SITE,SITECODE,NAME,STATUS,COUNTRY,AREA_GIS,SITE_LENGTH,LOCAL_AUTHORITY,DESIG_DATE,LATITUDE,LONGITUDE,X_COORDINATE,Y_COORDINATE,GRID_REF,ALTITUDE_MIN,ALTITUDE_MAX,ALTITUDE_MEAN,OVERVIEW,JUSTIFICATION,LOCATION,ECO_FEATURES,FLORA,FAUNA,RESEARCH,EDUCATION,RECREATION,REFERENCES,EXTENSION_DATE,,
7000022,UK11001,Abberton Reservoir,Classified/designatd,E,726.2,,Essex,24/07/1981,51 49 37 N,00 52 22 E,597597,217145,TL979182,5,22,,Abberton Reservoir is a large storage reservoir built in a long shallow valley. It is the largest freshwater body in Essex and is one of the most important reservoirs in Britain for wildfowl. It is less than 8 km from the coast and its primary role is as a roost for the local estuarine wildfowl population.,"
","Nearest town/city: Colchester
Abberton Reservoir is about 6.5 km south of Colchester, Essex. It lies in the Layer Brook valley just before the Brook joins with the Roman River. The Reservoir is less than 8 km from the coast.",Abberton Reservoir is a large storage reservoir. The main habitat type is freshwater; there are no important vegetated habitats.,"Invasive species: blue-green algal blooms have been a problem on the site in the past few years.",None reported,"Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Cormorant ringing/study.
Environment.
Environmental impact assessment re. reservoir-raising, including the study of waterfowl usage on site.",The Essex Wildlife Trust employs an education officer at their visitor centre. There are also educational facilities at the water treatment works (Essex and Suffolk Water).,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Birdwatching: all year - there is a nature reserve and hides.
Duck feeding on the causeway: all year - no facilities are provided for this.
Angling: fishing season only.","Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Ekins, G (1995) The Abberton Reservoir tree-nesting cormorant colony. Essex Bird Report, 1994, 153-167
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Pritchard, DE, Housden, SD, Mudge, GP, Galbraith, CA & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",01/09/1990,,
9000365,UK32001,Akrotiri,Classified/designatd,OT,2171,,Western Sovereign Base Area of Cyprus,20/03/2003,34 37 00 N,32 58 00 E,0,0,,-3,2,-0.5,"The Akrotiri Ramsar site is composed of two distinct areas that are hydrologically connected. The first and largest area is the large salt lake and sand flats that are situated in the centre of the Akrotiri peninsula. Over the last three centuries, this former lagoon has been isolated from the sea and a number of saltmarsh vegetation communities have developed and now surround the lake. The lake and surrounding saltmarsh is important for a range of wetland birds, in particular greater flamingo $Phoenicopterus ruber$. A eucalyptus forest borders the northern side of the lake and this is an important raptor roosting area. The second distinct area is the Fassouri marshes that lie to the north-east of the salt lake. This area is made up of a matrix of freshwater habitat types including grazing marsh and reedbeds. Rain water is the key hydrological input for both areas, although the lake does get occasional input from the sea during storms. The two areas are hydrologically linked and the Fassouri marshes provide important water inputs to the seasonal salt lake.","The site qualifies under Criterion 1 of the Ramsar Convention as it is one of the very few major salt lakes within the eastern Mediterranean in semi-natural condition that exhibits a wide range of saline and freshwater influences. The site contains many good examples of inland saline and freshwater wetland habitats, a combination that is unique within the biogeographic region of the eastern Mediterranean, including permanent and seasonal saline pools, salt marsh, sand flats and freshwater marshes. The site is the largest aquatic system in Cyprus.
The site qualifies under Criterion 2 as it supports an appreciable number of rare, vulnerable or endangered species or subspecies of plant or animal including 13 endemic and rare plant species such as $Ophrys kotschyi$ and $Linum maritimum$, as well as over 32 bird species listed on Annex I of the European Birds Directive.
The site qualifies under Criterion 3 as it supports populations of plant and animal species that are important for maintaining the biological diversity of the eastern Mediterranean biogeographic region. Many species of plant and animal, including a number of endemic plant and invertebrate species, are wholly dependent on habitat types represented within the site of which there are few remaining examples on Cyprus.
The site qualifies under Criterion 6 by regularly supporting an internationally important wintering population of greater flamingo $Phoenicopterus ruber$. In the five-winter period 1998-2002, an average peak count of 6,000 was recorded, being approximately 2% of the eastern Mediterranean/SW& S Asian population.","Akrotiri Ramsar site is located on Akrotiri Peninsula, the southernmost part of Cyprus. The site is located 5 km south-west of the city of Limassol (population circa 150,000). It also borders Akrotiri village (population circa 800) and RAF Station Akrotiri to the south and Asomatos village (population circa 350) to the north.","Salt lake and small depressions holding water and plants. The main plants are $Ruppia maritima$ and $Chara$ spp. Unicellular algae are also present in the salt lake.
Reed beds and sedges: $Phragmites australis$, $Imperata cylindrica$, $Calystegia sepium$, $Cladium mariscus$, $Saccharum ravennae$, $Juncus$ spp., $Scirpus maritimus$.
$Salicornia$ and other annuals colonizing mud and sand: $Salicornia europaea, Halopeplis amplexicaulis, Suaeda maritima, Cressa cretica, Frankenia pulverulenta, Hordeum marinum, Parapholis marginata, Sphenopus divaricatus, Spergularia marina$.
Mediterranean salt meadows ($Juncetalia maritimi$): $Juncus maritimus$, $Juncus acutus$, $Juncus articulatus$, $Juncus heldreichianus$, $Juncus hybridus$, $Juncus littoralis$, $Juncus rigidus$, $Juncus subulatus$, $Aeluropus lagopoides$, $Agropyron elongatum$, $Bolboschoenus maritimus$, $Carex distans$, $Carex divisa$, $Carex extensa$, $Centaurium pulchellum, Centaurium tenuiflorum, Crypsis factorovskyi, Hordeum marinum, Imperata cylindrica, Limonium mucronulatum, Linum maritimum, Parapholis marginata, Plantago maritima$ subsp. $crassifolia, Saccharum ravennae, Schoenoplectus littoralis, Schoenus nigricans, Scirpoides holoschoenus, Triglochin bulbosa$.
Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic halophilous scrubs ($Sarcoconetea fruticosi$): $Arthrocnemum macrostachyum$, $Salicornia fruticosa$, $Sarcocornia perennis$, $Atriplex portulacoides$, $Halocnemum strobilaceum$, $Inula crithmoides$, $Spergularia marina$, $Suaeda vera$, $Limonium mucronulatum$.
Dune sclerophyllous scrubs ($Cisto-Lavenduletalia$): $Thymus capitatus, Teucrium micropodioides, Helianthemum stipulatum, Cistus$ spp., $Echium angustifolium, Fumana thymifolia, Pistacia lentiscus, Asparagus stipularis, Rhamnus oleoides$ ssp. $graecus, Thymelaea hirsuta, Lycium sweinfurthii, Noaea mucronata, Phagnalon rupestre, Echium angustifolium$.
Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of $Chara$ spp.: $Chara$ spp.
Arborescent matorral with $Juniperus$ spp.: $Juniperus phoenicea, Ceratonia siliqua, Cistus spp., Myrtus communis, Olea europaea, Pistasia lentiscus, Prasium majus, Rhamnus oleoides$ subsp. $graecus, Thymus capitatus, Thymelaea hirsuta$.
$Sarcopoterium spinosum$ phryganas: $Sarcopoterium spinosum, Thymus capitatus, Cistus$ spp., $Convolvulus oleifolius, Fumana$ spp., $Helianthemum obtusifolium$, $Helianthemum$ spp., $Helichrysum conglobatum, Lithodora hispidula$ ssp. $versicolor, Micromenia$ spp., $Noaea mucronata, Onosma fruticosa, Phagnalon rupestre, Teucrium$ spp.
Mediterranean tall humid grasslands of the $Molinio-Holoschoenion$: $Panicum repens, Baldellia ranunculoides, Teucrium scordium$ ssp. $scorpioides, Centaurea calcitrapa$ ssp. $angusticeps$, Cyperaceae spp., $Juncus$ spp., $Lotus corniculatus, Lythrum junceum, Mentha aquatica, Ononis spinosa, Pulicaria dysenterica$ ssp. $uliginosa, Ranunculus peltatus, Sacharum ravennae, Schoenus nigricans, Scirpoides holoschoenus, Euphorbia pubescens$.
Southern riparian galleries and thickets ($Nerio-Tamaricetea$ and $Securinegion tinctoriae$): $Tamarix tetragyna$, $Asparagus stipularis$.
$Olea$ and $Ceratonia$ forests: $Pistacia lentiscus, Rhamnus oleoides$ ssp. $graecus, Olea europaea$ ssp. $sylvestris, Ceratonia siliqua, Calycotome villosa, Genista fasselata, Myrtus communis, Pistacia terebinthus, Prasium majus$.
Eucalyptus/Acacia: $Eucalyptus gomphocephala$, $Eucalyptus camaldulensis$, $Acacia saligna$ and other $Acacia$ spp., $Casuarina cuningchamiana$.","Habitats of International Importance:
1150 Coastal lagoons [EC Habitats Directive Annex I *Priority habitat]
1310 $Salicornia$ and other annuals colonizing mud and sand [EC Habitats Directive Annex I]
1410 Mediterranean salt meadows ($Juncetalia maritimi$) [EC Habitats Directive Annex I]
1420 Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic halophilous scrubs ($Sarcoconetea fruticosi$) [EC Habitats Directive Annex I]
2260 Dune sclerophyllous scrubs ($Cisto-Lavenduletalia$) [EC Habitats Directive Annex I]
3140 Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of $Chara$ spp. [EC Habitats Directive Annex I]
5210 Arborescent matorral with $Juniperus$ spp. [EC Habitats Directive Annex I]
5420 $Sarcopoterium spinosum$ phryganas [EC Habitats Directive Annex I]
6420 Mediterranean tall humid grasslands of the $Molinio-Holoschoenion$ [EC Habitats Directive Annex I]
92D0 Southern riparian galleries and thickets ($Nerio-Tamaricetea$ and $Securinegion tinctoriae$) [EC Habitats Directive Annex I]
9320 $Olea$ and $Ceratonia$ forests [EC Habitats Directive Annex I]
Higher plants of National Importance:
$Ophrys kotschyi$ Endemic (Listed Bern)
$Anthemis tricolor$ Endemic
$Centaurea calcitrapa angusticeps$ Endemic
$Convolvus cyprius$ Endemic
$Dianthus strictus$ Endemic
$Odontites cypria$ Endemic
$Onopordum cyprium$ Endemic
$Teucrium micropodioides$ Endemic
$Ipomea sagittata$ Rare
$Linum maritimum$ Rare
$Lotus cytisoides$ Rare
$Mentha aquatica$ Rare
$Juncus maritimus$ Uncommon","Species occurring at levels of international importance:
6,000 greater flamingo $Phoenicopterus ruber$, count period 1993-2002, representing 1% of the biogeographical population (EC Birds Directive Annex I)
Species occurring at levels of national importance:
2 Pallid Harrier $Circus macrourus$ Count period 2002, Conservation status Near Threatened IUCN
3 Lesser Kestrel $Falco naumanni$ Count period 2001, Conservation status Vulnerable IUCN
60-750 Common shelduck $Tadorna tadorna$ Count period 1993-2002, Conservation status EC Birds Directive Annex I
Assemblages of national importance:
45 bird species included on Annex I of the EC Birds Directive have been recorded from 1998-2002.
Important Bird Area (Birdlife International) congregations of waterbirds of global and European Importance.
The area typically supports, in winter, about 600 Shelducks, 400 Shoveler, 200 Pintail, 500 Wigeon, 600 Mallard, 1000 Teal, hundreds of Grey Herons, Glossy Ibis and Little Egrets, as well as many migrant shorebirds.","- Bird flight line surveys including infrared monitoring at night.
- Monitoring of bird collisions on aerials.
- Monitoring of cranes and flamingos.
- Monitoring of translocated habitat.
- Research by the Department of Forests in relation to invasive non-native plant species and bird flight lines.
- Ph.D. research on the flora of Akrotiri Peninsula.
- Studies carried out this year in the context of Project Pluto Supplementary Environmental Work including Hydrogeology and Hydrology, Vegetation and Flora, Mammals and Herpetofauna, Ornithology, Terrestrial Invertebrates, Benthic Macro-invertebrates and Archaeological Desk-Based, Geophysical and Geological Assessment.",Occasional TV documentaries.,"A. Lady’s Mile beach, which is adjacent to the Akrotiri Ramsar Site, is visited by thousands of sea bathers during the summer. Their activities are confined to the area east of the beach road. There are also six restaurants on the beach, which mainly operate during the summer period. The beach track is maintained yearly using local materials, but not hard-topped to encourage traffic. Parking on the beach is prohibited and is limited in parking areas east of the track. However occasional encroachment and parking west of the track is observed, which needs to be stopped under the management plan. There is a regular rubbish collection service, which removes the rubbish generated by visitors and restaurants to an approved tip in Limassol.
B. There is a permanent station at the south-eastern end of the site, which is used for model-aircraft flying. This activity will be assessed by the management plan and appropriate action recommended.
C. Car-racing competitions had been organised in the past in the area between Lady’s Mile Beach and the salt lake. These competitions have recently been discouraged by the Administration, and organisers informed that such activity in this area would not be allowed in the future. Again this issue will be addressed by the management plan.
D. The site is regularly visited by bird-watchers and other wildlife enthusiasts. Although they do not appear to be causing disturbance, their access to the site will be better managed in the future for mutual benefit.
E. Hunting within the site itself is not allowed. Measures are in place against illegal hunting. In the future, these will be improved under the management plan. Also seasonal hunting, which is allowed in areas adjacent to the site, will be assessed appropriately under the management plan.","Government of Cyprus (2000) Natura 2000 Standard Data Form for ‘Alyki Akrotiriou - Ygroviotopos Fasouriou’ (Akrotiri Salt Lake – Fassouri Wetlands)
Defence Estates & RPS (2002) Supplementary environmental work for Project Pluto, June 2002. Defence Estates
Jalon Consultants and Engineers Ltd & Phedonos Consultants Ltd (1992) Environmental study and management plan for the Akrotiri Salt Lake and Wetlands, Balasha
Pienkowski, MW (ed.) (2005) Review of existing and potential Ramsar sites in UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. (Contractor: UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough.) Final report on Contract CR0294 to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Bristol. www.ukotcf.org
Salathé, T (2002) Akrotiri Wetland Complex. UK Sovereign Base Area, Cyprus. Mission report 17–21 June 2002. Ramsar Bureau, Gland. www.ramsar.org/w.n.cyprus_akrotiri2.htm
Williams, WD (1993) The conservation of salt lakes. Hydrobiologia, 267, 291-306",,,
7000116,UK11002,Alde–Ore Estuary,Classified/designatd,E,2546.99,,Suffolk,04/10/1996,52 04 58 N,01 33 03 E,643273.8,248712,TM433487,-1,5,1,"The site comprises the estuary complex of the rivers Alde, Butley and Ore, including Havergate Island and Orfordness. There are a variety of habitats including, intertidal mudflats, saltmarsh, vegetated shingle (including the second-largest and best-preserved area in Britain at Orfordness), saline lagoons and grazing marsh. The Orfordness/Shingle Street landform is unique within Britain in combining a shingle spit with a cuspate foreland. The site supports nationally-scarce plants, British Red Data Book invertebrates, and notable assemblages of breeding and wintering wetland birds.","Ramsar criterion 2
The site supports a number of nationally-scarce plant species and British Red Data Book invertebrates.
Ramsar criterion 3
The site supports a notable assemblage of breeding and wintering wetland birds.
","Nearest town/city: Woodbridge
Alde-Ore Estuary is located on the east coast of Suffolk, east of Woodbridge, stretching between Aldeburgh to the north and Bawdsey to the south.
","The main habitat types of the Alde-Ore Estuary are: intertidal mudflats, saltmarsh, reedswamp, coastal freshwater, brackish lagoons, semi-improved grazing marsh, brackish ditches and vegetated shingle, the second-largest and best-preserved example in Britain.
A unique feature for East Anglian beaches is the abundance on the ground of normally epiphytic lichens.
There is a zonation of shingle vegetation from shifting to more stable areas of grassland and lichen communities.
Areas of saltmarsh succeed to higher saltmarsh and neutral grassland with ditches.
There is a series of brackish lagoons and ditches; and borrow pits.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
A range of nationally scarce plant species characteristic of freshwater, estuarine, and shingle
habitats, and their transitions are present. These include: $Althaea officinalis, Frankenia laevis, Lathyrus japonicus, Lepidium latifolium, Medicago minima, Parapholis incurva, Puccinellia fasciculata, Ruppia cirrhosa, Sarcocornia perennis, Sonchus palustris, Trifolium suffocatum, Vicia lutea$ and$ Zostera angustifolia$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
The highly specialised invertebrate fauna of the saline lagoons includes $Nematostella vectensis$, and $Gammarus insensibilis$, both species protected under Schedules 5 and 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
Other notable invertebrates on the site include: $Malacosoma castrensis, Campsicnemus magius, Cheilosia velutina, Empis prodomus, Dixella attica, Hylaeus euryscapus, Pseudamnicola confusa, Euophrys browningi, Baryphyma duffeyi, Haplodrassus minor, Trichoncus affinis$.","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Environment.
Monitoring estuarine processes.
Saline lagoon survey.
Study on the effects of guanofication on shingle flora.",None reported,"Activities.
The site is used informally for walking, boating and angling.
Facilities provided.
River moorings.
Seasonality.
Walking and boating activities are predominantly in spring and summer. Seasonal (winter) wildfowling occurs on the estuary.","Anon. (1995) Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report. Volume 2: Action plans. HMSO, London
Anon. (2002) Suffolk Coast and Estuaries Coastal Habitat Management Plan: Executive summary. English Nature, Peterborough (Living with the Sea LIFE Project) www.english-nature.org.uk/livingwiththesea/project_details/good_practice_guide/HabitatCRR/ENRestore/CHaMPs/SuffolkCoast/SuffolkCHaMP.pdf
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1998) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 7 South-east England: Lowestoft to Dungeness. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Beardall, CH, Dryden, RC & Holzer, TJ (1988) The Suffolk estuaries: a report…on the wildlife and conservation of the Suffolk estuaries. Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Saxmundham [accompanied by separate volume, Suffolk estuaries bibliography]
Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 5. Eastern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Cadbury, CJ & Morris, P (2002) Reserve focus – Havergate Island NNR, Suffolk. British Wildlife, 14(2), 101-105
Chandler, TJ & Gregory, S (eds.) (1976) The climate of the British Isles. Longman, London
Covey, R (1998) Chapter 6. Eastern England (Bridlington to Folkestone) (MNCR Sector 6). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 179-198. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Downie, AJ & Barnes, RSK (1996) Survey of the brackish pools on the King's Marshes, Orfordness, Suffolk, 1994. English Nature Research Reports, No. 209
Fuller, RM & Randall, RE (1988) The Orford shingles, Suffolk, U.K. – classic conflicts in coastline management. Biological Conservation, 46, 95-114
Hill, TO, Emblow, CS & Northen, KO (1996) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 6. Inlets in eastern England: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Hodges, M (1996) The National Trust Orfordness ornithological report. National Trust.
May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Morris, RKA & Parsons, MA (1992) A survey of invertebrate communities on the shingle of Dungeness, Rye Harbour and Orford Ness JNCC Report, No. 77
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Sneddon, P & Randall, RE (1994) Coastal vegetated shingle structures of Great Britain: Appendix 3. Shingle sites in England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Stewart, A, Pearman, DA & Preston, CD (eds.) (1994) Scarce plants in Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Suffolk Wildlife Trust (1993) National Vegetation Classification of the saltmarsh of the Deben, Alde–Ore and Blyth estuaries, Suffolk. Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Ashbocking",,,
7000203,UK22002,Alderney West Coast and the Burhou Islands,Classified/designatd,OT,15629,,"UK (Bailiwick of Guernsey, States of Alderney)",25/08/2005,049 43 00 N,002 15 00 W,0,0,,0,50,,"The site comprises the western coast of Alderney and adjacent shallow waters and islets in the strongly tidal, high-energy system of the northern Channel Islands. It includes diverse and inter-related ecosystems:
- Sandy beach with shingle banks - Platte Saline (west end)
- Marine subtidal aquatic beds, rockpools, sandbars and pebble beach - Clonque Bay and Hannaine Bay
- Rocky marine shores, including sea cliff and rocky offshore islands - Alderney west coast, the Burhou Islands and Ortac.","Criterion 1: Among global priority habitats, seagrass beds occur at and below low-water mark; there is also a small area of dune slack wet-grasslands at Platte Saline. These form part of a rich complex of habitats, including vegetated shingle banks, sand dunes, dune and coastal grassland, soft cliffs, sandy, gravelly and rocky shores (including the offshore islands of Burhou, Les Etacs and Ortac)
Criterion 3: Burhou island has a flora and fauna relatively little modified by man. Large nesting seabird populations, which include the only European storm-petrel $Hydrobates pelagicus$ colony in the Channel Islands, Atlantic puffin $Fratercula arctica$, lesser black-backed gull $Larus fuscus$ and great black-backed gull $Larus marinus$. Les Etacs and Ortac support the only northern gannet $Morus bassanus$ colonies in the Channel Islands. The intertidal rocky shore supports many rare species of fauna including ormers $Haliotis tuberculata$, which, within the UK, are found only in the Channel Islands.
Criterion 4: Important breeding area (see Criterion 6 and Section 20)
Criterion 6: A large nesting population of northern gannets $Morus bassanus$ are established on the Garden Rocks (Les Etacs) and Ortac. Here there are 11,000 breeding birds, about 1,000 non-breeding birds, and perhaps 5000 immature birds. This constitutes 2% of the world population.
Criterion 7: Many rare species, which include a representative sample of north-west European fish fauna, are found in the marine area of the site. Although ormers $Haliotis tuberculata$ are the most significant, there is also a high diversity of fish and shellfish.","Alderney, Channel Islands. Nearest large town: St. Anne.
Administrative region: States of Alderney, Bailiwick of Guernsey.","Vegetated shingle banks.
Rocky shores, including rockpools, kelp beds, and sandbars.
Rocky islets, which are very important for some birds for breeding (northern gannet $Morus bassanus$, Atlantic puffin $Fratercula arctica$, European storm-petrel $Hydrobates pelagicus$). There is also a seal colony to the north of Burhou Island.
Some fish and shellfish are locally important, such as ormers, crabs, lobsters, bass, plaice, etc., for both recreational and commercial fishing.","Seaweeds have been studied in the site for many years. Initially the marine officer has identified about 100 species, with at least 50 more expecting to be identified by the end of 2005. Ascophyllum nodosum has special importance because more than 75% of the world population is found in the UK. Halymenia latifolia may be at unfavourable conservation status within Europe (UK Biodiversity Steering Group 1995). The seaweeds also play a very important role in supporting all the marine fauna in the area and these fauna support the large nesting bird population.
Please see separate list of marine Algae, lichens and terrestrial vascular plants recorded in the site","The main communities in the area are the bird colonies. The gannet colony has about 5,950 pairs, which are based on just two islets; the colony is important, as it is the only colony in the Channel Islands. The storm petrel, which breeds on Burhou, is also very important, as it is the only colony in the Channel Islands. The puffin colony, which breeds on Burhou, is one of the more southern sites.
Ormers $Haliotis tuberculata$ are also important, as they are part of the heritage of the Channel Islands.
On the reefs off Burhou, there is a seal colony with about seven individuals, which makes for a high biodiversity in the area.
Please see separate list of invertebrates recorded in the site","The Alderney Wildlife Trust Marine Officer Juan Salado was working on research into seaweeds and invertebrates in Clonque and Hannaine Bays in 2003. He has also had the support of the Guernsey Biological Centre; Bridget Ozanne (Conservation Officer) and Charles David (Manager) have been helping with this research.
The Trust also has the seabird data from La Société Guernesiaise, which has carried out research in the area on several occasions.","The Trust has produced booklets on the area, and visitor's guides are available for the few footpaths that have been opened up in the area.
The Trust's Marine Officer carries out seasonal events with children.
There is a visitor centre in town with considerable information on the flora and fauna in the area.","Tourists use the wetland mainly in summer, with bird watching, walking and rockpooling being the most common activities.","Bates, JM (1989) A bryophyte flora of Alderney. Cryptogamie, Bryologie-Lichénologie, 10(2), 147-174
Bonnard, B (1988) Flora of Alderney, a check-list with notes. Privately published, updated with inserts to 1999.
Bonnard, B (1999) An illustrated guide to the wild and naturalised flowers of the Channel Islands. Privately published CD-ROM
Bonnard, B (2002) The wild flowers of Alderney. Privately published CD-ROM
Bonnard, B & Bonnard, J (1995) A natural history of Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm. The Guernsey Press, Vale
Hill, MG (1990) The Alderney gannetries. Seabird, 12, 45-52
Hill, MG (1991) The distribution of breeding seabirds in the Bailwick of Guernsey, 1986-90. La Société Guernesiaise, St Peter Port
James, P, Allen, A & Hilton, B (2001) Lichens of Alderney. La Société Guernesiaise Transactions, 25(1), 116-160
Pienkowski, MW (ed.) (2005) Review of existing and potential Ramsar sites in UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. (Contractor: UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough.) Final report on Contract CR0294 to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Bristol. www.ukotcf.org
Pritchard, DE, Housden, SD, Mudge, GP, Galbraith, CA & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy
UK Biodiversity Steering Group (1995) Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group report. Volume 2: Action plans. HMSO, London. www.ukbap.org.uk/Library/Tranche1_Ann_f.pdf
Wanless, S, Murray, S & Harris, MP (2005) The status of northern gannet in Britain & Ireland in 2003/04. British Birds, 98(6), 280-294
Alderney Society www.alderneysociety.org
Alderney Wildlife Trust www.alderneywildlife.org
Guernsey Biological Records Centre www.biologicalrecordscentre.gov.gg
La Société Guernesiaise www.societe.org.gg
States of Guernsey, Board of Administration www.alderney.gov.gg",,,
7,UK11004,Arun Valley,Classified/designatd,E,528.62,,West Sussex,03/12/1999,50 55 05 N,00 31 40 W,503475,114271,TQ035143,2,4,3,"The Arun Valley consists of three component Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Together these sites comprise an area of wet meadows on the floodplain of the River Arun between Pulborough and Amberley. The neutral wet grassland which is subject to winter, and occasional summer, flooding, is dissected by a network of ditches, several of which support rich aquatic flora and invertebrate fauna. The area is of outstanding ornithological importance notably for wintering wildfowl and breeding waders.","Ramsar criterion 2
The site holds seven wetland invertebrate species listed in the British Red Data Book as threatened. One of these, $Pseudamnicola confusa$, is considered to be endangered. The site also supports four nationally rare and four nationally scarce plant species.
Ramsar criterion 3
In addition to the Red Data Book invertebrate and plant species, the ditches intersecting the site have a particularly diverse and rich flora. All five British duckweed $Lemna$ species, all five water-cress $Rorippa$ species, and all three British water milfoils ($Myriophyllum$ species), all but one of the seven British water dropworts ($Oenanthe$ species), and two-thirds of the British pondweeds ($Potamogeton$ species) can be found on site.","Nearest town/city: Chichester
The site lies between Pulborough and Amberley within the River Arun valley in West Sussex.",The site comprises an area of wet meadow on the floodplain of the River Arun. The wet neutral grassland is subject to winter and occasional summer flooding. The site is dissected by a network of wet ditches which support a rich aquatic flora and invertebrate fauna. Variation in the chemical status of the water has resulted in an exceptionally high diversity of aquatic plant species in some of the ditches.,"Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher plants:
$Carex vulpina, Leersia oryzoides, Potamogeton acutifolius, Myriophyllum verticillatum, Oenanthe silaifolia, Sium latifolium, Thelypteris palustris$","Invertebrates.
$Pseudamnicola confusa, Sciomyza dryomyzina, Anisus vorticulus, Pisidium pseudosphaerium, Libellula fulva, Hydrophilus piceus, Paraphotistus nigricornis$","Fauna
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Ongoing mollusc survey.
Habitat
Ditch survey (Pulborough & Amberley)
Study of nearby Public Water Supply and Water Treatment Works for Asset Management Plan (AMP)
Water level and water quality monitoring is carried out by the Environment Agency, Sussex Wildlife Trust and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.","Existing programmes
The Sussex Wildlife Trust, RSPB and Arun Valley Countryside Project make use of the site for educational purposes, both formal and informal. Amberley Wildbrooks is also used for ongoing studies by Sussex University.
A visitor centre and bird hides exist at Pulborough Brooks RSPB reserve. Some interpretation facilities are specifically targeted at school parties.
Interpretation facilities exist at Pulborough Brooks RSPB reserve. Guided walks by RSPB and SWT.","Recreational activities: bird-watching, walking
Facilities provided: visitor centre, intepretation, bird hides, tea shop.","Abraham, F, Allen, S, Hodge, P & Willing, MJ (1998) A survey of the flora and selected invertebrate groups of the ditches of the lower Arun Valley. Arun District Council, Arun Valley Countryside Project, Bognor Regis (Unpublished report)
Amberley Wildbrooks annual reports 1992–1996
Amberley Wildbrooks Water Level Management Plan
Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Buisson, R & Williams, G (1991) RSPB action for lowland wet grasslands RSPB Conservation Review, 5, 6-64
Burch, A & Self, C (1990) NVC survey of ditch flora at Pulborough Brooks. RSPB case study unpublished
Cook, R (1993) Report on ditch plant communities at Amberley
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Edwards, M (1992) A survey of the Aculidae of Parham, Wiggonholt Common and Coates Common. Unpublished
Elcombe, D (1992) Environmental education: The fourth pillar of conservation. RSPB Conservation Review, 6, 87-91
Evans, CE & Lambton, S (1992) Red Data and Nationally Scarce plants on RSPB reserves. RSPB Conservation Review, 6, 57-71
Evans, CE (1991) The conservation importance and management of the ditch flora on RSPB reserves. RSPB Conservation Review, 5, 65-71
Hodge, PJ (1990) A survey of the Coleoptera, Diptera and Hemiptera – Heteroptera of the Arun Levels between Arundel and Pulborough. English Nature South East England case study (unpublished)
Hubbard, CE (1985) Grasses 3rd edn. Penguin, Harmondsworth
James, P (ed.) (1996) Birds of Sussex. Sussex Ornithological Society
Kerney, MP (ed.) (1976) Atlas of the non-marine Mollusca of the British Isles. Conchological Society of Great Britain and Ireland
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
National Rivers Authority – Various
National Rivers Authority River (19**) Arun Catchment Management Plan Consultation Report
Pilcher, R (1991) A survey of breeding waders and wildfowl within the Arun valley, West Sussex. RSPB/NRA case study, unpublished
Pritchard, DE, Housden, SD, Mudge, GP, Galbraith, CA & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Rose, F (1981) The wild flower key. Warne
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (1998) Pulborough Brooks Management Plan. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Shrubb M (1979) The birds of Sussex, their present status. Phillimore
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Sturdy, RG (1987) Soils of Wiggonholt Farm, Pulborough, West Sussex. Soil Survey of England and Wales
Sussex Ornithological Society (1958–1995) Sussex Bird Reports. Sussex Ornithological Society
Sussex Wildlife Trust (19**) Management Plans for Waltham Brooks and part of Amberley River Arun Catchment Management Plan. Sussex Wildlife Trust
Swan, M & Oldham, R. (1986–1990) All species amphibian site list. English Nature
Watson, AM & Ormerod, SJ (2004) The distribution of three uncommon freshwater gastropods in the drainage ditches of British grazing marshes. Biological Conservation, 118(4), 455–466
Willing, MJ & Killeen, IJ (1999) Anisus vorticulus – a rare and threatened water snail. British Wildlife, 10(6), 412-418
Willings, M & Parsons, M (1986) (Invertebrate Site Register). Nature Conservancy Council",,,
7000134,UK11005,Avon Valley,Classified/designatd,E,1385.1,,Dorset; Hampshire,02/02/1998,50 47 02 N,01 47 46 W,414369.1,98359.7,SZ144983,3,26,16,"The site encompasses the lower reaches of the River Avon and its floodplain between Bickton and Christchurch. The River Avon displays wide fluctuations in water level and parts of the valley are regularly flooded in winter. The Avon valley has a greater range of habitats and a more diverse flora and fauna than any other chalk river in Britain. The valley includes one of the largest expanses of unimproved floodplain grassland in Britain, including extensive areas managed as hay meadow.
","Ramsar criterion 1
The site shows a greater range of habitats than any other chalk river in Britain, including fen, mire, lowland wet grassland and small areas of woodland.
Ramsar criterion 2
The site supports a diverse assemblage of wetland flora and fauna including several nationally-rare species.","Nearest town/city: Christchurch
Located adjacent to the central south coast of England, west of the Solent. The site is orientated north to south between Bickton and Christchurch, and part of the site comprises the county boundary between Hampshire and Dorset.","The main habitat types of this site are, seasonally-flooded mesotrophic grassland, including traditionally managed hay-meadow, dry acid grassland on windblown sand, standing freshwater, including seasonal floodwaters and gravel pits.
Chalk river with acidic tributaries, characterised by floating $Ranunculus$, and fen and mire are also present.
","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Cyperus fuscus$ (IUCN – Vulnerable; Nationally Rare; Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, Schedule 8; RDB)
$Pulicaria vulgaris$ (IUCN – Vulnerable; Nationally Rare, Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, Schedule 8; RDB)","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Libellula fulva$, $Valvata macrostoma$, $Vertigo moulinsiana$ (Habitats Directive Annex II (S1016)), $Pisidium tenuilineatum$ (all Nationally Rare).
Mammals
Otter $Lutra lutra$ (Habitats Directive Annex II, Annex IV (S1355))
Water vole $Arvicola terrestris$ (Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, Schedule 5)","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Breeding waders monitored annually at selected habitat enhancement sites by Environment Agency, and less frequently over wider area by BTO and Game Conservancy Trust.","There is a study centre with laboratory facilities available for local schools and institutions. Also has formal and informal hides. Increased use/development of these facilities plus further interpretation, leaflets etc. planned under LIFE project and possible HLF bid if successful.","Activities and facilities provided.
Informal walking, coarse-fish and game-fish angling, localised sailing and watersports at Blashford Lakes, birdwatching, wildfowling and game shooting. Most land is private with no public access apart from a very few public footpaths, but extensive views from adjoining land.
Seasonality.
Coarse fishing mid-June to mid-March; game fishing September-March.
Wildfowling and game shooting take place during autumn and winter.","McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
UK Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group for Chalk Rivers (2004) The state of England's chalk rivers. Environment Agency, Bristol. www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/conservation/831846
Wheeldon, J (2003) The River Avon cSAC Conservation Strategy. English Nature, Devizes. www.english-nature.org.uk/lifeinukrivers/strategies/Avon/avon.html",,,
9000400,UK21001,Ballaugh Curragh,Classified/designatd,OT,193.4,,Isle of Man,06/09/2006,054 19 00 N,004 31 00 W,236600,496000,SC368945,10,20,15,"The Ballaugh Curragh consists of a complex mosaic of interrelated peatland habitats dominated by grey willow $Salix cinerea$ and birch $Betula pubescens$ scrub (a habitat known locally as 'curragh'). Associated wetland habitats include bog pools, wet woodland, man-made ditch systems and fen grassland. The area supports a huge winter roost of hen harriers $Circus cyaneus$ - at times the largest recorded in Europe. It has a very high diversity of breeding birds and a range of mire and aquatic plants including local rarities and species protected under Manx law. The peat deposits of the Ballaugh Curragh are also of importance for the historical pollen record that they provide. The biodiversity of the Ballaugh Curragh is known to have contributed to its cultural importance as an early settlement, and hence to its considerable value as an archaeological resource. Parts of the area are still farmed, principally for seasonal rough grazing and traditional hay cropping.","1 The site consists of a representative example of a peatland habitat mosaic with a high degree of habitat diversity, dominated by a once-typical but now increasingly rare and fragmented willow scrub habitat, known locally as ‘curragh’. Other habitats include wet birch woodland, wet grassland, purple moor-grass-dominated fen pasture with good populations of marsh orchids, floating mats of bog vegetation and well-established man-made ditch systems with good collections of aquatic and emergent species.
2 Corncrake $Crex crex$ (SPEC1 – global conservation concern: Vulnerable) settled at Close Sartfield Nature Reserve in the Ballaugh Curragh in 1999, and definitely bred in 2000. The Curragh is known to have been one of the last strongholds for this bird prior to its dramatic population decline throughout the British Isles; the continuing presence of traditionally managed farmland in the area is now important for the return of the corncrake as a Manx breeding species.
The asilid fly $Epitryptus cowini$ (RDB2 (Vulnerable), pRDBK) has been recorded from the Ballaugh Curragh area.
3 The Ballaugh Curragh supports the largest hen harrier $Circus cyaneus$ winter roost on the Island, with a 5-year mean peak count of 82 (1996/7-2000/01); well over 100 may be seen. This represents a high proportion of all winter roosting hen harriers in the region; in some years it has been recorded as having the highest number in Western Europe.
The Ballaugh Curragh is one of the most biologically diverse sites on the Isle of Man, containing a very high diversity of breeding birds and diverse plantlife. For some rare and threatened plants the Curragh represents the only Manx station; the uncommon habitat types present are in some cases the most diverse examples of their kind on the Island. It is therefore of high importance for the conservation of Manx biodiversity.
4 Regionally important winter roost for hen harrier $Circus cyaneus$ – see above.",8 km west of Ramsey,"Ballaugh Curragh is the largest remaining intact example of a very distinctive Manx habitat which was historically important as a plentiful source of fish, waterfowl and willow. It therefore forms a culturally-defined area of the Island as well as a distinct wetland, and as such has provided valuable archaeological and palynological (historic pollen) records. Although dominated by willow scrub on peat, the Curragh also has open water, damp neutral to acidic grassland, marshy grassland, dry scrub, hedges, birch woodland with heather, modified and wet bog, tall ruderal and swamp vegetation, semi-natural broadleaved woodland and semi-improved pasture. Of particular significance in the regional context is the presence of habitats on Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive (wet bog woodland, natural dystrophic ponds, $Molinia$ meadows on peaty soils, and UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Habitats (wet woodland, purple moor-grass and rush pastures, fens, species-rich hedges).
The Curragh is well known locally for its wetland habitats and bird diversity. The presence of impressive winter hen harrier numbers and traditionally-managed meadows with summer displays of thousands of orchids attracts visitors both for bird-watching and the popular 'orchid tours' run by the Manx Wildlife Trust.","Rare and/or vulnerable plants (protected under Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Act 1990 as ammended)
recorded in the past two years:
Common spotted-orchid $Dactylorhiza fuchsii$
Heath spotted-orchid $Dactylorhiza maculata$ spp ericetorum and hybrids
Northern marsh-orchid $Dactylorhiza purpurella$
Common Twayblade $Listera ovata$
Greater butterfly-orchid $Platanthera chlorantha$
Lesser tussock-sedge $Carex diandra$
Recorded in the past 50 years but not recently:
Pillwort $Pilularia globulifera$
Bladderwort $Utricularia vulgaris$
Greater spearwort $Ranunculus lingua$
Blunt-leaved pondweed $Potamogeton obtusifolius$
Fragrant orchid $Gymnadenia conopsea$
Lesser water-plantain $Baldellia ranunculoides$","(Provisional list)
Breeding birds protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Act 1990 (as ammended) include:
Water rail $Rallus aquaticus$
Corncrake $Crex crex$ (not regular)
Northern lapwing $Vanellus vanellus$
Eurasian curlew $Numenius arquata$
Song thrush $Turdus philomelos$
Common grasshopper warbler $Locustella naevia$
Non-breeding birds protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Act 1990 (as ammended) include:
Little grebe $Tachybaptus ruficollis$
Whooper swan $Cygnus cygnus$
Northern shoveler $Anas clypeata$
Northern pintail $Anas acuta$
Hen harrier $Circus cyaneus$
Eurasian sparrowkhawk $ Accipiter nisus$
Common kestrel $Falco tinnunculus$
Long-eared owl $Asio otus$
Short-eared owl $Asio flammeus$
Common kingfisher $Alcedo atthis$
Spotted flycatcher $Musciapa striata$
House sparrow $Passer domesticus$","Nature reserves in the management of the Manx Wildlife Trust are subject to monitoring; the Curragh area is also subject to bird monitoring by the Manx Bird Atlas.
Current level of archaeological research unknown.","A variety of interpretive material is produced by Manx National Heritage and the Manx Wildlife Trust.
There may be further interpretation at the Willdife Park which has a nature trail through its part of the Curragh.","Limited public access for walking;
Popular annual 'orchid tours' run by Manx Wildlife Trust at its Close Sartfield nature reserve;
Public access and birdwatching hide at Close Sartfield;
Minor roads through the area used for road racing once a year (Manx International Rally).","Fairhurst, J (1998) Ballaugh Curragh Management Plan. Manx National Heritage, Douglas (unpublished)
Falk, SJ (1991) A review of the scarce and threatened bees, wasp and ants of Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research and Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 35)
Hepburn, I, Oldfield, S & Thompson, K (1992) UK Dependent Territories Ramsar study: Stage 1. Unpublished report to Department of the Environment, European and International Habitat Protection Branch, Bristol, from International Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Bureau/ NGO Forum for Nature Conservation in UK Dependent Territories, Slimbridge/ Sandy (Research contract, No. 7/2/126)
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Pienkowski, MW (ed.) (2005) Review of existing and potential Ramsar sites in UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. (Contractor: UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough.) Final report on Contract CR0294 to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Bristol. www.ukotcf.org
Pritchard, DE, Housden, SD, Mudge, GP, Galbraith, CA & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy",,,
7000193,UK12001,Ballynahone Bog,Classified/designatd,NI,243.24,,Northern Ireland,31/12/1998,54 49 25 N,06 39 40 W,100620.2396,557579.3725,H860981,0,0,257,"Ballynahone Bog is one of the largest lowland raised bogs in Northern Ireland. The raised bog which covers most of the site exhibits the full range of characteristic vegetation and structural features associated with this type of habitat such as bog pools and hummocks. The raised bog dome is surrounded by cut-over bog with poor fen and birch woodland. The bog vegetation is characterised by a high percentage cover of $Sphagnum$ mosses, ericoid dwarf-shrubs such as cross-leaved heath $Erica tetralix$ and heather $Calluna vulgaris$, and other associated species such as hare's-tail cottongrass $Eriophorum vaginatum$, common cottongrass $Eriophorum angustifolium$, deergrass $Trichophorum cespitosum$ and sundew species $Drosera$ spp.","Ramsar criterion 1
The site is a large and relatively intact example of a lowland raised bog and one of the best examples of this habitat in the UK.","Nearest town/city: Maghera.
