Caledonian forest
Description (English)
Relict, indigenous pine forests of Pinus sylvestris var. scotica, endemic in the central and north eastern Grampians and the northern and western Highlands of Scotland and associated Betula and Juniperus woodlands of northern character within this area. They are mostly open and have a ground layer rich in ericaceous species and bryophytes, in particular Hylocomium splendens, and often harbouring abundant Deschampsia flexuosa, Goodyera repens, Listera cordata, Corallorhiza trifida, Linnaea borealis, Trientalis europaea, Pyrola minor, Moneses uniflora, Orthilia secunda. The dominant trees are: Sorbus aucuparia, Betula pubescens, Betula pendula, Juniperus communis, Ilex aquifolium, Populus tremula.
Source: Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats, version EUR 28 (2013)
Quick facts
| EU Habitats Directive | Annex I habitat type (code 91C0) |
|---|---|
| Habitat type | Priority |
| Natura 2000 sites | 0 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
Conifers
Juniperus communis
Flowering Plants
Betula pendula
Flowering Plants
Betula pubescens
Flowering Plants
Corallorhiza trifida
Flowering Plants
Deschampsia flexuosa
Flowering Plants
Goodyera repens
Flowering Plants
Ilex aquifolium
Flowering Plants
Linnaea borealis
Flowering Plants
Listera cordata
Flowering Plants
Moneses uniflora
Flowering Plants
Orthilia secunda
Flowering Plants
Populus tremula
Flowering Plants
Pyrola minor
Flowering Plants
Sorbus aucuparia
Flowering Plants
Trientalis europaea
Mosses & Liverworts
Hylocomium splendens
Mosses & Liverworts
Pleurozium schreberi
| Species scientific name | English common name | Species group |
|---|---|---|
| Juniperus communis | Conifers | |
| Betula pendula | Flowering Plants | |
| Betula pubescens | Flowering Plants | |
| Corallorhiza trifida | Flowering Plants | |
| Deschampsia flexuosa | Flowering Plants | |
| Goodyera repens | Flowering Plants | |
| Ilex aquifolium | Flowering Plants | |
| Linnaea borealis | Flowering Plants | |
| Listera cordata | Flowering Plants | |
| Moneses uniflora | Flowering Plants | |
| Orthilia secunda | Flowering Plants | |
| Populus tremula | Flowering Plants | |
| Pyrola minor | Flowering Plants | |
| Sorbus aucuparia | Flowering Plants | |
| Trientalis europaea | Flowering Plants | |
| Hylocomium splendens | Mosses & Liverworts | |
| Pleurozium schreberi | Mosses & Liverworts |
Legal status
Mentioned in the following international legal instruments and agreements
Relation to habitat classifications
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Vegetation Classification (UK) | W18 | Pinus sylvestris-Hylocomium splendens woodland | not defined |
| National Vegetation Classification (UK) | W19 | Juniperus communis ssp. communis-Oxalis acetosella woodland | not defined |
