Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic Coasts
Description (English)
Vegetated cliffs exhibit a complex pattern of variation reflecting the degree of maritime exposure, geology and geomorphology, biogeographical provenance and pattern of human management. Typically, on the most exposed cliffs there is a zonation from crevice and ledge communities of the steepest slopes beside the sea (Crithmo-Armerietalia, Géhu 1964) through to closed maritime grasslands on upper cliff slopes, cliff tops and cliff ledges where there is deeper accumulation of soils (Silenion maritimae, Malloch 1973). Further inland and on more sheltered cliffs, these grade into a complex assemblage of maritime and paramaritime types of heath, calcareous grassland, acid grassland, therophyte, tall herb, scrub and wind-pruned woodland vegetation, each enriched by floristic elements characteristic of coastal habitats. On soft coasts with much active movement, complex assemblages of maritime and non-maritime vegetation occur.
Source: Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats, version EUR 28 (2013)
Quick facts
| EU Habitats Directive | Annex I habitat type (code 1230) |
|---|---|
| Habitat type | Not priority |
| Natura 2000 sites | 387 are designated for this habitat type |
Distribution
Conservation status
EU conservation status
Conservation status assesses every six years and for each biogeographical region the condition of habitats and species compared to the favourable status as described in the Habitats Directive. The map shows the 2013-2018 assessments as reported by EU Member State. Assessments are further detailed in the summary document available behind the link below.
Species mentioned in habitat description
Ferns
Asplenium marinum
Flowering Plants
Brassica oleracea
Flowering Plants
Cochlearia officinalis
Flowering Plants
Crithmum maritimum
Flowering Plants
Inula crithmoides
Flowering Plants
Lavatera arborea
Flowering Plants
Matricaria maritima
Flowering Plants
Plantago maritima
Flowering Plants
Rhodiola rosea
Flowering Plants
Scilla verna
Flowering Plants
Sedum anglicum
| Species scientific name | English common name | Species group |
|---|---|---|
| Asplenium marinum | Ferns | |
| Brassica oleracea | Flowering Plants | |
| Cochlearia officinalis | Flowering Plants | |
| Crithmum maritimum | Flowering Plants | |
| Inula crithmoides | Flowering Plants | |
| Lavatera arborea | Flowering Plants | |
| Matricaria maritima | Flowering Plants | |
| Plantago maritima | Flowering Plants | |
| Rhodiola rosea | Flowering Plants | |
| Scilla verna | Flowering Plants | |
| Sedum anglicum | Flowering Plants |
Natura 2000 sites
Protected in the following Natura 2000 sites
Protected sites
Please note the site map takes a while to display.Legal status
Mentioned in the following international legal instruments and agreements
Relation to habitat classifications
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nordic Vegetation Classification 1994 | 4.1.1.1 | Matricaria maritima-Silene uniflora-typ | not defined |
| National Vegetation Classification (UK) | MC5 | Armeria maritima-Cerastium diffusum maritime therophyte community | narrower |
| National Vegetation Classification (UK) | MC2 | Armeria maritima-Ligusticum scoticum maritime rock crevice community | narrower |
| National Vegetation Classification (UK) | MC6 | Atriplex hastata-Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima seabird cliff community | narrower |
| National Vegetation Classification (UK) | MC4 | Brassica oleracea maritime cliff ledge | narrower |
| National Vegetation Classification (UK) | H7 | Calluna vulgaris-Scilla verna heath | narrower |
| National Vegetation Classification (UK) | H8 | Calluna vulgaris-Ulex gallii heath | narrower |
| National Vegetation Classification (UK) | MC1 | Crithmum maritimum-Spergularia rupicola maritime rock crevice | narrower |
| National Vegetation Classification (UK) | H6 | Erica vagans-Ulex europaeus heath | narrower |
| National Vegetation Classification (UK) | MC8 | Festuca rubra-Armeria maritima maritime grassland | narrower |
| National Vegetation Classification (UK) | MC11 | Festuca rubra-Daucus carota ssp. gummifer maritime grassland | narrower |
| National Vegetation Classification (UK) | MC9 | Festuca rubra-Holcus lanatus maritime grassland | narrower |
| National Vegetation Classification (UK) | MC12 | Festuca rubra-Hyacinthoides non-scripta maritime grassland | narrower |
| National Vegetation Classification (UK) | MC10 | Festuca rubra-Plantago spp. maritime grassland | narrower |
| National Vegetation Classification (UK) | MC3 | Rhodiola rosea-Armeria maritima maritime cliff ledge community | narrower |
| National Vegetation Classification (UK) | MC7 | Stellaria media-Rumex acetosa seabird cliff community | narrower |