Ballynahone Bog is situated in County Londonderry in the centre of Northern Ireland about 3 km south of Maghera. It is situated on low-lying ground immediately north of the Moyola River about 14 km from its mouth at Lough Neagh.","The classic domed profile of the deep peat exhibits a wide range of characteristic vegetation and structural features, with pool, hummock and lawn complexes. The bog vegetation is characterised by a high percentage cover of $Sphagnum$ mosses, ericoid dwarf-shrubs and other associated species.
On the greater part of the bog plain the prominent species include heather $Calluna vulgaris$, cross-leaved heath $Erica tetralix$, hare's-tail cottongrass $Eriophorum vaginatum$, common cottongrass $Eriophorum angustifolium$, and deergrass $Trichophorum cespitosum$. Additional species which are also well represented within the sward include bog asphodel $Narthecium ossifragum$ and white beak-sedge $Rhynchospora alba$, with occasional patches of bog-myrtle $Myrica gale$ also occurring. $Sphagnum$ mosses generally form scattered hummocks throughout the area.
Flat, waterlogged 'lawns' alongside pools are characterised by the prominence of such species as cross-leaved heath $Erica tetralix$, bog asphodel $Narthecium ossifragum$, white beak-sedge $Rhynchospora alba$ and common cottongrass $Eriophorum angustifolium$, over a $Sphagnum$ moss carpet dominated by $S. papillosum$ and $S. magellanicum$. The abundance of cranberry $Vaccinium oxycoccos$ in these areas is also notable. Typically, the pools are dominated by $Sphagnum cuspidatum$, with bogbean $Menyanthes trifoliata$ abundant in a number of them. Lesser bladderwort $Utricularia minor$ and great sundew $Drosera longifolia$ are also frequent in some pools with the nationally rare $Sphagnum pulchrum$ often occurring around the edges. Within the pool system, the main hummock-forming moss is $Sphagnum magellanicum$ with $S. papillosum$ and $S. subnitens$ frequent. The liverwort $Pleurozia purpurea$, a species generally associated with more oceanic areas to the west, is also found occasionally.
The lagg surrounding the lowland raised bog has been extensively cut for turf, creating a mosaic of habitats which are dependent on peat depth and age of cutting. Vegetation communities vary from 'poor' fen, through purple moor-grass $Molinia caerulea$ grassland and heath, to extensive areas of scrub and young woodland, mainly dominated by downy birch $Betula pubescens$.
The peatland species occurring on the site include a number of scarce species typical of lowland raised bogs such as the bog-rosemary $Andromeda polifolia$ and invertebrates such as the large heath butterfly $Coenonympha tullia$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Andromeda polifolia$.",None reported,"The site was subject to detailed habitat and species surveys prior to its designation as an ASSI.
The integrity of the site is regularly monitored.
A basin profiling and hydrological survey was carried out in 1996.",None reported,None reported,"Corbett, P. McM & Seymour, GR (1997) The conservation of peatland in Northern Ireland. In: Conserving peatlands, ed. by L Parkyn, RE Stoneman & HAP Ingram. CAB International, Wallingford, for Scottish Wildlife Trust
Environment and Heritage Service (1986) Site survey notes for Ballynahone Bog. Unpublished, Environment and Heritage Service, Belfast.
Environment and Heritage Service (1994) ASSI Pilot Monitoring Ballynahone Bog Field Assessment, 1994. Unpublished, Environment and Heritage Service, Belfast.
Frazer, JS, Cruickshank, MM & Tomlinson, RW (1988) Northern Ireland Peatland Survey. Unpublished report to Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), Countryside and Wildlife Branch, Belfast
Grant, M, Tomlinson, RW & Harvey, J (1997) Hydrological monitoring for peatlands. Queens University of Belfast, School of Geosciences, report to Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), Belfast
Leach, SJ & Corbett, P. McM (1987) A preliminary survey of raised bogs in Northern Ireland. Glasra, 10, 57-73
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Milton, EJ, Hughes, PD, Anderson, K, Schulz, J, Lindsay, R, Kelday, SB & Hill, CT (2005) Remote sensing of bog surfaces. JNCC Report, No. 366 www.jncc.gov.uk/page-3505",,,
7000148,UK12002,Belfast Lough,Classified/designatd,NI,432.14,,Antrim; Down,05/08/1998,54 38 00 N,05 54 00 W,148357.2123,533505.4645,J356782,0,10,0,"The inner part of the lough comprises areas of intertidal foreshore, comprising of mudflats and lagoons, and land, both land-claimed and being land-claimed, which form important feeding/roosting sites for significant numbers of wintering waders and wildfowl. The outer lough is restricted to mainly rocky shores with some small sandy bays and beach-head saltmarsh.",,"Nearest town/city: Belfast
Belfast Lough is a large intertidal sea lough situated at the mouth of the River Lagan on the east coast of Northern Ireland.
","The Ramsar site includes areas of intertidal foreshore, comprising of mudflats and lagoons, and land, both land-claimed and being land-claimed, which form important feeding/roosting sites for significant numbers of wintering waders and wildfowl.
Semi-natural vegetation is confined to a narrow shoreline strip which is fragmented, particularly along the inner reaches of the lough. The sheltered bays and inlets of the south-eastern shore contain pockets of beach-head saltmarsh. Shores with harder rocks support vegetation typical of maritime cliff ledges giving way to maritime grassland. Notable plant species found include spring squill $Scilla verna$ and Ray's knotgrass $Polygonum oxyspermum$.",None reported,None reported,"Fauna.
Numbers of migratory birds and wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Irish Wetland Birds Survey (I-WEBS) organised by the IWC Birdwatch Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (Ireland) and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.",The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds presence on the site is centred around a brackish lagoon with well developed educational facilities including observation hides and a large observation room and a warden for the site.,None reported,"Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1997) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 17. Northern Ireland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Buck, AL & Donaghy, A (eds.) (1996) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 7. Northern Ireland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Crowe, O (2005) Ireland’s wetlands and their waterbirds: status and distribution. BirdWatch Ireland, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Way, LS, Grice, P, MacKay, A, Galbraith, CA, Stroud, DA & Pienkowski, MW (1993) Ireland’s Internationally Important Bird Sites: a review of sites for the EC Special Protection Area network. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough, for Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), Belfast, and Irish Wildlife Service, Dublin
Weighell, AJ, Donnelly, AP & Calder, K (eds.) (2000) Directory of the Celtic coasts and seas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",,,
7000079,UK11006,Benfleet and Southend Marshes,Classified/designatd,E,2251.31,,Essex; Southend-on-Sea,14/02/1994,51 31 42 N,00 41 00 E,586124.8,184520.6,TQ861845,-2,2,0,"Benfleet and Southend Marshes comprise an extensive series of saltmarshes, mudflats, and grassland which support a diverse flora and fauna, including internationally important numbers of wintering waterfowl.","
","Nearest town/city: Southend-on-Sea
Benfleet and Southend Marshes are located on the north shore of the mouth of the Thames estuary in south Essex. They are south of Southend-on-Sea.","Benfleet and Southend Marshes comprise an extensive series of saltmarshes, mudflats and grassland. These habitats support a diverse flora and fauna. The south-facing slopes of the downs are composed of London Clay capped by sand, and represent the line of former river cliffs with several re-entrant valleys. At their foot lies land-claimed marshland, with its associated dyke system, base on alluvium.
The grassland of the downs is dominated by a mixture of red fescue $Festuca rubra$, cock's-foot $Dactylis glomerata$, false oat-grass $Arrhenatherum elatius$ and bents $Agrostis$ spp. typical of neutral to acidic conditions. The land-claimed marsh is grazed by cattle and horses. It is dominated by grasses such as meadow foxtail $Alopecurus pratensis$ and perennial rye-grass $Lolium perenne$, and sea clover $Trifolium squamosum$, strawberry clover $T. fragiferum$ and hairy buttercup $Ranunculus sardous$ are also present.
The ponds and dykes exhibit a transition between fresh and brackish water and support a wide range of plant and animal species. The dykes are dominated by sea club-rush $Bolboschoenus maritimus$, sweet-grasses $Glyceria$ spp., duckweeds $Lemma$ spp., mare's-tail $Hippuris vulgaris$ and hornworts $Ceratophyllum demersum$ and the uncommon $C. submersum$. Other uncommon species include beaked tasselweed $Ruppia maritima$ and brackish water-crowfoot $Ranunculus baudotii$.
The sea wall is dominated by sea couch $Elymus pungens$; uncommon species also present include sea barley $Hordeum marinum$, slender hare's ear $Bupleurum tenuissimum$ and seaside red goosefoot $Chenopodium botryoides$. The salt marsh has a high marsh flora of sea purslane $Atriplex portulacoides$ and common sea-lavender $Limonium vulgare$, together with sea arrow-grass $Triglochin maritima$, common saltmarsh-grass $Puccinellia maritima$, sea aster $Aster tripolium$ and the scarce lax-flowered sea-lavender $Limonium humile$. The lower areas and creek edges are noted for their diversity of glassworts $Salicornia$ spp, including perennial glasswort $S. perennis$. Golden samphire $Inula crithmoides$ occurs on the highest parts of the marsh, beneath the sea walls, whilst small cord-grass $Spartina maritima$ is found on the lowest areas.
The mudflats are colonised by eelgrasses $Zostera marina$ and $Z. noltei$ which, together with dense patches of $Enteromorpha$ and rich invertebrate fauna within the mud, provide food for thousands of birds which overwinter on this shoreline.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Hordeum marinum$ (nationally scarce), $Bupleurum tenuissimum$ (nationally scarce), $Trifolium squamosum$ (nationally scarce), $Chenopodium chenopodioides$ (RDB Lower risk – near threatened), $Limonium humile$ (nationally scarce), $Inula crithmoides$ (nationally scarce), $Spartina maritima$ (nationally scarce), $Zostera marina$ (nationally scarce), $Zostera noltei$ (nationally scarce).","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Amphibians.
$Triturus cristatus$ (vulnerable and protected under national and European legislation).
Invertebrates.
$Myopites bloti$ (RDB3), $Lestes dryas$ (RDB2).","Contemporary.
Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Miscellaneous.
Aerial photographs - Environment Agency.
The Environment Agency regularly conducts surveys for beach profiling the site.
The Thames Estuary Partnership Research Forum has been established.
Environment.
Samples taken for pollution control by local council who are thinking of checking the samples for invertebrates as well.
Completed.
Fauna.
$Zostera$ survey work - undertaken by Queen Mary University, London.",Noticeboards are provided by the local authority and Essex Wildlife Trust. Essex Wildlife Trust lead guided walks on the SSSI but not on the Ramsar site. There is also a Country Park Warden available to show people around.,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Tourism - people on the beach (mainly summer) - Southend on Sea, the town on the boundary of the SPA/Ramsar, is the traditional day-trippers destination from London. It has a large infrastructure based around tourism.
Dog walking - all year - no facilities provided.
Horse-riding on the boundary of the site - all year - paths have been created.
Water-skiing - mainly in summer - ramps are provided and there are defined water-skiing areas.
Jet-skiing - mainly in summer - ramps are provided and there are defined jet-skiing areas.
Boating - occurs mainly in summer - moorings and slipways are available.
Swimming - summer past-time - no facilities
Angling - during fishing season - takes place from the pier.
Wildfowling - during shooting season - no facilities provided.
Bait-digging - occurs all year - licences are issued by the local authority as bait-digging is covered by local bylaws.","Anon. (2002) Essex Coast and Estuaries Coastal Habitat Management Plan: Executive summary. English Nature, Peterborough (Living with the Sea LIFE Project). www.english-nature.org.uk/livingwiththesea/champs/pdf/ESSEX.FINALEXEC.SUMMARY.pdf
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1998) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 7 South-east England: Lowestoft to Dungeness. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 5. Eastern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Covey, R (1998) Chapter 6. Eastern England (Bridlington to Folkestone) (MNCR Sector 6). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 179-198. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Davidson, NC, Laffoley, D d’A, Doody, JP, Way, LS, Gordon, J, Key, R, Pienkowski, MW, Mitchell, R & Duff, KL (1991) Nature conservation and estuaries in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Hill, TO, Emblow, CS & Northen, KO (1996) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 6. Inlets in eastern England: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Pritchard, DE, Housden, SD, Mudge, GP, Galbraith, CA & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",,,
38,UK54001,Bertha`s Beach,Classified/designatd,OT,3191,,Falkland Islands,24/09/2001,58 25 00 W,51 55 00 S,,,not avai,0,10,,"Sandy beach on the northern shore of Choiseul Sound, East Falkland, connecting the former islands at Fox Point to the mainland. Above high tide mark includes coastal dunes, dune slacks and pools, and grasslands; offshore, includes kelp beds in shallow seas and two islands with tussac vegetation, Direction Island and Fox Point Islet. Of value as a good representative example of Falkland coastal wetland types, including beach, small lakes, shallow marine ecosystems and tussac islands, supporting a broad range of Falkland avifauna and flora, including the endemic Falkland steamer duck and other endemic subspecies of waterfowl, and gentoo penguin colonies.","The principal criterion under which Bertha’s Beach qualifies is Criterion 1, since it is a good representative example (in a relatively natural state) of several different wetland habitat types found around much of the coast of the Falkland Islands, including:
- Low sand dunes at the top of the beach (Ramsar wetland type E);
- Shallow waters offshore, with kelp beds (Ramsar wetland type A & B);
- Freshwater pools above high water mark and associated short turf grassland (coastal ‘greens’) (Ramsar wetland type K);
- Fox Point Islet and Direction Island, two offshore rock outcrops with tussac grass (Ramsar wetland type D); and
- Areas of peaty moorland with whitegrass $Cortaderia pilosa$ and diddle-dee $Empetrum rubrum$ (Ramsar type U).
It qualifies under Criterion 2 because it supports appreciable numbers of ruddy-headed goose $Chloephaga rubidiceps$, listed as ‘Lower Risk: near-threatened’ by IUCN (1996). Cobb’s wren $Troglodytes cobbi$, listed by IUCN as ‘vulnerable’, may occur on Direction Island and/or Fox Point Islet. Several of the six Falkland plant species, listed as ‘globally threatened’ by IUCN (Walter & Gillett 1998) may occur.
The site qualifies under Criterion 3 by virtue of the richness of the waterfowl populations which are important value for maintaining the genetic and ecological diversity of the region. The site supports populations of the endemic Falkland steamer duck $Tachyeres brachydactyla$ and a number of endemic Falkland subspecies including upland goose $Chloephaga picta leucoptera$, kelp goose $Chloephaga hybrida malvinarum$, white-tufted grebe $Podiceps rolland rolland$ and tussacbird $Cinclodes a. antarcticus$. The endemic Cobb’s wren may occur on the tussac islands. Two of the twelve Falkland endemic plants (Moore 1973), clubmoss cudweed $Chevreulia lycopodioides$ and coastal nassauvia $Nassauvia gaudichaudii$ occur.
It qualifies under Criterion 3 because it provides breeding habitat for an unusually diverse assemblage of breeding water birds of the Falklands, in greater variety and numbers than many other apparently similar areas in the islands, including the rare species mentioned under Criterion 2, the endemic species and subspecies indicated under Criterion 3 and other more widespread species noted in section 18. Populations of endemic species and subspecies may be of international importance on this site.
It qualifies under Criterion 4 because it supports breeding southern sea lion $Otaria flavescens$ and breeding colonies of gentoo penguins $Pygoscelis papua$ at a critical stage in their biological cycle.
Also, the whole coastal area is particularly important for large congregations of migratory species such as white-rumped sandpipers $Calidris fuscicollis$ and sanderling $Calidris alba$, which occur in much higher numbers here than in other parts of the island. The ponds behind the main dune system are excellent for a variety of waterfowl.
Criterion 6
Especially with extension, qualifies also under 5 as holding >1% white-rumped sandpipers $Calidris fusicollis$ in the non-breeding season","On the north shore of Choiseul Sound, East Falkland, 40 km south-west of Stanley (population 1,600) and 8 km south-east of Mount Pleasant Airport and the British Forces Falkland Islands Garrison main complex (personnel approx. 2,000).","Starting from the seaward side, six main wetland types can be distinguished: offshore islands (Ramsar type D); shallow seas (Ramsar type A), with kelp beds (type B); beach and dune systems (type E); coastal grasslands and pools (type K); and eroded sandy outcrops in the oceanic heath (type U), important as the site of the penguin colonies.
Offshore island. About 1 km offshore lies Direction Island (so called because it presents a magnetic anomaly which affects ships’ compasses, including that of the Norwegian iron barque $Bertha$ which was wrecked in 1892 and bestowed its name on the beach), a 1 ha rocky outcrop covered with a hectare of tussac grass $Parodichloa flabellata$. Tussac grass is typical of Falkland coastal areas, but has in many areas suffered from overgrazing and is now much more restricted than formerly, so that it mostly survives on small offshore islands. Direction Island has in the past supported a small population of southern sea lions $Otaria flavescens$ and there are indications of breeding shearwaters (Strange $et al$. 1988). Fox Point Islet, the other tussac island, is located immediately off Fox Point and covers about 1 ha.
Shallow seas. Below low tide mark are a number of low-lying reefs and extensive beds of kelp $Macrocystis pyrifera$, which extends beyond the 6 metre mark, as in many offshore sites in the Falklands. Kelp helps to protect coastlines from erosion, and probably provides spawning grounds and shelter for many fish (mullet, smelt), squid, jellyfish, molluscs (including chitons), crabs and other marine life forms. In addition it provides feeding grounds for dolphins, seals, fish and some water birds such as shags, steamer ducks and terns. Several pods of Peale's dolphins $Lagenorhynchus australis$ are frequently seen between Bertha's Beach and Direction Island, feeding in the kelp.
Beach and dune systems. The littoral vegetation is composed of associations of sea cabbage $Senecio candidans$, and non-native marram–lyme grass $Ammophila–Elymus$ (the latter introduced to stabilise sand dunes). The beach is used by South American tern $Sterna hirundinacea$ and shorebirds, mainly resident Magellanic oystercatcher $Haematopus leucopodus$, together with white-rumped sandpiper $Calidris fuscicollis$ and some sanderling $C. alba$, both of which spend the austral summer here. Falkland steamer duck and kelp gull $Larus dominicanus$ loaf on the beach.
Coastal grassland (‘greens’) and pools. Behind Bertha’s Beach, above high water mark, at the foot of the higher ground which slopes gradually down from inland, is an area of flat coastal grassland grazed by sheep and some cattle, with occasional pools and marshy ground. The associations in the short-cropped grasslands (greens) are characterised by $Agrostis$ and $Festuca$ spp. and, on the damper areas, pigvine $Gunnera magellanica$ and $Cotula scariosa$. In the ponds spike rush $Eleocharis melanostachys$ provides cover, while water-milfoil $Myriophyllum elatinoides$ and filamentous algae are important food sources for water birds.
Sandy outcrops. In the higher ground, dominated by the ubiquitous white grass and diddle-dee, some outcrops have been eroded, and support nesting colonies of gentoo penguin.","Species occurring at levels of international importance
Higher Plants
Moonwort Fern $Botrychium dusenii$
Species occurring at levels of national importance
Habitat type
Greens
Higher Plants
Moonwort Fern $Botrychium dusenii$","The whole coastal area is particularly important for large congregations of migratory species such as white-rumped sandpipers and sanderling, which occur in much higher numbers here than in other parts of the island. The ponds behind the main dune system are excellent for a variety of waterfowl and rare visitors can often be seen here.
Gentoo penguin Near Threatened 565 pairs 2002/03 FISMP. 884 breeding adults (Clausen 2001).
Magellanic penguin Near Threatened Numbers unknown, but widespread and numerous throughout all islands.
White-tufted grebe (Range-restricted) subsp Several breeding pairs, numbers unknown.
Upland goose (Range-restricted) subsp
(> 1% pop) subsp
Kelp goose (Range-restricted) subsp
(> 1% pop) subsp
Ruddy-headed goose Data-deficient
Range-restricted
> 1% pop Presence confirmed. Numbers unknown.
Falkland steamer duck Range-restricted Presence confirmed throughout the area , numbers unknown, but numerous.
Two-banded plover (Range-restricted) subsp ?? Present and numerous. Numbers unknown.
White-rumped sandpiper > 1% pop Up to 2000 birds recorded (FC databases)
Falkland pipit (Range-restricted) subsp
Black-throated finch Data-deficient
Range-restricted Presence confirmed. Numbers unknown.
Long-tailed meadowlark (Range-restricted) subsp
Other Species of Interest
Hudsonian godwit and whimbrel have been recorded here, as non-breeding seasonal visitors during the southern summer, from their breeding grounds in the Arctic. The site is not known to hold any breeding populations of seals or sea lions, although a small colony breeds on Direction Island just off Bertha’s Beach and seals can frequently be seen. Peale’s dolphins $Lagenorhynchus australis$ are also often seen from the shore, playing in the surf. The large areas of dunes and ponds behind the beach area are frequently used by breeding black-necked swan and numerous breeding speckled teal, wigeons, crested ducks, flying steamer-duck and visiting silver teal, yellow-billed pintail, as well as the occasional coscoraba swan and red shoveler. Numerous waders patrol the shore, including summer visitors like white-rumped sandpiper, the occasional sanderling, mixed with local two-banded plovers, dotterels and the two species of oystercatchers.
Species occurring at levels of national importance
Southern Sea Lion
Gentoo Penguins","Area covered in Breeding Birds Survey of the Falkland Islands (Woods & Woods 1997)
Number of scientific papers on flora and fauna of Falklands
No ongoing research activities or facilities.
Volunteer monitoring scheme to become established at the site, involving developing a database of sightings for use by military personnel.","No activities at present
Area has enormous potential for conservation education for military and civilian visitors","The site is currently exposed to low levels of tourism, although currently there are no facilities. It would be possible to develop visitor facilities, such as signs, a nature trail, and eventually perhaps a visitor centre, with a warden to guide visitors and oversee access to the more sensitive areas.","Bennett, AG (1993) The penguin populations of the Falkland Islands in 1932–33. Falkland Island Government Archives
Bingham, M (1996) Pengsus 95 – Falkland Islands Penguin Census 1995/96. Falklands Conservation Report
BirdLife International (2004) State of the world's birds 2004: indicators for our changing world. BirdLife International, Cambridge. www.birdlife.net/action/science/sowb/pdf_contents.html
Clausen, A & Huin, N (2004) Falkland Islands Penguin Census 2000/01. Waterbirds. In press
Greenway, ME (1972) Geology of the Falkland Islands. British Antarctic Survey (Scientific Report, No. 76)
Hamilton, JE (1934) The southern sea lion Otaria byronia (de Blainville). Discovery Reports, 19, 269–318
Hamilton, JE (1939) A second report on the southern sea lion Otaria byronia (de Blainville). Discovery Reports, 19(?), 121-164
Hepburn, I, Oldfield, S & Thompson, K (1992) UK Dependent Territories Ramsar study: Stage 1. Unpublished report to Department of the Environment, European and International Habitat Protection Branch, Bristol, from International Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Bureau/ NGO Forum for Nature Conservation in UK Dependent Territories, Slimbridge/ Sandy (Research contract, No. 7/2/126)
Hoppe, GM & McAdam, JH (1994) The effects of winter defoliation on the growth of two forms of whitegrass (Cortaderia pilosa) in the Falkland Islands. In: Proceedings 14th General Meeting of the European Grasslands Federation, Lahti, Finland, 424-426
Ingham, R & Summers, D (2002) Falkland Islands cruise ship tourism: an overview of the 1999–2000 season and the way forward. Aquatic Conservation, 12, 145-152
International Union for the Conservation of Nature (1996) 1996 IUCN Red List of threatened animals. International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Gland/Cambridge. www.iucn.org/themes/ssc/96anrl/redlist.htm
Jones, AG (2004) A guide to the insects of the Falklands. Falklands Conservation, Stanley
King, RB, Lang, DM & Blair Rains, A (1969) Land system analysis of the Falkland Islands, with notes on the soils and grasslands. Overseas Development Administration, Land Resources Division (Miscellaneous Report, No. 72)
Miles, J (1984) Ecological impact assessment of the proposed Mount Pleasant airfield and associated developments. Institute of Terrestrial Ecology/ Nature Conservancy Council (Report on ITE project 853)
Moore, DM (1968) The vascular flora of the Falkland Islands. British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge (Scientific Reports, No. 60)
Moore, DM (1973) Additions and amendments to the vascular flora of the Falkland Islands. British Antarctic Survey Bulletin, 85-88
Osborn, D (1992) Records of Falkland Island birds. A Royal Air Force Ornithological Society commemorative report. Royal Air Force Ornithological Society Newsletter, 55 (Special issue)
Pienkowski, MW (ed.) (2005) Review of existing and potential Ramsar sites in UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. (Contractor: UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough.) Final report on Contract CR0294 to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Bristol. www.ukotcf.org
Proctor, D & Fleming, LV (eds.) (1999) Biodiversity: the UK Overseas Territories. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Reijinders, P, Brasseur, S, van der Toorn, J, van der Wolf, P, Boyd, I, Harwood, J, Lavigne, D & Lowry, L (1993) Seals, fur seals, sea lions and walrus. IUCN/SSC Specialist Group, Gland
Robinson, GS (1984) Insects of the Falkland Islands: A checklist and bibliography. British Museum (Natural History), London
Royal Air Force Ornithological Society (1996) Royal Air Force Ornithological Society Expedition to the Falkland Islands. Systematic list of recorded species. (Unpublished report on a visit in November 1995)
Scott, DA & Carbonell, M (eds.) (1986) A directory of neotropical wetlands. IUCN/IWRB, Cambridge/Slimbridge
Strange, IJ, Parry, CJ, Parry, MC & Woods, RW (1988) Tussac grass in the Falklands. Falkland Island Foundation Project Report
Summers, RW & McAdam, JH (1993) The upland goose. Bluntisham Books, Bluntisham
Thompson, D & Duck, CD (1995) Southern sea lions Otaria flavescens in the Falkland Islands: population size, foraging behaviour and diet. Falklands Conservation Report
Walter, KS & Gillett, HJ (eds) (1998) 1997 IUCN Red List of threatened plants. World Conservation Monitoring Centre, IUCN – The World Conservation Union, Gland/ Cambridge. www.unep-wcmc.org/species/plants/red_list.htm
Wilson, P, Clark, R, McAdam, JH & Copper, EA (1993) Soil erosion in the Falkland Islands: an assessment. Applied Geography, 13, 329-352
Woods, RW (1970) The avian ecology of a tussock island in the Falkland Islands. Ibis, 112, 15-24
Woods, RW & Woods, A (1997) Atlas of the breeding birds of the Falkland Islands. Nelson, Oswestry
Woods, R, Stevenson, J, Ingham, R, Huin, N, Clausen, A & Brown, A (in press) Important Bird Areas in the Falkland Islands. Important Bird Areas in the UK Overseas Territories. RSPB, Sandy",,,
13,UK12003,Black Bog,Classified/designatd,NI,183.42,,Cookstown; Omagh; Tyrone,14/12/1999,054 40 21 N,007 01 00 W,78527.12945,542399.9366,H653811,160,160,165,This site is one of the two largest intact active bogs in Northern Ireland with hummock and hollow pool complexes and represents one of the best examples of this habitat type in the UK.,"Criterion 1
The site is a large and relatively intact example of a lowland raised bog and one of the best examples of this habitat in the UK.",In County Tyrone in the centre of Northern Ireland about 17 km west of Cookstown.,"The site is especially important for its extensive hummock-hollow complex, high cover of $Sphagnum$ species and largely intact lagg. There are some very large $Sphagnum$ hummocks including $S. imbricatum$ and $S. fuscum$. Another feature of the bog surface is the occurrence of an unusual plant community with locally high cover of $Empetrum nigrum$ and large hummocks of $Cladonia impexa$.","Internationally important species occurring on the site
Habitat:
Active raised bog
Nationally important species occurring on the site
Habitat:
Lowland raised bog",None reported,"· The site was subject to detailed habitat and species surveys prior to its designation as an ASSI
· The integrity of the site is regularly monitored
· A basin profiling and hydrological survey was carried out in 1996.",None reported,None reported,"Corbett, P. McM & Seymour, GR (1997) The conservation of peatland in Northern Ireland. In: Conserving peatlands, ed by L Parkyn, RE Stoneman & HAP Ingram. CAB International, Wallingford, for Scottish Wildlife Trust
Frazer, JS, Cruickshank, MM & Tomlinson, RW (1988) Northern Ireland Peatland Survey. Unpublished report to Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), Countryside and Wildlife Branch, Belfast
Grant, M, Tomlinson, RW, Harvey, J & Murdy, C (1997) Report from the Peatland Survey & Profiling Project 1996/97. Vol. 2. Black Bog. Environment and Heritage Service, Belfast (Research and Development Series, No. RC97/5)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection",,,
7000097,UK11007,Blackwater Estuary (Mid-Essex Coast Phase 4),Classified/designatd,E,4395.15,,Essex,12/05/1995,51 45 13 N,00 51 59 E,597829.1,210041.6,TL978100,-1,4,1,"The Blackwater Estuary is the largest estuary in Essex north of the Thames and, is one of the largest estuarine complexes in East Anglia. Its mudflats, fringed by saltmarsh on the upper shores, support internationally and nationally important numbers of overwintering waterfowl. Shingle and shell banks and offshore islands are also a feature of the tidal flats. The surrounding terrestrial habitats; the sea wall, ancient grazing marsh and its associated fleet and ditch systems, plus semi-improved grassland are also of high conservation interest. This rich mosaic of habitats supports an outstanding assemblage of nationally scarce plants and a nationally important assemblage of rare invertebrates. There are 16 British Red Data Book species and 94 notable and local species.","Ramsar criterion 1
Qualifies by virtue of the extent and diversity of saltmarsh habitat present. This site, and the four others in the Mid-Essex Coast complex, includes a total of 3,237 ha that represent 70% of the saltmarsh habitat in Essex and 7% of the total area of saltmarsh in Britain.
Ramsar criterion 2
The invertebrate fauna is well represented and includes at least 16 British Red Data Book species. In descending order of rarity these are: Endangered: a water beetle $Paracymus aeneus$; Vulnerable: a damselfly $Lestes dryas$, the flies $Aedes flavescens$, $Erioptera bivittata$, $Hybomitra expollicata$ and the spiders $Heliophanus auratus$ and $Trichopterna cito$; Rare: the beetles $Baris scolopacea$, $Philonthus punctus$, $Graptodytes bilineatus$ and $Malachius vulneratus$, the flies $Campsicemus magius$ and $Myopites eximia$, the moths $Idaea ochrata$ and $Malacosoma castrensis$ and the spider $Euophrys$.
Ramsar criterion 3
This site supports a full and representative sequences of saltmarsh plant communities covering the range of variation in Britain.","Nearest town/city: Colchester
The Blackwater Estuary is a large estuary between the Dengie peninsula and Mersea Island on the Essex coast. It stretches from immediately adjacent to Maldon and about 8 km south of Colchester.","At low tide a vast expanse of intertidal mud is exposed from shore to shore. This enriched mud is a feeding ground for variety of molluscs, crustaceans and worms, and encourages the growth of the green algae $Enteromorpha$, and eelgrass $Zostera$ spp. at the seaward edges of the saltings. Wildfowl and waders amass to exploit this rich food supply in numbers over twice the maximum required to confer international status to the site.
On arrival in October, brent geese feed in the estuary on $Enteromorpha$ and $Zostera$. All three species, $Zostera marina$, $Z. angustifolia$, $Z. noltei$, once formed large beds in the estuary but are now scarce. This decline in eelgrasses combined with a recovery in brent geese numbers in the 1970s, prompted a change in feeding habits and the geese now spend more time landward of the sea wall grazing on arable crops and improved grassland. Areas of improved, reseeded grassland are managed for brent geese at Old Hall, Goldhanger, Steeple, and Osea and Northey Islands. The inclusion of these established grassland feeding areas within the SSSI will continue to help ease the pressure on arable land.
The Blackwater Estuary contains the largest area of saltmarsh in Essex (1,102.85 ha), representing the fifth-largest area in Great Britain; though, like other saltmarshes on this coastline, much of it is eroding at a rate of between 0.3-1 m each year. The saltings serve as important high tide wader roosts and support a specialised flora grazed by wigeon and brent geese. Large expanses of saltings exist at Tollesbury and Old Hall and along the northern shore of the Salcott Channel. At high tide, they accommodate large roosting populations of dunlin, grey plover and curlew. The inlet marshes of Gor Saltings, Cooper's and Steeple Creeks, and the saltings associated with Northey and Osea Islands, also act as high tide refuges for dense populations of waders.
Ray Island, in the Strood Channel, is one of the few sites in Essex where the transition from saltmarsh to grassland has not been truncated by the imposition of a sea wall. However, elsewhere, the saltings fronting the sea wall also show distinct zones of vegetation. The lower marsh is comprised of the primary colonisers of mud - glassworts $Salicornia$ spp., including the nationally scarce $S. perennis$ and $S. pusilla$ and the invasive common cord-grass $Spartina anglica$. The scarce native small cord-grass $Spartina maritima$ can still be found in places, despite the incursions of the more vigorous hybrid form. Further up the marsh, where tidal immersions are less frequent, sea purslane $Atriplex portulacoides$ and common saltmarsh-grass $Puccinellia maritima$ predominate, with sea aster $Aster tripolium$ and common sea lavender $Limonium vulgare$. The nationally scarce lax-flowered sea lavender $Limonium humile$ is sometimes interspersed among the more common species, but the main site for this is at Old Hall. Scarce saltmarsh grasses usually associated with the higher zone of the marsh, such as stiff saltmarsh-grass $Puccinellia rupestris$ and Borrer's saltmarsh grass $Puccinellia fasciculata$, are encountered growing behind the sea wall in wheel-ruts along the folding. Two Mediterranean plants at the northerly limit of their distributions, golden-samphire $Inula crithmoides$ and shrubby sea blite $Suaeda vera$, in the absence of high marsh, having adapted to growing at the base and outer face of the sea wall. Shrubby sea-blite is also able to colonise unstable shingle along the drift line and large populations are present at West Mersea and Osea Island.
The higher wave energies at creek mouths and the upper reaches of the estuary promote the deposition of shingle and sand.
Where this has occurred on the foreshore at West Mersea the county rarity, sea spurge $Euphorbia paralias$, has been discovered along with sea mayweed $Tripleurospermum maritimum$, which has a limited distribution in Essex. The sandy parts of the beach have a typical plant community of sand couch $Elytrigia juncea$, marram $Ammophila arenaria$ and the very local sea-holly $Eryngium maritimum$, while frosted orache $Atriplex laciniata$ occurs on the drift line. This section of coastline shows a transition from saltmarsh to freshwater marsh backed by a sandy cliff face.
The clay sea wall surrounding the estuary, as well as harbouring many of the species which would otherwise have colonised the sheltered, high-level marsh, also contains plants more typically associated with grazing marsh. This type of community develops where the topography and management of the grassland mimic conditions of the grazing marshes beyond - well-drained, grazed slopes and/or areas of disturbed ground. The nationally scarce slender hare's-ear $Bupleurum tenuissimum$ is frequent along the footpath edge, and the uncommon strawberry clover $Trifolium fragiferum$ is present in the close-cropped sward. The brackish-water borrow dykes also contain a similar species complement to the ditches of the land-claimed estuarine marsh.
The extensive unmown stretches of the sea wall are dominated largely by sea couch $Elytrigia atherica$, common couch $E. repens$, with herbs such as wild carrot and the regionally notable grass vetchling and the nationally uncommon dittander $Lepidium latifolium$. The tall grasslands of the Essex coast are the British stronghold of the nationally uncommon Roesel's bush-cricket $Metrioptera roeselli$, whilst two other characteristic species, the short-winged conehead $Conocephalus dorsalis$, another bush-cricket, and the Essex skipper butterfly $Thymelicus lineola$ are also abundant.
Landward of the sea wall, extensive areas of grazing marsh have survived at Old Hall and Tollesbury, while, elsewhere, only fragments remain among the arable land and patches of improved, levelled pasture. Grazing of these ancient marshes since their enclosure in the Middle Ages, have created a characteristic undulating landscape, with the channels of the old saltmarsh creeks still evident. The ant hills of the yellow meadow ant $Lasius flavus$ give credence to the antiquity of the landscape, their dry mounds of spoil providing a micro-habitat for common whitlowgrass $Erophila verna$ and the nationally scarce upright chickweed $Moenchia erecta$. The grassy sward is dominated by creeping bent $Agrostis stolonifera$, perennial rye-grass $Lolium perenne$ and, red fescue $Festuca rubra$, with abundant meadow barley $Hordeum secalinum$ and meadow foxtail $Alopecurus pratensis$. Crested dog's-tail $Cynosurus cristatus$ and yellow oat-grass $Trisetum flavescens$, grasses indicative of relict grassland, have a frequent distribution while marsh foxtail $Alopecurus geniculatus$ is locally abundant in the wetter low-ways. Traditional plants of estuarine grazing marsh occur within the turf including hairy buttercup $Ranunculus sardous$ and the nationally scarce divided sedge $Carex divisa$ and a variety of leguminous species: spiny rest-harrow $Ononis spinosa$, narrow-leaved bird's-foot-trefoil $Lotus tenuis$ and common bird's-foot-trefoil $Lotus corniculatus$, plus the nationally scarce sea clover $Trifolium squamosum$ and bird's-foot clover $T. ornithopodioides$. Two further nationally scarce species, mouse-tail $Myosurus minimus$ and red goosefoot $Chenopodium botryoides$ occur on disturbed ground, the former frequently colonising sheep tracks and gateways.
The ditch systems of the Blackwater's coastal marshes have a diverse range of plant species that mark the transition from saline to freshwater. A saline influence is indicated by stands of the saltmarsh rush $Juncus gerardii$, and the tasselweeds, beaked tasselweed $Ruppia maritima$ and the nationally scarce spiral tasselweed $Ruppia cirrhosa$. Where the water is less saline, sea club-rush $Bolboschoenus maritimus$ becomes the dominant emergent species, along with several aquatics including two nationally scarce species, brackish water-crowfoot $Ranunculus baudotii$ and soft hornwort $Ceratophyllum submersum$, which occur among the more frequent fennel pondweed $Potamogeton pectinatus$ and spiked water-millfoil $Myriophyllum spicatum$. The transition to freshwater is demarcated by stands of common reed $Phragmites australis$ and reedmace $Typha$ spp. Farther inland, species characteristic of the swamp-fed community are encountered, such as reed sweet-grass $Glyceria maxima$ and branched bur-reed $Sparganium erectum$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Bupleurum tenuissimum$ (nationally scarce), $Carex divisa$ (nationally scarce), $Chenopodium chenopodiodes$ (RDB Lower risk (not threatened)), $Limonium humile$ (nationally scarce), $Hordeum marinum$ (nationally scarce), $Zostera noltei$ (nationally scarce), $Zostera marina$ (nationally scarce), $Zostera angustifolia$ (nationally scarce), $Sarcocornia perennis$ (nationally scarce), $Salicornia pusilla$ (nationally scarce), $Puccinellia rupestris$ (nationally scarce), $Puccinellia fasciculata$ (nationally scarce), $Inula crithmoides$ (nationally scarce), $Trifolium squamosum$ (nationally scarce) and $Ruppia cirrhosa$ (nationally scarce).","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Paracymus aeneus$ (RDB1), $Lestes dryas$ (RDB2), $Aedes flavescens$ (RDB2), $Erioptera bivattata$ (RDB2), $Hybomitra expollicata$ (RDB1), $Heliophanus auratus$ (RDB2), $Trichopterna cito$ (RDB2), $Baris scolopacea$ (RDB3), $Philonthus punctus$ (RDB3), $Graptodytes bilineatus$ (RDB3), $Malachius vulneratus$ (RDB3), $Campsicemus magius$ (RDB3), $Myopites eximia$ (RDB3), $Idaea ochrata$ (RDB3), $Malacosoma castrensis$ (RDB3) and $Euophrys$ sp. ($Euophrys browningi$ is rare and endemic to Great Britain. A UKBAP species) .","Contemporary.
Environment.
EN/Defra experimental managed retreat site adjacent to site.
Ongoing hydrodynamic surveys.
Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Site Unit Recording.
Environment Agency low tide counts (five yearly).
Marine Nature Conservation Review: identification of intertidal biotopes (Hill $et al$. 1996)
Completed.
Saltmarsh survey 1988.","As a result of the English Nature estuaries initiative there is a Blackwater Estuary Management Plan. The Blackwater Estuary Implementation Officer provides educational activities along with the Essex Wildlife Trust, RSPB and English Nature conservation officers.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Caravan parks - March to November.
Dog walking - all year - no facilities.
Bird watching - all year - this can be done via local wildlife trust and the RSPB reserves.
Sailing - predominantly summer - there are marinas and moorings for boats.
Jet-skiing - summer only - there is a licensed area and access to open water provided at West Mersea.
Water-skiing - predominantly summer - there is a zoned area.
Power-boating - predominantly summer - access ramps, moorings and marinas.
