, Taraxacum officianalis, Impatiens glandulifera, Cardamine flexuosa, Lonicera periclymenum, Silene dioica, Stellaria media agg., Equisetum arvense, Equisetum palustre, Mercurialis perennis, Geranium robertianum, Iris pseudacorus, Glechoma hederacea, Mentha aquatica, Stachys sylvatica, Allium ursinum, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Chamerion angustifolium, Circaea lutetiana, Epilobium hirsutum, Epilobium montanum, Epilobium palustre, Digitalis purpurea, Veronica montana, Rumex crispus, Rumex obtusifolius, Rumex sanguineus, Lysimachia vulgaris, Ficaria verna, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus repens, Filipendula ulmaria, Geum urbanum, Rubus fruticosus agg., Rubus idaeus, Galium aparine, Galium palustre, Galium uliginosum, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Urtica dioica, Agrostis stolonifera, Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Deschampsia cespitosa, Holcus lanatus, Holcus mollis, Phalaris arundinacea, Phragmites australis, Poa trivialis, Dryopteris borreri, Dryopteris dilatata, Dryopteris filix-mas, Athyrium filix-femina

W7 — Wet woodland

Alnus glutinosa-Fraxinus excelsior-Lysimachia nemorum woodland

Hedera helix, Salix caprea, Salix cinerea, Salix pentandra, Acer pseudoplatanus, Ilex aquifolium, Betula pendula, Betula pubescens, Corylus avellana, Quercus hybrid, Quercus petraea, Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior, Prunus padus, Sorbus aucuparia, Alnus glutinosa, Ulmus glabra, Sambucus nigra, Viburnum opulus, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Carex laevigata, Carex nigra, Carex pendula, Carex remota, Juncus acutiflorus, Juncus effusus, Mnium hornum, Plagiomnium undulatum, Rhizomnium punctatum, Brachythecium rivulare, Brachythecium rutabulum, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Cirriphyllum piliferum, Eurhynchium striatum, Kindbergia praelonga, Oxyrrhynchium hians, Palustriella commutatum, Plagiothecium denticulatum, Plagiothecium succulentum, Pseudotaxiphyllum elegans, Thuidium tamariscinum, Atrichum undulatum, Polytrichum commune, Sphagnum fallax, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum squarrosum, Chiloscyphus polyanthos, Lophocolea bidentata, Plagiochila asplenioides, Conocephalum conicum, Pellia endiviifolia, Pellia epiphylla, Angelica sylvestris, Conopodium majus, Oenanthe crocata, Achillea ptarmica, Caltha palustris, Cirsium palustre, Crepis paludosa, Eupatorium cannabinum, Tussilago farfara, Myosotis secunda, Cardamine amara, Cardamine flexuosa, Cardamine pratensis, Lonicera periclymenum, Succisa pratensis, Valeriana officinalis, Silene dioica, Silene flos-cuculi, Stellaria alsine, Stellaria holostea, Equisetum arvense, Equisetum fluviatile, Equisetum sylvaticum, Equisetum telmateia, Mercurialis perennis, Geranium robertianum, Iris pseudacorus, Ajuga reptans, Glechoma hederacea, Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Mentha aquatica, Stachys sylvatica, Teucrium scorodonia, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Circaea lutetiana, Epilobium obscurum, Oxalis acetosella, Digitalis purpurea, Veronica montana, Rumex acetosa, Lysimachia nemorum, Anemone nemorosa, Ficaria verna, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus flammula, Ranunculus repens, Filipendula ulmaria, Fragaria vesca, Geum rivale, Geum urbanum, Potentilla sterilis, Rosa canina, Rubus fruticosus agg., Galium aparine, Galium palustre, Galium saxatile, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Urtica dioica, Viola palustris, Viola riviniana, Agrostis canina, Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Dactylis glomerata, Deschampsia cespitosa, Glyceria fluitans, Holcus lanatus, Holcus mollis, Phalaris arundinacea, Poa trivialis, Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris borreri, Dryopteris dilatata, Dryopteris filix-mas, Athyrium filix-femina

W18 — Caledonian forest, Wet woodland

Pinus sylvestris-Hylocomium splendens woodland

Betula pendula, Betula pubescens, Larix decidua, Picea abies, Picea sitchensis, Pinus sylvestris, Sorbus aucuparia, Empetrum nigrum subsp.nigrum, Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix, Juniperus communis, Vaccinium myrtillus, Luzula multiflora, Luzula pilosa, Aulacomnium palustre, Campylopus flexuosus, Dicranum fuscescens, Dicranum majus, Dicranum scoparium, Leucobryum glaucum, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum cupressiforme, Hypnum jutlandicum, Plagiothecium undulatum, Pleurozium schreberi, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Ptilium crista-castrensis, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Thuidium tamariscinum, Polytrichum commune, Polytrichum formosum, Polytrichum juniperinum, Sphagnum capillifolium, Sphagnum girgensohnii, Sphagnum russowii, Anastrepta orcadensis, Barbilophozia floerkei, Bazzania trilobata, Calypogeia muelleriana, Calypogeia trichomanis, Diplophyllum albicans, Lepidozia reptans, Lophocolea bidentata, Scapania gracilis, Cladonia arbuscula, Cladonia cornuta, Cladonia digitata, Cladonia impexa, Cladonia macilenta, Cladonia pyxidata, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Goodyera repens, Neottia cordata, Oxalis acetosella, Trientalis europaea, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Melanpyrum pratense, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis vinealis, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta, Blechnum spicant, Pteridium aquilinum