Walking - all year - no facilities.","Anon. (2002) Essex Coast and Estuaries Coastal Habitat Management Plan: Executive summary. English Nature, Peterborough (Living with the Sea LIFE Project). www.english-nature.org.uk/livingwiththesea/champs/pdf/ESSEX.FINALEXEC.SUMMARY.pdf
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1998) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 7 South-east England: Lowestoft to Dungeness. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Bridgland, DR (1994) Quaternary of the Thames. Chapman & Hall, London, for Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 7)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 5. Eastern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Cottle, R, Pethick, J & Dalton, H (2002) Essex Estuaries Coastal Habitat Management Plan: final report. English Nature, Peterborough (Living with the Sea LIFE Project)
Covey, R (1998) Chapter 6. Eastern England (Bridlington to Folkestone) (MNCR Sector 6). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 179-198. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Davidson, NC, Laffoley, D d’A, Doody, JP, Way, LS, Gordon, J, Key, R, Pienkowski, MW, Mitchell, R & Duff, KL (1991) Nature conservation and estuaries in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Hill, TO, Emblow, CS & Northen, KO (1996) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 6. Inlets in eastern England: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies (1991) Northey Island set-back scheme: results of monitoring. University of Hull, Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies [Subsequent reports of continuing monitoring published in English Nature Research Reports series]
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Pritchard, DE, Housden, SD, Mudge, GP, Galbraith, CA & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Worley, A & Simpson, M (1998) Littoral and sublittoral biotope mapping and data capture exercise for the Essex estuaries candidate Marine Special Area of Conservation. English Nature Research Reports, No. 305",,,
7000190,UK42001,Booby Pond and Rookery,Classified/designatd,OT,82,,"Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands",21/09/1994,019 39 51 N,080 04 33 W,,,not avai,0,3,1,"The Booby Pond and Rookery was designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 1994. It comprises a mangrove fringed saline lagoon, which supports a major colony of Red-footed Boobies $Sula sula$, and provides a seasonally important habitat for resident and migratory waders and other waterfowl. It is 1800 m long and varies around 250 m wide, separated from the sea to the south by a narrow barrier of land 100-225 m wide. Pond water is derived from rainfall and groundwater seepage and is brackish to hypersaline, depending on the season, occasionally drying out completely in the spring.","Criterion 1
Representative of a coastal, land-locked, mangrove-fringed lagoon system of a kind that is widespread among low-lying islands in the region.
Criterion 2
The endangered endemic Lesser Cayman Islands Iguana $Cyclura nubila caymanensis$ is found on site, also vulnerable West Indian Whistling duck $Dendrocygna arborea$.
Criterion 3
Floristic diversity: Lagoon fringe vegetation, transition through to diverse dry evergreen thicket on rock pavement, including several species endemic to Cayman.
Faunal diversity: Supports significant populations of breeding water birds, and endemic birds and reptiles.
Criterion 4
An important feeding area for resident and migratory herons, and passage and wintering Nearctic shorebirds.
Criterion 6
This site contains a breeding colony of Red-footed Boobies $Sula sula$, ca.10-15,000 individuals, probably accounting for at least 30% of the total Caribbean population (estimated 35,000 individuals.)","Nearest town/city: South Town (Blossom Villiage), Little Cayman","A shallow, eutrophic, brackish-hypersaline mangrove-fringed lagoon system. Anecdotal evidence suggests some alteration of drainage at the eastern extent, possibly as a result of hurricane action land-locking the lagoon. Nutrient rich run-off from the expanding bird colony may contribute to the nutrient loading of the water.
Fringing vegetation is predominately mangrove swamp, with evergreen thicket / mixed woodland along the northern boundary.
Dominant terrestrial features are the breeding colonies of Red-footed Boobies and Magnificent Frigatebird $Fregata magnificens$ – the only such aggregations in the Cayman Islands. Significant reptiles include the endemic Lesser Cayman Islands Rock Iguana $Cyclura nubila caymanensis$ and Green Anole $Anolis maynardi$.","The lagoon fringe vegetation is dominated by Black mangrove $Avicennia germinans$ and White mangrove $Laguncularia racemosa$ with some Red mangrove $Rhizophora mangle$, with a transition through Buttonwood $Conocarpus erectus$ and Portia tree (plopnut) $Thespesia populnea$ to dry evergreen thicket on rock pavement at the northern margin of the site. The thicket is floristically diverse. Major components include the Cayman Islands endemics $Cordia sebestena caymanensis$ and $Coccothrinax protorii$. Also prominent are $Bursera simaruba, Guapira discolor, Ficus aurea, Myrcianthes fragrans, Pilosacerens$ sp., $Plumeria obtusa, Canella winterana, Guapira discolour$ and $Cephalocereus swartzii$.","Breeding bird assemblages include (numbers of individuals):
$Sula sula$ (10-15,000)
$Bubulcus ibis$ (28)
$Egretta caerulea$ (16)
$Egretta thula$ (500)
$Egretta tricolor$ (85)
$Fregata magnificens$ (400)
$Sterna antillarum$ (83)
$Dendrocygna arborea$
$Nyctanassa violacea$
Breeding endemic birds include Caribbean Elaenia $Elaenia martinica caymanensis$ and Greater Antillean Grackle $Quiscalus niger bangsi$.This site is also an important feeding area for resident and migratory herons, and passage and wintering Nearctic shorebirds
The Lesser Cayman Islands Iguana $Cyclura nubila caymanensis$ is found on site and is endemic to Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. The Little Cayman population appears to be stable (est. 200 ind.), in comparison with Brac counterparts (est. 60 ind.), the latter declining due to predation by feral cats and dogs, and expansion of the Brac road system.
The Little Cayman Green Anole $Anolis maynardi$ is endemic to Little Cayman and is to be found on site. This arboreal lizard’s most distinguishing feature is its long pincer-shaped snout (which accounts for approximately 40% of SVL).","Studies have been conducted on the breeding seabirds. The red-footed booby colony was censused in 1997.
1998 –National Trust study of Booby flight patterns and feeding range with respect to implications for the development of the new airport.
1996 –Hydrological study. National Trust, Cayman Islands Water Authority. FCO funded.","A visitor centre which carries interpretation of the site was built by the National Trust (1997). The Trust has also published a poster of the Red-footed Boobies with a conservation message.
Supporting information is available through the National Trust website: www.nationaltrust.org.ky","This is a visually impressive site with good access, making the Booby Ponds Little Cayman’s primary terrestrial nature tourism attraction. The high-quality visitor centre run by National Trust volunteers provides fixed telescopes and site interpretation.","Bradley, PE (1986) The Cayman Islands. In: A directory of Neotropical wetlands, ed. by DA Scott & M Carbonnell, 469-482. IUCN, Gland & Cambridge
Bradley, PE (2000) The birds of the Cayman Islands. An annotated checklist. British Ornithologists' Union, Tring (BOU Checklist, No. 19)
Bradley, PE (2002) Management plan to conserve and sustain the brown booby colony on Cayman Brac, 2002–06 Cayman Islands Government, Department of the Environment
Bradley, PE, Cottam, M, Ebanks-Petrie, G & Soloman, J (2004) Cayman Islands. Important Bird Areas in the UK Overseas Territories. RSPB, Sandy (in press)
Burton FJ (1998) Survey of flight lines and foraging range of red-footed boobies Sula sula, from Little Cayman. Unpublished report to the American Bird Conservancy (Project P-DEC02196)
Burton FJ, Bradley PE, Schreiber EA & Burton RW (1999): Status of red-footed boobies Sula sula on Little Cayman, British West Indies. Bird Conservation International, 9, 227-233
Cayman Islands Government (1993) The Animals (Sanctuaries) (Amendment) Regulations, 1993. Cayman Gazette No. 24 of 1993.
Clapp, RB (1987) Status of the red-footed booby colony on Little Cayman Island. Atoll Research Bulletin, 304, 1-15
Clench, WJ (1964) Land and freshwater Mollusca of the Cayman Islands, West Indies. Occasional Papers on Mollusks, 2, 345-380
Diamond, AW (1975) The red-footed booby colony on Little Cayman. Atoll Research Bulletin 241, 165-170
Hepburn, I, Oldfield, S & Thompson, K (1992) UK Dependent Territories Ramsar study: Stage 1. Unpublished report to Department of the Environment, European and International Habitat Protection Branch, Bristol, from International Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Bureau/ NGO Forum for Nature Conservation in UK Dependent Territories, Slimbridge/ Sandy (Research contract, No. 7/2/126)
Pienkowski, MW (ed.) (2005) Review of existing and potential Ramsar sites in UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. (Contractor: UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough.) Final report on Contract CR0294 to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Bristol. www.ukotcf.org
Proctor, D & Fleming, LV (eds.) (1999) Biodiversity: the UK Overseas Territories. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",,,
7000112,UK11008,Breydon Water,Classified/designatd,E,1202.94,,Norfolk,29/03/1996,52 35 03 N,01 37 18 E,648918,307043.2,TG453047,-1,2,0,This site is an inland tidal estuary at the mouth of the River Yare and its confluence with the Rivers Bure and Waveney and an adjacent area of drained floodplain. It has extensive areas of mudflats that are exposed at low tide and these form the only tidal flats on the east coast of Norfolk. It contains a large area of lowland wet grassland. Breydon Water is internationally important for wintering waterfowl.,,"Nearest town/city: Great Yarmouth
The estuary is located adjacent to and west of Great Yarmouth on the east coast of Norfolk.","The main habitat types of Breydon water are intertidal mud, saltmarsh, flood embankments, brackish and improved grasslands and saline ditches.
The site is largely an intertidal estuary with transition from beds of eelgrass $Zostera$ spp., mudflats, lower, mid, and upper saltmarsh. This transition is interrupted by earth flood embankments.
Behind the flood embankments are examples of brackish grassland and ditches.","Nationally important species occurring on the site
Higher Plants:
The site supports nine nationally scarce plant species: $Alopecurus bulbosus, Althaea officinalis, Bupleurum tenuissimum, Carex divisa, Hordeum marinum, Puccinellia fasciculata, Puccinellia rupestris, Zostera marina, Zostera noltei$.",None reported,"Fauna:
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Flora:
Botanical survey of the vegetation of the surrounding embankments and ditches.
",Two hides are located at the site. Located adjacent to the public footpath is an information board explaining the conservation and wildlife interest of the site.,"Activities:
Walking, birdwatching, wildfowling, boating, sailing and water-skiing.
Facilities provided:
Two public bird hides.
Seasonality:
Wildfowling takes place only during a specified season during the winter. All other activities take place throughout the year.","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1998) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 7 South-east England: Lowestoft to Dungeness. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 5. Eastern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Covey, R (1998) Chapter 6. Eastern England (Bridlington to Folkestone) (MNCR Sector 6). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 179-198. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Davidson, NC, Laffoley, D d’A, Doody, JP, Way, LS, Gordon, J, Key, R, Pienkowski, MW, Mitchell, R & Duff, KL (1991) Nature conservation and estuaries in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Hill, TO, Emblow, CS & Northen, KO (1996) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 6. Inlets in eastern England: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Pritchard, DE, Housden, SD, Mudge, GP, Galbraith, CA & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",02/02/2000,,
7000045,UK13001,"Bridgend Flats, Islay",Classified/designatd,S,331.16,,Argyll and Bute,14/07/1988,55 46 22 N,06 16 05 W,132525,661942,NR325619,0,0,0,"An area of saltmarsh and intertidal flats of international importance as a roosting site for wintering geese. Areas above mean high water include natural vegetation supporting high densities of breeding waders and terns, along with agricultural land frequently used by geese.","
","Nearest town/city: Bowmore
Bridgend Flats lies at the head of Loch Indaal, on the south-west coast of Islay, off Scotland's west coast.","Bridgend intertidal flats consist of sand and silt sediments; saltmarsh - grading into the intertidal area, with $Puccinellia–Festuca$ community; improved grassland.",None reported,None reported,None reported,A bird hide is provided for bird watchers on the site.,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Birdwatching, horse-riding and bait-collection, but these are currently at sustainable levels which do not pose management problems.","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1997) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 14 South-west Scotland: Ballantrae to Mull. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Bignal, E, Curtis, D & Matthews J (1988) Islay: Land types, bird habitats and nature conservation. Part 1. Land types and birds on Islay. NCC CSD Report, No. 809
Boyd, JM & Bowes, DR (eds.) (1983) The natural environment of the Inner Hebrides. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Series B: Biological Sciences, 83
Boyd, JM & Boyd, IL (1990) The Hebrides. A natural history. Collins, London (New Naturalist No. 76)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 3. North-west Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Connor, DW & Little, M (1998) Chapter 13. West Scotland (MNCR Sector 13). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 355-370. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Dean, BJ, Webb, A, McSorley, CA & Reid, JB (2003) Aerial surveys of UK inshore areas for wintering seaduck, divers and grebes: 2000/01 and 2001/02. JNCC Report, No. 333. www.jncc.gov.uk/page-2346
Dipper, FA, Howson, CM & Steele, D (in prep.) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 13. Sealochs in west Scotland: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Ogilvie, MA (1992) Monitoring bird and invertebrate populations on Bridgend SSSI, Isle of Islay.
Ramsay, DL & Brampton, AH (2000) Coastal cells in Scotland: Cell 5 – Cape Wrath to the Mull of Kintyre. Scottish Natural Heritage Research Survey and Monitoring Report, No. 147
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stroud, J, McKay, J & Robertson, F (1984) A survey of intertidal invertebrates at the head of Loch Indaal, Isle of Islay, 20-24 Jan 1984, and the potential for shorebird feeding. Islay Natural History Trust and University of Stirling.
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Weighell, AJ, Donnelly, AP & Calder, K (eds.) (2000) Directory of the Celtic coasts and seas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",,,
7000089,UK11010,Broadland,Classified/designatd,E,5488.61,,Norfolk; Suffolk,21/09/1994,52 43 56 N,01 36 00 E,643030,321077.5,TG430211,-2,4,1,"Broadland is a low-lying wetland complex straddling the boundaries between east Norfolk and northern Suffolk. The area includes the river valley systems of the Bure, Yare and Waveney and their major tributaries. The open distinctive landscape comprises a complex and interlinked mosaic of wetland habitats including open water, reedbeds, carr woodland, grazing marsh and fen meadow. The region is important for recreation, tourism, agriculture and wildlife.","Ramsar criterion 2
The site supports a number of rare species and habitats within the biogeographical zone context, including the following Habitats Directive Annex I features:
H7210 Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and species of the Caricion davallianae Calcium-rich fen dominated by great fen sedge (saw sedge).
H7230 Alkaline fens Calcium-rich springwater-fed fens.
H91E0 Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) Alder woodland on floodplains,
and the Annex II species
S1016 Vertigo moulinsiana Desmoulin`s whorl snail
S1355 Lutra lutra Otter
S1903 Liparis loeselii Fen orchid.
The site supports outstanding assemblages of rare plants and invertebrates including nine British Red Data Book plants and 136 British Red Data Book invertebrates.","Nearest town/city: Great Yarmouth
Located in eastern Norfolk, part of East Anglia.
","The peatland areas of this site support: alder woodland on the floodplain dominated by $Alnus glutinosa$ and the $Betula-Dryopteris cristata$ community; mixed tall-herb fen typical of calcareous conditions are dominated by $Phragmites australis$ and $Cladium mariscus$. The very wet mires are dominated by $Carex$ spp. and $Juncus$ spp., and spring-fed fens with $Schoenus nigricans$, $Carex dioica$ and $Pinguicula nigricans$. Open waters are mostly highly eutrophic; however, some plant-rich mesotrophic and eutrophic examples remain, dominated by $Chara$ sp., $Najas marina$ and $Ceratophyllum demersum$. The ditch systems within the drained grasslands support Magnopotamion and Hydrocharition vegetation, often with $Stratiotes aloides$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
Nationally Rare:
S1903 Liparis loeselii Fen orchid.
S1831 Luronium natans Floating water-plantain.
$Najas marina, Potamogeton acutifolius, Dryopteris cristata$
Nationally Scarce: $Althaea officinalis, Dactylorhiza traunsteineri, Potamogeton compressus, Potamogeton trichoides, Pyrola rotundifolia, Sonchus palustris, Cicuta virosa, Carex appropinquata, Thelypteris palustris, Lathyrus palustris, Potamogeton coloratus, Sium latifolium, Stratiotes aloides, Myriophyllum verticillatum$.
Lower Plants.
Nationally Rare: $Chara intermedia, Nitellopsis obtusa, Chara connivens, Chara intermedia$ and $Cinclodium stygium$
Nationally scarce: $Chara curta, Drepanocladus vernicosus, Chara pendunculata, Campylium elodes, Chara aspera, Ricciocarpus natans, Tolypella glomerata$.","Species occurring at levels of international importance.
Invertebrates.
S1016 Vertigo moulinsiana Desmoulin`s whorl snail
Assemblage.
This site supports a diverse assemblage of invertebrates including:
$Aeshna isosceles, Papilio machaon britannicus$.
136 British Red Data Book invertebrate species have been recorded on the site.
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Mammals.
S1355 Lutra lutra Otter","Contemporary.
Flora.
The entire site has had a vegetation survey, primarily fen, wet woodland and open water areas, lakes plus ditch systems, and this is now on GIS.
Monitoring is undertaken on the site, particularly freshwater and fen habitats.
Completed.
Fauna.
Wintering and breeding bird survey of all drained marshland area completed, results on a GIS.
Some species survey and monitoring, e.g. $Liparis loeselii$, $Luronium natans$ and a number of molluscs.","Many nature trails and footpaths with information boards and leaflets plus five visitor centres at Ranworth, Hickling, Strumpshaw, How Hill and Carlton Colville.","Activities.
The area attracts large numbers of tourists predominantly during the summer, many of which are water-borne. The river and broads (lakes) both within and adjacent to the site carry large numbers of power and sail craft which results in large-scale erosion and loss of fringing reedswamp. Speed limits have been imposed, however boat numbers remains too high.
Facilities provided.
Land-based recreation within the site is well managed, directing people to facilities where boardwalks are provided.
Seasonality.
All year.","Aldridge, DC & Müller, SJ (2001) The Asiatic clam, Corbicula fluminea, in Britain: current status and potential impacts. Journal of Conchology, 37(2), 177-183
Baker, R, Clarke, K & Howlett, D (1999) A survey of the Broadland distribution of Pseudamnicola confusa (Frauenfeld). English Nature Research Reports, No. 319
Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Pritchard, DE, Housden, SD, Mudge, GP, Galbraith, CA & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Stewart, NF (2004) Important stonewort areas. An assessment of the best areas for stoneworts in the United Kingdom. Plantlife International, Salisbury
Stewart, NF & Church, JM (1992) Red Data Books of Britain and Ireland: Stoneworts. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
O'Riordan, AM (1976) A Broadland bibliography. Nature Conservancy Council, England, East Anglia Region, Norwich (Internal report, Rep.NC.162B)
Tickner, M, Evans, C & Blackburn, M (1991) Restoration of a Norfolk Broad: a case study of Strumpshaw Fen. RSPB Conservation Review, 5, 72-77
Wiggington, M (1999) British Red Data Books. 1. Vascular plants. 3rd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",29/06/1998,,
7000061,UK14001,Burry Inlet,Classified/designatd,W,6627.99,,Abertawe/ Swansea; Caerfyrddin/ Carmarthenshire,14/07/1992,51 38 55 N,04 10 37 W,249405,196717,SS494967,-2,6,1,"Burry Inlet is a large estuarine complex located between the Gower Peninsula and Llanelli in South Wales. It includes extensive areas of intertidal sand and mud flats, together with large sand dune systems at the mouth of the estuary. The site contains the largest continuous area of saltmarsh in Wales (2,200 ha). The Burry Inlet regularly supports large numbers of wildfowl and waders.",,"Nearest town/city: Swansea
The site is located between the Gower Peninsula and Llanelli in south Wales, approximately 15 km north-west of Swansea.","The Burry Inlet is a large estuarine complex located between the Gower Peninsula and Llanelli in South Wales. It includes a mixture of estuarine habitats, river channel, extensive intertidal sand and mud flats, intertidal and rocky shore habitats, and a large sand-dune system at the mouth of the estuary. A range of intertidal communities support populations of important animals like piddocks, and rockpool communities.
The estuary supports typical saltmarsh communities, and is the largest continuous saltmarsh in Wales, supporting nationally scarce plants such as marsh-mallow $Althaea officinalis$.
The river channel and estuarine water is known to support important fish, namely shad and lamprey. Otters use the channel to feed.
The importance of the sand dunes at the western end of the Ramsar site are recognised at a European level through designation as SAC, supporting dune-slack communities where three British Red Data Book plants grow – fen orchid $Liparis loeselii$, dune gentian $Gentianella uliginosa$ and early sand-grass $Mibora minima$.","Petalwort $Petalophyllum ralfsii$ Status: Habitats Directive Annex II feature (S1395), Nationally Scarce
Variegated horsetail $Equisetum variegatum$ Status: Nationally Scarce
Long-stalked orache $Atriplex longipes$ Status: Nationally Scarce
One-flowered glasswort $Salicornia pusilla$ Status: Nationally Scarce
Marsh-mallow $Althaea officinalis$ Status: Nationally Scarce
Hutchinsia $Hornungia petraea$ Status: Nationally Scarce
Round-leaved wintergreen $Pyrola rotundifolia$ ssp. $maritima$ Status: Nationally Scarce
Portland spurge $Euphorbia portlandica$ Status: Nationally Scarce
Musk stork’s-bill $Erodium moschatum$ Status: Nationally Scarce
Dune gentian $Gentianella uliginosa$ Status: Red Data Book
White horehound $Marrubium vulgare$ Status: Nationally Scarce
Eelgrass $Zostera angustifolia$ Status: Nationally Scarce
Sharp rush $Juncus acutus$ Status: Nationally Scarce
Early sand-grass $Mibora minima$ Status: Red Data Book
Dune fescue $Vulpia fasciculata$ Status: Nationally Scarce
Green-flowered helleborine $Epipactis phyllanthes$ Status: Nationally Scarce
Fen orchid $Liparis loeselii$ Status: Habitats Directive Annex II feature (S1903); Red Data Book species; Wildlife & Countryside Act Schedule 8","Polychaete worm $Ophelia bicornis$ Status: Nationally Rare
Narrow-mouthed whorl snail $Vertigo angustior$ Status: Habitats Directive Annex II feature (S1014); British Red Data Book
Sea lamprey $Petromyzon marinus$ Status: Habitats Directive Annex II feature (S1095)
River lamprey $Lampetra fluviatilis$ Status: Habitats Directive Annex II feature (S1099)
Allis shad $Alosa alosa$ Status: Habitats Directive Annex II feature (S1102)
Twaite shad $Alosa fallax$ Status: Habitats Directive Annex II feature (S1103)
Otter $Lutra lutra$ Status: Habitats Directive Annex II feature (S1355)","Contemporary.
Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually on North Shore only, by Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (Penclacwydd Reserve, Llandelli).
The Catchment Research Group (Cardiff University) annually ring oystercatchers (since 1990).
Current research into relationship between oystercatchers and shellfish populations in Burry Inlet ongoing since 2000 (CEFAS 2001; Mercer 2002; McGrorty & West 2001; Stewart 2001; West $et al$. 2001).
Completed.
Flora.
Sand dune NVC survey by Dargie (1989); saltmarsh vegetation surveyed by Burd (1987), with follow-up saltmarsh NVC survey 1998-99.
Marine.
CCW Phase I Survey of the marine intertidal biotopes of the Burry estuary in 2000 (CCW 2004).","North shore: Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust have education centre at Penclacwydd, Llanelli with a full-time education officer. School parties form major element of the conservation education programme.
South shore: Guided walks and a bird hide are available at Whiteford NNR.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Principally walking, birdwatching, sport angling and and wildfowling. All these activities are at sustainable levels.","Atkins, J (ed.) (1995) The Burry Inlet & Loughor Estuary Symposium, March 1995. State of the Estuary Report. Burry Inlet and Loughor Estuary Liaison Group, Swansea
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS & Doody, JP (eds.) (1995) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 12. Wales: Margam to Little Orme. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Bristow, C & Pile, J (2003) South Wales estuaries Carmarthen Bay: evolution of estuarine morphology and consequences for SAC management. CCW Contract Science, No. 528
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 2. South-west Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
CEFAS (2001) The relationship between mussel and oystercatcher populations in the Burry Inlet, Part 1b, Section 3 – a report on the cockle stocks in the Burry Inlet, south Wales, outside the standard CEFAS survey area. CCW Contract Science, No. 431
Countryside Council for Wales (1993) Welsh estuaries review. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor
Countryside Council for Wales (2004) Phase 1 Intertidal Survey Dataset. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor (unpublished data)
Davies, J (1998) Chapter 9. Bristol Channel and approaches (Cape Cornwall to Cwm yr Eglwys, Newport Bay) (MNCR Sector 9). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 255-295. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Fowles, A (1994) Invertebrates of Wales: a review of important sites and species. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Jones, PS, Stevens, DP, Blackstock, TH, Burrows, CR & Howe, EA (eds.) (2003) Priority habitats of Wales: a technical guide. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor
Mercer, T (2002) An assessment of the nature conservation value of mussel crumble in the Burry Inlet and the effects of dredging/hand gathering operations. CCW Contract Science, No. 526
McGrorty, S & West AD (2001) The relationship between mussel and oystercatcher populations in the Burry Inlet, Part 1b, Scetion 4 – a survey of mussel beds and mussel crumble. CCW Contract Science, No. 432
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Moore, J, Smith, J, Northen, KO & Little, M (1998) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 9. Inlets in the Bristol Channel and approaches: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Prosser, MV & Wallace, HL (1999) Burry Inlet and Loughor Estuary SSSI. NVC survey 1998. CCW Contract Science Report, No. 376
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stewart, B (2001) The relationship between mussel and oystercatcher populations in the Burry Inlet, Part 1b, Section 2. CCW Contract Science, No. 430
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Weighell, AJ, Donnelly, AP & Calder, K (eds.) (2000) Directory of the Celtic coasts and seas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Welsh Assembly Government (2003) Environmental conditions in the Burry Inlet and Loughor estuary. Welsh Assembly Government, Cardiff
West, AD, Goss-Custard, JD, McGrorty, S, Stillman, RA & Durell, SEA Le V dit (2001) The relationship between mussel and oystercatcher populations in the Burry Inlet, Part 2. CCW Contract Science, No. 491
West, AD & McGrorty, S (2003) Modelling oystercatchers and their food on the Dee estuary, Traeth Lafan and Burry Inlet SPA to inform target setting and site management – Phase 1. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor (Marine Monitoring Project, No. 3)
Wiggington, M (1999) British Red Data Books. 1. Vascular plants. 3rd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",,,
7000018,UK13002,Cairngorm Lochs,Classified/designatd,S,172.99,,Grampian; Highland,24/07/1981,57 04 08 N,03 47 27 W,291436,798971,NN914989,727,727,727,"The Cairngorm Lochs Ramsar site consists of Lochs Etchachan, Uaine, Coire an Lochain, Avon and Einich which are amongst the highest standing waters in the UK. The first three lochs are corrie lochans at altitudes of 900-1000 m whilst the other two are much larger and occupy the upper reaches of major glacial troughs at lower altitudes. All five lochs are extremely oligotrophic. The three corrie lochans have shorelines predominately of ice-polished boulders and have continuous ice cover from December to May in most years. Lochs Avon and Einich have more varied shorelines with boulders, glacial drift and storm beaches and much shorter periods of ice-cover. All the lochs have an arctic-alpine nature and support specialised populations of plankton.","Ramsar criterion 1
The Cairngorms Lochs are exceptional examples of high altitude oligotrophic lochs in the United Kingdom.
Ramsar criterion 3
The lochs are of considerable limnological value and support highly specialised populations of zooplankton and phytoplankton.","Nearest town/city: Aviemore
The five lochs are all in the Cairngorm massif in the east-central Highlands of Scotland.","Within the Cairngorms Lochs site three of the smaller lochs only support plankton and have little to no emergent vegetation. The two large lochs support a variety of shoreline plant communities including A22 $Littorella uniflora$ - $Lobelia dortmanna$ community, A23 $Isoetes lacustris/setacea$ community and A24 $Juncus bulbosus$ community.","Assemblage.
The site is internationally important because it contains the following Habitats Directive Annex I features:
Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the $Littorelletea uniflorae$ and/or of the $Isoëto-Nanojuncetea$ (H3130)
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Elatine hexandra$.","Assemblage.
This site supports an important assemblage of phytoplankton and zooplankton.","Miscellaneous.
Paleoecological research by London University is continuing (see Battarbee $et al$. 1996).",None reported,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
None of the lochs are used for water-based recreation or tourism, but several of them have footpaths used for informal recreation along or close to their shorelines. These activities take place year round, though with fewer visitors in winter, and are not thought to be having any significant impact. The lochs are also an important component of the landscape and feature prominently in many views.","Battarbee RW, Jones, VJ, Flower, RJ, Appleby, PG, Rose, NL & Rippey, B (1996) Palaeolimnological evidence for the atmospheric contamination and acidification of high Cairngorm lochs, with special reference to Lochnagar. Botanical Journal of Scotland, 48(1), 79-88
Bayfield, NG & Conroy, JWH (1996) The Cairngorms assets: a Cairngorms Partnership Working Paper. Cairngorms Partnership, Grantown on Spey.
Gordon, JE & Sutherland, DG (eds.) (1993) Quaternary of Scotland. Chapman & Hall, London, for Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 6)
Love, J [1986] Research in the Cairngorms. A preliminary appraisal. Nature Conservancy Council, North East Scotland Region, Aviemore
Nethersole-Thompson, D & Watson, A (1981) The Cairngorms – their natural history and scenery. 2nd edn. Melven, Perth
Rao, S (2004) Classic wildlife sites: Mar Lodge Estate, Cairngorms. British Wildlife, 16(2), 86-94
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)",,,
7000160,UK13003,Caithness and Sutherland Peatlands,Classified/designatd,S,143502.79,,Highland,02/02/1999,58 20 10 N,03 56 15 W,286571.7,940216.9,NC866402,16,675,200,"The Caithness and Sutherland Peatlands Ramsar site contains a large proportion of the Caithness and Sutherland Peatlands which form one of the largest and most intact areas of blanket bog in the world. The peatlands include an exceptionally wide range of vegetation and surface pattern types, some of which are unknown elsewhere. This range of habitats supports a diverse range of breeding waterfowl including internationally important populations of North Scottish greylag goose and dunlin and nationally important populations of ten other waterfowl species.","Ramsar criterion 1
The site supports one of the largest and most intact areas of blanket bog in the world.
Ramsar criterion 2
The site supports a number of rare species of wetland plants and animals. The plants include three nationally rare mosses, eight nationally scarce vascular plants and four nationally scarce mosses. The insect fauna includes several nationally scarce species and one nationally rare species. The site supports nationally important breeding populations of ten waterfowl species.","Nearest town/city: Thurso
The Caithness and Sutherland Peatlands Ramsar site lies in the extreme north of mainland Britain.","The primary habitat of the Caithness and Sutherland Peatlands is active blanket bog. The dominant plant communities within this habitat vary from the wetter west to the drier east but all are dominated by dwarf shrubs, sedges and $Sphagnum$ mosses. Among the dwarf shrubs, heather $Calluna vulgaris$ and cross-leaved heath $Erica tetralix$ are common and widespread. In the west $Scirpus cespitosus-Eriophorum vaginatum$ blanket mire (M17) and the closely associated $Scirpus cespitosus$ wet heath (M15) are predominant. Particularly associated with the wet heath are bog myrtle $Myrica gale$ and purple moor-grass $Molinia caerulea$. To the east $Erica tetralix-Sphagnum papillosum$ (M18) and $Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum$ (M19) blanket mires become predominant. In general the cover of $Calluna$ tends to be greater in the drier eastern parts of the site. Throughout $Sphagnum$ species are a characteristic feature of the vegetation and the main contributor to continuing peat accumulation. The most widespread and abundant species are $Sphagnum papillosum$, $S. tenellum$ and $S. capillifolium$. Intimately associated with the blanket bog are dystrophic lochs (dubh lochans) which range in size from lochs of a few hectares to tiny bog pools.","Assemblage
This site is internationally important because it contains the following Habitats Directive Annex I features:
Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the $Littorelletea uniflorae$ and/or of the $Isoëto-Nanojuncetea$ (H3130), Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds (H3160), Northern Atlantic wet heaths with $Erica tetralix$ (H4010), Blanket bogs (H7130), Transition mires and quaking bogs (H7140), Depressions on peat substrates of the $Rhynchosporion$ (H7150).
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Arabis petraea, Arctostaphylos alpinus, Betula nana, Deschampsia setacea, Hammarbya paludosa, Lycopodiella inundata, Lycopodium annotinum, Vaccinium microcarpum$.
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Lower Plants.
$Dicranum bergeri, Sphagnum lindbergii, Sphagnum majus$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Mammals.
$Lutra lutra$ (Habitats Directive Annex I feature (S1355)).
Invertebrates.
$Oreodytes alpinus, Aeshna caerulea$.","Current Research/Surveys
Black-throated diver monitoring (RSPB): Ongoing monitoring, approximately 40 sites in the Caithness and Sutherland Peatlands SPA are monitored each year.
Moorland Bird Survey (RSPB): Ongoing monitoring 19 (2.5 km x 2.5 km) plots surveyed in 1988, 1991, 1995 & 2000.
Forsinard Reserve (RSPB): Key species (black-throated diver, common scoter and raptor species) monitored over entire reserve area each year. All bird species (waterfowl, raptors etc.) monitored in two fixed plots each year. Use of in-bye fields by golden plover monitored each year. All monitoring on reserve is from 1995.
Greenhouse gas emissions: University research projects hosted.
Research/surveys undertaken and completed
Upland Bird Survey (NCC) 1979-1986: Sample areas surveyed throughout peatlands in Caithness and Sutherland.
Peatland Survey of Northern Scotland (NCC) 1980-86: Classification and evaluation of vegetation types present.
Vegetation: Most of the component SSSIs have been surveyed to NVC standard.","The RSPB Forsinard reserve runs regular guided walks onto less sensitive parts of the peatlands.
The RSPB Forsinard reserve has a visitor centre (open April to October) and a waymarked trail (open all year).","Activities.
Deer-stalking: Traditional deer-stalking (for stags, with paying guests) takes place over much of the site, generally from mid-August to mid-October.
Fishing: Traditional fly-fishing for trout is popular on many of the numerous lochs within the peatlands. Angling is generally by permit only and boats can be hired on some of the larger lochs. Disturbance caused by fishing may affect the breeding success of waterfowl in some places (see vulnerability statement).
Facilities provided.
No specific facilities other than tourist accommodation.
Seasonality.
All year.","Anon. (n.d. [~1998]) The Peatlands Trail. A visitor guide to the peatlands of Caithness and Sutherland. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds?
Avery, MI & Haines Young, RH (1990) Population estimates for the dunlin Calidris alpina derived from remotely sensed satellite imagery of the Flow Country of northern Scotland. Nature, 344, 860-862
Bates, MA, Shepherd, KB, Whitfield, P & Arnott, DA (1994b) A breeding wader and upland bird survey of selected sites in Caithness & Sutherland. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Research Report, No. ***
Batten, LA, Bibby, CJ, Clement, P, Elliot, GD & Porter, RF (1990) Red Data Birds in Britain. Action for rare, threatened and important species. Poyser, London, for Nature Conservancy Council and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Campbell, LH & Talbot, TR (1987) The breeding status of black-throated diver (Gavia arctica) in Scotland. British Birds, 80(1), 1-8
Charman, DJ (1990) Origin and development of the Flow Country blanket mire, northern Scotland, with particular reference to patterned fens. Unpublished PhD thesis, University of Southampton
Gibbons, DW, Bainbridge, IP, Mudge, GP, Tharme, AP & Ellis, PM (1997) The status and distribution of the red-throated diver Gavia stellata in Britain in 1994. Bird Study 44, 194-205
Lavers, CP, Haines-Young, RH & Avery, MI (1996) The habitat associations of dunlin (Calidris alpina) in the Flow Country of northern Scotland and an improved model for predicting habitat quality. Journal of Applied Ecology, 33, 279-290
Lindsay, RA, Charman, DJ, Everingham, F, O'Reilly, RM, Palmer, MA, Rowell TA & Stroud, DA (1988) The Flow Country. The peatlands of Caithness and Sutherland. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Mudge, GP, Dennis, RH, Talbot, TR & Broad, RA (1991) Changes in the breeding status of black-throated divers in Scotland. Scottish Birds, 16, 77-84
Mudge, GP & Talbot, TR (1993) The breeding biology and causes of nest failure of Scottish black-throated divers (Gavia arctica). Ibis, 135, 113-120
Pritchard, DE, Housden, SD, Mudge, GP, Galbraith, CA & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Stroud, DA, Reed, TM, Pienkowski, MW & Lindsay, RA (1987) Birds, bogs and forestry. The peatlands of Caithness and Sutherland. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough",,,
7000135,UK13004,Caithness Lochs,Classified/designatd,S,1378.57,,Highland,02/02/1998,58 31 22 N,03 35 60 W,307200,960200,ND072602,1,69,38,"The Caithness Lochs Ramsar Site consists of a suite of six lochs and a mire in the extreme north of mainland Scotland. The lochs cover a range of types from oligotrophic to eutrophic, and support a wide diversity of aquatic and wetland vegetation including submerged and floating aquatic communities and species rich marginal, fen and swamp communities. In winter these lochs support internationally important wintering populations of whooper swan (Icelandic), Greenland white-fronted goose and greylag goose (Icelandic).",,The Caithness Lochs Ramsar site lies in the extreme north-east of mainland Britain.,"The site consists of six freshwater lochs and a mire (Broubster Leans). A range of loch types from oligotrophic to eutrophic are represented. Among the aquatic communities, pondweed associations are well represented including $Potamogeton perfoliatus-Myriophyllum alterniflorum$ ($P. filiformis$ subcommunity) on mesotrophic to eutrophic lochs such as Lochs Watten, Scarmclate, Heilen and Mey and $Potamogeton pectinatus-Myriophyllum spicatum$ community (A11) on the more eutrophic Loch of Wester. The nationally scarce $Potamogeton filiformis$ is particularly well represented on a number of the lochs.
Swamp communities are present, especially on wetter sites such as Broubster Leans, these include $Equisetum fluviatile$ swamp (S10) and $Carex rostrata$ swamp (S9). These provide habitat for the nationally scarce narrow small-reed $Calamagrostis stricta$ and the uncommon water sedge $Carex aquatilis$. All the lochs apart from Loch Calder include some areas of associated wetlands where other habitats represented include $Carex rostrata-Potentilla palustris$ tall-herb fen (S27), $Filipendula ulmaria-Angelica sylvestris$ mire (M27) and other mire communities such as $Scirpus cespitosus-Eriophorum vaginatum$ blanket mire (M17), $Eriophorum vaginatum-Sphagnum papillosum$ mire (M18) and $Scirpus cespitosus-Eriophorum$ wet heath (M15). Drier areas grazed by cattle or sheep tend to be dominated by $Juncus effusus/acutiflorus-Galium palustre$ rush-pasture (M23).","Assemblage
This site is internationally important because it supports the following Habitats Directive Annex I feature:
Transition mires and quaking bogs (H7140)
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Calamagrostis stricta, Potamogeton filiformis$
Lower Plants.
$Bryum neodamense$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Oreodytes alpinus$.","Current
$Anser albifrons flavirostris$: The Greenland White-fronted Goose Study co-ordinate three national counts per winter. In Caithness these are carried out by a network of volunteer counters co-ordinated by Mr Stan Laybourne, a local school teacher. Since 1972, Mr Laybourne has carried out a long-term study of Greenland white-fronted goose roosting and feeding behaviour in Caithness.
Other waterfowl: Numbers of wildfowl and wading birds wintering on the Ramsar site are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (Waters & Cranswick 1993).
Undertaken and completed
$Anser albifrons flavirostris$: The following intensive studies of Greenland white-fronted geese in Caithness have been made:
· spring 1985 (Laybourne & Fox 1985),
· winter 1993/94 (Laybourne & Legg 1994)
· winter 1994/95 (Harding & Laybourne 1995)
· winter 1996/7 (Laybourne 1997)
Other waterfowl: The following surveys of wintering & breeding waterfowl have been made:
· winter 1987/8 (Talbot 1989)
· winter 1988/9 (Talbot 1989)
· summer 1993 (O'Brien 1994)
· winter 1996/7 (Laybourne 1997)
· summer 1997 (SNH in prep.)
Freshwater:
· Invertebrates (MacCan & Moran 1986)
· Macrophytes (Bell 1986 & 1989).
· Site evaluation (Bell 1989).
Habitat survey:
· Broubster Leans (Mitchell 1983).",None reported,"Hunting: Traditional wildfowling for duck continues at low levels on the site with consent from SNH.
Birdwatching: The Scottish Ornithologists' Club Caithness Branch manages a bird-hide overlooking Loch of Mey.","Bell, SL (1986) Freshwater macrophyte survey of selected Caithness lochs. Nature Conservancy Council, Inverness
Bell, SL (1989). Fresh-water macrophyte survey of Caithness lochs 1986–1987. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (NCC Contract Surveys, No. 19)
Foster, GN & Spirit, M (1986) Oreodytes alpinus new to Britain. Balfour-Browne Club Newsletter, 36, 1-2.
Harding, N & Laybourne, S (1995) Greenland white-fronted geese and whooper swans in Caithness during the 1994/1995 winter. Report to Scottish Natural Heritage, Inverness.
Johnston, R (1999) Caithness Lochs potential extension to Special Protection Area and Ramsar Site (UK9001171). Departmental brief. Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh (International Sites Series)
Laybourne, S & Fox, AD (1985) Report of the Caithness Greenland white-fronted goose spring census 1985. Nature Conservancy Council, Inverness
Laybourne, S & Legge, MIH (1994) Numbers and behaviour of Greenland white-fronted geese in Caithness with special reference to daily routines of roosting and feeding. Report to Scottish Natural Heritage, Inverness
Laybourne, S (1997) Survey of winter wildfowl using the Caithness Lochs proposed Special Protection Area and Ramsar site winter 1996/97. Report to Scottish Natural Heritage, Inverness
MacCann, AG & Moran, S (eds.) (1986) Fresh-water invertebrates of Caithness. Caithness and Sutherland District Council Community Programme Agency
Mitchell, I.J. (1983) Broubster Leans SSSI habitat map. Scottish Natural Heritage, Golspie
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
O'Brien, M (1994) Survey of breeding waders on Scottish lowlands. Unpublished interim report to Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Edinburgh
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Shepherd, M (1997) Caithness Lochs Special Protection Area and Ramsar Site (117A). Departmental brief. Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh (International Sites Series)
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Talbot, T. (1989) Wintering wildfowl and waders in Caithness 1987–88 and 1988–89: a study of selected sites. Nature Conservancy Council, Inverness
Waters, JR & Cranswick, PA (1993). The Wetland Bird Survey 1992–1993. Wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Whitaker, S (in prep.) Survey of breeding waders and wildfowl on the Caithness Lochs proposed Special Protection Area and Ramsar Site 1997. Scottish Natural Heritage, Golspie",13/10/2000,,
7000080,UK13005,Cameron Reservoir,Classified/designatd,S,68.76,,Fife,14/03/1994,56 17 32 N,02 51 12 W,347174,711216,NO472114,144,144,144,Cameron Reservoir is an artificial mesotrophic loch with beds of aquatic and marginal vegetation. The open water is used as a roost by an internationally important wintering population of pink-footed geese that feed on the surrounding farmland.,"
","Nearest town/city: St Andrews
Cameron Reservoir lies 6 km south-west of St Andrews, in east Scotland.",The shores of Cameron Reservoir support beds of emergent vegetation with $Carex rostrata$ and $Eleocharis palustris$ the most frequent species. The open water supports a regionally important submerged flora including stoneworts $Chara$ spp. and pondweeds $Potamogeton$ spp.,None reported,None reported,"Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.",None reported,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
There is one public hide for bird-watching.
Fishing is managed by an angling club who lease the rights from the Water Authority.","Elkins, N, Reid, JB, Brown, AW, Robertson, DG & Smout, A-M (2003) The Fife bird atlas. Fife Ornithological Atlas Group
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Smout, A-M (1986) The birds of Fife. An outline of their status and distribution. John Donald, Edinburgh
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",,,
7000137,UK12004,Carlingford Lough,Classified/designatd,NI,830.51,,Newry and Mourne,09/03/1998,54 03 00 N,06 07 00 W,130545.9044,469472.9604,J233129,0,10,0,"A narrow sea lough surrounded by mountains. The northern shore is in Northern Ireland and includes the most significant mudflats in the lough, and an area of saltmarsh. At the mouth of the lough are several small rock and shingle islands which are of importance to terns.","Ramsar criterion 2
Supports an important assemblage of vulnerable and endangered Irish Red Data Book bird species. The site supports nationally important breeding populations of common tern $Sterna hirundo$. Roseate terns $Sterna dougallii$ returned to the site after an absence of six years with 2 breeding pairs recorded in 1997. In the recent past the site has also supported nationally important numbers of Arctic tern $Sterna paradisaea$.","Nearest town/city: Newry
The site is located in the south-east of Northern Ireland. The Lough is a cross-border site, with the southern shores in the Republic of Ireland","Carlingford Lough exhibits a range of unusual and rich littoral communities. Examples of three out of the four major intertidal sedimentary communities found in Northern Ireland are present on the site. The shore 1.5 km north from Killowen Point is a sheltered boulder shore very rich in invertebrate species. A number of normally sublittoral species occur here within the intertidal zone including the anemone $Metridium senile$ (here at its only Northern Ireland intertidal location), featherstar $Antedon bifida$, the starfish $Solaster endeca$ and green sea-urchin $Psammechinus miliaris$. This is the only example of this type of shore community in Northern Ireland outside Strangford Lough.
The botanical interest of this site is centred within the Mill Bay area and is related primarily to the saltmarsh vegetation located along the foreshore and to the localised but frequent beds of dwarf eelgrass $Zostera noltei$ covering the intertidal mudflats. Large areas of saltmarsh are rare and under threat in Northern Ireland as most have been subjected to considerable grazing pressure or have disappeared either through natural erosion or as a result of commercial development. The Mill Bay area supports the largest remaining intact block of saltmarsh in Northern Ireland. The saltmarsh here exhibits an extremely clear and characteristic successional zonation from open mudflats to upper brackish marsh, while displaying a classic pattern of drainage channels (creeks), pools (saltpans) and hummocks. The range of saltmarsh communities found within the zonation sequence is diverse, comprising lower and middle saltmarsh communities along channels and the coastal margin, and backed by extensive expanses of brackish marsh around the mouth of the White Water River.",None reported,None reported,None reported,Little at present. Occasional visits by local school groups and possibly from a nearby outdoor pursuit centre.,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Very limited and low-key at present.","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1997) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 17. Northern Ireland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Buck, AL & Donaghy, A (eds.) (1996) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 7. Northern Ireland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Crowe, O (2005) Ireland’s wetlands and their waterbirds: status and distribution. BirdWatch Ireland, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Way, LS, Grice, P, MacKay, A, Galbraith, CA, Stroud, DA & Pienkowski, MW (1993) Ireland’s Internationally Important Bird Sites: a review of sites for the EC Special Protection Area network. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough, for Department of the Environment (NI), Belfast, and Irish Wildlife Service, Dublin
Weighell, AJ, Donnelly, AP & Calder, K (eds.) (2000) Directory of the Celtic coasts and seas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",,,
7000111,UK13006,"Castle Loch, Lochmaben",Classified/designatd,S,107.6,,Dumfries and Galloway,15/03/1996,55 07 12 N,03 25 50 W,308839,581475,NY088816,42,45,43,"A freshwater loch with a range of surrounding habitats including emergent vegetation, birch and alder carr, and areas of acidic, marshy grassland and plantation woodland. The site supports notable assemblages of breeding and wintering birds, nationally-scarce plants and uncommon invertebrates. The main conservation interest of the loch is that it regularly supports internationally important numbers of wintering pink-footed geese $Anser brachyrhynchus$.","
","Nearest town/city: Lockerbie
The site is located north-east of Dumfries, close to the border with England.","Habitats within this site include open water, emergent vegetation, birch and alder carr, and areas of acidic, marshy grassland and plantation woodland. In addition, the site has notable assemblages nationally scarce plants and uncommon invertebrates.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Cicuta virosa$",None reported,None reported,"The Local Nature Reserve Committee (LNR) has produced a management plan, site leaflet and information boards, and has constructed a boardwalk and a hide for visitors. A youth environmental project has also produced an information board and site leaflet, and has improved access provision. Ongoing maintenance of these facilities has been the responsibility of the LNR Committee and the Council Ranger Service who are supported by Scottish Natural Heritage to deliver environmental education, enjoyment and understanding through the promotion of special events.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
The loch and surroundings are an attractive and readily accessible feature of the local landscape to visitors and local residents alike. The ruined Lochmaben Castle is managed by Historic Scotland on behalf of the Secretary of State as a visitor attraction. The recreational use of Castle Loch has grown over recent years. Recreational activities include sailing, sport angling, sport shooting, and informal recreation which may involve birdwatching or walking. Each recreational activity has the potential to detract from the wildlife interest of the area, and therefore an LNR Advisory Committee is in place to help ensure careful management and minimal disturbance of the site. Promotion of public enjoyment and understanding have been attempted through provision of information boards and public viewing hides at appropriate locations. There are no estimates available of visitor numbers using the site.","Armstrong, R (2004) Survey of SPA interest at Castle Loch & Hightrae Lochs. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report, No. 024 (ROAME No. F01LK04)
Dumfries and Galloway Council (1995) Castle Loch Management Plan. Dumfries and Galloway Council, Dumfries
Hawker, D (2000) Lochmaben Lochs pink-footed goose survey. Unpublished contract report E013240 to Scottish Natural Heritage
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",,,
7000029,UK11012,Chesil Beach and The Fleet,Classified/designatd,E,748.11,,Dorset,17/07/1985,50 36 40 N,02 31 10 W,363241.4,79261.69,SY633792,-1,10,1,"The site includes the whole of the Fleet lagoon and the adjacent Chesil Bank. The Fleet is the largest and best example of a barrier-built saline lagoon in the UK and Chesil is one of the three major shingle structures in the UK. The salinity gradient, peculiar hydrographic regime and varied substrates, together with associated reedbed and intertidal habitats and the relative lack of pollution in comparison to most other lagoons, have resulted in the Fleet becoming extraordinarily rich in wildlife. Outstanding communities of aquatic plants and animals are present, supporting large numbers of wildfowl and waders. Chesil Bank is of great significance to the study of coastal geomorphology and supports nationally important populations of shingle plants and invertebrates. It is also an important breeding site for seabirds.","Ramsar criterion 1
The Fleet is an outstanding example of rare lagoon habitat and is the largest of its kind in the UK. In Europe lagoons are classified as a priority habitat by the EC Habitats and Species Directive. The site also supports rare saltmarsh habitats.
Ramsar criterion 2
The Fleet supports 15 specialist lagoonal species – more than any other UK site – and five nationally scarce wetland plants as well as ten nationally scarce wetland animals. Chesil Bank is one of the most important UK sites for shingle habitats and species.
Ramsar criterion 3
The site is the largest barrier-built saline lagoon in the UK, and has the greatest diversity of habitats and of biota.
Ramsar criterion 4
The site is important for a number of species at a critical stage in their life cycle including post-larval and juvenile bass $Dicentrarchus labrax$.
Ramsar criterion 8
The site is important as a nursery for bass $Dicentrarchus labrax$.","Nearest town/city: Weymouth
Chesil Beach and the Fleet Ramsar site lies on the coast of Dorset, situated mid-way along the English Channel coast.","On the landward, more stable side of Chesil Bank, large, internationally and nationally important populations of shingle plants occur including an almost continuous belt of shrubby seablite alongside the Fleet lagoon. The Bank is also the breeding site for the largest populations of little tern and ringed plover in south-west Britain. The Fleet lagoon contains outstanding communities of aquatic plants and invertebrates, and supports large numbers of wildfowl and waders. The plant life includes no fewer than 150 species of algae and the lagoon is best known for the most extensive mixed populations of eelgrass and tasselweeds in Britain. The Fleet also supports distinct and highly unusual mollusc associations and other notable invertebrates. It is an important breeding area for fish and is a bass nursery. In all, 23 species of fish have been recorded. Other habitats which are integral components of the site include saltmarsh, reedbeds, grassland and scrub.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
$Lamprothamnium papulosum$ (Nationally Rare)
$Ruppia spiralis$ (Nationally Scarce)
$Zostera$ spp. (Nationally Scarce)","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Fish.
$Dicentrarchus labrax$
Invertebrates.
$Armandia cirrhosa$ (RDS insufficient info.)
$Gammarus insensibilis$ (RDS Rare)
$Nematostella vectensis$ (RDS Rare)
$Paludinella littorina$ (RDS Rare)
$Pseudomogoplistes squamiger$ (RDS endangered)
$Tenellia adspersa$ (RDS insufficient info.)","Contemporary.
Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS), organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Breeding seabird surveys carried out annually.
Chesil and the Fleet cSAC sublittoral monitoring for English Nature.
Environment.
Fleet Study Group: academics and others involved in a variety of specialist research projects.
Water quality (ECUS 2003; Johnston & Gilliland 2000); monitoring by the Environment Agency.
European Marine Site monitoring – site characterisation report by the Plymouth Marine Partnership
Completed.
Flora and Fauna.
Various baseline surveys conducted in 1993/4 by oil company exploring in Lyme Bay, includes plant and invertebrate surveys of Chesil Bank and marine surveys within the Fleet and offshore.
Seasonal monitoring of the Fleet carried out from 1995-96 by Swansea University
Flora.
$Zostera$ and $Ruppia$ monitoring carried out in 1983 and 1991 by EN.","The Chesil Bank and Fleet Nature Reserve Warden gives talks, leads guided walks and provides a range of educational material in the form of leaflets and newsletters. The Heritage Coast Service is also involved in guided walks and other events, also in practical conservation tasks. The Chesil Beach Centre is an excellent information/interpretation centre of modest size and there are information panels provided throughout the site.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Two caravan parks are adjacent to the site from which it is possible to gain access into the site. Use is mainly April to October. Heritage Coast Path - runs alongside the inland boundary of part of the site - bird watching, walking - all year. There are moorings within part of the site and windsurfing, kite surfing and sailing occur adjacent to the site - all year. Diving occurs both within and adjacent to the site - all year but mainly April to October. Bait-digging and angling occurs within the site - all year. Swimming and sunbathing during the summer.","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1998) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 9 Southern England: Hayling Island to Lyme Regis. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Bunker, F, Mercer, T & Howson, C (2004) Chesil and the Fleet cSAC sublittoral monitoring 2002. Report to English Nature from Aquatic Survey and Monitoring Ltd.
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Davies, J (1998) Chapter 8. Western Channel (Durlston Head to Cape Cornwall, including the Isles of Scilly) (MNCR Sector 8). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 219-253. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Downie, AJ (1996) The lagoon sandworm Armandia cirrhosa: Part 1: results of the 1995 survey of Portland Harbour and the entrance to the Fleet; Part 2: a species action plan. English Nature Research Reports, No. 202
Dyrynda, PEJ (1997) Seasonal monitoring of the Fleet Lagoon aquatic ecosystem (Dorset, UK): 1995–1996. Project sponsored by WWF (UK)
ECUS (2003) Prioritising designated wildlife sites at risk from diffuse agricultural pollution. English Nature Research Reports, No. 551 www.english-nature.org.uk/pubs/publication/PDF/551.pdf
Johnston, CM & Gilliland, PM (2000) Investigating and managing water quality in saline lagoons based on a case study of nutrients in the Chesil and Fleet European marine site. English Nature, Peterborough (UK Marine SACs Project) www.english-nature.org.uk/uk-marine/reports/pdfs/Saline.PDF
Langston, WJ, Chesman, BS, Burt, GR, Hawkins, SJ, Readman, J & Worsfield, P (2003) Characterisation of the South West European Marine Sites: Chesil and the Fleet (candidate) Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Area. Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, Plymouth (Occasional publication, No. 11) www.mba.ac.uk/nmbl/publications/occasionalpub11.htm
May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stewart, NF (2004) Important stonewort areas. An assessment of the best areas for stoneworts in the United Kingdom. Plantlife International, Salisbury
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Volume 3: Site accounts. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",,,
7000039,UK11013,Chichester and Langstone Harbours,Classified/designatd,E,5810.03,,Hampshire; West Sussex,28/10/1987,50 48 23 N,00 55 12 W,476088.1,101384.2,SU761014,-2,4,0,"Chichester and Langstone Harbours are large, sheltered estuarine basins comprising extensive mud and sand flats exposed at low tide. The site is of particular significance for over-wintering wildfowl and waders and also a wide range of coastal and transitional habitats supporting important plant and animal communities.","Ramsar criterion 1
Two large estuarine basins linked by the channel which divides Hayling Island from the main Hampshire coastline. The site includes intertidal mudflats, saltmarsh, sand and shingle spits and sand dunes.","Nearest town/city: Portsmouth
The site lies on the central south coast of mainland England, approximately 1 km east of Portsmouth.","The site comprises two large, interconnected sheltered estuarine basins providing extensive intertidal mud and sand flats with eelgrass $Zostera$ spp. beds, large areas of mixed saltmarsh and extensive cord-grass $Spartina$ spp. swards in an advanced state of degeneration. Fringing habitats include shingle spits, saline, brackish and freshwater lagoons, coastal grazing marsh and deciduous woodland. The site supports important overwintering populations of migratory waterfowl.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher plants.
$Polypogon monspeliensis$, $Zostera angustifolia$, $Zostera marina$, $Zostera noltei$",17 British Red Data Book species and 84 nationally scarce species have been recorded from Chichester and Langstone Harbours Ramsar site.,"Contemporary.
Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Bird Ringing by Solent Shorebirds Study Group.
Environment.
Coastal Sediment (SCOPAC)
Water Quality/Eutrophication (EA/Southern Water).
Various research and educational establishments carry out ongoing research into a number of different aspects of the environment.
Flora.
$Spartina$ survey (EN project).
Completed.
Environment.
Extensive research and survey into:
Tidal regimes.
Proposed:
Intertidal Habitat Monitoring (EN/EA project).
Sediment movement.
Flora and Fauna.
The distribution of all major plant and animal groups/communities.",Interpretation facilities and interpretative panels exist at strategic locations on the Harbour footpaths; all nature reserve areas are covered by warden and ranger services with an educational remit. An Education Officer is employed by the Chichester Harbour Conservancy to instruct both school parties and adults in the cultural and nature conservation aspects of the harbour.,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Walking, including dog walking: all year.
Birdwatching: all year.
Angling and bait-digging: all year.
Swimming (in restricted areas) - mostly summer.
Sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, waterskiing.
Sept-Feb wildfowling.","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1998) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 9 Southern England: Hayling Island to Lyme Regis. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1998) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 8 Sussex: Rye Bay to Chichester Harbour. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Buck, AL (ed.) (1997) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 6. Southern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Chichester Harbour Conservancy www.conservancy.co.uk
Clark, M & Gurnell, A (1987) The Solent estuary: environmental background. Southampton University, GeoData Unit, Southampton
Covey, R (1998) Chapter 7. Eastern Channel (Folkestone to Durlston Head) (MNCR Sector 7). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 199-218. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Fowler, SL (1995) Review of nature conservation features and information within the Solent & Isle of Wight Sensitive Marine Area. Report to the Solent Forum Strategic Guidance Subgroup [Includes extensive bibliography]
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (2004) Wetlands of International Importance designated under the Ramsar Convention, The Solent Coast. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Report to the Environment Agency
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Sneddon, P & Randall, RE (1994) Coastal vegetated shingle structures of Great Britain: Appendix 3. Shingle sites in England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Tubbs, C (1991) The Solent: a changing wildlife heritage. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, RomseyTubbs, CR & Tubbs, JM (1980) Wader and shelduck feeding distribution in Langstone Harbour, Hampshire. Bird Study, 27, 239-248",,,
7000060,UK11014,Chippenham Fen,Classified/designatd,E,112.13,,Cambridgeshire,11/03/1992,52 17 52 N,00 24 57 E,564727.9,269442.8,TL647694,14,14,14,"The site is of international importance for its wide range of wetland habitats and associated flora, birds and insects. Areas of tall and often rich fen, fen grassland and basic flush have developed over shallow peat soils. The site also contains calcareous grassland, neutral grassland, woodland, mixed scrub and open water.","Ramsar criterion 1
A spring-fed calcareous basin mire with a long history of management, which is partly reflected in the diversity of present-day vegetation.
Ramsar criterion 2
The invertebrate fauna is very rich, partly due to its transitional position between Fenland and Breckland. The species list is very long, including many rare and scarce invertebrates characteristic of ancient fenland sites in Britain.
Ramsar criterion 3
The site supports diverse vegetation types, rare and scarce plants. The site is the stronghold of Cambridge milk parsley $Selinum carvifolia$.","Nearest town/city: Newmarket
The site is in east Cambridgeshire, 6 km north of Newmarket.","Large areas of tall fen dominated by a mosaic of saw sedge $Cladium mariscus$ and reed $Phragmites australis$ are present with abundant purple moor-grass $Molinia caerulea$. A rich fen has developed in mown areas, supporting the nationally rare Cambridge milk parsley $Selinum carvifolia$. In one area this merges into a species-rich basic flush, where black bog-rush $Schoenus nigricans$ becomes abundant. Dense and scattered scrub has developed. There are areas of chalk grassland that grade into the fen grassland. The damp neutral grassland meadows are developing a fen meadow flora. The site is fed by chalk springs. The water levels are controlled within a series of ditches which support a rich aquatic flora. Much of the woodland was planted in the 1790s and alder and sallow carr have established in the wetter areas.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Selinum carvifolia$, $Potamogeton coloratus$, $Dactylorhiza traunsteineri$, $Dactylorhiza incarnata$ ssp. $ochroleuca$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Deltote bankiana, Clubiona rosserae, Parochthiphila spectabilis, Cyrturells albosetosa, Thaumatomyia$ sp., $Gyrophaena pseudonana, Tasciocera collini, Scrobipalpa pauperella, Heterosphilus fuscexilis, Phrudus badensis, Blacometeorus pusillus, Entedon marci$.","Environment.
Monitoring of water levels; 15 dipwells read fortnightly; 3 staff gauges; rain gauge; and river flow gauge. Further dipwells and piezometers installed in 2004.
Fauna.
National Butterfly Census (ITE) - weekly transect April to September. Annual wetland bird counts. Invertebrate monitoring.
Flora.
Monitoring of rare/scarce species of flora, especially Selinum carvifolia.
Monitoring of fen vegetation and aquatic invertebrates following installation of water compensation scheme in 1991.",There are occasional guided walks conducted by the Site Manager. Full-colour leaflet and video available.,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Low level of usage by local inhabitants using the public Right of Way through the middle of the reserve. Access to the rest of the reserve is by permit only. Few people apply for permits for recreational purposes, they are mainly requested by naturalists.","East Midlands Environmental Consultants (1996) Chippenham Fen NNR management plan. English Nature
English Nature (2001) Chippenham Fen: National Nature Reserve. Cambridge Film & Television Productions, Cambridge, for English Nature Suffolk Team, Bury St Edmunds [video]
English Nature (2001) Chippenham Fen NNR management plan 2001– 2006. English Nature
ESL (1996) NVC survey of Chippenham Fen NNR/SSSI north and east meadows. ESL, Lincolnshire
Kassas, M (1951) Studies in the ecology of Chippenham Fen. The fen water table and recent history of the fen. Journal of Ecology 39, 1-18
Kirby, P (1996) Chippenham Fen NNR botanical, invertebrate and hydrological monitoring 1991–1995. Appendix 3: Invertebrate monitoring. English Nature Research Reports, No. 194
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Shaw, SC & Wheeler, BD (1996) Chippenham Fen NNR botanical, invertebrate and hydrological monitoring 1991–1995. Appendix 2: Vegetation monitoring. English Nature Research Reports, No. 193
Shaw, SC, Wheeler, BD, Kirby, P & White, P (1996) Chippenham Fen NNR botanical, invertebrate and hydrological monitoring 1991–1995. Final report. English Nature Research Reports, No. 191
Smith, K & Harding, M (2001) Wetland plant communities of Chippenham Fen NNR, Cambridgeshire. English Nature Suffolk Team, Bury St Edmunds
Stewart, NF (2004) Important stonewort areas. An assessment of the best areas for stoneworts in the United Kingdom. Plantlife International, Salisbury
Wheeler, BD & Shaw, SC (1992) East Anglian valley fen dossiers. Sheffield University
White, P, Townend, L & Butcher, DP (1996) Chippenham Fen NNR botanical, invertebrate and hydrological monitoring 1991–1995. Appendix 1: Hydrological assessment. English Nature Research Reports, No. 192",,,
7000020,UK13007,Claish Moss,Classified/designatd,S,568.29,,Highland,24/07/1981,56 44 30 N,05 43 50 W,171968,767538,NM719673,11,55,22,"Claish Moss consists of an extensive, linear series of patterned raised mires. Each mire has a pronounced surface pattern consisting of linear ridges following the contours of the mire surface.
The vegetation is very similar to that of western Scottish blanket mire ($Trichophoreto–Eriophoretum$) but unusual floristic elements are well developed. Numerous hummocks of $Racomitrium lanuginosum$ occur, especially on islands. Suitable conditions appear to be produced by the local lowering in the water table caused by down-slope coalescing of pool systems. Species diversity within this site is high, with 14 species of $Sphagnum$ and nine species of Odonata having been recorded.","Ramsar criterion 1
Claish Moss is one of the best areas of active blanket bog in the United Kingdom. This habitat is restricted in Europe to the UK, Ireland and limited areas of Norway. It is one of only three known examples of `eccentric` mire in Britain.
Ramsar criterion 3
The site supports an outstanding assemblage of 14 $Sphagnum$ species and an outstanding assemblage of 9 dragonfly species. Two nationally scarce wetland plants are also supported (brown beak-sedge $Rhynchospora fusca$ and bog orchid $Hammarbya paludosa$).","Nearest town/city: Fort William
Claish Moss lies between the south shore of Loch Shiel and Ben Resipol, to the east of Acharacle, on the Sunart–Ardnamurchan peninsula in Lochaber.","Claish Moss is representative of a highly oceanic bog type found on the north-west coast of Scotland. It is an example of the very rare 'eccentric' mire form. Blanket bog vegetation is of the M17 type $Scirpus cespitosus–Eriophorum vaginatum$ blanket mire with frequent bog pools and hummocks of $Sphagnum$ and $Racomitrium lanuginosum$. It is divided into three main units by streams flowing into Loch Shiel. There are 14 species of $Sphagnum$ recorded from the site and a number of 'Atlantic' bryophytes. Higher plants with a western distribution are well represented, including $Drosera intermedia$ and $Rhynchospora fusca$. The assemblage of dragonflies is outstanding (nine species). Breeding birds include some wildfowl and waders restricted to peatland habitats. The site is also used by a wintering flock of Greenland white-fronted geese.","Assemblage
This site is internationally important for the following Habitats Directive Annex I features:
H7130 Blanket bogs
H7150 Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher plants.
$Hammarbya paludosa$, $Rhynchospora fusca$.
Lower plants.
$Sphagnum pulchrum$, $Sphagnum austinii$","Invertebrates
Northern emerald $Somatochlora arctica$",None reported,None reported,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Recreational & tourist activities are not significant as the site is not readily accessible. Interpretation is provided at a viewpoint.","Downie, IS & Coulson, JC (1996) Invertebrate distribution in peatland areas of west Scotland. Scottish Natural Heritage?, Contract No. NW/S/042/94
Currie, M (1990) Tree regeneration monitoring on Claish Moss National Nature Reserve. Nature Conservancy Council.
Green Associates (1995) A survey of selected blanket mire sites in Scotland, Claish Moss. Site Report NWR4
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)",,,
7000096,UK13008,Coll,Classified/designatd,S,2208.52,,Argyll and Bute,31/03/1995,56 39 16 N,06 30 05 W,124298,760523,NM242605,18,59,29,"The site supports substantial areas of maritime heath, blanket mire and open water. The occurrence and botanical composition reflect the long interaction between landforms and low-intensity agriculture. The site supports internationally important numbers of geese, together with several nationally rare and nationally scarce wetland plant species.","Ramsar criterion 3
The site qualifies by supporting a diverse community of wetland plants including several nationally rare and nationally scarce higher plant species.","Nearest town/city: Oban
Coll Ramsar site occupies the north end of Coll, an Inner Hebridean island west of Mull.
","The site contains substantial areas of rich maritime heath, $Sphagnum$-rich blanket mire and wet heath, and many lochs, some with unusual plant communities. There are smaller amounts of sand dune and associated grassland, marshy grassland and dry coastal heath.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Najas flexilis, Spiranthes romanzoffiana, Isoetes echinospora, Subularia aquatica, Deschampsia setacea, Eriocaulon aquaticum$.",None reported,"Flora.
$Ericaulon aquaticum$ monitoring.
$Najas flexilis$ monitoring.
Fauna.
Goose counts.",None reported,"Informal walking, wildlife watching and occasional sport fishing on some of the lochs within the site.","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1997) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Regions 15 & 16. North-west Scotland: the Western Isles and west Highland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Boyd, JM & Bowes, DR (eds.) (1983) The natural environment of the Inner Hebrides. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Series B: Biological Sciences, 83
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Shepherd, KB, Green, M, Knight, AC & Stroud, DA (1988) The breeding birds of Tiree and Coll in 1987/88 with special emphasis on breeding waders. Nature Conservancy Council, CSD Report, No. 827
Shepherd, KB & Stroud, DA (1991) Breeding waders and their conservation on the wetlands of Tiree and Coll, Inner Hebrides. Wildfowl, 42, 108-117
Stroud, DA (ed.) (1989) The birds of Coll and Tiree: status, habitats and conservation. (Contractor: Scottish Ornithologists' Club, Edinburgh). Nature Conservancy Council, CSD Report, No. 927
Stroud, DA (1992) Crofting and bird conservation on Coll and Tiree. British Wildlife, 3(6), 340-349
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Weighell, AJ, Donnelly, AP & Calder, K (eds.) (2000) Directory of the Celtic coasts and seas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",,,
7000087,UK11015,Colne Estuary (Mid-Essex Coast Phase 2),Classified/designatd,E,2701.43,,Essex,28/07/1994,51 48 57 N,00 57 36 E,604008.2,217224.9,TM040172,-1,4,1,"Colne Estuary is a comparatively short and branching estuary, with five tidal arms which flow into the main river channel. The estuary has a narrow intertidal zone predominantly composed of flats of fine silt with mudflat communities typical of south-eastern estuaries. The estuary is of international importance for wintering Brent Geese and Black-tailed Godwit and of national importance for breeding Little Terns and five other species of wintering waders and wildfowl. The variety of habitats which include mudflat, saltmarsh, grazing marsh, sand and shingle spits, disused gravel pits and reedbeds, support outstanding assemblages of invertebrates and plants.","Ramsar criterion 1
The site is important due to the extent and diversity of saltmarsh present. This site, and the four other sites in the Mid-Essex Coast complex, includes a total of 3,237 ha, that represent 70% of the saltmarsh habitat in Essex and 7% of the total saltmarsh in Britain.
Ramsar criterion 2
The site supports 12 species of nationally scarce plants and at least 38 British Red Data Book invertebrate species.
Ramsar criterion 3
This site supports a full and representative sequences of saltmarsh plant communities covering the range of variation in Britain.","Nearest town/city: Colchester
The Colne Estuary lies about 3 km south-east of Colchester on the north Essex coast.","The Colne Estuary has a narrow intertidal zone predominantly composed of flats of fine silt with mudflat communities typical of south-eastern estuaries. The fauna is dominated by $Hydrobia ulvae$ with $Macoma balthica, Scrobicularia plana, Hediste diversicolor$, and $Nephtys hombergii$. Towards the mouth of the estuary the substratum becomes more sandy; $Zostera noltei$ and $Zostera marina$ have been recorded at Sandy Point.
Saltmarsh has colonised a large proportion of the estuary at Geedon Saltings, Colne Point and the Strood. The majority of this is high-level marsh dominated by saltmarsh grass $Puccinellia maritima$, sea purslane $Atriplex portulacoides$ and annual seablite $Suaeda maritima$ while the creek edges and disused oyster pits have been colonised by glasswort $Salicornia$ spp, sea aster $Aster tripolium$, and cord grass $Spartina$ spp. There are extensive saltpans on Geedon Saltings and Colne Point where there is a shorter sward of saltmarsh grass, thrift $Armeria maritima$ and common sea-lavender $Limonium vulgare$. Nationally uncommon species such as golden samphire $Inula crithmoides$ and shrubby sea blite $Suaeda vera$ occur frequently in the upper marsh and at the foot of the sea-walls. Shrubby sea blite is particularly extensive at Colne Point where there is a transition from saltmarsh to sand dune and shingle. This transition habitat is also important for the nationally uncommon rock sea-lavender $Limonium binervosum$ and is one of the few East Anglian sites for sea heath $Frankenia laevis$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Bupleurum tenuissimum$ (nationally scarce), $Carex divisa$ (nationally scarce), $Frankenia laevis$ (nationally scarce), $Hordeum marinum$ (nationally scarce), $Inula crithmoides$ (nationally scarce), $Limonium binervosum$ (RDB Lower risk – near threatened), $Sarcocornia perennis$ (nationally scarce), $Salicornia pusilla$ (nationally scarce), $Spartina maritima$ (nationally scarce), $Suaeda vera$ (nationally scarce), $Zostera marina$ (nationally scarce), $Zostera noltei$ (nationally scarce).","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Dyschirius extensus$ (RDB3), $Coleophora fuscicornis$ (potential RDB1), $Ethmia terminella$ (potential RDB2), $Lestes dryas$ (RDB2), $Polistichus connexus$ (RDB3), $Aethes margarotana$ (RDB2), $Cnaemidophorus rhododactyla$ (potential RDB2), $Coleophora wockeella$ (potential RDB2), $Neofriseria singula$ (potential RDB2), $Aedes flavescens$ (RDB2), $Erioptera bivittata$ (RDB2), $Stratiomys longicornis$ (RDB2), $Hybomitra expollicata$ (RDB3), $Heliophanus auratus$ (RDB2), $Trichoncus hackmani$ (RDB2), $Trichoptera cito$ (RDB2), $Baris scolopacea$ (RDB3), $Graptodytes bilineatus$ (RDB3), $Philonthus punctus$ (RDB3), $Eupithecia extensaria$ (RDB3), $Idaea ochrata$ (RDB3), $Malacosoma castrensis$ (RDB3), $Ancylis upupana$ (potential RDB3), $Eucosma catoptyrana$ (pRDB3), $Eucosma maritima, Nyctegretis lineana$ (potential RDB3), $Platyptilia calodactyla$ (potential RDB3), $Platytes alpinella$ (potential RDB3), $Stigmella samiatella$ (potential RDB3), $Yponomeuta rorrella$ (potential RDB3), $Campsicnemus magius$ (RDB3), $Haematopota bigoti$ (RDB3), $Hybomitra ciureai$ (RDB3), $Limonia danica$ (RDB2), $Myrmica speciodes$ (RDB3), $Arctosa fulvolineata$ (RDB3), $Euophrys browningo$ (rare and endemic to Great Britain. A UKBAP species) and $Haplodrassus minor$ (RDB3).","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Environment.
Foreshore monitoring by EA.",Essex Wildlife Trust have an education officer based near the site. The Colne Estuary Project has been established.,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Holiday camps: March to October (some all year).
Dog walking: all year - no facilities.
Bird watching - all year - there are nature reserves and hides.
Sailing: predominantly summer - there are marinas and moorings for boats.
Jet-skiing: summer only - there is a licensed area and access to open water provided at West Mersea.
Water-skiing: predominantly summer - there is a licensed area.","Anon. (2002) Essex Coast and Estuaries Coastal Habitat Management Plan: Executive summary. English Nature, Peterborough (Living with the Sea LIFE Project). www.english-nature.org.uk/livingwiththesea/champs/pdf/ESSEX.FINALEXEC.SUMMARY.pdf
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1998) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 7 South-east England: Lowestoft to Dungeness. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Bridgland, DR (1994) Quaternary of the Thames. Chapman & Hall, London, for Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 7)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 5. Eastern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Cottle, R, Pethick, J & Dalton, H (2002) Essex Estuaries Coastal Habitat Management Plan: final report. English Nature, Peterborough (Living with the Sea LIFE Project)
Covey, R (1998) Chapter 6. Eastern England (Bridlington to Folkestone) (MNCR Sector 6). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 179-198. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Davidson, NC, Laffoley, D d’A, Doody, JP, Way, LS, Gordon, J, Key, R, Pienkowski, MW, Mitchell, R & Duff, KL (1991) Nature conservation and estuaries in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Hill, TO, Emblow, CS & Northen, KO (1996) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 6. Inlets in eastern England: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Pritchard, DE, Housden, SD, Mudge, GP, Galbraith, CA & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Worley, A & Simpson, M (1998) Littoral and sublittoral biotope mapping and data capture exercise for the Essex estuaries candidate Marine Special Area of Conservation. English Nature Research Reports, No. 305",,,
7000064,UK14003,Cors Caron,Classified/designatd,W,865.56,,Ceredigion,28/09/1992,52 15 35 N,03 55 00 W,269191,264154,SN692642,159,169,164,"Cors Caron (also known as Tregaron Bog) is an extensive complex of raised mires which lie alongside the Afon Teifi, developed over a late-glacial lake. Three distinct raised bog domes lying along the river valley, display a full sequence of zones from the central mire expanse, through the mire margin, to the surrounding lagg fen. The largest of the mires was the first true raised mire to be described in detail from Britain by Godwin & Conway (1939), and is thus regarded as a classic site where the development sequence from aquatic conditions, through flood plain fen, to an ombrotrophic mire surface is well demonstrated. The vegetation and surface features of the mire expanse display a fine range of variation, typical of natural mire formed within this climatic zone. The site supports a diverse flora and is important for its bird and invertebrate fauna.","Ramsar criterion 2
The site supports an important population of the butterfly $Coenonympha tullia$, occurring at the southern limit of its range in Britain. $Coenophila subrosea$ (rosy marsh moth); $Lutra lutra$ (otter) (Habitats Directive Annex II feature (S1355)); $Arvicola terrestris$ (water vole).
Ramsar criterion 3
Supports a rich vegetation assemblage and possesses a surface pattern characteristic of this mire habitat type.
$Sphagnum pulchrum$, $S. subsecundum$, $Atrichum tenellum$ - nationally scarce
$Riccia huebeneriana$, $Scapania paludicola$ - nationally rare","Nearest town/city: Tregaron
Cors Caron lies in the Teifi Valley, immediately to the north of the town of Tregaron, 24 km south-west of Aberystwyth.","This site is a sequence of peat domes in the Teifi valley in mid-Wales which now represents the most intact surviving example in the UK of a raised bog landscape unit. The domes are separated by the River Teifi itself and lagg streams that drain into it. The river terraces associated with these are regularly flooded and support vegetation that includes $Phalaris arundinacea$, $Juncus effusus$ and $Molinia caerulea$. A substantial part of the raised domes themselves is also in a relatively natural condition, with a mosaic of vegetation types. These include $Sphagnum$-rich communities containing $Sphagnum papillosum$, $Sphagnum pulchrum$ and white beak-sedge $Rhynchospora alba$. Drier areas are dominated by $Calluna vulgaris$ and $Trichophorum cespitosum$. The site therefore provides the best opportunity to see the type of raised bog landscape that was previously an important feature of many parts of the UK.
The main habitat types of this site are: raised mire, swamp, marshy grassland, broad-leaved woodland.
The site supports a typical range of lowland raised mire communities with an M18 $Erica tetralix-Sphagnum papillosum$ raised and blanket mire/M2 $Sphagnum cuspidatum/recurvum$ bog pool community complex on the mire expanse. The rand supports M15 $Scirpus cespitosus-Erica tetralix$ wet heath and M25 $Molinia caerulea-Potentilla erecta$ mire communities, and the lagg is a complex of lagg fen and carr communities.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Elatine hexandra$, $Luronium natans$.
Lower plants.
$Riccia huebeneriana$, $Scapania paludicola$, $Sphagnum balticum$, $Sphagnum subsecundum$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Coenophila subrosea$, $Coenonympha tullia$","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Environment.
Long-term project to record and characterise fluctuations in the water table, and to assess the groundwater system subsequent to hydrological restoration work. Continuing studies of contemporary hydrological processes are of significance for raised mire conservation.
Miscellaneous.
The site is used on a regular basis for palaeo-ecological research and is one of the classic sites within the United Kingdom.
Continuing studies of Holocene climate change and palaeo-hydrology.",There is a boardwalk system and accompanying handbook for the south-east bog (CCW 1994). Colleges undertake vegetation surveys and peat core sampling within specified areas. The site is used significantly for university research and teaching because it demonstrates a classic mire habitat type.,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Most visitors follow the railway walk on the eastern side of the site.
There is a riverside walk with access by permit only.
","Averis, ABG (2001) Vegetation survey of Cors Caron, Ceredigion, Wales 1998–2000. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor
Campbell, S & Bowen, DQ (1989) Quaternary of Wales. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 2)
Countryside Council for Wales (1994) A checklist of the birds at Cors Caron National Nature Reserve. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor
Countryside Council for Wales (1994) Cors Caron (Tregaron Bog) National Nature Reserve. An introduction to the vegetation of the south-east bog. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor
Countryside Council for Wales (1995) Cors Caron National Nature Reserve. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor
Fowles, A (1994) Invertebrates of Wales: a review of important sites and species. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Godwin, H & Conway, VM (1939) The ecology of a raised bog near Tregaron, Cardiganshire. Journal of Ecology, 27, 313-359
Godwin, H & Mitchell, GF (1938) Stratigraphy and development of two raised bogs near Tregaron, Cardiganshire. New Phytologist, 37, 425-455
Gregory, KJ (ed.) (1997) Fluvial geomorphology of Great Britain. Chapman & Hall, London, for Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 13)
Hughes, PDM, Morris, SH, Schulz, J & Barber, KE (2001) Mire development and human impact in the Teifi Valley: evidence from the Tregaron (Cors Caron) peatlands. In: The Quaternary of west Wales: field guide, ed. by MJC Walker & D McCarroll, 76-92. Quaternary Research Association, London
Jones, PS, Stevens, DP, Blackstock, TH, Burrows, CR & Howe, EA (eds.) (2003) Priority habitats of Wales: a technical guide. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Milton, EJ, Hughes, PD, Anderson, K, Schulz, J, Lindsay, R, Kelday, SB & Hill, CT (2005) Remote sensing of bog surfaces. JNCC Report, No. 366 www.jncc.gov.uk/page-3505
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Turner, J (1964) The anthropogenic factor in vegetational history. I. Tregaron and Whixall Mosses. New Phytologist, 63(1), 73-89",,,
7000001,UK14004,Cors Fochno and Dyfi,Classified/designatd,W,2492.24,,Ceredigion; Gwynedd; Powys,05/01/1976,52 32 21 N,03 59 52 W,264696,295442,SN645954,-1,10,1,"A bar-built estuarine complex, comprising the Dyfi estuary, two calcareous dune systems, and a large raised mire. The Dyfi is one of the best examples in north-west Europe of a small, drying, nutrient-poor estuary, which has been relatively unaffected by industrial development. A wide range of estuarine habitats are present, including rare transitions to peatland. Cors Fochno is of international importance being the type locality for estuarine raised mire and one of the largest active raised mires in the United Kingdom. The geomorphology, flora and invertebrate faunas are of national importance. The site supports the only regular wintering flock of Greenland white-fronted geese in England and Wales, and is a key site in Wales for breeding waders. The site supports significant tourist trade, recreational and educational usage.","Ramsar criterion 1
The site contains the largest expanse of primary raised mire in lowland Britain; the largest estuarine raised mire, and third-largest `active` raised mire in Britain. Habitats Directive Annex I features present on the SAC include:
H7110 Active raised bogs
H7120 Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration
H7150 Depressions on peat substrates of the $Rhynchosporion$","Nearest town/city: Aberystywth
Cors Fochno and Dyfi Ramsar site lies 10 km north of Aberystwyth on the coast of Cardigan Bay in mid Wales.","The Dyfi estuary contains a particularly wide range of intertidal sediment types which support a good diversity of marine biotopes. The tidal flats are bordered by the most extensive saltmarshes in mid-Wales which include a notable expanse of SM18 $Juncus maritimus$ saltmarsh and rare transitions to peatland. The shingle/sand spit of Ynyslas lying across the estuary mouth contains a wide range of dune communities including damp slacks. The estuarine raised mire of Cors Fochno contains one of the most extensive tracts of primary and 'active' raised bog in Britain, with abundant M18 $Sphagnum papillosum-Erica tetralix$ community. The nationally scarce $Sphagnum pulchrum$ is dominant in the bryophyte carpet. Extensive areas of modified mire support a wide range of peatland communities including $Sphagnum$ bog-pools, $Myrica-Molinia$ mire, $Phragmites$ swamp, rush pasture and carr woodland. Of special note are areas of brackish mire with abundant $Schoenus nigricans$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Lower Plants.
$Pallavicinia lyellii, Bryum calophyllum, Bryum warneum, Bryum marratii$, $Petalophyllum ralfsii$ (Habitats Directive Annex II feature (S1395)).
a) Dune slack & shingle bryophyte assemblage, including RDB species $Petalophyllum ralfsii$ and $Bryum marratii$
b) Dune fungal assemblage including around 10 Red list species
c) Mire bryophyte assemblage including 3 nationally scarce Sphagna and RDB species $Pallavicinia lyellii$","Nationally important species occurring on this site.
Mammals
Otter $Lutra lutra$ (Habitats Directive Annex II feature (S1355)) - strong resident population
Invertebrates.
$Agroeca lusatica, Baraohyma gowerense, Heliophanus dampfi, Biblioplectus tenebrosus, Eugraphe subrosea, Pachybrachius simile, Coenosia paludis$.
Dune invertebrate populations, including the spider $Agroeca dentigera$ (only UK site), and 4 RDB species of aculeate Hymenoptera.
Mire invertebrate assemblage, including a number of RDB and nationally scarce species
$Pectenogammarus planicrurus$, nationally scarce.","Contemporary.
Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Monitoring of breeding curlew, lapwing, redshank and snipe populations, breeding bird assemblage; reptile assemblage; invertebrate assemblage; populations of rosy marsh moth, large heath butterfly, small red damselfly, bog bush cricket, $Heliophanus dampfi, Colletes cunicularis$.
Long-term changes in the invertebrate fauna of Ynyslas beach.
Fauna of Dyfi estuarine creeks and channels.
Environment.
Low nutrient status estuaries in Wales: an appraisal of their nutrient and ecological status.
The role of biogenic gas production in raised mire hydrology
The use of remote sensing in determining differing degrees of surface wetness in raised mires
Palaeoecological investigation of recent vegetational changes at Cors Fochno and Cors Caron raised mires
Cors Fochno/Dyfi: hydrological, coastal defence and SSSI boundary requirements (major research project into restoration of Cors Fochno estuarine raised mire).
Geophysical and geochronological assessment of the structure and development of coastal dunes.
Monitoring of water levels at Cors Fochno.
Flora.
Monitoring of saltmarsh and raised mire vegetation.
Dune bryophyte assemblage & population of $Petalophyllum ralfsii$.
Mire bryophyte assemblage & population of two rare Sphagna and $Pallavicinia lyellii$ and charophytes.
Community ecology of dune annuals.
Completed.
Flora.
Monitoring of sand dune, saltmarsh and raised mire vegetation.
Fauna.
Invertebrates: effects of fire on cursorial fauna of raised mire 1987-96 (Fowles in prep).
Welsh peatlands invertebrate survey (Holmes $et al$. 1991).
Predators and lapwing study - RSPB/CCW
Aculeate Hymenoptera of Ynyslas dunes (Clee 2001)
Flora and Fauna.
Marine Nature Conservation Review Littoral survey of Dyfi estuary (Joint Nature Conservation Committee 1995).
Countryside Council for Wales (1997) CCW Marine Intertidal Phase 1 Study of biotopes in the Dyfi Estuary Monitoring planned 2005","$Existing programmes:$ CCW and RSPB each operate an events programme of guided walks. CCW also run an educational play scheme for children and employ and train four Summer Wardens annually.
$Interpretation/education facilities$: CCW operate a seasonal centre at Ynyslas dunes with displays, audio visual show, and site interpretation publications and conservation shop. Interpretive panels are provided on the dunes. 6-7000 students visit per annum, c.2000 receiving introductory talks. RSPB run an educational service at Ynys-hir where c.1500 students a year are given guided tours. Ynys-hir also has a centre with interpretive displays and shop. Major research and educational use by University College of Wales, Aberystywth (as well as other universities).","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Walking, dog walking and beach recreation is concentrated on the sandy beaches and dunes at Ynyslas and Aberdyfi. These activities are sustainable only with high levels of visitor/site management input. Birdwatching is the principal activity at RSPB Ynys-hir and also attracts people to Ynyslas and Aberleri.
Water-skiing, jet-skiing, sailing, wind-surfing, canoeing and angling all occur and are concentrated in the lower third of the estuary. Mainly April-September.
Game shooting takes place at Lodge Park. Wildfowling takes place on part of the NNR under the control of CCW and via a local management scheme. A coastal defence scheme for Aberdyfi-Towyn has been proposed involving an area of coastal set-back.
There are caravan parks adjacent to the site at Ynyslas and Borth and moorings at Aberdyfi and Aberleri. A small boat-building business is in operation at Aberleri. Aberdyfi beach car park is undergoing enlargement and there has recently been a harbour development/marina proposal for the town.
'Outward Bound Wales' have a centre at Aberdyfi, and there is a YHA hostel at Borth.","Bailey, MP (2003) Reserve focus – Cors Fochno (Borth Bog), west Wales. British Wildlife, 14(3), 195-198
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS & Doody, JP (eds.) (1995) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 12. Wales: Margam to Little Orme. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Brazier, DP, Holt, RHF, Murray, E & Nicholls, DM (1999) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 10. Cardigan Bay and north Wales: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 2. South-west Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Campbell, S & Bowen, DQ (1989) Quaternary of Wales. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 2)
Countryside Council for Wales (1993) Welsh estuaries review. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor
Countryside Council for Wales (2004) CCW Phase 1 Intertidal Survey dataset (unpublished data).
Fowles, A (1994) Invertebrates of Wales: a review of important sites and species. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Gibbons, B (1991) Reserve focus: Ynys-hir, Dyfed, Mid-Wales British Wildlife, 2(2), 103-105
Hughes, PDM & Schulze, J (2001) The development of the Borth Bog (Cors Fochno) mire system and the submerged forest beds at Ynylas. In: The Quaternary of west Wales: field guide, ed. by MJC Walker & D McCarroll, 104-112. Quaternary Research Association, London
Jones, PS, Stevens, DP, Blackstock, TH, Burrows, CR & Howe, EA (eds.) (2003) Priority habitats of Wales: a technical guide. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Mills, DJL (1998) Chapter 10. Cardigan Bay and north Wales (Cwm-yr-Eglwys, Newport Bay to Rhôs-on-Sea) (MNCR Sector 10). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 297-314. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Moore, J (2002) An atlas of marine Biodiversity Action Plan species and habitats and Species of Conservation Concern in Wales. 2nd edn. CCW Contract Science Report, No. 509
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Weighell, AJ, Donnelly, AP & Calder, K (eds.) (2000) Directory of the Celtic coasts and seas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",,,
7000133,UK14005,Corsydd Môn a Llyn/ Anglesey and Llyn Fens,Classified/designatd,W,624.9,,Gwynedd; Ynys Môn/ Isle of Anglesey,02/02/1998,53 18 45 N,04 17 44 W,247295,382007,SH471820,16,79,39,"An internationally important suite of base-rich fens comprised of six component sites, supporting a range of associated floral and faunal rarities. The six wetlands occupy valley heads and former lake basins which have mostly infilled with marl and peat deposits, with open water persisting at two of the sites. Calcareous springs from limestone and calcareous drift aquifers irrigate the fens and result in a distinctive vegetation. These fens are notable as the best sites in Wales for stoneworts.","Ramsar criterion 1
The site supports a suite of base-rich, calcareous fens which is a rare habitat type within the United Kingdom's biogeographical zone.
Habitats Directive Annex I features present on the SAC include:
H3140 Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of $Chara$ spp.
H4010 Northern Atlantic wet heaths with $Erica tetralix$
H6410 $Molinia$ meadows on calcareous, peaty or clayey-silt-laden soils ($Molinion caeruleae$)
H7210 Calcareous fens with $Cladium mariscus$ and species of the $Caricion davallianae$
H7230 Alkaline fens
S1013 $Vertigo geyeri$
S1044 $Coenagrion mercuriale$
S1065 $Euphydryas$ ($Eurodryas$, $Hypodryas$) $aurinia$
Ramsar criterion 3
The site supports a diverse flora and fauna with associated rare species and is of special value for maintaining the genetic and ecological diversity of the region.","Nearest town/city: Bangor
The site comprises a suite of base-rich fens located on the Isle of Anglesey and the Lleyn Peninsula in north-west Wales.","All six wetlands within this site occupy valley heads and former lake basins which have mostly infilled with marl and peat deposits, although in the cases of Cors Goch and Cors Erddreiniog open water lakes persist. Calcareous springs, from limestone aquifers or shelly glacial drift, irrigate the fens and lead to a distinctive vegetation of $Schoenus nigricans-Juncus subnodulosus$ hummocks which is rich in plants such as $Dactylorhiza traunsteineri$, $Ophrys insectifera$, $Pinguicula vulgaris$, the long-stalked yellow-sedge $Carex viridula$ ssp. $brachyrrhyncha$, and the moss $Scorpidium scorpioides$.
In lower-lying areas, swamp vegetation dominated by stands of $Cladium mariscus, Carex elata$ and $Carex lasiocarpa$ is characteristic. These fens are notable as the best Welsh sites for stoneworts such as $Nitella tenuissima$.
Plant community types are prefixed by the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) code (e.g. S9).","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Dactylorhiza traunsteineri$
$Eriophorum gracile$
Lower Plants.
$Nitella tenuissima$.","Species occurring at levels of international importance.
Invertebrates.
$Vertigo geyeri$ (Habitats Directive Annex II (S1013))
$Vertigo moulinsiana$ (Annex II (Habitats Directive (S1016); RDB3)
$Coenagrion mercuriale$ (Habitats Directive Annex II (S1044))
$Euphydryas aurinia$ (Habitats Directive Annex II (S1065))
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
Mammals.
$Lutra lutra$ (Habitats Directive Annex II (S1355))
Invertebrates.
$Chlaenius tristis$ (RDB1)
$Asilus crabroniformis$ (Notable)
$Stratiomys chamaeleon$, $Acrometopia wahlbergi$, $Hirudo medicinalis$ (Habitats Directive Annex V (S1034).","Flora.
Monitoring of vegetational changes.
Palaeoecological research to determine trends in vegetation development over time.
Monitoring of the population size and distribution of vulnerable species.",Four of the sites are used by local schools and community groups for environmental education. There are boardwalks and interpretive boards at Cors Goch NNR.,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
The network of footpaths is used for rambling and horse riding which takes place all year, but mainly during the summer.
No other facilities are provided.
","Gibbons, B (1999) Reserve focus – Cors Erddreiniog and other Anglesey fens. British Wildlife, 10(5), 334-337
Gilman, K & Newson, MD (1982) The Anglesey Wetlands Study. (Final report) (Contractor: Institute of Hydrology, Wallingford) NCC CSD Report, No. 430
Jones, PS, Stevens, DP, Blackstock, TH, Burrows, CR & Howe, EA (eds.) (2003) Priority habitats of Wales: a technical guide. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor
Killeen, IJ (2000) Status and distribution of Des Moulin's whorl snail Vertigo moulinsiana on Cors Geirch SSSI. CCW Contract Science Report, No. 373
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Meade, R & Blackstock, TH (1988) The impact of drainage on the distribution of rich-fen plant communities in two Anglesey basins. Wetlands, 8, 159-177
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Stewart, NF (2004) Important stonewort areas. An assessment of the best areas for stoneworts in the United Kingdom. Plantlife International, Salisbury",,,
7000161,UK13009,Cromarty Firth,Classified/designatd,S,3746.95,,Highland,22/03/1999,57 41 00 N,04 12 00 W,271259,867902,NH688680,-3,2,0,The Cromarty Firth Ramsar site contains extensive intertidal mudflats and shingle bordered locally by areas of saltmarsh. The mouth of the River Conon also supports these ecological features.,"Ramsar criterion 1
The site contains extensive, undisturbed intertidal flats with eelgrass $Zostera$ spp. beds.","Nearest town/city: Inverness
Cromarty Firth lies on the east coast of Scotland, 20 km north of Inverness, in Easter Ross.",The Cromarty Firth supports the full range of estuarine habitats. Of particular importance are the extensive intertidal mudflats which support sizeable beds of eelgrass $Zostera$ spp. The tidal flats are bordered locally by saltmarsh which grades into alluvial woodland at the mouth of the River Conon.,"Nationally important species occurring on the site.
$Zostera angustifolia, Z. noltei$.",None reported,"Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
There have been a large number of surveys undertaken in the Cromarty Firth area covering a number of topics including:
Intertidal invertebrates in Nigg and Udale Bays (Anderson 1971)
Habitat.
Habitat survey undertaken by Currie (1978).",The RSPB have a public hide at both Udale and Nigg Bays which are open all year. A number of fixed interpretation panels are located around the firth.,"Terrestrial & intertidal based recreation:
Walking is concentrated on Alness Point. Birdwatchers go to places where there is easy public access to the shore. All year activity. Local cruises operate from Cromarty to view the population of bottlenose dolphins resident in the Sutors area with occasional trips to the wider Moray Firth. These trips operate except during the winter months in contrast to terrestrial forms of recreation which are all year round
Water-based recreation:
Power-boating, water-skiing and wind-surfing are undertaken occasionally. There is a sailing club in the Firth. These operate mainly from April to September and in deep water.
Wildfowling:
Most of this activity occurs in Nigg and Udale Bays.","Anderson, SS (1971) Nigg and Udale Bays: a survey of intertidal invertebrates. (Contractor: Coastal Ecology Research Station, Norwich.) Unpublished report to Nature Conservancy Council, North-West (Scotland) Region, Inverness (Internal report)
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1996) Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. Region 3. North-east Scotland: Cape Wrath to St Cyrus. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coastal Directories Series)
Batten, LA, Bibby, CJ, Clement, P, Elliot, GD & Porter, RF (1990) Red Data Birds in Britain. Action for rare, threatened and important species. Poyser, London, for Nature Conservancy Council and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Bennett, TL & McLeod, CR (1998) Chapter 4. East Scotland (Duncansby Head to Dunbar) (MNCR Sector 4). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 123-154. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 4. North and east Scotland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Covey, R, Fortune, F, Nichols, DM & Thorpe, K (1998) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sectors 3, 4, 13 & 15. Lagoons in mainland Scotland and the Inner Hebrides: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Harding-Hill, R (1993) The Moray Firth review. Scottish Natural Heritage, North-West Region, Inverness
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Ralph, R (ed.) (1986) The marine environment of the Moray Firth. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Series B: Biological Sciences, 91
Ramsay, DL & Brampton, AH (2000) Coastal cells in Scotland: Cell 3 – Cairnbulg Point to Duncansby Head. Scottish Natural Heritage Research Survey and Monitoring Report, No. 145
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",,,
7000094,UK11058,Crouch and Roach Estuaries (Mid-Essex Coast Phase 3),Classified/designatd,E,1735.58,,Essex,29/06/1998,51 38 16 N,00 40 10 E,588091.9,196987.9,TQ847966,,,,"The Rivers Crouch and Roach are situated in South Essex. The River Crouch occupies a shallow valley between two ridges of London Clay, whilst the River Roach is set predominantly between areas of brick earth and loams with patches of sand and gravel. The intertidal zone along the Rivers Crouch and Roach is 'squeezed' between the sea walls of both banks and the river channel. This leaves a relatively narrow strip of tidal mud unlike other estuaries in the county, which, nonetheless, is used by significant numbers of birds. One species is present in internationally important numbers, and three other species of wader and wildfowl occur in nationally important numbers. Additional interest is provided by the aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates and by an outstanding assemblage of nationally scarce plants.","Ramsar criterion 2
Supports an appreciable assemblage of rare, vulnerable or endangered species or subspecies of plant and animal including 13 nationally scarce plant species: slender hare’s ear $Bupleurum tenuissimum$, divided sedge $Carex divisa$, sea barley $Hordeum marinum$, golden-samphire $Inula crithmoides$, lax-flowered sea-lavender $Limonium humile$, curved hard-grass $Parapholis incurva$, Borrer’s saltmarsh grass $Puccinellia fasciculata$, stiff saltmarsh grass $Puccinellia rupestris$, spiral tasselweed $Ruppia cirrhosa$, one-flowered glasswort $Salicornia pusilla$, small cord-grass $Spartina maritima$, shrubby sea-blite $Suaeda vera$ and sea clover $Trifolium squamosum$. Several important invertebrate species are also present on the site, including scarce emerald damselfly $Lestes dryas$, the shorefly $Parydroptera discomyzina$, the rare soldier fly $Stratiomys singularior$, the large horsefly $Hybomitra expollicata$, the beetles $Graptodytes bilineatus$ and $Malachius vulneratus$, the ground lackey moth $Malacosoma castrensis$ and $Eucosoma catoprana$.","Nearest town/city: Southend-on-Sea
The River Crouch and the River Roach are between the Dengie Peninsula and Southend-on-Sea in Essex, south-east England.","Most of the tidal reaches of the Crouch and Roach were originally fringed with saltmarsh but since the middle ages they have been progressively embanked to provide safe grazing and, more recently, arable land. Only relatively small areas of saltmarsh have never been embanked, including Woodham Fen, White House Farm, and the upper sections of Paglesham pool. Two of these sites are notable in that the natural transition from saltmarsh to grassland is uninterrupted by a sea wall, an increasingly rare feature on the Essex coast. Other saltmarshes have formed where the sea defences have been breached, including Bridgemarsh Island, Brandy Hole and North Fambridge Marsh. These are three important and extensive stretches of saltmarsh which have developed during the course of the 20th century.
The saltmarshes contain a range of characteristic plant species. The lower marshes, covered by most tides, are dominated by glasswort $Salicornia$ spp., annual sea-blite $Suaeda maritima$ and sea aster $Aster tripolium$, whilst on higher land, common saltmarsh-grass $Puccinellia maritima$, sea purslane $Atriplex portulacoides$, common sea-lavender $Limonium vulgare$ and thrift $Armeria maritima$ become progressively more frequent. Several uncommon plants can also be found, including lax-flowered sea-lavender $Limonium humile$, one-flowered glasswort $Salicornia pusilla$, and, locally on the drift line, shrubby sea-blite $Suaeda vera$. At the uppermost tidal levels and on the sea walls, sea couch $Elytrigia atherica$ is dominant. This rough grassland supports dense populations of the nationally scarce Roesel's bush-cricket $Metrioptera roeselii$, whose persistent reeling song is a constant feature of mid to late summer.
The sea walls and their associated berms form important integral parts of the coastal habitat. There are a number of typically coastal species to be found, such as narrow-leaved birds-foot-trefoil $Lotus tenuis$, grass vetchling and $Lathyrus nissolia$. There is also a range of nationally scarce species such as, sea barley $Hordeum marinum$, sea clover $Trifolium squamosum$, curved hard-grass $Parapholis incurva$, slender hare's-ear $Bupleurum tenuissimum$ and two scarce saltmarsh grasses $Puccinellia fasciculata$ and $P. rupestris$. Furthermore, the species complement of this grassland habitat is a reflection of that within the old improved grazing marsh. The grassland of the sea wall will therefore act as a natural seed source in the event that arable land is converted back to grazing marsh.
There are also some areas of grazing marsh landward of the sea wall. This is a characteristic, but increasingly uncommon, habitat in the country. Other less common plants typical of grazing marsh are spiny rest-harrow $Ononis spinosa$ and hairy buttercup $Ranunculus sardous$.
The brackish dykes and pools within the grazing marsh, together with the borrow dykes adjacent to the sea wall are fringed with dense stands of the sea club-rush $Bolboschoenus maritimus$, or more locally common reed $Phragmites australis$, and lesser reedmace $Typha angustifolia$. Fennel pondweed $Potamogeton pectinatus$ and beaked tasselweed $Ruppia maritima$ are the most common aquatic plant species. Soft hornwort $Ceratophyllum submersum$, brackish water-crowfoot $Ranunculus baudotii$, and spiral tasselweed $Ruppia cirrhosa$ also occur. These three species are all fairly uncommon nationally, the latter species being nationally scarce.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Bupleurum tenuissimum$ (nationally scarce), $Carex divisa$ (nationally scarce), $Hordeum marinum$ (nationally scarce), $Inula crithmoides$ (nationally scarce), $Limonium humile$ (nationally scarce), $Parapholis incurva$ (nationally scarce), $Puccinellia fasciculata$ (nationally scarce), $Puccinellia rupestris$ (nationally scarce), $Ruppia cirrhosa$ (nationally scarce), $Salicornia pusilla$ (nationally scarce), $Spartina maritima$ (nationally scarce), $Suaeda vera$ (nationally scarce), $Trifolium squamosum$ (nationally scarce).","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Graptodytes bilineatus$ (RDB3), $Hybomitra expollicata$ (RDB1), $Lestes dryas$ (RDB2), $Malachius vulneratus$ (RDB3), $Malacosoma castrensis$ (RDB3), $Parydroptera discomyzina$ (RDB2), $Stratiomys longicornis$ (RDB2), $Eucosma catoptrana$ (potential RDB3 species – not currently listed)","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.","A farm, Marsh Farm, within the Ramsar site is owned and maintained by Essex County Council. The farm is an education facility which, through farm tours, provides information about wildlife and the countryside.
The local wildlife trust has two reserves on site, Blue House Farm and Lower Raypits, at which they conduct conservation education.","Activities.
Dog walking, wildfowling, boating, birdwatching, waterskiing.
Facilities provided.
Some hides for wildfowling are provided, moorings and marina areas, hides for birdwatching, allocated waterskiing areas and landing stages along the shore to allow access.
Seasonality.
Wildfowling during shooting season (winter).","Anon. (2002) Essex Coast and Estuaries Coastal Habitat Management Plan: Executive summary. English Nature, Peterborough (Living with the Sea LIFE Project). www.english-nature.org.uk/livingwiththesea/champs/pdf/ESSEX.FINALEXEC.SUMMARY.pdf
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1998) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 7 South-east England: Lowestoft to Dungeness. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 5. Eastern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Cottle, R, Pethick, J & Dalton, H (2002) Essex Estuaries Coastal Habitat Management Plan: final report. English Nature, Peterborough (Living with the Sea LIFE Project)
Covey, R (1998) Chapter 6. Eastern England (Bridlington to Folkestone) (MNCR Sector 6). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 179-198. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Davidson, NC, Laffoley, D d’A, Doody, JP, Way, LS, Gordon, J, Key, R, Pienkowski, MW, Mitchell, R & Duff, KL (1991) Nature conservation and estuaries in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Hill, TO, Emblow, CS & Northen, KO (1996) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 6. Inlets in eastern England: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Moroney, MJA (1998) The effect of disturbance on the number of waders and wildfowl on the River Crouch, using the shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) and the redshank (Tringa totanus) as study species (a comparison between urban and rural sites during the day and night). Unpublished BSc dissertation, University College Suffolk, School of Science, Ipswich
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Pritchard, DE, Housden, SD, Mudge, GP, Galbraith, CA & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Worley, A & Simpson, M (1998) Littoral and sublittoral biotope mapping and data capture exercise for the Essex estuaries candidate Marine Special Area of Conservation. English Nature Research Reports, No. 305",,,
7000072,UK14006,Crymlyn Bog,Classified/designatd,W,264.18,,Abertawe/ Swansea; Castell-Nedd a Porth Talbot/ Neath and Port Talbot,08/06/1993,51 38 08 N,03 53 16 W,269370,194707,SS694947,7,9,8,"Crymlyn Bog comprises a floodplain-valley mire located within a lowland coastal context and is the most extensive wetland of its type in Wales. The mire features a complex mosaic of vegetation types, supporting examples of swamp, tall herb fen, fen meadow and carr communities. The site supports an exceptionally wide range of rich and poor fen communities, some of which bear a close floristic affinity to certain floodplain mires in East Anglia. The presence of significant areas of saw sedge $Cladium mariscus$ swamp is notable in extensive stands of this uncommon vegetation type, occurring at only three other sites in Wales. Crymlyn Bog is part of a larger inter-estuarine complex which includes the adjacent Pant y Sais fen.","Ramsar criterion 1
Largest example of valley floodplain topogenous mire in South Wales, and one of the largest surviving fens in the west of Britain. Very few other sites are known to support a comparable complexity and diversity of vegetation. Habitats Directive Annex I features present on the SAC include:
H7140 Transition mires and quaking bogs
H7210 Calcareous fens with $Cladium mariscus$ and species of the $Caricion davallianae$
H91E0 Alluvial forests with $Alnus glutinosa$ and $Fraxinus excelsior$
Ramsar criterion 2
Supports a substantial population of the nationally-rare slender cotton-grass $Eriophorum gracile$, and a rich invertebrate fauna including many rare and highly localised species.
Ramsar criterion 3
The site supports 199 vascular plant species including 17 regionally-uncommon and one nationally-rare.","Nearest town/city: Swansea
Crymlyn Bog lies within a south Wales industrial and urban landscape between Swansea and Neath, 1 km inland of the coast.","This site embraces the more acid range of variation of the Calcareous fens with $Cladium mariscus$ habitat type and is relatively species-poor. It is one of the largest sites for $Cladium$ spp in south Wales. There are large stands of $Cladium$ spp, with transitions to a highly distinctive suite of tall-herb fen communities, often dominated to varying degrees by $Phragmites australis$. The area is also important for the occurrence of a substantial population of the nationally-rare cotton-grass $Eriophorum gracile$.
Plant communities grade from $Sphagnum$ dominated poor fen with $Narthecium ossifragum$ and $Utricularia vulgaris$ to more eutrophic associations with $Typha angustifolia, Typha latifolia, Cladium mariscus$ and $Carex elata. Molinia caerulea$ is dominant in drier areas, with stands of pure $Phragmites australis$ reedswamp where conditions are wettest. Willow-birch and alder carr woodland with $Carex paniculata$ occur on the eastern margins.
The site supports an exceptionally wide range of rich- and poor-fen communities, some of which bear a close floristic resemblance to certain floodplain mires in East Anglia, including S2 $Cladium mariscus$ swamp and sedge-beds, and $Cladio-molinietum$ communities which are in the central part of the bog.
A key feature concerns the presence of tall herb fen communities transitional between swamp and fen, with sedge beds dominated by $Cladium mariscus$ being of particular importance.
Also of international significance is the Transition Mire and Quaking Bog community, characterised by the presence of $Carex rostrata$, $Menyanthes trifoliata$, $Carex limosa$ and supporting good stands of the nationally important $Eriophorum gracile$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Eriophorum gracile$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
The more significant wetland rarities at Crymlyn Bog include:
$Dolomedes plantarius$
$Crossocerus vagabundus$ (Panzer) Hymenoptera, Sphecidae
$Pteromicra leucopeza$ (Meigen) Diptera, Sciomyzidae
$Cephalops perspicuus$ (de Meijere) Diptera, Pipunculidae
$Gyrinus suffriani$ (Scriba 1855) Coleoptera, Gyrinidae$
The nationally scarce hornet robberfly $Asilus crabroniformis$ occurs on the drier grassland slopes bordering the fen","Environment.
A review of the hydrological processes at Crymlyn Bog NNR was completed by the Environmental Consultancy at the University of Sheffield, on contract to CCW in March 1998. Following the announcement by BP/Mobil Llandarcy in November 1997 of the closure of the oil refinery over the next two years, CCW and the Environment Agency continue to worked closely with BP and their consultants regarding the implementation of a comprehensive risk-based strategy to the long-term amelioration of the refinery site and its redevelopment for housing. This includes associated pollutant influences on the adjacent Crymlyn Bog. During 2004 CCW and the Environment Agency worked jointly on a detailed hydrological and nutrient assessment of the site to ascertain the overall nutrient loading on sensitive mire communities (Headley 2004). These studies will also inform CCW’s long term aspirations for the restoration of historical water channels. It is proposed to continue with a water quality monitoring programme and further studies will be undertaken in 2005 to inform restoration work on a relict canal and the Crymlyn Brook. A presentation of this recent research was given to the British Hydrological Society in 2004.
Flora.
Annual census of slender cotton-grass $Eriophorum gracile$.
(no longer current)
Preliminary survey for lichens and bryophytes of the wet woodlands
Fauna.
Monitoring of hornet robberfly, survey for additional populations of the fen raft spider, and moth-trapping.
Bird ringing.","Used by visiting university groups for studies on entomology, peat stratigraphy and fenland communities, used by local school groups for studies relevant to the National Curriculum. Crymlym Visitors Centre is used for school groups and talks. It houses a permanent exhibition and is a focal point for field study groups. Meetings and guided walks, focused on the visitors centre. Annual open days. Long-term partnership with Swansea Environment Centre as educational providers and recent Community Liaison work undertaken through the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) (no longer current). Pant y Sais fen is a Local Nature Reserve and is also used by school groups via boardwalk access.","Activities.
All low-key: walking, dog walking, birdwatching, sport/recreational fishing in relict canal.
Facilities provided.
Car parking, nature trails and interpretative leaflets. There are themed open days, guided walks, on-site interpretative information, and disabled access at Pany-y-Sais.
Seasonality.
Year-round access and use. There is summer wardening April-September.","Barber, KE & Hughes, PDH (1995) Palaeoecology and radiocarbon dating of peat deposits at Crymlyn Bog National Nature Reserve, south Wales. Report for the Countryside Council for Wales. (Contractor: University of Southampton)
Dumayne-Peaty, L (1998) Holocene palaeoecology and development of Crymlyn Bog NNR, south Wales. Final report to British Petroleum and Countryside Council for Wales
Fowles, A (1994) Invertebrates of Wales: a review of important sites and species. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Headley, AD (2004) Substratum enrichment at Crymlyn Bog cSAC, south Wales: an analysis of current and future impacts with particular reference to SAC feature fen communities. CCW Contract Science Report, No. 652
Headley, AD (2005) Investigations of canal sediment and peat chemistry at Crymlyn Bog NNR, south Wales. CCW Contract Science Report, No. 721
Headley, AD, Wheeler, BD & Baker, AJM (1992) The impact of man on the vegetation of Crymlyn Bog. In: Peatland ecosystems and Man: an impact assessment, ed. by OM Bragg, PD Hulme, HAP Ingram & RA Robertson, 257-261. University of Dundee, Department of Biological Sciences
Hughes, PDM & Dumayne-Peaty, L (2002) Testing theories of mire development using multiple successions at Crymlyn Bog, West Glamorgan, south Wales, UK. Journal of Ecology, 90(3), 456-471
Jones, PS, Stevens, DP, Blackstock, TH, Burrows, CR & Howe, EA (eds.) (2003) Priority habitats of Wales: a technical guide. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Robertson, J (2000) Reserve focus – Crymlyn Bog NNR, Glamorgan. British Wildlife, 12(1), 22-27
Rosen, D & Dumayne-Peaty, L (2001) Human impact on the vegetation of south Wales during late historical times: palynological and palaeoenvironmental results from Crymlyn Bog NNR, West Glamorgan, Wales, UK. The Holocene 11(1), 11-23",,,
7000191,UK12005,Cuilcagh Mountain,Classified/designatd,NI,2744.45,,Fermanagh,31/12/1998,54 13 26 N,07 48 17 W,21754.84282,496513.8759,H127306,0,665,0,"Cuilcagh Mountain is one of the largest expanses of blanket bog in Northern Ireland formed on a relatively high elevation upland landscape and bounded by limestone grassland to the north and montane habitats to the south. The blanket bog exhibits a wide range of characteristic vegetation and structural features, with well developed pool, hummock and lawn features, acid flushes and bog bursts. The bog vegetation is locally characterised by luxuriant $Sphagnum$ mosses but over most of the site dwarf-shrubs and graminoid species dominate.","Ramsar criterion 1
The site is a large and relatively intact example of a blanket bog and one of the best examples of this habitat in the UK. It also contains a comparatively high-altitude example of an oligotrophic lake.
Ramsar criterion 2
The site supports an appreciable assemblage of rare, vulnerable or endangered species. Cuilcagh Mountain is one of the most important upland breeding sites in Northern Ireland for golden plover $Pluvialis apricaria$, an Irish Red Data Book Species. Other Irish Red Data book bird species occurring on the site include merlin $Falco columbarius$. The bog is also occasionally used for feeding by Greenland white-fronted geese $Anser albifrons flavirostris$.","Nearest town/city: Enniskillen.
Cuilcagh Mountain is situated in Fermanagh in the west of Northern Ireland along the international border with the Republic of Ireland. It forms the northern side of a large ulpand block about 14 km south-west of Enniskillen.","The blanket bog exhibits a wide range of characteristic vegetation and structural features, with well-developed pool, hummock and lawn features, acid flushes and bog-bursts. The bog vegetation is locally characterised by luxuriant $Sphagnum$ moss but over most of the site dwarf-shrubs and graminoid species such as deer grass $Trichophorum cespitosum$ and bog cotton $Eriphorum$ spp. dominate.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Lower Plants.
$Dicranodontium asperulum, Marsupella sphacelata$.","Assemblage.
The site supports an assemblage of birds, including:
$Pluvialis apricaria, Falco columbarius, Anser albifrons flavirostris$.
","The site was subject to detailed habitat and species surveys prior to its designation as an ASSI.
The integrity of the site is regularly monitored.
The blanket bog vegetation was monitored in 1996.
",The area is regularly used by a local education centre.,The Ulster Way crosses the site.,"Berry, PM, Harrison, PA, Dawson TP & Walmsley, CA (2005) MONARCH 2: modelling natural resource responses to climate change. A local approach. UK Climate Impacts Programme, Oxford. www.ukcip.org.uk/resources/publications/pub_dets.asp?ID=81
Corbett, P. McM & Seymour, GR (1997) The conservation of peatland in Northern Ireland. In: Conserving peatlands, ed by L Parkyn, RE Stoneman & HAP Ingram. CAB International, Wallingford, for Scottish Wildlife Trust
Curtis, TGF & McGough, HN (1988) The Irish Red Data Book. 1 Vascular plants. Stationery Office, Dublin
Environment and Heritage Service (1986) Site survey notes for Cuilcagh Mountain. Unpublished, Environment and Heritage Service, Belfast
Fermanagh District Council (1993) Cuilcagh Natural History Park. Fermanagh District Council, Enniskillen
Frazer, JS, Cruickshank, MM & Tomlinson, RW (1988) Northern Ireland Peatland Survey. Part 5 – Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Unpublished report to Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), Countryside and Wildlife Branch, Belfast
Gunn, J (1996) Conservation on Cuilcagh Mountain: a strategic management review. (Contractor: University of Huddersfield, Limestone Research Group.) Unpublished report for the European Union on behalf of Fermanagh District Council
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Nolan, S, Hunting, C, Gunn, J & Cornelius, S (1994) Pilot study of GIS applications at Cuilcagh and Marlbank. University of Huddersfield, Limestone Research Group, unpublished report to Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), Belfast
Partridge, K (1992) Northern Ireland Breeding Wader Survey – Final report. Unpublished report to Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), Countryside and Wildlife Branch, Belfast
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Walker, C (1993–95) Hydrological study of Cuilcagh Mountain range. Unpublished PhD thesis, University of Huddersfield
Watson, R & Gunn, J (2001) Marble Arch Caves & Cuilcagh Mountain Park: summary of sites of archaeological, botanical and earth science interest. (Contractor: University of Huddersfield, Limestone Research Group.) Unpublished report for Fermanagh District Council (part of a submission seeking European GeoPark status)
Way, LS, Grice, P, MacKay, A, Galbraith, CA, Stroud, DA & Pienkowski, MW (1993) Ireland’s Internationally Important Bird Sites: a review of sites for the EC Special Protection Area network. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough, for Department of the Environment (NI), Belfast, and Irish Wildlife Service, Dublin
Whilde, A (1993) Threatened mammals, amphibians and fish in Ireland – Irish Red data book 2: Vertebrates. HMSO, Belfast
Wolfe-Murphy, SA, Lawrie, EW, Smith, SJ & Gibson, CE (1993) Northern Ireland Lakes Survey. Unpublished report to Northern Ireland Department of Environment, Countryside and Wildlife, Belfast",,,
7000109,UK11017,Deben Estuary,Classified/designatd,E,978.93,,Suffolk,11/03/1996,52 02 31 N,01 20 44 E,629423.2,243514,TM294435,-1,4,1,This estuary is relatively narrow and sheltered. It has limited amounts of freshwater input and the intertidal areas are constrained by sea-walls. The site supports nationally and internationally-important flora and fauna.,"Ramsar criterion 2
Supports a population of the mollusc $Vertigo angustior$ (Habitats Directive Annex II (S1014); British Red Data Book Endangered). Martlesham Creek is one of only about fourteen sites in Britain where this species survives.","Nearest town/city: Ipswich
Deben Estuary is located in East Anglia, on the east coast of Suffolk. It extends 18 km from the tidal limit above Wilford Bridge near Woodbridge, south to the mouth of the estuary at Felixstowe.","The estuary supports a highly complex mosaic of habitat types including:
mudflats, lower and upper saltmarsh, swamp and scrub. The composition of the mosaic varies with substrate, frequency and duration of tidal inundation, exposure, location and management.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Althaea officinalis, Bupleurum tenuissimum, Lepidium latifolium, Puccinellia fasciculata, Sarcocornia perennis, Suaeda vera, Zostera angustifolia$ are nationally scarce plants associated with estuarine habitats.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Vertigo angustior$ (Nationally Scarce)
$Vertigo pusilla$ (Nationally Scarce)","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.",None reported,"Activities.
Boating and walking locally and bird watching centred on Martlesham Creek and Felixstowe Ferry. Fishing.
Facilities provided.
Moorings along the river at Woodbridge, Waldring Field, Ramsholt.
Seasonality.
Activities are predominantly undertaken during the summer especially fishing, as this is when thin-lipped grey mullet $Liza ramada$ enter the estuary.","Anon. (2002) Suffolk Coast and Estuaries Coastal Habitat Management Plan: Executive summary. English Nature, Peterborough (Living with the Sea LIFE Project) www.english-nature.org.uk/livingwiththesea/project_details/good_practice_guide/HabitatCRR/ENRestore/CHaMPs/SuffolkCoast/SuffolkCHaMP.pdf
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1998) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 7 South-east England: Lowestoft to Dungeness. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Beardall, CH, Dryden, RC & Holzer, TJ (1988) The Suffolk estuaries: a report…on the wildlife and conservation of the Suffolk estuaries. Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Saxmundham [accompanied by separate volume, Suffolk estuaries bibliography]
Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 5. Eastern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Carter, I (1994) Departmental Brief: the Deben Estuary proposed Special Protection Area and Ramsar site (926A). English Nature (Ornithology Section), Peterborough
Covey, R (1998) Chapter 6. Eastern England (Bridlington to Folkestone) (MNCR Sector 6). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 179-198. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Davidson, NC, Laffoley, D d’A, Doody, JP, Way, LS, Gordon, J, Key, R, Pienkowski, MW, Mitchell, R & Duff, KL (1991) Nature conservation and estuaries in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Hill, TO, Emblow, CS & Northen, KO (1996) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 6. Inlets in eastern England: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Pritchard, DE, Housden, SD, Mudge, GP, Galbraith, CA & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Suffolk Wildlife Trust (1993) National Vegetation Classification of the saltmarsh of the Deben, Alde–Ore and Blyth estuaries, Suffolk. Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Saxmundham",,,
7000081,UK11018,Dengie (Mid-Essex Coast Phase 1),Classified/designatd,E,3127.23,,Essex,24/03/1994,51 41 26 N,00 57 34 E,604527.6,203294.5,TM045033,-1,3,0,"Dengie is a large and remote area of tidal mudflat and saltmarsh at the eastern end of the Dengie peninsula, between the Blackwater and Crouch Estuaries. The saltmarsh is the largest continuous example of its type in Essex. Foreshore, saltmarsh and beaches support an outstanding assemblage of rare coastal flora. It hosts internationally and nationally important wintering populations of wildfowl and waders, and in summer supports a range of breeding coastal birds including rarities. The formation of cockleshell spits and beaches is of geomorphological interest.","Ramsar criterion 1
Qualifies by virtue of the extent and diversity of saltmarsh habitat present. Dengie, and the four other sites in the Mid-Essex Coast Ramsar site complex, includes a total of 3,237 ha, that represent 70% of the saltmarsh habitat in Essex and 7% of the total area of saltmarsh in Britain.
Ramsar criterion 2
Dengie supports a number of rare plant and animal species. The Dengie has 11 species of nationally scarce plants: sea kale $Crambe maritima$, sea barley $Hordeum marinum$, golden samphire $Inula crithmoides$, lax flowered sea lavender $Limonium humile$, the glassworts $Sarcocornia perennis$ and $Salicornia pusilla$, small cord-grass $Spartina maritima$, shrubby sea-blite $Suaeda vera$, and the eelgrasses $Zostera angustifolia$, $Z. marina$ and $Z. noltei$. The invertebrate fauna includes the following Red Data Book species: a weevil $Baris scolopacea$, a horsefly $Atylotus latistriatus$ and a jumping spider $Euophrys browningi$.
Ramsar criterion 3
This site supports a full and representative sequences of saltmarsh plant communities covering the range of variation in Britain.","Nearest town/city: Colchester
Dengie is a large and remote area of tidal mudflat and saltmarsh at the eastern end of the Dengie Peninsula, between the Blackwater and Crouch Estuaries in Essex.","The foreshore is a large continuous area of mudflat extending nearly 13 km along the exposed eastern-facing frontage. It has abundant invertebrate fauna including molluscs, marine worms and Crustacea. It is composed of mud, silt and sand with varying amounts of shell or shingle forming firmer areas. Vegetation is limited to algal species such as $Enteromorpha$ and eelgrass (three species recorded - $Zostera angustifolia$, $Z. marina$ and $Z. noltlei$.
There is a transition between the flats and the eroding saltmarsh frontage comprising $Enteromorpha$-draped mud mounds with shell-lined gullies between. Cord-grass $Spartina$ spp. is a constituent of the narrow zone marking the seaward limit of the saltmarsh proper, or forms occasional isolated stands in wet depressions on the main saltmarsh.
The saltmarsh extends in a more-or-less continuous zone north to south from Sales Point to Coaste Outfall. It is highly dissected by drainage channels. Saltmarsh-grass $Puccinellia$ spp. is dominant or co-dominant with sea purslane $Atriplex portulacoides$ over extensive areas, with sea aster $Aster tripolium$, annual sea-blite $Suaeda maritima$ and sea lavender $Limonium vulgare$ scattered throughout. However, wetter areas are colonised with sea lavender and glasswort $Salicornia$ spp. especially just out from the seawall foot where a typical association includes these species with sea-arrow grass $Triglochin maritima$. These, together with sea aster and tufts of sea purslane, also form an open community on the weathered seaward edge of the saltmarsh where the much rarer lax-flowered sea lavender $L. humile$ is also found. Glasswort is found in pure stands on low banks and shelves within the creeks throughout the saltmarsh area. Sea purslane lines the naturally slightly embanked edges of creeks or drains, have vegetation dominated by sea couch grass $Elytrigia atherica$. The large banks provide a foothold for shrubby sea-blite $Suaeda vera$, a national rarity, which also occurs as isolated bushes along the seawall face.
Open shell-sand beaches encroach inland over saltmarsh, forming hooks and banks mostly in the St Peter's Flat area. These support sparse strandline flora such as orache species $Atriplex littoralis$ and $A. hastata$. Sea sandwort $Honkenya peploides$ and sticky groundsel $Senecio viscosus$, but include nationally or locally rare species such as sea kale $Crambe maritima$, yellow horned-poppy $Glaucium flavum$, sea rocket $Cakile maritima$ and shrubby sea-blite.
Seawall, folding and borrow-dyke run the entire length of the site and are included within the boundary. The seaward side of the wall is species-poor, mostly sea couch, but has shrubby sea-blite and golden samphire $Inula crithmoides$ in places. The landward side and folding are unimproved semi-natural grassland, and sections are herb rich with many leguminous species, including grass vetchling $Lathyrus nissolia$ and sea clover $Trifolium squamosum$. The rare sea barley $Hordeum marinum$ grows on bare clay patches arising from salt seepages. Meadow pipit and skylark nest in the rough grass of the folding, and shelduck breed in holes under shrubby sea-blite bushes on the outer edge of the seawall. The borrow-dykes contain brackish water with large communities of sea club-rush $Bolboschoenus maritimus$ or common reed $Phragmites australis$. In places salt leaching produces saltmarsh species along the borrow-dyke edge including sea aster, sea purslane, saltmarsh grass and glasswort. Sea milkwort $Glaux maritima$ is also recorded.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Hordeum marinum$ (nationally scarce), $Inula crithmoides$ (nationally scarce), $Limonium humile$ (nationally scarce), $Sarcocornia perennis$ (nationally scarce), $Salicornia pusilla$ (nationally scarce), $Spartina maritima$ (nationally scarce), $Suaeda vera$ (nationally scarce), $Zostera angustifolia$ (nationally scarce), $Z. marina$ (nationally scarce), $Z. noltei$ (nationally scarce).","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Baris scolopacea$ (RDB3), $Atylotus latistriatus$ (RDB3), $Euophrys browningi$ (rare and endemic to Great Britain. A UKBAP species).","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Environmental Agency Low tide counts, saltmarsh monitoring and experimental polders - slowing erosion.","Bradwell Power Station has a visitor centre that uses the Dengie for guided tours.
","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Sea Angling: all year - no facilities.
Birdwatching: all year - hides.
Bait digging: all year - no facilities.
Walkers/dog walkers - all year - no facilities on site.
Wildfowling: winter season - no facilities.
Sailing: all year - no facilities.","Anon. (2002) Essex Coast and Estuaries Coastal Habitat Management Plan: Executive summary. English Nature, Peterborough (Living with the Sea LIFE Project). www.english-nature.org.uk/livingwiththesea/champs/pdf/ESSEX.FINALEXEC.SUMMARY.pdf
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1998) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 7 South-east England: Lowestoft to Dungeness. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 5. Eastern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Cottle, R, Pethick, J & Dalton, H (2002) Essex Estuaries Coastal Habitat Management Plan: final report. English Nature, Peterborough (Living with the Sea LIFE Project)
Covey, R (1998) Chapter 6. Eastern England (Bridlington to Folkestone) (MNCR Sector 6). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 179-198. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Davidson, NC, Laffoley, D d’A, Doody, JP, Way, LS, Gordon, J, Key, R, Pienkowski, MW, Mitchell, R & Duff, KL (1991) Nature conservation and estuaries in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Hill, TO, Emblow, CS & Northen, KO (1996) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 6. Inlets in eastern England: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Pritchard, DE, Housden, SD, Mudge, GP, Galbraith, CA & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Worley, A & Simpson, M (1998) Littoral and sublittoral biotope mapping and data capture exercise for the Essex estuaries candidate Marine Special Area of Conservation. English Nature Research Reports, No. 305",,,
7000102,UK11019,Dersingham Bog,Classified/designatd,E,157.75,,Norfolk,12/09/1995,52 49 49 N,00 29 06 E,567410.5,328799.3,TF674288,3,32,15,"Dersingham Bog is East Anglia's largest remaining example of a pure acid valley mire, and supports extensive bog, wet heath and transition communities over peat. These are sustained by groundwater, fed via springs and seepage, from the underlying greensand, which in places has caused the development of iron pans. The mire grades into dry heathland along the greensand scarp slope. The scarp slope is a former sea cliff, and the bog habitats are a remnant of the transition mires that formerly existed between this former shoreline and the now mostly land-claimed saltmarshes around The Wash. In addition to its internationally important plant communities, the site also supports important assemblages of birds and British Red Data Book invertebrates.","Ramsar criterion 2
Supports an important assemblage of invertebrates - nine British Red Data Book species have been recorded.","Nearest town/city: King's Lynn
In north-west Norfolk, 10 km north-east of Kings Lynn and 2 km east of The Wash.","The habitats present on the site are acid valley mire, wet heath and transition communities, dry heath, scrub and secondary woodland. The features for which the site is designated as a Ramsar site are the acid valley mire, wet heath and transition communities. The wet mire habitats range from pools of open water, through low-growing bryophyte communities and stands of tussock-forming purple moor-grass $Molinia caerulea$, to wet heath dominated by cross-leaved heath $Erica tetralix$. Other typical acid mire species present include cottongrass $Eriophorum angustifolium$, bog-mosses $Sphagnum$ spp., sundews $Drosera rotundifolia$ and $Drosera intermedia$, bog asphodel $Narthecium ossifragum$, cranberry $Vaccinium oxycoccos$ and white-beaked sedge $Rhynchospora alba$.",None reported,"Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Choristoneura lafauryana$ RDB1, $Buckleria paludum$ RDB3, $Yponomeuta rorrella$ RDB3, $Eudorylas terminalis$ RDB2, $Allodia angulata$ RDB2, $Odinia ornata$ RDB2, $Homoneura interstincta$ RDB3, $Dichetophora finlandica$ RDB3 and $Enochrus isotae$ IUCN vulnerable.
Following RDB3: $Philanthus triangulum, Archips betulana, Agathidium confusum, Buckleria paludum, Opetia nigra, Dryophilus anobiodies, Helophorus longitarsis, Campsicnemus compeditus, Periscelis annulata$.","Fauna.
Lepidoptera and Odonata recording.
Breeding bird recording.
Environment.
Condition assessments of nationally important features carried out as part of on-going SSSI monitoring.
Hydrological monitoring to determine water resource requirements.
Miscellaneous.
Use of site as demonstration of heath/mine management techniques and best practice.",This site is used for guided walks and for educational groups. It is also used for training conservation volunteers in practical conservation.,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Provision of interpretive facilities at a level to cater for existing levels of quiet use, and not to significantly increase visitor pressure. Main activity is walking, dog-walking, nature study etc. Reserve provided interpretive sign boards, nature trails and footpaths.","McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough",,,
56,UK61002,Diego Garcia,Classified/designatd,OT,35424.05,,British Indian Ocean Territory,04/07/2001,07 19 00 S,72 28 00 E,,,not avai,,,2,"Diego Garcia is the southernmost atoll of the Laccadive–Maldives–Chagos atoll chain. It is an unusual atoll in having a near-continuous narrow island around some 90% of its atoll rim. This main island of Diego Garcia is the only inhabited island in the Chagos group, with a military base taking up most of the western half of the island. The archipelago possesses an exceptionally low level of pollution, although there is likely to be low levels of pollution in the Diego Garcia lagoon, which provides an anchorage for varying numbers of large military and civilian vessels. The World Heritage quality of the territory as whole is recognised in the BIOT Conservation Policy Statement (October 1997) which specifies that BIOT will be treated in accordance with the requirements of the Convention subject only to defence requirements.
The Ramsar site incorporates most of the eastern half of the main island, as well as three islets that lie in the only channel from the lagoon to the open ocean. These areas coincide with the Diego Garcia Restricted Area, a broad protective framework that also incorporates a Nature Reserve Area and four Special Conservation Areas.
Terrestrial areas include hardwood and coconut forest, and these form the centre of important nesting colonies for a number of seabirds. The lagoon, although impacted by dredging, anchors and the desalination and possible waste associated with vessels, still maintains important coral and seagrass communities. The outer reefs are little known, but probably contain typical fauna from the region.","Ramsar Criterion 1.
The site is a particularly good example of a relatively unpolluted coral reef system in a near-natural state which provides a valuable link in the marine ecology of the Indian Ocean.
Ramsar Criterion 3 and 4.
The site is of special value for maintaining the genetic and ecological diversity of the region, especially its marine life. The site provides a habitat for marine flora and fauna at a critical stage of their biological cycle including the endemic coral $Ctenella chagius$ and the threatened Hawksbill and Green Turtles, $Eretmochelys imbricata$ and $Chelonia mydas$. The site is also important for breeding seabirds.
Ramsar Criterion 6.
The site contains breeding colonies and other components of several species in internationally important numbers. These include the following, as well as several other species for which data on total population size for comparison is still lacking:
Species Total % of population
Greater crested tern $Sterna bergii thassina$ 45 3%
Black-naped tern $Sterna sumatrana mathewsi$ 42 ?
Ramsar Criterion 7 and 8.
The coral reefs have not received scientific attention, however they are likely to have close affinities to the sites further north. They support a large number of fish species including the Chagos endemic species. Although not observed it is likely that a site of this size will also include one or more spawning aggregation sites (often located in channel mouths or on reef promontories (the site includes both). The lagoon is also likely to provide a valuable nursery for fish stocks.","Diego Garcia (outside the specific area)
Nearest Town/City: Diego Garcia.
The Chagos Archipelago is located in the central Indian Ocean","Diego Garcia is a mid-ocean coral reef and the south-easternmost atoll of the Chagos Archipelago, which contains about 220 zooxanthellate species of 58 genera and is rich in marine life.","Species at levels of national importance
Sea grass beds
The only known large area of seagrass in the Archipelago is located on the north-eastern side of the lagoon at Diego Garcia. A number of fish species have been recorded in these seagrasses which have not yet been seen anywhere else in the Archipelago. This seagrass may also provide a critical food resource for green turtles.","Species occurring at levels of international importance.
Birds
Red-footed boobies $Sula sula$
Greater frigate $Fregata minor$
Invertebrates
Coconut crab $Birgus latro$.
There are doubtless other endemic species, including at least one marine alga (Rhyne 1971), one gastropod mollusc (Taylor 1971).
The coral $Ctenella chagius$ is endemic or near-endemic, and is the only species in this family in the Indo-Pacific region.
Species occurring at levels of national importance
Birds
Lesser noddy tern $Anous tenuirostris$, Black-naped tern $Sterna sumatrana$ and White (fairy) tern $Gygis alba$.
Fish
At least two species of endemic fish (Winterbottom & Anderson 1999).","Scientific expeditions and visits were conducted in 1967, 1973, 1975 1978/9, 1996, 1999 and 2001. Surveys of recreational fishing are regularly conducted. The BIOT Conservation Consultant has visited annually for about one month from 1993 onwards and reports to the Commissioner.","The Friends of Chagos is a registered charity whose objectives are to promote conservation, scientific and historical research and to advance education concerning the Chagos Archipelago. The Friends have produced four booklets on $Sea Shores of Chagos$, the $Reef Fishes of Chagos$, the $Plants of Chagos$ and the $Birds of Chagos$. They have also produced CDs with several hundred photographs about the nature of the Chagos Archipelago past and present. Most recently, in association with the FCO, they have prepared a leaflet for distribution to personnel and yacht-based visitors to Chagos informing them of the importance of the natural environment and briefing them on key regulations.
There is turtle recording and awareness activity and recording of red-footed boobies. The NRMPDG contains measures to protect wildlife and efforts are made with local television and a locally produced news sheet to make the community interested in nature and aware of the need to protect the environment.","Tourism is not permitted, however the large numbers of military and civilian personnel undertake of recreational activities within the atoll including sailing, fishing and camping (the latter allowed within the southern Nature Reserve portion of the Ramsar Site).","Anderson, RC & Buttress, SG (1996) 1996 Chagos Expedition: participant's report. In: Report of 1996 Chagos Research Expedition, ed. by CRC Sheppard. British Indian Ocean Territory Administration [Includes new fish records, preliminary checklists of opisthobranch molluscs and polyclad flatworms, and cetacean and shark observations]
Anderson RC, Sheppard CRC, Spalding MD, Crosby R (1998) Shortage of sharks at Chagos. Shark News, newsletter of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group, 10, 1-3
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Gardiner, JS (1936) The reefs of the Western Indian Ocean. I. Chagos archipelago II. The Mascarene region. Transactions of Linnean Society, 14, 393-436
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McGee, T (1987) An initial study of basin residency time and sediment transport with the Diego Garcia lagoon. Naval Support Facility, Diego Garcia (unpublished manuscript for Commanding Officer)
Mees, CC, Barry, CJ & King, A (2000) British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos archipelago) Fisheries Conservation and Management Zone: the 1999 inshore and recreational fisheries. A summary report to the Friends of Chagos, BIOT Administration, Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Marine Resources Assessment Group, London
Mees, CC, King, A, Pilling, GM & Barry, CJ (1999) British Indian Ocean Territory – Fisheries Conservation and Management Zone. The inshore fishery in 1998, with summary details of the recreational fishery of Diego Garcia. Marine Resources Assessment Group, London (Report, May 1999)
Mees, CC, Pilling, GM & Barry, C (1997) A review of the 1997 BIOT inshore fishery and management strategy. Background paper UK01 for the Third Meeting of the British/Seychelles Fisheries Commission Scientific Sub Committee Meeting, 25-26 September, 1997. Marine Resources Assessment Group/British Indian Ocean Territory
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Mortimer, JA & Crain, DA (1999) Sex steroid concentrations in immature hawksbill turtles Eretmochelys imbricata in the Chagos archipelago. In: Ecology of the Chagos archipelago, ed. by CRC Sheppard & MRD Seaward. Westbury Publishing, Otley, for Linnean Society of London (Occasional Publication, No. 2) 159-176
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Randall, JE & Emery, AR (1983) A new labrid fish of the genus Cirrhilabrus from the Chagos archipelago, Indian Ocean. Journal of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science, 3, 21-24
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Rayner, RF (1983) Aspects of the oceanography of two mid Indian Ocean coral atolls. Unpublished PhD thesis, University of Salford
Rayner, RF & Drew, EA (1984) Nutrient concentrations and primary productivity at the Peros Banhos and Salomon Atolls in the Chagos archipelago. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 18, 121-132
Readman, JW, Tolosa, I, Bartocci, J, Cattini, C, Price, ARG & Jolliffe, A (1999) Contaminant levels and the use of molecular organic markers to characterise the coastal environment of the Chagos archipelago. In: Ecology of the Chagos archipelago, ed. by CRC Sheppard & MRD Seaward. Westbury Publishing, Otley, for Linnean Society of London (Occasional Publication, No. 2) 297-304
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Salm, RV (1980) The genus–area relation of corals on reefs of the Chagos archipelago, Indian Ocean. Unpublished PhD thesis, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore
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Sheppard, ALS (1984) The molluscan fauna of Chagos Indian Ocean and an analysis of its broad distribution patterns. Coral Reefs, 3, 43-50
Sheppard, CR (1993) The scientific plan for the Chagos. Chagos News, 2, 6-7
Sheppard, CR (1993) News from the science front. Chagos News, 3, 8
Sheppard, CRC (1979) Interspecific aggression between reef corals with reference to their distribution. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 1, 237-147
Sheppard, CRC (1979) Status of three rare animals on Chagos. Environmental Conservation, 6, 310
Sheppard, CRC (1980) Coral cover, zonation and diversity on reef slopes of Chagos atolls, and population structures of the major species. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 2, 193-205
Sheppard, CRC (1980) New life on forsaken Chagos Isles. Geographical Magazine, 52, 825-829
Sheppard, CRC (1980) The coral fauna of Diego Garcia lagoon, following harbour construction. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 11, 227-230
Sheppard, CRC (ed.) (1981) Report on Scientific work completed on Joint Services Chagos Research Expedition 1978/9. In: Chagos: the 1978/79 expedition, ed. by JD Griffiths. Ministry of Defence Publication, London, 1-52
Sheppard, CRC (1981) Roles of interspecific and intraspecific competition in coral zonation. Progress in Underwater Science, 6, 57-60
Sheppard, CRC (1981) The groove and spur structures of Chagos atolls and their coral zonation. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 12, 549-560
Sheppard, CRC (1981) The reef and soft-substrate coral fauna of Chagos, Indian Ocean. Journal Natural History, 15, 607-621
Sheppard, CRC (1982) Natural history of the coral reef. Blandford Press, Poole
Sheppard, CRC (1987) Coral species of the Indian Ocean and adjacent seas: a synonymised compilation and some regional distribution patterns. Atoll Research Bulletin, 307, 1-32
Sheppard, CRC (1996) Report of 1996 Chagos Research Expedition. British Indian Ocean Territory Administration
Sheppard, CRC (1997) The sea shores of Chagos. Friends of the Chagos, London (Natural History of the Chagos Archipelago, 1)
Sheppard, CRC (1998) Biodiversity patterns in Indian Ocean corals, and effects of taxonomic error in data. Biodiversity and Conservation, 7, 847-868
Sheppard, CRC (1999) Changes in coral cover on reefs of Chagos over eighteen years. In: Ecology of the Chagos archipelago, ed. by CRC Sheppard & MRD Seaward. Westbury Publishing, Otley, for Linnean Society of London (Occasional Publication, No. 2) 91-100
Sheppard, CRC (1999) Changes in some weather patterns in Chagos over twenty-five years. In: Ecology of the Chagos archipelago, ed. by CRC Sheppard & MRD Seaward. Westbury Publishing, Otley, for Linnean Society of London (Occasional Publication, No. 2) 45-52
Sheppard, CRC (1999) Coral decline and weather patterns over 20 years in the Chagos archipelago, central Indian Ocean. Ambio, 28, 472-478
Sheppard, CRC (1999) Coral mortality in the Chagos archipelago. In: Coral reef degradation in the Indian Ocean. Status reports and project presentations, ed. by O Lindén & N Sporrong. CORDIO, Stockholm University www.cordio.org/report1999.htm, 27-32
Sheppard, CRC (1999) Corals of Chagos, and the biogeographical role of Chagos in the Indian Ocean. In: Ecology of the Chagos archipelago, ed. by CRC Sheppard & MRD Seaward. Westbury Publishing, Otley, for Linnean Society of London (Occasional Publication, No. 2), 53-66
Sheppard, CRC (2000) Coral reefs of the western Indian Ocean: an overview. In: Coral reefs of the western Indian Ocean, ecology and conservation, ed. by T McClanahan, CRC Sheppard & D Obura. Oxford University Press, New York
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Sheppard, CRC (2001) Rubble trouble. Diver Magazine, December 2001, ** www.divernet.com/biolog/1201rubble.htm
Sheppard, CRC (2002) Island profiles, coral death, erosion and sea level rise in Chagos. Chagos News, 19, 9-12
Sheppard, CRC (2002) Island profiles, coral death, erosion and sea level rise in Chagos. In: Coral reef degradation in the Indian Ocean. Status reports and project presentations, ed. by O Lindén & N Sporrong. Cordio, Stockholm University, 26-35
Sheppard, CRC, Dinesen, ZD & Drew, EA (1984) Taxonomy, ecology and physiology of the geographically restricted Scleratinian species Ctenella chagius Matthai. Bulletin of Marine Science, 33, 905-918
Sheppard, CRC, Rayner, NA (2002) Utility of the Hadley Centre sea-ice and sea surface temperature data set (HadISST1) in two widely contrasting coral reef areas. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 44(4), 303-308
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Veron, JEN (1995) Corals in space and time: the biogeography and evolution of the Scleractinia. University of New South Wales Press, Sydney
Wheeler JFG & Ommanney FD (1953) Report on the Mauritius–Seychelles Fisheries Survey 1948–1949. Colonial Office, Fishery Publications, 1, 1-145
Whitton, BA, Whitton, BA, Donaldson, A, Bellamy, DJ & Sheppard, CRC (1977) Terrestrial and swamp algae from three islands in the Chagos archipelago, Indian Ocean. Atoll Research Bulletin, 217, 1-6
Wilkinson, C (ed.) (2004) Status of coral reefs of the world: 2004. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville
Williams, ST, Knowlton, N & Weigt, LA (1999) Indo-Pacific molecular biogeography of the coral-dwelling snapping shrimp Alphes lottini Decapoda: Caridea: Alpheidae. In: Ecology of the Chagos archipelago, ed. by CRC Sheppard & MRD Seaward. Westbury Publishing, Otley, for Linnean Society of London (Occasional Publication, No. 2), 195-206
Willis, JC & Gardener, JS (1931) Flora of the Chagos archipelago. Transactions of the Linnean Society, Zoology (??), 19, 301-306
Winterbottom, R (1984) A review of the gobiid fish genus Trimma from the Chagos archipelago, central Indian Ocean, with the description of seven new species. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 62, 695-715
Winterbottom, R (1984) Two new gobiid fish species in Priolepis and Trimma from the Chagos archipelago, central Indian Ocean. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 63, 747-754
Winterbottom, R & Anderson, RC (1997) A revised checklist of the epipelagic and shore fishes of the Chagos archipelago, central Indian Ocean. Ichthyological Bulletin of the JLB Smith Institute of Ichthyology, 66, 1-28
Winterbottom, R & Anderson, RC (1999) Fishes of the Chagos archipelago. In: Ecology of the Chagos archipelago, ed. by CRC Sheppard & MRD Seaward. Westbury Publishing, Otley, for Linnean Society of London (Occasional Publication, No. 2), 101-118
Winterbottom, R & Emery, AR (1981) A new genus and two new species of gobiid fishes Perciformes from the Chagos archipelago, Central Indian Ocean. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 6, 139-149
Winterbottom, R & Emery, AR (1986) Review of the Gobioid fishes of the Chagos archipelago, Central Indian Ocean. Life Sciences Contributions (Royal Ontario Museum), 142
Winterbotto",,,
7000047,UK13010,Din Moss – Hoselaw Loch,Classified/designatd,S,50.59,,Scottish Borders,14/07/1988,55 34 33 N,02 18 30 W,380534,631493,NT806314,184,184,184,This is a mid-altitude loch that is a wintering roost for Icelandic/Greenland pink-footed geese $Anser brachyrhynchus$ and Icelandic greylag geese $Anser anser$.,"
","Nearest town/city: Galashiels
Hoselaw Loch lies at the extreme north-east corner of the foothills of the Scottish Cheviots to the south of the Tweed River, close to the border with England. It is 9 km south-east of Kelso in the former Border county of Roxburghshire.","Aquatic vegetation of Hoselaw Loch is largely confined to emergent fringe communities characterised by $Littorella uniflora, Ranunculus hederaceus$ and $Carex disticha$, but grading into transition fen on the south-west shore through $Carex rostrata$ and on to a peaty raft with $Potentilla palustris, Epilobium palustre, Phalaris arundinacea$ and occasional $Cicuta virosa$ and $Ranunculus flammula$ and $R. lingua$. This fen community grades into $Salix$ carr and $Betula$ at higher levels with $Caltha palustris$ and $Agrostis stolonifera$, giving way further to the south-west to acid raised bog dominated by $Calluna vulgaris, Eriophorum vaginatum, Empetrum nigrum$ and ten species of $Sphagnum$ moss. Woodland of $Quercus$, $Betula$ and $Salix species$ dominate the edges of the bog on the north and south-west sides and there is significant conifer and $Betula$ invasion of the bog surface taking place.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Cicuta virosa$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Nonagria typhae$.","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
British Trust for Ornithology goose counts.
Whooper Swan monitoring - Swan Study Group.
Environment.
Hydrological monitoring of bog.
",Informal and occasional use by Countryside Rangers and Scottish Wildlife Trust.,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Summer season tourist traffic on adjacent road.
Winter bird watching - locals, SWT/BTO members.
Occasional botanists in summer.
Occasional guided groups - all seasons but very limited.
","Aiken, JMM (1906) A ramble round Yetholm, 1l. History of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club, XIX: p 327
Aiken, JMM (1911) Meeting at Mindrum and Hoselaw Loch. History of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club, XXI: p 141 144
Anderson, A (1915) List of the less common plants in the area of the Berwickshire Naturalists Club. History of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club, XXII: 227
Andrew, DG (1968) Review of the ornithological changes in Scotland in 1966 Scottish Birds, 5: p 13
Anon (1972) Reserve at Hoselaw Loch and Din Moss. SWT Newsletter No 21. p.24
Atkinson Willes, G (1963) Wildfowl in Great Britain. Monograph of the Nature Conservancy, No. 3. HMSO: London
Baillie, RS (1966) Black necked grebe at Hoselaw Loch. Scottish Birds, 4: ~ 239
Baillie, RS (1966) Magpie at Hoselaw Loch. Scottish Birds, 4: p 460
Baillie, RS (1966) Pintail and wigeon on Hoselaw Loch. Scottish Birds, 4: ~ 456
Baillie, RS (1966) Shoveller on Hoselaw Loch. Scottish Birds, 4: p 380
Baillie, RS (1966) Smew at Hoselaw Loch. Scottish Birds, 4: p 241
Baillie, RS (1967) Common terns at Hoselaw Loch. Scottish Birds, 4: p 573
Bellamy, DJ (1972) Din Moss research project. NERC Research Grant No. 16372. Report ref. GR3/228A, NERC: London
Birse EL & Robertson, LJ (1970) Assessment of climatic conditions in Scotland: II Accumulated frost and exposure. Map and Explanatory Booklet. Macaulay Institute for Soils Research; Aberdeen
Birse, EL (1971) Assessment of climatic conditions in Scotland: III Bioclimatic Sub regions. Map and Explanatory Booklet. Macaulay Institute for Soils Research, Aberdeen
Birse, EL & Dry, FT (1970) Assessment of climatic conditions in Scotland: I Accumulated Temperature and Potential Water Deficit. Map and Explanatory Booklet. Macaulay Institute i'or Soil Research: Aberdeen
Bolam, G (1926) The Lepidoptera of Northumberland and the eastern Borders, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club, XXV (1926) p 515 573
Bolam, G (1912) The Birds of Northumberland and the eastern Borders. Henry Hunter Blair, AL~ICK
Bolan, G (1928 29) The Lepidoptera of Northumberland and the eastern Borders, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club, XXVI: p 135 323
Boyd, W B (1914) Localities of less common plants, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club, XXII: p 132
British Trust for Ornithology (1978) Register of ornithological sites of Great Britain. Unpublished lists
Brotherston, A (1874) Zoological notes 1873. History of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club, VII: p I32
Brotherston, A (1875) Zoological notes. History of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club, VII: p 500
Brotherston, A (1879) Zoological notes. History of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club, VIII: p 525
Brotherston, A (1881) Ornithological and other notes, 1879 80. History of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club, IX: p 175
Chapman, A (1907) Bird life of the Borders. Gurney & Jacks: London
Clapperton, CM (1970) Evidence for a Cheviot icecap. Trans. Inst. Br. Geog. 53. pp 67 68
Cromwell, JD (1967) Land use settlement from early times in the Parishes of Linton, Yetholm and Morebattle. Hons. Thesis (unpublished) Edinburgh University, Dept. of Geography
Dennis, RH (1971 76) Scottish bird reports. Scottish Birds, 6: p 347. 7: p 107, 324 8: p 211, 395 9: p 173
Dickson, W (1857) Anniversary address. History of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club, IV: (1857)
Donald, AP (1981) A pollen diagram from Pitbladdo, Fife. Transactions of the Botanical Society of Edinburgh part 4: 281 289
Evans, AH (1886) Localities for plants. History of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club, XI: p 205
Evans, AH (1911) A fauna of the Tweed Area. D Douglas, EDINBURGH
Evans, W (1908) Black tern in Tweed and Forth. Annals. Scott. Nat. Hist. (1908): p 254
Faichney, W (1845) The Parish of Linton. in: New Statistical Account of Scotland. Vol. III p.l45 158. Wm. Blackwood: Edinburgh
Forsyth, J (1973) Notes re. Hoselaw Loch conservation project, 21st 25th May 1973. M.S. + Typescript sheet Kelso High School. (NCC and SWT files)
Gordon, JE & Sutherland, DG (eds.) (1993) Quaternary of Scotland. Chapman & Hall, London, for Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 6)
Gray, R (1882) Ornithological Notes. History of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club, X. p 197 200
Greig, DC (1971) South of Scotland: British Regional Geology (3rd edn) Institute of Geological Sciences. HMSO, Edinburgh
Hall, R (1964) The summer meeting, 1963. Transactions of the British Bryological Society, 4: p 752
Hardy, E (1978) A guide to the birds of Scotland. Constable, London (p.42)
Hibbert, FA & Switsur, VR (1976) Radiocarbon dating of Flandrian pollen zones in Wales and N England. New Phytol, 77: pp 793 807
Jeffrey, A (1864) The history and antiquities of Roxburghshire. 4 Vols: Seaton and MacKenzie: Edinburgh
Johnston, G (1853) The natural history of the eastern Borders Van Voorst: London
Kingfisher (1966) Din Moss. Hawick Express, 12.5.66
Knox, DA (1972) Some ecological studies on two Scottish mire systems. Unpublished M.S. at Botany Department, University of Durham
Leishman, J (1937) Linton leaves. Oliver & Boyd: Edinburgh
Macgregor, KS (1959) Current notes: Spring Migration. Scottish Birds I, 128
MacMillan, AT (1969 70) Scottish bird reports 1968, 1969. Scottish Birds: 5: p 302 6: p 62
Mannion, AM (1975) Late Quaternary palaeogeographical environments: a study from Roxburghshire. PhD. Thesis: University of Bristol
Mannion, AM (1978) Late Quaternary deposits from Linton Loch S E Scotland. I Absolute and relative pollen analyses of limnic sediments. Journ. Biogeog. 5, 193 206
Mannion, AM (1981) The diatom assemblage of a marl core from Linton Loch. Trans. Bot. Soc. Edinb. _ , 263 270
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Newbould, C (1981) Open water habitat survey card. NCC files. Unpublished
Ogilvie, A (1792) The Parish of Linton. In: Sir J Sinclair (ed.) The Statistical Account of Scotland, III pp 119 123. Wm. Creech: Edinburgh
Porteous, A M (1937) Ornithological and other notes. History of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club, XXIX n 112
Ragg, JM (1960) Soils of the country round Kelso and Lauder. Memr Soil Survey Scotland (Sheets 25 and 26). Macaulay Inst. for Soils Research. HMSO, Edinburgh
Ragg, JM & Futty, DW (1967) Soils of the country round Haddington and Eyemouth. Soils Survey of Scotland, Macaulay Institute for Soil Research. HMSO: London
Reid CL (1914) The pedigree of the Family of Ker of Cessford, Greenhead and Prymside Loch, and later of Hoselaw and of Ker Reid of Hoselaw. Andrew Reid & Co. Ltd: Newcastle
Richmond, K (1968) A regional guide to the birds of Scotland. Constable: London (p.88)
Rintoul, LJ (1929) Black tailed godwits at Hoselaw Loch, Roxburghshire. Scottish Naturalist (1929), p 163
Rintoul, LJ & Baxter, EV (1920) The shoveller as a Scottish breeding species. Scottish Naturalist (1920), p 155
Rintoul, LJ & Baxter, EV (1953) The birds of Scotland. 2 Vol. Oliver & Boyd, Edinburgh
Scottish Peat Committee (1961) Scottish peat survey reports Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. DE 82488/1
Scottish Wildlife Trust (1972) Research at Hoselaw Loch and Din Moss. SWT Newsletter, 21: p 24
Selby, PJ (1838) On the effects produced upon animal and vegetable life by the winter of 1838. History of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club, I p 188 193
Smith, AJ (1961) Red headed smew from Yetholm and Hoselaw Lochs. Scottish Birds, I: p 433
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Switsur, VR & West, RG (1973) University of Cambridge. Radiocarbon measurements, XII. Radiocarbon, 15: (3), pp 534 544
Warburg, EF (1964) New vice county records (Musci). Transactions of the British Bryological Society, 4: p 72",,,
7000126,UK13011,Dornoch Firth and Loch Fleet,Classified/designatd,S,7836.6,,Highland,24/03/1997,57 51 00 N,04 02 30 W,275800,885900,NH788863,-1,10,1,"A large area covering the two northernmost estuaries in the Moray Basin ecosystem. The Dornoch Firth is one of the best examples in north-west Europe of a large complex estuary which has been relatively unaffected by industrial development, whilst Loch Fleet is an example of a shallow, bar-built estuary. Extensive sandflats and mudflats are backed by saltmarsh and sand dunes with transitions to dune heath, grassland and alder $Alnus glutinosa$ woodland. The tidal flats support internationally important numbers of waterfowl in winter and are the most northerly and substantial extent of intertidal habitat for wintering waterfowl in Britain, as well as Europe. The sand dune, saltmarsh and estuary habitats are of international importance for their flora and geomorphology.","Ramsar criterion 1
The site supports a variety of wetland features. Mound Alderwoods at the head of Loch Fleet is the largest estuarine alder $Alnus glutinosa$ wood in Britain. The Dornoch Firth is a particularly good example of an east coast firth, little affected by industrial development. Morrich More is one of the most outstanding coastal dune sites in Britain. It is especially noteworthy for the development of an extensive low-level sandy plain on which a set of parabolic dunes are superimposed.
Ramsar criterion 2
The site supports nationally-scarce aquatic plants and British Red Data Book invertebrates.","Nearest town/city: Inverness
The site lies 40 km north-east of Inverness on the north-east coast of Scotland.","The Dornoch Firth and Loch Fleet contain extensive mud- and sandflats which support a rich marine invertebrate fauna and sizeable beds of $Zostera$ and $Enteromorpha$. The tidal flats are bordered by foredunes and saltmarsh which grade into fixed dune, dune grassland and, dune heath further inland. The saltmarsh and brackish pools at Morrich More form the best example of this habitat in the north of Scotland. Dornoch Links and the Morrich More both have extensive examples of transitions from saltmarsh to dune and from fixed dune to dune heath. There is a very rare form of lichen heath on mixed sand and shingle at Cuthill Links with further areas of lichen-rich and moss-rich heath at Morrich More, Dornoch Links and Ferry Links.
Backing onto Loch Fleet are the Mound Alderwoods which form the largest estuarine alderwood in Great Britain. This was established when the inner part of Loch Fleet was enclosed from the sea by the building of the Mound embankment in 1816. Behind the embankment there is a transition from brackish lagoon, through saltmarsh to alderwood. The wetter areas support alder-swamp with areas of open fen. At Tarbat Ness the rocky shore is backed by species rich maritime heath and salt spray communities.","Assemblage.
The site is internationally important because it contains the following Habitats Directive Annex I features:
H1110 Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time
H1130 Estuaries
H1140 Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide
H1310 Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand
H1330 Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae)
H2110 Embryonic shifting dunes
H2120 Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (“white dunes”)
H2130 Fixed dunes with herbaceous vegetation (“grey dunes”)
H2140 Decalcified fixed dunes with Empetrum nigrum
H2150 Atlantic decalcified fixed dunes (Calluno-Ulicetea)
H2190 Humid dune slacks
H2250 Coastal dunes with Juniperus spp.
H91E0 Alluvial forests with $Alnus glutinosa$ and $Fraxinus excelsior$ ($Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae$).
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Carex maritima, Centaurium littorale, Juncus balticus, Zostera angustifolia, Zostera noltei$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Mammals.
$Lutra lutra, Phoca vitulina$ (Habitats Directive Annex II species)
Invertebrates.
$Callicera rufa, Grzegorzekia collaris, Dicanthous (Harminius) undulatus, Saldula opacula$.","Contemporary.
Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
A long-term bird-ringing study by Highland Ringing Group, part-funded by Scottish Natural Heritage, has targeted the commoner wading birds wintering in the Moray Basin, and more recently, Anser anser.
Completed.
Environment, Flora and Fauna.
A full baseline survey of the marine environment, flora and fauna of the Dornoch Firth was carried out in 1996.
Flora.
The sand dune and saltmarsh vegetation of the site has been surveyed to National Vegetation Classification (NVC) standard.
The effects of the pipeline fabrication facility on the plant communities of Morrich More are monitored on an annual basis.
Fauna.
Entomological records are detailed for parts of the site and less detailed for other parts.","Some of the site is well provided with fixed interpretation panels at all the main public access points around the site.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust warden and Highland Council ranger service also lead guided walks in the less sensitive parts of the site, mainly during the summer months.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Land-based recreation:
Walking, including dog walking, bathing and beach recreation is concentrated on the sandy beaches on the outer parts of the estuary and nearby areas such as Ferry Links and Dornoch Links. Birdwatchers tend to go where there is easy public access or the site can be viewed from the road. The golf course at Cuthill Links encroaches on part of the dune lichen heath. Mainly April to September.
Water based recreation:
Power boating, water-skiing, jet-skiing, wind-surfing, canoeing and angling are still relatively uncommon but are becoming more frequent as the participants become more local. Mainly April to September
Airborne recreation: Overflying by light aircraft and radio-controlled model aircraft causes a minor amount of disturbance to waterfowl in the vicinity of the Dornoch aerodrome. All year.
Wildfowling and hunting:
Game shooting in Mound Alderwoods. Wildfowling mainly controlled by private agreement with estates apart from Dornoch Firth where wildfowling is open to the public between Inver Bay and Edderton Sands.
Season: 1 September to 20 February inclusive.
There are caravan parks adjacent to the site at Dornoch and Meikle Ferry and several non-marina moorings throughout the site. There has been a proposal for a marina in recent years. Used mainly: April to Sept.
Between 10,000 and 20, 000 tourists are estimated to visit different parts of this large site annually.","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1996) Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. Region 3. North-east Scotland: Cape Wrath to St Cyrus. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coastal Directories Series)
Batten, LA, Bibby, CJ, Clement, P, Elliot, GD & Porter, RF (1990) Red Data Birds in Britain. Action for rare, threatened and important species. Poyser, London, for Nature Conservancy Council and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Bennett, TL & McLeod, CR (1998) Chapter 4. East Scotland (Duncansby Head to Dunbar) (MNCR Sector 4). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 123-154. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 4. North and east Scotland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Church, JM, Coppins, BJ, Gilbert, OL, James, PW & Stewart NF (eds.) (1996) Red Data Books of Britain and Ireland: lichens. Volume 1: Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Cohen, S (1997) Tarbat Ness Site of Special Scientific Interest, 5 Year Management Statement. 1997/8–2001/2. Scottish Natural Heritage, Dingwall
Covey, R, Fortune, F, Nichols, DM & Thorpe, K (1998) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sectors 3, 4, 13 & 15. Lagoons in mainland Scotland and the Inner Hebrides: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Dargie, TCD (1988) Morrich More S.S.S.I. Vegetation Survey 1988. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Dargie, TCD (1994) Sand Dune Vegetation Survey of Scotland: Dornoch (Meikle Ferry to Embo Pier). Draft Report. Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh
Dean, BJ, Webb, A, McSorley, CA & Reid, JB (2003) Aerial surveys of UK inshore areas for wintering seaduck, divers and grebes: 2000/01 and 2001/02. JNCC Report, No. 333. www.jncc.gov.uk/page-2346
Dean, BJ, Webb, A, McSorley, CA & Reid, JB (2004) Surveillance of wintering seaduck, divers and grebes in UK inshore areas: aerial surveys 2002/03. JNCC Report, No. 345
Dean, BJ, Webb, A, McSorley, CA, Schofield, RA & Reid, JB (2004) Surveillance of wintering seaducks, divers and grebes in UK inshore areas: aerial surveys and shore-based counts 2003/04. JNCC Report, No. 357
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Gubbay, S (1988). A Coastal Directory for Marine Nature Conservation. Marine Conservation Society, Ross-on-Wye
Harding-Hill, R (1993) The Moray Firth review. Scottish Natural Heritage, North-West Region, Inverness
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (1996) Guidelines for selection of biological SSSIs. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/Publications/sssi/default.htm
May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Omand, D (1982) The Sutherland book. Northern Times, Golspie
Ralph, R (ed.) (1986) The marine environment of the Moray Firth. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Series B: Biological Sciences, 91
Ramsay, DL & Brampton, AH (2000) Coastal cells in Scotland: Cell 3 – Cairnbulg Point to Duncansby Head. Scottish Natural Heritage Research Survey and Monitoring Report, No. 145
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Scottish Natural Heritage (nd) Dornoch Firth and Morrich More. 'Shifting sands and swirling flocks'. Scottish Natural Heritage, Dingwall (leaflet)
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Stewart, NF (2004) Important stonewort areas. An assessment of the best areas for stoneworts in the United Kingdom. Plantlife International, Salisbury
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Symonds, FL & Cohen, S (1997) Dornoch Firth Site of Special Scientific Interest, 5 year Management Statement. 1997/8–2001/2. In prep. Scottish Natural Heritage, Golspie
Symonds, FL (1996) Mound Alderwoods National Nature Reserve, 5 year Management Plan 1996/7–2000/1. Unpublished. Scottish Natural Heritage, Golspie
Symonds, FL (1997). Loch Fleet Site of Special Scientific Interest, 5 year Management Statement. 1997/8–2001/2. Unpublished. Scottish Natural Heritage, Golspie
Waters, JR & Cranswick, PA (1993) The Wetland Bird Survey 1992-1993. Wildfowl and wader counts. BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Slimbridge
Wortham, P (1997). Morrich More Site of Special Scientific Interest, 5 year Management Statement. 1997/8–2001/2. Unpublished. Scottish Natural Heritage, Dingwall",,,
7000138,UK11021,Dorset Heathlands,Classified/designatd,E,6730.15,,Dorset,01/10/1998,50 39 00N,02 09 33W,388688,83547,SY887834,1,72,27,"Extensive and fragmented, these heathland areas are centred around the estuary of Poole Harbour and are adjacent to the urban conurbation of Bournemouth and Poole. The heathland contains numerous examples of wet heath and acid valley mire, habitats that are restricted to the Atlantic fringe of Europe. These heath wetlands are among the best of their type in lowland Britain. There are also transitions to coastal wetland and fen habitat types. The wetland flora and fauna includes a large assemblage of nationally rare and scarce species, especially invertebrates.
","Ramsar criterion 1
Contains particularly good examples of (i) northern Atlantic wet heaths with cross-leaved heath $Erica tetralix$ and (ii) acid mire with $Rhynchosporion$.
Contains largest example in Britain of southern Atlantic wet heaths with Dorset heath $Erica ciliaris$ and cross-leaved heath $Erica tetralix$.
Ramsar criterion 2
Supports 1 nationally rare and 13 nationally scarce wetland plant species, and at least 28 nationally rare wetland invertebrate species.
Ramsar criterion 3
Has a high species richness and high ecological diversity of wetland habitat types and transitions, and lies in one of the most biologically-rich wetland areas of lowland Britain, being continuous with three other Ramsar sites: Poole Harbour, Avon Valley and The New Forest.","Nearest town/city: Poole
Dorset Heathlands lies adjacent to the coast of central southern England
","This site contains large areas of dry heath, wet heath and valley mire, and these often occur together in mosaics and zonations of heathland vegetation. Typically the wet heath occupies areas of impeded drainage on the lower valley sides and less steeply-sloping ground. The vegetation is mostly of the $Erica tetralix$ -$Sphagnum compactum$ type, locally characterised by $Drosera$ spp. and $Rhynchospora$ spp. In almost all instances the wet heath gives way to base-poor, acid mire vegetation in the valley bottoms. The mires are commonly dominated by $Molinia caerulea$, with scattered areas of the more floristically rich $Rhynchospora alba$ habitat
South of Poole Harbour $Erica tetralix$ is joined by $Erica ciliaris$, which occurs extensively and often in abundance, growing on moist soils ranging from wet heath to mire situations. Outlying stands of $Erica ciliaris$ occur towards the north and west of the site.
In places conditions are influenced by sources of base-enriched water, giving rise to rich fens. Several types of vegetation occur, and these include valley mire communities characterised by $Schoenus nigricans$ and, where there is livestock grazing, flood plain fen and fen-meadow characterised by $Carex rostrata$ or $Molinia caerulea - Cirsium dissectum$ vegetation. Adjacent to Poole Harbour there is $Cladium mariscus$ fen and transitions to intertidal areas of $Phragmites australis$ swamp.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Erica ciliaris, Cicendia filiformis, Gentiana pneumonanthe, Hammarbya paludosa, Illecebrum verticillatum, Rhynchospora fusca, Deschampsia setacea, Elatine hexandra, Isoetes echinospora, Pilularia globulifera, Lycopodiella inundata$.
Lower Plants.
$Sphagnum pulchrum, Sphagnum recurvum var amblyphyllum, Cladopodiella francisci$.","Species occurring at levels of international importance.
Invertebrates.
$Coenagrion mercuriale$.
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Bidessus unistiatus, Buckleria paludum, Chrysops sepulchralis, Crambus silvella, Cryptocephalus biguttatus, Cyclophora pendularia, Donacia bicolora, Eristalis cryptarum, Formica candida $(=$transkaucasia$), $Graphoderus cinereus, Graptodytes flavipes, Heliothis maritima, Hydroporus cantabricus, Libellula fulva, Longitarsus nigerrimus, Nabis brevis, Pachybrachius luridus, Parhelophilus consimilis, Phragmataecia castaneae, Plecocera tricincta, Sphaerophoria loewi, Stenoptilia graphodactyla, Stenus kiesenwetteri, Stethophyma grossum, Tipula marginata, Zora armillata, Sedina buettneri$.","Contemporary.
Habitat.
Condition monitoring from ground; regular aerial photography; periodic review of extent and distribution from ground survey.
Fauna.
Surveys of heath areas for rare and scarce species, especially invertebrates.
Flora.
Monitoring response of vegetation composition to management, especially scrub clearance and extensive livestock grazing.
Habitat re-creation, monitoring colonisation by heath vegetation on land converted from forestry and agriculture.
Miscellaneous.
There are two research stations bordering the site (Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and Freshwater Biological Association).
Completed.
Habitat.
Historical changes in extent (Moore 1962; Webb 1990); vegetation types and distribution in the site (Cox 1994).
Flora.
Individual species: plants. Historical changes in occurrence (Byfield & Pearman 1996); occurrence of rare and scarce species in the site (Edwards 1997; Chapman,1975; Cox,1994; Hill & Edwards 2003; Edwards & Pearman 2004).
Fauna.
Individual species: invertebrates. Survey of $Coenagrion mercuriale$ sites (Winsland 1994; Brash 2001a, 2001b); ecology and habitat requirements of $C. mercuriale$ (Purse 2002); occurrence of rare species in the site (Cox 1994; Booth 1998; North 1998; Warne 2001); ecology and habitat requirements of rare species in the site (North 2000; Cheeseman $et al$. 2001).
Habitat.
Habitat fragmentation. Effects on vegetational diversity and invertebrate fauna (Webb 1989; Webb & Rose 1994; Webb & Vermaat 1990).
Habitat conditions. Environmental and management characteristics of wet heath and mire (Shaw & Wheeler 1990); acidification (Bisset & Farmer 1993); bog pool acidity and nutrient status (Schwagerl 1996); wildfires (Bibby 1976; Bullock & Webb 1995; Webb 1997; Kirby & Tantrum 1999).
Habitat re-creation. Identification of areas of greatest potential and ecological benefit (Rose & Webb 1995; Veitch $et al$. 1994).
Misellaneous.
Public attitudes. Attitudes of people to heathland (English Nature 1998).","$Visitor attractions:$ Two visitor centres serve the heaths close to the urban area and a third is planned. Conservation organisations and local authority countryside services offer a well publicised programme of events throughout the year, including guided walks, nature identification and management tasks. In summer there is a 'heathland week' with special events such as a heathland fair and traditional craft demonstrations.
$Formal Education:$ Local authorities and several schools regularly use their local heaths for wildlife and cultural education. A computer programme on local heathland ecology has been developed by and for infant schools. There are three field study centres near the site offering educational courses. The heaths attract many project assignments from schools and further education students.
$Interpretation:$ Large parts of the site are well provided with signs and, in places, interpretation panels. There are also many nature reserve leaflets, some self guided trail leaflets and booklets on the heathland.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Land-based recreation:
Walking, dog -walking, horse riding, birdwatching, jogging and child play occurs on many parts of the site throughout the year. Locally on some heaths, mainly those in and near the urban area, the level of use is high and can have detrimental effects on habitats and species. There is an ongoing programme of managing these recreational pressures through management plans and educational work implemented by nature conservation organisations and local authority countryside services, in particular through funding under the European Commission LIFE programme.
The urban fringe heaths attract unauthorised motor bike and mountain bike scrambling throughout the year. An ongoing programme of access control, police action and wardening has reduced motor bike scrambling to a few remaining localities and is continuing to target regular problem localities for mountain bike scrambling.
There are several caravan and camping sites adjacent to parts of the heathland, used mainly during summer. The disposal of waste water from some sites may be a source of poor water quality locally and consents for these discharges are to be reviewed by the Environment Agency.
At Studland very large numbers of visitors are attracted to the beach and dunes, especially during high summer. Wetland behind the coast is little impacted.","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1998) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 9 Southern England: Hayling Island to Lyme Regis. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Bibby, C (1976) Legacy of Britain's summer. New Scientist, 72(1021) 8-9
Bisset, K & Farmer, A (1993) SSSI's in England at risk from acid rain. English Nature Science, No. 15, English Nature, Peterborough
Booth, RG (1998) The bladderwort flea beetle Longitarsus nigerrimus in Britain, 1998. English Nature, Peterborough (Species Recovery Programme Report)
Brash, P (2001a) Southern damselflies Coenagrion mercuriale, a survey of historical sites in Dorset. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Wareham (Dorset Heathland Project Report)
Brash, P (2001b) Southern damselflies Coenagrion mercuriale at Povington, Creech and Blue Pool in 2001. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Wareham (Dorset Heathland Project Report)
Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Bristow, CR, Freshney, EC & Penn, IE (eds.) (1991) Geology of the country around Bournemouth. HMSO, London
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 6. Southern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Bullock, J.M & Webb, N.R (1995) Responses to severe fires in heathland mosaics in southern England. Biological conservation, 73, 207-214
Byfield, A., Cox, J & Pearman, D (1995) A future for Dorset's heathland flora. RSPB Report
Byfield, A & Pearman, D (1995) Dorset's disappearing heathland flora: a case for reinstating grazing. RSPB Conservation Review, 9, 84-89
Byfield, A & Pearman, D (1996) Dorset's disappearing heathland flora: changes in the distribution of Dorset's rarer heathland species 1931 to 1993. Plantlife & Royal Society for the Protection of Birds report
Chapman, S.B (1975) The distribution and composition of hybrid populations of Erica ciliaris L. and Erica tetralix L. in Dorset. Journal of Ecology, 63, 809-824
Chapman, S.B., Clarke, R.T., Webb, N.R (1989) Survey and assessment of heathland in Dorset. Biological conservation, 47, 137-152
Cheeseman, OD, Pinchen, BJ & Edwards, B (2001) Large marsh grasshopper (Stethophyma grossum) 2000/2001 Report. English Nature, Peterborough (Species Recovery Programme Report)
Cox, J (1994) An appraisal of the proposed Dorset Heathlands Ramsar site. English Nature report, Dorset
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Dorset Heathland Forum (1990) Dorset Heathland Strategy. Dorset County Council, Dorchester
Edwards, B (1997) Bryophyte survey of the Poole Basin mires. English Nature & Dorset Environmental Records Centre report
Edwards, B & Pearman, D (2004) Dorset Rare Plant Register: An account of the rare, scarce and declining plants of Dorset. Dorset Environmental Records Centre, Dorchester
English Nature (1994) Wildlife Enhancement Scheme for the Dorset Heathlands. English Nature, Dorset
English Nature (1998) Repeat attitude survey of the value of heathlands. English Nature, Peterborough
English Nature & Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (1995) The lowland heathland inventory.
Evans, A, Painter, M, Wynde, R & Michael, N (1994) An inventory of lowland heathland: a foundation for an effective conservation strategy. RSPB Conservation Review, 8:24-30
Farrell, L (1993) Lowland heathland: the extent of habitat change, English Nature Science, No. 12,
Haskins, L (1978) The vegetational history of south-east Dorset. Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, University of Southampton
Haskins, L (2000) Heathlands in an urban setting – effects of urban development on heathlands of south-east Dorset. British Wildlife, 11(4), 229-237
Hill, MO & Edwards, E (2003) Mosses and liverworts of Dorset. Dorset Environmental; Records Centre, Dorchester
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (1994) Dorset heathland SSSIs: Invertebrate Site Register. Site reports.
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (1995) List of possible Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. British Wildlife 6, 286-297
Kirby, JS & Tantrum, DAS (1999) Monitoring heathland fires in Dorset: Phase 1. Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, Wildlife and Countryside Directorate
Marrs, RH (1988) Vegetation change on lowland heaths and its relevance for conservation management. Journal of Environmental Management, 26, 127-149
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Moore, NW (1962) The heaths of Dorset and their conservation. Journal of Ecology, 50, 369-391
North, RD (1998) Black bog ant (Formica candida). English Nature, Peterborough (Species Recovery Programme Report)
North, RD (2000) Distribution and autecology of the black bog ant: effect of grazing and hydrological requirements of populations, year 1. English Nature, Peterborough (Species Recovery Programme Report)
Purse, B (2002) The ecology and conservation of the southern damselfly (Coenagrion mercuriale – Charpentier) in Britain. Environment Agency, Bristol (R&D Technical Report W1-021/TR)
Radley, GP (1990) Sand dune survey of Great Britain. Site report No. 84. Studland, 1990. Nature Conservancy Council, CSD Report, No. 1131
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Rodwell, JS (ed.) (1991) British plant communities. Volume 2. Heaths and mires. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
Rose, R.J & Webb, N.R (1995) Heathland re-creation plan for Dorset. English Nature Report
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (1988) Lowland heathland: a habitat under threat: a background paper. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy
Schwagerl, C (1996) Influence of acidity and nutrient status on plant diversity in bog pools of the Dorset Heathlands. Unpublished M.Sc dissertation, University of Reading
Shaw, SC & Wheeler, BD (1990) Comparative survey of habitat conditions and management characteristics of herbaceous poor-fen vegetation types. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Contract Survey, No. 129)
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Stewart, A, Pearman, DA & Preston, CD (eds.) (1994) Scarce plants in Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Volume 3: Site accounts. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Veitch, N, Parr, TW & Webb, NR (1994) Lowland heathland re-creation in Dorset: a pilot project for the rest of England: final report. English Nature report
Warne, AC (2001) Survey of Donacia bicolora in the Bourne Valley SSSI, Dorset. English Nature, Dorset
Webb, NR (1982) Fragmentation of heaths and invertebrates. Nature Conservancy Council, CST Report, No. 376
Webb, NR (1986) Heathlands. Collins, London (New Naturalist, No. 72)
Webb, NR (1989) Studies on the invertebrate fauna of fragmented heathland in Dorset, UK, and the implications for conservation. Biological conservation, 47, 153-165
Webb, NR (1990) Changes in vegetational diversity on remnant heathland fragments. Biological conservation, 53, 253-264
Webb, NR (1990) Changes on the heathlands of Dorset, England, between 1978 and 1987. Biological conservation, 51, 273-286
Webb, NR (1997) Effects of fires on heathland communities: experiences from southern England. In: Feuereinsatz im Naturschutz, NNA-Berichte, 10(5), 134-141
Webb, NR & Haskins, LE (1980) An ecological survey of the heathlands in the Poole basin, Dorset, England in 1978. Biological conservation, 17, 281-296
Webb, NR & Rose, RJ (1994) Habitat fragmentation and heathland species. English Nature Research Report, No. 95
Webb, NR & Vermaat, AH (1990) Changes in vegetational diversity on remnant heathland fragments. Biological conservation, 53, 253-264
Wiggington, M (1999) British Red Data Books. 1. Vascular plants. 3rd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Winsland, D (1994) Report on six Dorset heathland sites for Coenagrion mercuriale. English Nature Research Reports, No. 133
Woodrow, W, Symes, N, Auld, M & Cadbury, J (1996) Restoring Dorset's heathland: the RSPB Dorset heathland project. RSPB Conservation Review, 10, 69-81",,,
7000136,UK11022,Duddon Estuary,Classified/designatd,E,6806.3,,Cumbria,16/03/1998,54 10 39 N,03 15 24 W,317990,476500,SD180765,-2,16,0,"Duddon Estuary is formed by the River Duddon and the smaller Kirkby Pool opening into the Irish Sea in south-western Cumbria. Most of the site consists of intertidal sand and mudflats, important for large numbers of wintering and passage waterfowl. A range of grazed and ungrazed saltmarsh habitats occur around the edge of the estuary, especially the sheltered inner section. The site is the most important in Cumbria for sand-dune communities including large areas of calcareous dunes at Sandscale and Haverigg Haws and contrasting acid dunes on North Walney. Artificial habitats include slag banks and a flooded mine working known as Hodbarrow Lagoon, the largest coastal lagoon in north-west England.","Ramsar criterion 2
Supports nationally important numbers of the rare natterjack toad $Bufo calamita$, near the north-western edge of its range (an estimated 18-24% of the British population). Supports a rich assemblage of wetland plants and invertebrates - at least one nationally scarce plant and at least two British Red Data Book invertebrates.
Ramsar criterion 4
The site supports nationally important numbers of waterfowl during spring and autumn passage.","Nearest town/city: Barrow-in-Furness
Duddon Estuary is situated in north-west England to the north-west of Morecambe Bay and to the north of Barrow-in Furness.
","The majority of the site consists of intertidal sand and mudflats. These support invertebrate populations important for the large numbers of overwintering wildfowl and waders on the site. The mouth of the estuary forms an extensive flat sandplain, with highly mobile sands dissected by constantly-changing tidal channels. More sheltered areas in the inner part of the estuary are composed of finer sands and soft mud.
Extensive areas of saltmarsh occur around the outer edge of the site, especially in the more sheltered inner third of the estuary and around North Walney. There is considerable variation in the saltmarsh communities depending mainly on the intensity of grazing and degree of saltwater inundation. Pioneer saltmarsh occurs at the seaward edge of the marsh, with species such as $Salicornia europaea, Suaeda maritima$ and $Spartina anglica$. The mid-marsh is dominated by species such as $Puccinellia maritima, Festuca rubra$ and $Armeria maritima$. $Juncus maritimus$ is frequent at the landward side of the marsh. Ungrazed saltmarsh on the east side of North Walney is richer in plant and invertebrate species and is dominated by $Limonium vulgare$ and $Atriplex portulacoides$.
The estuary is one of the most important sites in Cumbria for sand dune communities, including areas of calcareous dunes at Sandscale and Haverigg Haws, and contrasting acid dunes at North Walney. A full range of dune types is present, from fore-dunes based on highly mobile sand dominated by $Ammophila arenaria$, to more fixed yellow and grey dunes and dune grasslands. The calcareous nature of the sand has given rise to a very diverse flora with species such as $Viola tricolor, Thymus praecox, Galium verum$ and the local $Vulpia membranacea$. On each of the main dune systems there are areas of dune heath, a rare habitat, with $Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, E. tetralix$ and a mosaic of mosses and lichens. The dune slacks support a diverse flora including $Centaurium littorale, Epipactis palustris, Corallorhiza trifida$. The wetter slacks are important for natterjack toads.
The strandline communities at North Walney and Haverigg Haws support nationally rare shingle vegetation including species such as $Honkenya peploides, Cakile maritima, Crambe maritima$.
There are a variety of artificial habitats within the site, including slag banks at Askam Pier and Borwick Rails, which have developed a calcareous flora and are used by breeding terns. Hodbarrow lagoon, a flooded mine working, is used as a roost for wildfowl and for breeding birds. Associated habitats include carr, shingle beach, brackish pools and coastal grassland.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Epipactis dunensis, Limonium humile, Centaurium littorale, Pyrola rotundifolia, Equisetum variegatum, Corallorhiza trifida, Coincya monensis$ ssp. $monensis$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Mammals.
$Lutra lutra$.
Amphibians.
$Bufo calamita$.
Invertebrates.
$Colletes cunicularius, Psen littoralis, Hypocaccus rugiceps$.","Contemporary.
Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Breeding birds: Site managers for the NNR, NT, RSPB reserves carry out monitoring.
Breeding natterjack $Bufo calamita$: Site managers and volunteers carry out monitoring of the breeding success of natterjacks annually.
Habitat.
Marine survey work currently underway for the marine habitats included within the Morecambe Bay candidate SAC.
Flora.
Scarce plants: Monitored by site managers on the reserves.
Completed.
Flora.
Vegetation: Sand dunes have been surveyed to NVC standard. Saltmarshes have been surveyed but not to NVC standard.
Fauna.
Invertebrates (terrestrial): Entomological records are detailed for parts of the site (Sandscale and North Walney) and less detailed for others.","$Existing Programmes$: The National Trust, RSPB and English Nature wardens lead guided walks onto their respective sites (Sandscale, Hodbarrow, North Walney).
$Interpretation facilities$: The site is provided with fixed interpretation panels at Sandscale (NT) and North Walney NNR. Wardens also lead school visits.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Land-based recreation:
Walking, including dog-walking, bathing and beach recreation occurs throughout the site but particulary adjacent to the urban areas of Barrow-in-Furness, Askam, Millom and Haverigg. There is unauthorised mountain bicycle and motorbike access to some of the sand dune areas but particularly North Walney. Birdwatchers visit the site but mainly go to the nature reserves and where there is easy access. Adjacent to the SSSI at Barrow, derelict land is being developed for amenity. Most of the golf course at Dunnerholme near Askam is included within the site. All year.
Water-based recreation:
A water-skiing development occupies part of Hodbarrow Lagoon. Its operations are controlled. Otherwise power-boating, waterskiing, jet-skiing, wind surfing and canoeing are still relatively uncommon. There are several angling clubs activities in the estuary, mainly April to September.
Airborne recreation
There is a small airstrip used by light aircraft and commercial flights (BAE) adjacent to North Walney. At present usage (low) disturbance to waterfowl does not appear to be a problem. All year.
Wildfowling
Wildfowling is controlled by private agreement with estates and private owners. Clubs operate under strict rules.
Infrastructure developments
There are a number of caravan sites adjacent to the site at Haverigg and Askam and several non-marina moorings throughout the site, used mainly April to September.","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1996) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 13. Northern Irish Sea: Colwyn Bay to Stranraer, including the Isle of Man. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 3. North-west Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Covey, R (1998) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 11. Liverpool Bay and the Solway Firth: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Duddon Estuary Partnership (1994) The Duddon estuary – a partnership for progress: technical report. Duddon Estuary Partnership [includes extensive bibliography]
Duddon Estuary Partnership (nd) The Duddon estuary. Duddon Estuary Partnership. www.duddon-estuary.org.uk/pdf/DuddonEstuary_Booklet.pdf
Gray, LC (1980) Environmental bibliography of north-west England (vice-counties 59, 60, 69 and 70) 1850–1979. University of Lancaster Library, Lancaster (Library Occasional Paper, No. 10)
Jones, PD & Chambers, RG (eds.) (1997) The Solway and Cumbrian coasts. A volume based on a local meeting of the Estuarine and Coastal Sciences Association, Penrith, UK, April 1993. Coastal Zone Topics: Process, Ecology & Management, 2
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Mills, DJL (1998) Chapter 11. Liverpool Bay to the Solway (Rhôs-on-Sea to the Mull of Galloway) (MNCR Sector 11). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 315-338. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Taylor, PM & Parker, JG (eds.) (1993) The coast of north Wales & north west England. An environmental appraisal. Hamilton Oil Company Ltd., London
Weighell, AJ, Donnelly, AP & Calder, K (eds.) (2000) Directory of the Celtic coasts and seas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",,,
7000130,UK13013,East Sanday Coast,Classified/designatd,S,1514.88,,Orkney Islands,11/08/1997,59 16 00 N,02 34 00 W,376590,1045100,HY677423,-1,3,0,"A 55 km stretch of coast on the island of Sanday, Orkney. The coastline consists of rocky and sandy sections and is notable for its presence of sand dune and machair habitats, rare outside the Hebrides, as well as extensive intertidal flats and saltmarsh. The site is further characterised by a series of tombolos, bars, spits and shingle ridges. The coastline supports internationally important populations of wintering waders.","
","Nearest town/city: Kirkwall
The site lies on the island of Sanday, Orkney, in the north of Scotland.","The majority of the East Sanday Coast site is intertidal and is composed of alternating stretches of Old Red Sandstone (typically covered in fucoid algae) and areas where the bedrock is covered with shingle, mud or sand. There are good examples of storm beaches at Tofts Ness and Whitemill Bay, while extensive intertidal sandy and muddy areas are present at Otterswick, Cata Sand and Little Sea, and long sandy beaches at Bay of Sandquoy, Scuthvie Bay and Bay of Lopness. Start Point is a tidal island.
The terrestrial vegetation shows heavy marine and blown sand influences. The most frequent communities found are rank, species-poor dune grassland and coastal grassland, both dominated by red fescue $Festuca rubra$. Smaller areas of wet dwarf shrub heath, marshy grassland, saltmarsh, machair and open dune communities are also present, and there is good development of strandline vegetation in many areas. Several notable plant species occur on the site.","Assemblage
This site is internationally important because it supports the following Habitats Directive Annex I feature:
H1140 Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Rorippa islandica, Mertensia maritima, Carex maritima$","Species occurring at levels of international importance.
Mammals.
S1365 Phoca vitulina Common seal (Habitats Directive Annex II species)","Completed.
Waders: Winter wader surveys: 1993 and 1994.
Common seals: Breeding survey: July 1998.",None reported,None reported,"Anderson, GI (1993) Survey of winter shorebirds on selected Orkney coastline. Report to Scottish Natural Heritage, NE/92/215
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1997) Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. Region 2. Orkney. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coastal Directories Series)
Bennett, TL & Covey, R (1998) Chapter 2. Orkney (MNCR Sector 2). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 109-116. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Berry, RJ (1985) The natural history of Orkney. Collins, London (New Naturalist No. 70)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 4. North and east Scotland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Gray, M & Bainbridge I (1994) Orkney winter shorebird counts. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Edinburgh
Jones, AM (ed.) (1985) The marine biology of the Orkney Islands. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Series B: Biological Sciences, 87(1/2)
May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Murray, E, Dalkin, MJ, Fortune, F & Begg, K (1999) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 2. Orkney: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Prys-Jones, RP, Corse, CJ & Summers, RW (1992) The role of the Orkney Islands as a spring staging post for turnstones Arenaria interpres. Ringing & Migration, 13, 83-89
Ramsay, DL & Brampton, AH (2000) Coastal cells in Scotland: Cell 10 – Orkney. Scottish Natural Heritage Research Survey and Monitoring Report, No. 151
Robinson-Dean, J (2004) East Sanday Coast Special Protection Area: wintering and passage waders – October 2003 – June 2004. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report, No. 082 (ROAME No. F03LA07)
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Summers, RW, Corse, CJ, Martin, MWA & Meek, ER (1991) Shore-bird populations on the Orkney coastline in winter. Scottish Birds, 16, 90-105
Thorpe, K (1998) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sectors 1 & 2. Lagoons in Shetland and Orkney: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)",,,
7000044,UK13014,"Eilean na Muice Duibhe (Duich Moss), Islay",Classified/designatd,S,576.42,,Argyll and Bute,14/07/1988,55 43 20 N,06 15 20 W,132849,655831,NR328558,23,42,31,"The site is the south-western extremity of patterned mire in Britain. The site has a wide range of physical features in its hummocks, ridges and deep watershed pools and includes an unusual transition from blanket bog to raised mire habitats. Additionally, the site provides a roost for a population of Greenland white-fronted geese $Anser albifrons flavirostris$.","Ramsar criterion1
This site represents the largest area of patterned mire at its south-western extremity in Britain. The range of patterns, including hummocks, ridges, hollows and deep watershed pools not only provides the required conditions for the Greenland White-fronted Goose, but also characterises the site as highly oceanic mire. The site is particularly unusual in representing a transitional mire type, combining both blanket mire and raised mire elements. As such, its nearest equivalent is the Silver Flowe Ramsar site, in Galloway. However, Eilean na Muice Duibhe is the only transitional mire known to support the extreme oceanic features of watershed pools; all other known examples of true blanket mire occur at higher latitudes.","Nearest town/city: Bowmore
4 km south of Bowmore on the island of Islay, in the distict of Argyll and Bute","The site contains habitats with elements of both blanket bog and raised mire, containing a well developed pool system and surface patterning. These pool systems are associated with extensive $Sphagna$ carpets. The blanket mire away from the pool system is typified by both the $Scirpus cespitosus-Eriophorum vaginatum$ community (M17a) and M18a, $Erica tetralix-Sphagnum papillosum$. Drier areas are often dominated by $Molinia caerulea$. The bog is an important roosting area for Greenland white-fronted geese $Anser albifrons flavirostris$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Equisetum pratense$
Lower Plants.
$Sphagnum flexuosa$",None reported,"Environment.
Bragg O (1992) Ecohydrological observations at Duich Moss. Unpublished report to SNH/CEC
Hawker, D (1994) Duich Moss NVC Survey. Unpublished report to SNH.
Rotheroe, G (1991) The bryophyte flora of Duich Moss. Unpublished report to SNH.",None reported,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
No significant regular use for recreation or tourism.
","Bignal, E, Curtis, D & Matthews J (1988) Islay: Land types, bird habitats and nature conservation. Part 1. Land types and birds on Islay. NCC CSD Report, No. 809
Boyd, JM & Bowes, DR (eds.) (1983) The natural environment of the Inner Hebrides. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Series B: Biological Sciences, 83
Boyd, JM & Boyd, IL (1990) The Hebrides. A natural history. Collins, London (New Naturalist No. 76)
Bragg, O (1992) Ecohydrological observations at Duich Moss. Unpublished report to Scottish Natural Heritage/CEC
Hawker, D (1994) Duich Moss NVC survey. Unpublished report to Scottish Natural Heritage
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Nature Conservancy Council (nd) Nature conservation importance of Duich Moss. Unpublished report to CEC
Rotheroe, G (1991) The bryophyte flora of Duich Moss. Unpublished report to Scottish Natural Heritage
Pritchard, DE, Housden, SD, Mudge, GP, Galbraith, CA & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy
Scottish Natural Heritage (1995) Duich Moss NNR – First Site Management Plan. Scottish Natural Heritage
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",,,
7000056,UK11024,Esthwaite Water,Classified/designatd,E,137.4,,Cumbria,07/11/1991,54 21 37 N,02 59 06 W,335984.1,496569.8,SD360965,68,68,68,"Esthwaite Water is a natural lake set in a glacial valley. It is the most productive of the large lakes in the Lake District and is one of the best examples in England and Wales of a mesotrophic system. At the northern end of the lake is a well-developed hydrosere, famous for long-term studies on plant community succession.","Ramsar criterion 1
Esthwaite Water is a particularly good example of a mesotrophic lake, with a well developed hydrosere at the northern end.
Ramsar criterion 2
The lake supports a rich assemblage of pondweed species and is the only known locality in England and Wales for slender naiad $Najas flexilis$. The diverse aquatic invertebrate fauna includes a number of species with restricted distributions in Britain.","Nearest town/city: Kendal
Esthwaite Water is situated in the southern part of the Lake District between Lake Windermere and Coniston Water, 8 km south-west of Ambleside.","Esthwaite Water supports an aquatic flora of pondweeds $Potamogeton$ spp., Canadian pondweed $Elodea canadensis$ and beds of stoneworts $Chara$ spp. Towards the lake shore there are carpets of water lobelia $Lobelia dortmanna$ and shoreweed $Littorella uniflora$. Yellow and white water lilies $Nuphar lutea$ and $Nymphaea alba$ are found in the more sheltered bays with reedbeds $Phragmites australis$. The nationally rare slender naiad $Najas flexilis$ has been found in deeper water at the southern end of the lake.
At the northern end of the lake there is an extensive area of hydrosere dominated by reedbeds, sedge swamp and willow or alder carr. Sedges include bottle sedge $Carex rostrata$, tufted sedge $C. elata$, greater tussock sedge $C. paniculata$ and the nationally scarce elongated sedge $C. elongata$. Tall herbs in this wetland include meadowsweet $Filipendula ulmaria$, common valerian $Valeriana officinalis$ and angelica $Angelica sylvestris$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Najas flexilis$, $Carex elongata$","Assemblage.
The site supports a diverse assemblage of aquatic invertebrate fauna with restricted distributions, including:
$Bdellocephala punctata$.
","Contemporary.
Miscellaneous.
Institute of Freshwater Ecology and the Freshwater Biological Association have a boathouse and slipway on the lake. At any one time they have several projects based on studying Esthwaite Water.
Various reports completed on nutrient status of Esthwaite Water.
Completed.
Fauna.
Survey for $Najas flexilis$ completed in 1994.",None reported,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Land-based recreation:
There are no footpaths adjacent or on the site. In a few places public roads are close to the site and there is some recreational use of the shoreline. This is not considered to be significant. There is some angling from the shoreline.
Water based recreation:
Angling from boats takes place on the site but is not significant in terms of impact on the site features.","McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Ratcliffe, DA (2002) Lakeland: the wildlife of Cumbria. HarperCollins, London (New Naturalist, No. 92)",,,
7000058,UK11025,Exe Estuary,Classified/designatd,E,2345.71,,Devon,11/03/1992,50 38 50 N,03 26 32 W,298041.8,84128.31,SX980841,-1,5,0,"The site encompasses the waters, foreshore, low-lying land, three marshes and an unusual double spit across the mouth of the estuary and sand dunes of Dawlish Warren. This complex of habitats supports internationally important numbers of wintering and passage waterfowl, as well as populations of breeding birds and nationally important rare plants and invertebrates.",,"Nearest town/city: Exeter
The Estuary runs south-eastward for about 4 km from Exeter to the junction of the Ex and Clyst Rivers. Here it broadens, being over 2 km wide in places, and runs for a further 7 km to Exmouth, where it is sheltered from the sea by the sand ridge of Dawlish Warren.","The Exe Estuary is sheltered by Dawlish Warren, an unusual double spit across the mouth of the estuary, which supports a variety of plant and animal communities representative of south-west Britain, including the only remaining British mainland population of the sand crocus $Romulea columnae$. The site contains a full sequence of intertidal habitats which are important for invertebrate fauna. Tidal flats, saltmarsh, reedbeds, sand dunes and enclosed grazing marsh are all well represented. Exminster Marshes support regionally rare plants such as parsley water dropwort $Oenanthe lachenalii$ and flowering rush $Butomus umbellatus$, and two species of nationally scarce dragonfly, the ruddy darter $Sympetrum sanguinium$ and the hairy dragonfly $Brachyton pratense$. The extensive areas of sand and mud are of marine nature conservation importance, largely due to the presence of $Ophelia bicornis$, a polychaete worm known from only one other site in Britain, and also for eelgrass $Zostera$ spp. beds. The Orcombe rocks are a key geological feature displaying excellent coastal section in the sandstones, siltstones and mudstones (Benton, Cook & Turner 2002).","Sand crocus $Romulea columnae$
Parsley water dropwort $Oenanthe lachenalii$
Flowering rush $Butomus umbellatus$
Eelgrass $Zostera$ spp.","Ruddy darter $Sympetrum sanguinium$
Hairy dragonfly $Brachyton pratense$.
$Ophelia bicornis$","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.","The Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve warden leads guided walks. There are interpretation facilities in the form of fixed interpretation panels at the NNR and main public access points around the site and within the interpretation centre.
The RSPB lead guided walks on their Exminster Marsh and Bowling Green Marsh reserves and Devon Wildlife Trust lead walks at their 'Old Sludge Bed' reserve. Other educational events are frequently staged by local authorities. East Devon DC lead walks on Exmouth LNR.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Land based recreation:
Walking, dog walking, bathing, birdwatching, golf.
Wildfowling, controlled by leases from Crown Estate in consultation with RSPB and EN. Wildfowling undertaken over private land.
Water based recreation:
Power boating, sailing, angling, canoeing, kite surfing, windsurfing, personal hovercraft, surf life saving.","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1996) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 10 South-west England: Seaton to the Roseland Peninsula. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Benton, MJ, Cook, E & Turner, P (2002) Permian and Triassic Red Beds and the Penarth Group of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 24)
Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Buck, AL (ed.) (1997) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 6. Southern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Davidson, NC, Laffoley, D d’A, Doody, JP, Way, LS, Gordon, J, Key, R, Pienkowski, MW, Mitchell, R & Duff, KL (1991) Nature conservation and estuaries in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Davies, J (1998) Chapter 8. Western Channel (Durlston Head to Cape Cornwall, including the Isles of Scilly) (MNCR Sector 8). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 219-253. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Exe Estuary Management Partnership (2004) Exe Estuary Management Partnership website www.exe-estuary.org
Exe Estuary Project (1998) The Exe Estuary Management Plan. Exe Estuary Project, Exeter. www.exe-estuary.org/index2.htm
Langston, WJ, Chesman, BS, Burt, GR, Hawkins, SJ, Readman, J & Worsfield, P (2003) Characterisation of the South West European Marine Sites: The Exe Estuary Special Protection Area. Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, Plymouth (Occasional publication, No. 10) www.mba.ac.uk/nmbl/publications/occasionalpub10.htm
May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Moore, JJ, Smith, J & Northen, KO (1999) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 8. Inlets in the western English Channel: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Stewart, A, Pearman, DA & Preston, CD (eds.) (1994) Scarce plants in Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Weaving, R (1992) Reserve Focus: Dawlish Warren Local Nature Reserve, Devon British Wildlife, 3(5), 266-269
Wiggington, M (1999) British Red Data Books. 1. Vascular plants. 3rd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",,,
24,UK12008,Fairy Water Bogs,Classified/designatd,NI,223.7,,Omagh; Strabane; Tyrone,14/12/1999,54 38 29 N,07 28 24 W,46977.66916,541185.6268,H340772,0,0,257,"The area is of particular interest because it is considered to comprise the most important concentration of lowland raised bogs in Northern Ireland. As other bog complexes in Northern Ireland have suffered much more severe exploitation, the overall extent of intact bog make this complex unique. Three examples of bogs - Bomackatall, Claragh and Kilmore Robinson - are included in this composite site.","Criterion 1
The site is a large and relatively intact example of a lowland raised bog and one of the best examples of this habitat in the UK.","Between 10 - 15 km north-west of Omagh, Co. Tyrone in Northern Ireland.","Three examples of bogs - Bomackatall, Claragh and Kilmore Robinson - are included in this composite site.
Each bog has a classic dome structure and hummocks and hollows are also generally well developed on all three bogs, with significant pool complexes at Claragh and Bomackatall. $Sphagnum imbricatum$ and $S. fuscum$ are widespread, with $S. fuscum$ especially abundant on Kilmore Robinson. Bryophytes typically associated with western blanket bog are well represented, with $Pleurozia purpurea$ being prominent in bog pools on Kilmore Robinson and Claragh.
Annaghs Lough at the margin of Bomackatall bog shows various stages in the vegetation succession from open water to peaty swamp and fen. At North Drumnafallow this type of succession is well advanced, with the development of a schwingmoor over the site of an old pond.","Internationally important species occurring on the site
Habitat:
Active raised bog
Nationally important species occurring on the site
Habitat:
Lowland raised bog",None reported,"· The site was subject to detailed habitat and species surveys prior to its designation as an ASSI
· The integrity of the site is regularly monitored
· A basin profiling and hydrological survey was carried out in 1996",None reported,None reported,"Corbett, P. McM & Seymour, GR (1997) The conservation of peatland in Northern Ireland. In: Conserving peatlands, ed by L Parkyn, RE Stoneman & HAP Ingram. CAB International, Wallingford, for Scottish Wildlife Trust
Frazer, JS, Cruickshank, MM & Tomlinson, RW (1988) Northern Ireland Peatland Survey. Unpublished report to Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), Countryside and Wildlife Branch, Belfast
Grant, M, Tomlinson, RW, Harvey, J & Murdy, C (1997) Report from the Peatland Survey & Profiling Project 1996/97. Vol. 3. Fairy Water Bogs. Environment and Heritage Service, Belfast (Research and Development Series, No. RC97/5)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection",,,
7000048,UK13015,Fala Flow,Classified/designatd,S,318.04,,Midlothian,25/04/1990,55 49 00 N,02 54 20 W,343203,658579,NT433585,315,325,320,"Fala Flow is in the Lammermuir Hills to the south-east of Edinburgh. It is a blanket mire, with some pools, developed at a lower altitude than most blanket mires in Midlothian. The vegetation comprises heather $Calluna vulgaris$/cottongrass $Eriophorum$ spp., with other characteristic species including cowberry $Vaccinium vitis-idaea$ and $Sphagnum$ bog-mosses. Such mires are scarce and declining in Midlothian and this example is relatively undisturbed. The mire and pools support an internationally important goose roost.","
","Nearest town/city: Edinburgh
On the edge of the Lammermuir Hills, 20 km south-east of Edinburgh","This site is a marginal upland blanket bog, dominated by $Calluna/Eriophorum$ with significant $Sphagnum$ cover. The periphery of the site is minerotrophic acid grassland. The site is relatively undisturbed and the lowest intact blanket bog in the Lothians. Open-water areas mostly dystrophic with fringing $Carex nigra$ and $Carex rostrata$.",None reported,None reported,None reported,None reported,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
A footpath runs through site and is used throughout the year, although mainly in the summer months.
","Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",,,
16,UK12009,Fardrum and Roosky Turloughs,Classified/designatd,NI,43.1,,Fermanagh,24/03/2002,54 24 00 N,07 43 20 W,28711.80241,515617.3531,H180502,0,0,0,"The turloughs of the Ely Lodge district are the only ones in Northern Ireland and are the most northerly occurrence of these lake types in Ireland and the UK. There are three turloughs in the group: Roosky Lough is the southernmost, Green Lough lies to the north, with Fardrum Lough between the two, all lying within a basin formed in the Ballyshannon Limestones. In general, inflowing water comes through the limestone via risings, especially noticeable at Roosky Lough. Outflow is also through the limestone, via sinks, which can be clearly seen during dry periods at Roosky and Green Loughs. The turloughs all exhibit distinctive vegetation communities associated with the inundation zone, including some rare species records. Permanently wet basins within the turloughs support vegetation typical of lakes and lake-shores, with some of these forming very extensive swards. The turloughs support a range of water beetles, with the species $Rhantus frontalis$ being typical of such ephemeral waterbodies. Green Lough supports a very rich ground beetle fauna including the carabids $Blethisa multipunctata$ and $Pelophila borealis$. In total, these wetlands have contributed records of nine beetles that are new to Fermanagh.","Ramsar Criterion 1
The site is important as the most northerly examples of turloughs in Ireland, with distinctive, naturally impoverished, vegetation communities.","The Fardrum and Roosky Turloughs are sited some 7 km north-west of Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, in the west of Northern Ireland.","The turloughs all exhibit distinctive vegetation communities associated with the inundation zone, including silverweed $Potentilla anserina$, marsh pennywort $Hydrocotyle vulgaris$, selfheal $Prunella vulgaris$ and creeping-jenny $Lysimachia nummularia$, as well as two mosses characteristic of turloughs are present, namely $Cinclidotus fontinaloides$ and $Fontinalis antipyretica$. Permanently wet basins within the turloughs support vegetation typical of lakes and lake-shores, with the more common species including white water-lily $Nymphaea alba$, bogbean $Menyanthes trifoliata$, amphibious bistort $Persicaria amphibia$, fine-leaved water-dropwort $Oenanthe aquatica$ and pond water-crowfoot $Ranunculus peltatus$. Some of the land adjoining the turloughs also contains notable habitats - areas of dense scrub dominated by hazel $Corylus avellana$ which have a flushed, calcicolous (base-rich) ground flora, dominated by wood anemone $Anemone nemorosa$ and bluebell $Hyacinthoides non-scripta$. More open scrub contains the uncommon shrubs buckthorn $Rhamnus cathartica$ and spindle $Euonymus europaeus$. The invertebrate fauna is diverse, with an especially rich ground beetle fauna including $Blethisa multipunctata$ and $Pelophila borealis$ at Green Lough.","Nationally important Habitat type
Inundation zone
Turlough
Nationally important species occurring at this site
Higher Plants
Fen Violet $Viola persicifolia$
Lower Plants
$Cinclidotus fontinaloides, Fontinalis antipyretica$","Species occurring at levels of national importance
Rove beetle $Philonthus corvinus$","Further dye-tracing to identify water sources.
Monitoring by EHS staff.",No current conservation educational activities,No public access – site not utilised for recreation or tourism,"Curtis, TGF & McGough, HN (1988) The Irish Red Data Book. 1 Vascular plants. Stationery Office, Dublin
Gunn, J (2003) Karst hydrological investigations at Fardrum and Roosky Turloughs, County Fermanagh. An interim report on research funded by the Environment and Heritage Service. (Contractor: University of Huddersfield, Limestone Research Group) Unpublished report to Environment and Heritage Service, Belfast (LRG Report, No. 2003/01)
Kelly, JG, Enlander, I, Kelly, AM & Fogg, T (2002) The geological setting, hydrology and ecology of Roosky Turlough, Ely, Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. Cave and Karst Science, 29(3), 105-110. www.bcra.org.uk/candks/v29_3.html#papers
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection",,,
7000163,UK13017,Firth of Forth,Classified/designatd,S,6313.68,,City of Edinburgh; Clackmannanshire; East Lothian; Falkirk; Fife; Stirling; West Lothian,30/10/2001,56 01 00 N,02 53 00 W,296991,682322,NS970823,-2,4,0,"The Firth of Forth is a large coastal area comprising a complex of estuaries, mudflats, rocky shorelines, beaches and saltmarshes. It stretches from Alloa Inches in the River Forth to Fife Ness and Dunbar in the east. It is considered to act as a single ecological unit. Several large urban areas, including Edinburgh, are adjacent to the site and these include several areas of heavy industry. Furthermore the Forth is one of the most important shipping areas in Scotland. The site is important for a large number of wintering waders and wildfowl, many in nationally and internationally important numbers.",,The site is on the east coast of Scotland,The site is mostly invertebrate-rich intertidal mud and sandflats. Fairly extensive areas of saltmarsh exist primarily on the south coast while at Alloa Inches there is a small $Phragmites$ reedbed.,None reported,None reported,"WeBS counts are done between September and April each year.
An annual late summer bird count is also carried out.
Aberlady Bay is often used for undergraduate and postgraduate research projects",Aberlady Bay and Torry Bay Local Nature Reserves and the John Muir Country Park all have full-time rangers/wardens who lead some guided walks and other educational activities.,"Many people use the areas adjoining the Firth for recreation. Walking, dog-walking, horse-riding and bathing are all common in many parts of the Forth. There is some evidence to suggest that the distribution of some bird species may be influenced by increased activity on the coast particularly in East Lothian. On the whole these activities are not considered detrimental to the site and visitor access is managed to minimise any negative effects. This includes specific locations and periods when public access may be restricted (e.g. the tern colony at Aberlady Bay).
The sea is also used for activities such as wind-surfing, canoeing and yachting. There is no evidence to suggest any of these are detrimental.","Anon. (ed.) (1972) The Forth–Tay estuaries (an environmental assessment). Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, 71B(2/4)
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1997) Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. Region 4. South-east Scotland: Montrose to Eyemouth. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coastal Directories Series)
Baxter, EV & Rintoul, LJ (1953) The birds of Scotland. Oliver & Boyd, London
Bennett, TL & McLeod, CR (1998) Chapter 4. East Scotland (Duncansby Head to Dunbar) (MNCR Sector 4). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 123-154. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Bentley, M (1998) The shore, the estuaries and the sea. In: The nature of Fife. Wildlife and ecology, ed. by GB Corbet, 52-69. Scottish Cultural Press, Edinburgh, for Scottish Wildlife Trust (Fife & Kinross Branch)
Brazier, DP, Davies, J, Holt, RHF & Murray, E (1998) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 5. South-east Scotland and north-east England: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Bryant, DM (1978) Moulting shelducks on the Forth estuary. Bird Study, 25, 103-108
Bryant, DM (1987) Wading birds and wildfowl of the estuary and Firth of Forth, Scotland. In: The natural environment of the estuary and Firth of Forth, ed. by DS McLusky, 509-520. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Series B: Biological Sciences, 93(3/4)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 4. North and east Scotland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Covey, R, Fortune, F, Nichols, DM & Thorpe, K (1998) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sectors 3, 4, 13 & 15. Lagoons in mainland Scotland and the Inner Hebrides: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Crawford, RMM (1998) The landward coast: dunes, saltmarsh, and cliffs. In: The nature of Fife. Wildlife and ecology, ed. by GB Corbet, 40-51. Scottish Cultural Press, Edinburgh, for Scottish Wildlife Trust (Fife & Kinross Branch)
Davidson, NC, Laffoley, D d’A, Doody, JP, Way, LS, Gordon, J, Key, R, Pienkowski, MW, Mitchell, R & Duff, KL (1991) Nature conservation and estuaries in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Dean, BJ, Webb, A, McSorley, CA & Reid, JB (2003) Aerial surveys of UK inshore areas for wintering seaduck, divers and grebes: 2000/01 and 2001/02. JNCC Report, No. 333. www.jncc.gov.uk/page-2346
Dean, BJ, Webb, A, McSorley, CA, Schofield, RA & Reid, JB (2004) Surveillance of wintering seaducks, divers and grebes in UK inshore areas: aerial surveys and shore-based counts 2003/04. JNCC Report, No. 357
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (2002) National Report submitted to the 8th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties, Valencia, Spain, 2002. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/idt/ramsar/cop8/Default.htm
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Elkins, N, Reid, JB, Brown, AW, Robertson, DG & Smout, A-M (2003) The Fife bird atlas. Fife Ornithological Atlas Group
Forth Estuary Forum (1999) The Forth Integrated Management Strategy. Forth Estuary Forum, Edinburgh
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Howarth, D & Bryant, DM (1988) Spatial and temporal changes in bird populations on the estuary and Firth of Forth 1969–1986. Nature Conservancy Council, CSD Report, No. 841
Jenkins, DJ (1972) The status of shelducks in the Forth area. Scottish Birds, 87, 183-201
MacGregor, AR (1968) Fife and Angus geology. An excursion guide. Scottish Academic Press, Edinburgh, for University of St Andrews
McLusky, DS (1978) Ecology of the Forth estuary. Forth Naturalist and Historian, 3, 10-23
McLusky, DS (ed.) (1987) The natural environment of the estuary and Firth of Forth. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Series B: Biological Sciences, 93(3/4)
McLusky, DS (ed.) (1997) The estuaries of central Scotland. A volume based on a local meeting of the Estuarine and Coastal Sciences Association, Edinburgh, UK, April 1995. Coastal Zone Topics: Process, Ecology & Management, 3
McLusky, DS, Bryant, DM, Berry, AJ & Proctor, J [1991] Forth estuary publications. University of Stirling, Department of Biological and Molecular Sciences, Stirling
McLusky, DS, Bryant, DM & Elliott, M (1992) The impact of land-claim on macrobenthos, fish and shorebirds on the Forth estuary, eastern Scotland. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 2, 211-222
Meire, P & Vincx, M (eds.) (1993) Marine and estuarine gradients. Proceedings of the 21th (sic) symposium of the Estuarine and Coastal Sciences Association held in Gent, 9–14 September 1991. Netherlands Journal of Aquatic Ecology, 27(2–4)
Morris, JM (2005) Firth of Forth National Vegetation Classification Survey 2003. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report, No. 092 (ROAME No. F03LH16)
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
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Pritchard, DE, Housden, SD, Mudge, GP, Galbraith, CA & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy
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Read, P (1993) Publications and theses relating to the estuary and Firth of Forth. Unpublished, Napier University, Edinburgh
Ritchie, W (1979) The beaches of Fife. University of Aberdeen, Department of Geography, Aberdeen (for the Countryside Commission for Scotland, Perth)
Rose, PM & Scott, DA (1997) Waterfowl population estimates. 2nd edn. Wetlands International, Wageningen (Wetlands International Publication, No. 44) www.wetlands.org/IWC/wpe2/WPE2-toc.htm
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Stroud, DA, Mudge, GP & Pienkowski, MW (1990) Protecting internationally important bird sites: a review of the EEC Special Protection Area network in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Stroud, JM, Turner, AK & Bryant, DM (1983) Shorebirds on the Forth estuary: effects of pollution and reclamation at Kinneil. (Contractor: University of Stirling.) Unpublished report to Nature Conservancy Council
Symonds, FL, Langslow, DR & Pienkowski, MW (1984) Movements of wintering shorebirds within the Firth of Forth: species differences in usage of an intertidal complex. Biological Conservation, 28, 187-215
Thom, VM (1969) Wintering duck in Scotland, 1962–1968. Scottish Birds, 5, 417-466
Tyninghame Technical Working Party (1976) John Muir Country Park: descriptive management plan. East Lothian District Council, [Haddington]",,,
7000164,UK13018,Firth of Tay & Eden Estuary,Classified/designatd,S,6918.42,,Angus; City of Dundee; Fife; Perth & Kinross,02/02/2000,56 24 30 N,03 05 00 W,333157,724526,NO332245,-2,5,0,The Firth of Tay and Eden Estuary is a complex of estuarine and coastal habitats in eastern Scotland. The site includes extensive invertebrate-rich intertidal mudflats and sandflats created by the massive sediment load deposited by the River Tay. Also present are large areas of reedbed and sand-dune and a small amount of saltmarsh. The site supports an internationally important assemblage of wintering waterfowl including internationally important populations of several species. Fourteen species of bird breed in nationally important numbers. Abertay Sands are also important as a major haul-out site for both grey seals $Halichoerus grypus$ and breeding common seals $Phoca vitulina$.,,"On the east coast of Scotland, immediately adjacent to Dundee, Broughty Ferry, St Andrews and 10 km east of Perth.","Invertebrate-rich mudflats comprise the majority of the sites. These include important areas of eelgrass $Zostera$ spp. in Tayport Bay. Small areas of saltmarsh can be found in Tayport Bay, Eden Estuary and the Inner Tay Estuary. These are dominated by $Juncus gerardii$, $Scirpus$ spp. and $Schoenoplectus$ spp. on the Inner Tay and $Puccinellia/Festuca$ on the Eden Estuary. Successional sand-dune communities are to be found on Tentsmuir Point which is one of the most extensive dune systems in Scotland. In total 14 NVC communities are found there. The $Phragmites australis$ reedbeds (S4 swamp) are the some of the most important in the UK and include the largest continuous stand of reed in the UK.","Habitat of National Importance:
$Phragmites australis$ reedbed
Nationally importance species:
Higher Plants:
Oak-leaved goosefoot $Chenopodium glaucum$ (nationally scarce).
Baltic rush $Juncus balticus$ (nationally scarce),
Seaside centaury $Centaurium littorale$ (nationally scarce),
Coral-root orchid $Corallorhiza trifida$ (nationally scarce),
Dense-flowered fumitory $Fumaria densiflora$ (nationally scarce),
Eelgrass $Zostera marina$ (nationally scarce),
Narrow-leaved eelgrass $Zostera angustifolia$ (nationally scarce),
Dwarf eelgrass $Zostera noltei$ (nationally scarce)","Internationally important species:
Mammals:
Common seal $Phoca vitulina$
Nationally important species:
Invertebrates:
fly $Dialineura anilis$ (nationally rare),
fly $Eutropha fulvifrons$ (nationally scarce),
Moths:
Cousin German moth $Paradiarsia sobrina$ (nationally rare)
Lyme grass $Photedes elymi$ (nationally scarce),
Pretty pinion $Perizoma blandiata$ (nationally scarce),
Satin lutestring $Tetheella fluctuosa$ (nationally scarce),
Regal mantle $Catarhoe cuculata$ (nationally scarce),
Lunar yellow underwing $Noctua orbona$ (nationally scarce),
Coast dart $Euxoa cursoria$ (nationally scarce),
Sand dart $Agrotis ripae$ (nationally scarce),
White colon $Sideridis albicolon$ (nationally scarce),
Portland moth $Actebia praecox$ (nationally scarce)
Mammals:
Grey seal $Halichoerus grypus$","EE= Eden Estuary, TP= Tentsmuir Point, IT= Inner Tay Estuary
Birds
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
· Disturbance and feeding (Eden Estuary)
· Distribution due to disturbance (Eden Estuary)
· Feeding strategies (Eden Estuary)
· Effect of algal mats and feeding (Eden Estuary)
· Reedbed breeding birds monitoring (Inner Tay Estuary)
· Long-term ringing studies
Seals
· Seal movement (Eden Estuary)
· Haulout behaviour and dietary habits (Eden Estuary)
· Underwater recordings of grey seal (Tentsmuir Point)
· Population and breeding monitoring (Tentsmuir Point)
Fish
· Sea trout behaviour and physiology (Eden Estuary)
· Fish population survey (Eden Estuary)
Invertebrates
· Biology of lugworm and ragworm (Eden Estuary)
· Mollusc parasitology (Eden Estuary)
· Butterfly surveys (Tentsmuir Point)
Plants
· Coral-root orchid studies (Tentsmuir Point)
· Vegetation succession (Tentsmuir Point)
Estuarine and geomorphological
· Estuarine energetics (Eden Estuary)
· Recovery of estuary after Effluent Treatment Plant built (Eden Estuary)
· Coastal protection (Eden Estuary)
· Sediment change (Eden Estuary)
· Use of $Scirpus$ and $Phragmites$ for coastal defence (Eden Estuary)
· Nutrient heterogeneity from shore to forest (Tentsmuir Point)",Students from many universities conduct research on the site. In particular the University of St Andrews has strong links with both the Eden Estuary and Tentsmuir Point NNR where many students carry out fieldwork for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Students from Elmwood College in Cupar and Dundee University also visit the site.,The site is used all year round by local people for recreational activities such as walking and birdwatching. Low-level tourist use also occurs.,"Adams, JA & Grierson, RJ (1974) The Eden estuary. Unpublished, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland, Aberdeen (Marine Laboratory Internal Report, New Series, No. 4)
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Dargie, T (1994) Earlshall/Tentsmuir airphoto interpretation. Unpublished report to Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh
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Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (2002) National Report submitted to the 8th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties, Valencia, Spain, 2002. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/idt/ramsar/cop8/Default.htm
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Jarvis, J (1989) Sediment transport in St Andrews Bay and the mouth of the Eden estuary. In: Developments in estuarine and coastal study techniques. EBSA 17 Symposium, University of Dundee, 14-18 September 1987, ed. by J. McManus & M. Elliott, 85-90. Olsen & Olsen, Fredensborg (International Symposium Series)
Johnston, J (1994) Coral-root orchid research.**
Johnston, JP, Bell, P & Cobb, JLS (1978) The invertebrate fauna of the Eden estuary, June – September 1978. (Contractor: University of St Andrews, Gatty Marine Laboratory) Unpublished report to Nature Conservancy Council, South-east (Scotland) Region. (Internal report, No. NC 239I)
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Khayrallah, NH & Jones, AM (1975) A survey of the benthos of the Tay estuary. In: Physical and biological aspects of the Tay estuary, 113-135. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, 75B(1/2)
Kinnear, PK (1979) Butterflies in north Fife 1978. Scottish Wildlife Trust, Fife & Kinross Branch Bulletin, 9, 4-6
Laing, SA & Taylor, NW (1991) The status of autumn passage and winter wader populations on the inner Tay estuary, 1971 to 1989. Journal of the Perthshire Society of Natural Science, 16, 14-29
Laverlack, MS & Blackler, M (eds.) (1974) Fauna and flora of St Andrews Bay. Scottish Academic Press, Edinburgh
Leach, SJ & Phillipson, PH (1983) The coastal vegetation of the Fife peninsula. Nature Conservancy Council, Edinburgh **
Leach, SJ & Phillipson, PH (1985) The saltmarsh and brackish swamp vegetation of the Fife peninsula. Transactions of the Botanical Society of Edinburgh, 44, 357-373
Lynch, B (1984) Wader movements on the inner Tay estuary. Scottish Ornithologists’ Club Dundee Branch Newsletter, November 1984, 1-4
Lynch, BM, Ingram, HAP, Barclay, AM & Sprent, JI (1977) The performance of reeds in the Firth of Tay, 1976. A further investigation into the influences of commercial harvesting (with a fuller description of the flora of the study area). (Contractor: University of Dundee, Department of Biological Sciences) Unpublished report to Nature Conservancy Council, Edinburgh (Internal Report, No. NC 155 I)
MacGregor, AR (1968) Fife and Angus geology. An excursion guide. Scottish Academic Press, Edinburgh, for University of St Andrews
Mackie, DW (1968) Harvestmen (opilones) from Tentsmuir dunes, Fife. Bulletin of the British Spider Study Group, 38, 13
Mackie, DW (1968) Spiders from traps at Tentsmuir fore-dunes, Fife, Scotland. Bulletin of the British Spider Study Group, 40, 1-4
Mackie, DW (1971) Notes on some linyphiid spiders from Tentsmuir, Fifeshire. Bulletin of the British Arachnological Society, 2(3), 33-37
MacTaggart, F (1997) Barry Links SSSI. Scottish Natural Heritage, Perth (Earth Science Site Documentation Series)
Maguire, EJ (nd [1973]) Wader observations in south-east Perthshire. Privately published, Dundee
May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)
McCurley, B (1997) A check list of the birds of Barry Buddon. Privately published, Dundee
McGlashan, DJ (1997) The evolution, environmental effects of coastal protection, and suggested strategies for the future of the Eden estuary, Fife, Scotland. Unpublished MSc dissertation, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow
McLeod, CR (2006 in press) Barry Buddon – a major Scottish sand dune system. Scottish Naturalist, 117
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
McLusky, DS (ed.) (1997) The estuaries of central Scotland. A volume based on a local meeting of the Estuarine and Coastal Sciences Association, Edinburgh, UK, April 1995. Coastal Zone Topics: Process, Ecology & Management, 3
McManus, J & Green, CD (1977) Report on Pilmour Links beaches and the eastern part of the Eden estuary. (Contractor: University of Dundee). Unpublished report to Fife Regional Council, Glenrothes
McManus, J & Wal, A (1996) Sediment accumulation mechanisms on the Tentsmuir coast. In: Fragile environments: the use and management of Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve, Fife, ed. by G Whittington, 1-15. Scottish Cultural Press, Edinburgh
McManus, J (1999a) Ballast and the Tay eider duck populations. Environment and History, 5, 237-244
McManus, J (ed.) (1982) Sedimentological, hydrological and biological papers. Blicharski memorial volume. University of Dundee, Newport-on-Tay (Tay Estuary Research Centre Report, No. 7.)
McManus, J (ed.) (1987) The environment of the Tay estuary. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Series B: Biological Sciences, 92(3/4)
McManus, J, Jones, AM, Herbert, RA & Charlton, JA (1985) Tayside sewage sludge disposal investigation. Invergowrie and Dighty outfalls. Unpublished, University of Dundee
McMillan, RL (1976) Ornithological survey of the Phragmites beds on the north bank of the Tay estuary, 1976. (A preliminary investigation into the breeding species of the area with particular reference to the effects of commercial harvesting of the reeds). Unpublished report to Nature Conservancy Council, Edinburgh (Internal Report, No. NC 155 K)
Mitchell, AL (1988) Last man from Mugdrum. Scots Magazine, 130(1) (Oct. 1988), 46-50
Moser, ME (1983) An assessment of the importance of the Eden estuary and the Firth of Tay for non-breeding populations of waders. (Contractor: British Trust for Ornithology, Tring). Unpublished report to Nature Conservancy Council, Huntingdon
Moyes, SB (1990) The effects of reedbed management on the breeding birds of the Tay reedbeds 1989. (Contractor: Tay Ringing Group). Unpublished report to Nature Conservancy Council, South East Region Scotland (Internal Report, No. NC 239 L)
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Nature Conservancy Council (1985) Inner Tay Estuary SSSI. SSSI citation, May 1985
Nature Conservancy Council (1990) Eden Estuary SSSI. SSSI citation, February 1990
North East Fife District Council (nd [1987]) Eden Estuary Local Nature Reserve management plan 1987–1992 . North East Fife District Council [Cupar]
Owens, NJP & Stewart, WDP (1983) Enteromorpha and the cycling of nitrogen in a small estuary. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 17, 287-296
Peach, WJ (2001) Minimum breeding population of bearded tits on the Tay reedbeds in 2000: an analysis of Tay Ringing Group mark-recapture data. Tay Ringing Group Report 1998–2000, 24-28
Poores, MED (1954) Plant list for Tentsmuir Point. Nature Conservancy Council, Cupar [unpublished species list]
Posford Duvivier Scotland (2000) Feasibility study for foreshore recharge on the Eden estuary. (Contractor: Posford Duvivier Scotland) Unpublished report to Scottish Natural Heritage
Pounder, B (1971) Wintering eiders in the Tay estuary. Scottish Birds, 6(8), 407-419
Preston, CD, Pearman, DA & Dines, TD (2002) New atlas of the British and Irish flora. An atlas of the vascular plants of Britain, Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. Oxford University Press, Oxford
Pritchard, DE, Housden, SD, Mudge, GP, Galbraith, CA & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy
Ramsay, DL & Brampton, AH (2000) Coastal cells in Scotland: Cell 2 – Fife Ness to Cairnbulg Point, Scottish Natural Heritage Research Survey and Monitoring Report, No. 144
Ranwell, DS (ed.) (1972) The management of sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) on selected sites in Great Britain. Report of the Hippophaë Study Group. Nature Conservancy, Norwich
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Ritchie, W (1979) The beaches of Fife. University of Aberdeen, Department of Geography, Aberdeen (for the Countryside Commission for Scotland, Perth)
Robertson, IA (1998) The Tay salmon fisheries since the eighteenth century. Cruithene Press, Glasgow
Robertson, J (1993) Tay estuary study (S. side). Unpublished, Fife Regional Council, Glenrothes (Phase 1 Habitat Surveys Technical Report)
Robertson, JS (1988) A vegetation survey of Tentsmuir and the adjoining coastal areas. Nature Conservancy Council, South East Scotland Region, Edinburgh (unpublished report)
Rodwell, JS (ed.) (1995) British plant communities. Volume 4. Aquatic communities, swamps and tall-herb fens. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
Rodwell, JS (ed.) (2000) British plant communities. Volume 5. Maritime communities and vegetation of open habitats. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
Rose, PM & Scott, DA (1997) Waterfowl population estimates. 2nd edn. Wetlands International, Wageningen (Wetlands International Publication, No. 44) www.wetlands.org/IWC/wpe2/WPE2-toc.htm
Sage, J (1979) Carolina Port Power Station, Dundee. Entrained fish survey, 10 January 1979 – 5 April 1979. Unpublished, Dundee City Museums & Art Galleries (Natural History Section)
Scottish Natural Heritage (1999) Tayport – Tentsmuir Coast SSSI. SSSI citation, August 1999
Scottish Natural Heritage (2002) Tentsmuir Point National Nature Reserve. 'Faster than most'. Scottish Natural Heritage, Tayport (leaflet). www.nnr-scotland.org.uk/publications_detail.asp?pubID=3
Shaw, MW, Hewett, DG & Pizzey, JM (1983) Scottish Coastal Survey. A report on selected soft coast sites in Scotland . (Contractor: Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Bangor) Nature Conservancy Council, CSD Report, No. 487
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Small, G (1984) The winter harvest. Scots Magazine, 122(3) (Dec. 1984), 253-257
Smith, M (1971a) A provisional list of Coleoptera from Tentsmuir Point NNR, collected by M. Smith (1963-67). Nature Conservancy Council, Cupar (Unpublished file note, ref. 13A/R)
Smith, R & Shepherd, M (1998) Firth of Tay & Eden Estuary proposed Special Protection Area and Ramsar site (412A). Departmental brief. Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh (International Sites Series)
Smout, A-M & Kinnear, PK (1993) The butterflies of Fife. A provisional atlas. Fife Nature, Glenrothes
Smout, A-M (1986) The birds of Fife. An outline of their status and distribution. John Donald, Edinburgh
Smout, A-M (1996) Birds of Tentsmuir, 1880-1990: an ecological catastrophe? In: Fragile environments: the use and management of Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve, Fife, ed. by G Whittington, 40-53. Scottish Cultural Press, Edinburgh
Steers, JA (1973) The coastline of Scotland. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
Stewart, A, Pearman, DA & Preston, CD (eds.) (1994) Scarce plants in Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Volume 3: Site accounts. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Stroud, DA, Mudge, GP & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1990) Protecting internationally important bird sites: a review of the EEC Special Protection Area Network in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Summers, RW & Bakx, A (1980) Wader populations on the Eden estuary, Fife, 1970-74. Tay Ringing Group Report, 1978-79, 26-39
Summers, RW (1974) The birds of Tentsmuir Point NNR 1967–1972. Privately published, Dundee
Tay Estuary Forum (nd) The Tay Estuary Coastal References Database. Tay Estuary Forum, Dundee www.dundee.ac.uk/crsem/TEF/review.htm#Literature
Tay River Purification Board (1989) Biological survey of the inner Eden estuary 1989. Tay River Purification Board, Perth (Unpublished report)
Watt, KR, Hancock, EG, Horsfield, D & MacGowan, I (1997) Rare and local Diptera from the Tay reed beds in Scotland. Dipterists Digest, 4(1), 30-34
Welch, RC (1989) Invertebrates of Scottish sand dunes. In: Coastal sand dunes, ed. by CH Gimingham, W Ritchie, BB Willetts & AJ Willis, 267-287. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, 96B
Wemyss Environmental Education Centre (1983) Fife coastal walk. Guardbridge to St Andrews. Wemyss Environmental Education Centre, East Wemyss (Walk 12)
Wemyss Environmental Education Centre (1984) Fife coastal walk. Balmerino to the Tay Road Bridge. Wemyss Environmental Education Centre, East Wemyss (Walk 13)
Wemyss Environmental Education Centre (1984) Fife coastal walk. Flisk to Balmerino. Wemyss Environmental Education Centre, East Wemyss (Walk 14)
Wemyss Environmental Education Centre (1984) Fife coastal walk. Newburgh to Flisk. Wemyss Environmental Education Centre, East Wemyss (Walk 15)
Wemyss Environmental Education Centre (1984) Fife coastal walk. Tay Road Bridge to Kinshaldy. Wemyss Environmental Education Centre, East Wemyss (Walk 4 (formerly Walk 11))
White, I (1983) Review of invertebrate sites in Scotland. Review of Tayside Region. Nature Conservancy Council, CSD Report, No. 429 (Invertebrate Site Register Report, No. 17)
Whittington, G (ed.) (1996) Fragile environments: The use and management of Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve, Fife. Scottish Cultural Press, Dalkeith
Wiggington, M (1999) British Red Data Books. 1. Vascular plants. 3rd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Wright, R (1981) The beaches of Tayside. University of Aberdeen, Department of Geography, Aberdeen (for the Countryside Commission for Scotland, Perth) [reprinted by Scottish Natural Heritage, 2001]
Zenetos, A (1980) Molluscan populations of the Eden estuary, Fife, and the use of numerical taxonomy methods to determine their distribution patterns. Unpublished MSc dissertation, University of St Andrews",,,
7000115,UK11026,Foulness (Mid-Essex Coast Phase 5),Classified/designatd,E,10932.95,,Essex,04/10/1996,51 34 25 N,00 55 17 E,602419.4,190201.8,TR024902,-1,3,0,"Foulness is part of an open coast estuarine system comprising grazing marsh, saltmarsh, intertidal mudflats and sandflats which support nationally rare and nationally scarce plants, and nationally and internationally important populations of breeding, migratory and wintering waterfowl.
","Ramsar criterion 1
This site qualifies by virtue of the extent and diversity of saltmarsh habitat present. This and four other sites in the Mid-Essex Coast Ramsar site complex, include a total of 3,237 ha, that represent 70% of the saltmarsh habitat in Essex and 7% of the total area of saltmarsh in Britain.
Ramsar criterion 2
The site supports a number of nationally-rare and nationally-scarce plant species, and British Red Data Book invertebrates.
Ramsar criterion 3
The site contains extensive saltmarsh habitat, with areas supporting full and representative sequences of saltmarsh plant communities covering the range of variation in Britain.
","Nearest town/city: Southend-on-Sea
Foulness is an open coast system at the wide northern mouth of the Thames estuary.
","The main habitat types of this site are:
mudflats, sandflats, saltmarsh, brackish-water lagoon, freshwater, grazing marsh.
Pioneer saltmarsh communities with $Spartina maritima$, $Sarcocornia perennis$ and $Suaeda vera$; mature saltmarsh communities with $Atriplex pedunculata$. Species-rich perennial saltmarsh and drift-like communities with $Suaeda vera$, eelgrass $Zostera$ beds. Brackish-water vegetation dominated by $Bolboschoenus maritimus$. Grazing marsh with $Alopecurus geniculatus$, $Hordeum secalinum$ and fescues $Festuca$ spp.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Atriplex pedunculata, Cynodon dactylon, Bupleurum tenuissimum, Carex divisa, Hordeum marinum, Inula crithmoides, Limonium humile, Parapholis incurva, Poa bulbosa, Polypogon monspeliensis, Puccinellia fasciculata, Puccinellia rupestris, Ruppia cirrhosa, Salicornia pusilla, Spartina maritima, Suaeda vera, Trifolium squamosum, Trifolium suffocatum, Vulpia fasciculata, Zostera angustifolia, Zostera noltei$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Lestes dryas, Aethes margarotana, Malacosoma castrensis, Hybomitra expollicata, Lejops vittata, Poecilobothrus ducalis, Stratiomys longicornis, Parydroptera discomyzina, Paragus albifrons, Tachys scutellaris, Berosus spinosus, Gammarus insensibilis$","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Flora.
Reintroduction of $Atriplex pedunculata$ as part of the English Nature Species Recovery Programme.",None reported,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
There is no significant regular use of the site for recreation or tourism.
","Anon. (2002) Essex Coast and Estuaries Coastal Habitat Management Plan: Executive summary. English Nature, Peterborough (Living with the Sea LIFE Project). www.english-nature.org.uk/livingwiththesea/champs/pdf/ESSEX.FINALEXEC.SUMMARY.pdf
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1998) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 7 South-east England: Lowestoft to Dungeness. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 5. Eastern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Cottle, R, Pethick, J & Dalton, H (2002) Essex Estuaries Coastal Habitat Management Plan: final report. English Nature, Peterborough (Living with the Sea LIFE Project)
Covey, R (1998) Chapter 6. Eastern England (Bridlington to Folkestone) (MNCR Sector 6). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 179-198. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Davidson, NC, Laffoley, D d’A, Doody, JP, Way, LS, Gordon, J, Key, R, Pienkowski, MW, Mitchell, R & Duff, KL (1991) Nature conservation and estuaries in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Hill, TO, Emblow, CS & Northen, KO (1996) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 6. Inlets in eastern England: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Pritchard, DE, Housden, SD, Mudge, GP, Galbraith, CA & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Thames Estuary Conservation Group (n.d.) The Thames estuary. Thames Estuary Conservation Group
Worley, A & Simpson, M (1998) Littoral and sublittoral biotope mapping and data capture exercise for the Essex estuaries candidate Marine Special Area of Conservation. English Nature Research Reports, No. 305",,,
7000194,UK12010,Garron Plateau,Classified/designatd,NI,4650.07,,Antrim; Ballymena; Larne; Moyle,31/12/1998,55 00 10 N,06 03 40 W,140287.3231,575156.2199,D240190,0,0,0,"Garron Plateau is situated in Antrim in the north-east of Northern Ireland. The Garron Plateau is the largest area of intact blanket bog in Northern Ireland. The peatland complex is comprised of a series of raised and flushed peat bog units, and a number of oligotrophic/ mesotrophic water bodies, all within the enveloping blanket bog peat mantle. The peatland supports a number of rare and notable plant and animal species and diverse upland bird population.","Ramsar criterion 1
The site is a large and relatively intact example of a blanket bog and one of the best examples of this habitat in the UK. It also contains nationally important examples of transitional and alkaline fen and oligotrophic/mesotrophic lakes.
Ramsar criterion 2
Supports at least six species listed in the Irish Red Data Book-Vascular Plants and up to five species of birds (one of which breeds in nationally important numbers) which are listed in the Irish Red Data Book.","Nearest town/city: Carnlough.
The site is situated in County Antrim in the north-east of Northern Ireland immediately north-west of Carnlough. It forms part of a large upland block extending to the coast between the valleys of Glencloy and Glenariff.","The blanket bog exhibits a number of notable features such as extensive areas with hummock and lawn, and well-developed pool complexes and areas of quaking bogs and saddle mires. There are also areas of eroding peat. Bog vegetation is characterised by $Sphagnum$ mosses notably $Sphagnum imbricatum$ and $Sphagnum fuscum$. Vegetation on deeper waterlogged peat is characterised by the prominence of cross-leaved heath $Erica tetralix$, bog asphodel $Narthecium ossifragum$ and common cottongrass $Eriophorum angustifolium$. On the more freely-draining slopes heather $Calluna vulgaris$, crowberry $Empetrum nigrum$, and hare's-tail cotton-grass $Eriophorum vaginatum$ are dominant.
The area has well-developed flushes. The base-rich flushes characterised by black bog-rush $Schoenus nigricans$, sedges $Carex$ spp. and brown mosses such as $Drepanocladus$ spp. and $Calliergon$ spp. A number of rare vascular plants are associated with this habitat.
Several types of upland and base-poor lakes occur on the plateau. The most common lake types are characterised either by the association of yellow waterlily $Nuphar lutea$ with white water-lily $Nymphaea alba$ or by an association in which water lobelia $Lobelia dortmanna$ is prominent. Loughnatrosk is a mid-altitude lake which contains the rare opposite-leaved pondweed $Groenlandia densa$. The marginal lake vegetation around most of the lakes tends to be sparse, consisting of a scattered swamp and poor acid fen fringe.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Dactylorhiza traunsteineri, Hammarbya paludosa, Carex pauciflora, Carex magellanica, Groenlandia densa$.
","Assemblage.
The site supports a diverse assemblage of breeding birds, including:
$Lagopus lagopus, Pluvalis apricaria, Calidris alpina, Falco columbarius$ and$ Circus cyaneus$.","The site was subject to detailed habitat and species surveys prior to its designation as an ASSI.
The integrity of site is regularly monitored.
The status of the yellow marsh saxifrage $Saxifraga hirculus$ was assessed in 1995.
Preliminary trails on monitoring blanket bog vegetation were held in 1996.",None reported,The Ulster Way crosses the site.,"Corbett, P. McM & Seymour, GR (1997) The conservation of peatland in Northern Ireland. In: Conserving peatlands, ed by L Parkyn, RE Stoneman & HAP Ingram. CAB International, Wallingford, for Scottish Wildlife Trust
Curtis, TGF & McGough, HN (1988) The Irish Red Data Book. 1 Vascular plants. Stationery Office, Dublin
Environment and Heritage Service (n.d.) Site survey notes for the Garron Plateau . Unpublished, Environment and Heritage Service, Belfast
Frazer, JS, Cruickshank, MM & Tomlinson, RW (1988) Northern Ireland Peatland Survey. Part 5 – Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Unpublished report to Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), Countryside and Wildlife Branch, Belfast
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Partridge, K (1992) Northern Ireland Breeding Wader Survey – Final report. Unpublished report to Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), Countryside and Wildlife Branch, Belfast
Steele, D, Knight, G & Mellon, C (1997) Antrim Hills Breeding Bird Survey 1997. Unpublished report. RSPB
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Way, LS, Grice, P, MacKay, A, Galbraith, CA, Stroud, DA & Pienkowski, MW (1993) Ireland’s Internationally Important Bird Sites: a review of sites for the EC Special Protection Area network. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough, for Department of the Environment (NI), Belfast, and Irish Wildlife Service, Dublin
Whilde, A (1993) Threatened mammals, amphibians and fish in Ireland – Irish Red data book 2: Vertebrates. HMSO, Belfast
Wolfe-Murphy, SA, Lawrie, EW, Smith, SJ & Gibson, CE (1993) Northern Ireland Lakes Survey. Unpublished report to Northern Ireland Department of Environment, Countryside and Wildlife, Belfast",,,
17,UK12011,Garry Bog,Classified/designatd,NI,154.76,,Antrim; Coleraine,04/06/1999,55 06 30 N,06 31 40 W,111230.6646,588702.629,C939300,0,0,50,"Garry Bog is one of the largest lowland raised bogs in Northern Ireland. The raised bog which covers most of the site exhibits the full range of characteristic vegetation and structural features associated with this type of habitat such as bog pools and hummock complexes with extensive $Sphagnum$-rich bryophyte carpets. The lagg surrounding the bog has been cut for turf, creating a mosaic of waterlogged cuttings at different levels, separated by elevated 'ramparts'.","Ramsar criterion 1
The site is a large and relatively intact example of a lowland raised bog and one of the best examples of this habitat in the UK.","Nearest town/city: Coleraine.
Garry Bog is situated in County Antrim in the north of Northern Ireland about 10 km south-east of Coleraine.","The raised bog features a pool and hummock complex with an extensive $Sphagnum$-rich bryophyte carpet. Occasional hummocks of $S. imbricatum$ and $S. fuscum$ occur. The pools support a characteristic growth of aquatic $Sphagnum$ mosses with frequent stands of bogbean $Menyanthes trifoliata$ in the deeper pools. Their margins support extensive growth of the rare $Sphagnum pulchrum$. The surrounding waterlogged 'lawns' of bog asphodel $Narthecium ossifragum$ support an abundance of white beak-sedge $Rhynchospora alba$, interspersed with low $Sphagnum papillosum$ hummocks.
The raised bog surrounding the pool system is characterised by a greater abundance of dwarf-shrubs, particularly heather $Calluna vulgaris$ and cross-leaved heath $Erica tetralix$ over a $Sphagnum$-rich bryophyte carpet. Bog asphodel $N. ossifragum$ and white beak-sedge $R. alba$ are still prominent in the sward, together with common cottongrass $Eriophorum angustifolium$, hare's-tail cottongrass $E. vaginatum$ and deergrass $Trichophorum cespitosum$.
The lagg surrounding the bog has been cut for turf, creating a mosaic of waterlogged cuttings at different levels, separated by elevated 'ramparts'. The waterlogged cuttings are dominated by cross-leaved heath $E. tetralix$, with deergrass $T. cespitosum$ and common cottongrass $E. angustifolium$ over a dense $Sphagnum$ moss carpet. The ramparts are much drier and are dominated by rank heather $C. vulgaris$ with frequent $Cladonia portentosa$.","Assemblage.
The site is internationally important for supporting the following Habitats Directive Annex I feature:
H7110 Active raised bogs",None reported,"The site was subject to detailed habitat and species surveys prior to its designation as an ASSI
The integrity of the site is regularly monitored
A basin profiling and hydrological survey was carried out in 1996",None reported,None reported,"ASSI Survey report – Habitat Survey Team, Environment and Heritage Service
Cooper, EA, Crawford, I, Malloch, AJC & Rodwell, JS (1992) Coastal vegetation survey of Northern Ireland. (Contractor: University of Lancaster, Unit of Vegetation Science). Unpublished report to Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), Belfast
Corbett, P. McM & Seymour, GR (1997) The conservation of peatland in Northern Ireland. In: Conserving peatlands, ed by L Parkyn, RE Stoneman & HAP Ingram. CAB International, Wallingford, for Scottish Wildlife Trust
Curtis, TGF & McGough, HN (1988) The Irish Red Data Book. 1 Vascular plants. Stationery Office, Dublin
Frazer, JS, Cruickshank, MM & Tomlinson, RW (1988) Northern Ireland Peatland Survey. Unpublished report to Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), Countryside and Wildlife Branch, Belfast
Grant, M, Tomlinson, RW, Harvey, J & Murdy, C (1997) Report from the Peatland Survey and Profiling Project 1996/97. Vol 4. Garry Bog. Environment and Heritage Service Research and Development Series, No. RC97/5
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Wolfe-Murphy, SA, Lawrie, EW, Smith, SJ & Gibson, CE (1993) Northern Ireland Lakes Survey. Unpublished report to Northern Ireland Department of Environment, Countryside and Wildlife, Belfast",,,
7000069,UK11027,Gibraltar Point,Classified/designatd,E,414.09,,Lincolnshire,05/03/1993,53 06 00 N,00 20 16 E,556511.6,358464.3,TF565585,-2,4,1,"Gibraltar Point consists of an actively accreting sand dune system, saltmarsh and extensive intertidal flats. All stages of dune development are represented, with the older dunes extensively colonised by scrub. There are also small areas of freshwater marsh and open water. The site accommodates large numbers of overwintering birds.","Ramsar criterion 1
The dune and saltmarsh habitats present on the site are representative of all the stages of colonisation and stabilisation. There is a fine example of freshwater marsh containing sedges $Carex$ spp., rushes $Juncus$ spp., and ferns, including adder's-tongue fern $Ophioglossum vulgatum$. Also most northerly example of nationally rare saltmarsh/dune communities containing sea heath $Frankenia laevis$, rock sea lavender $Limonium binervosum$ and shrubby seablite $Suaeda vera$.
Ramsar criterion 2
Supports an assemblage of wetland invertebrate species of which eight species are listed as rare in the British Red Data Book and a further four species listed as vulnerable.","Nearest town/city: Skegness
Gibraltar Point lies on the Lincolnshire coast at the northern entrance to the Wash Estuary
","The sand dunes at Gibraltar Point are actively accreting and the dune and saltmarsh habitats show all the stages in the colonisation and stabilisation of sand and mud by vegetation. The dunes to seaward are colonised by $Cakile maritima$; $Salsola kali; Eryngium maritimum$ and $Elytrigia juncea$. Further inland the dunes are more stable and are dominated by $Ammophila arenaria; Leymus arenarius; Carex arenaria$ and $Festuca rubra$. Other plants of stabilised dunes include $Anacamptis pyramidalis; Centaurium erythraea; C pulchellum; Echium vulgare, Calystegia soldanella, Silene maritima$ and $Cynoglossum officinale$. The oldest dunes are locally dominated with scrub, especially $Hippophae rhamnoides$. The muddy parts of the foreshore have become colonised with saltmarsh species, $Salicornia$ spp. growing on the youngest saltmarsh which rapidly grades into extensive marshes dominated by $Puccinellia maritima; Atriplex portulacoides; Limonium vulgare and L binervosum$. The highest marsh is composed of $Elytrigia atherica$ together with $Artemisia maritima$ and $Glaux maritima$. The site is the northernmost station in Britain for $Frankenia laevis$. Freshwater marshes occur between two dune ridges and protected from the sea by a seabank constructed in the late nineteenth century. These marshes, which are maintained by grazing, support a rich sward of $Festuca rubra, Poa pratensis, P trivialis and Cynosurus cristatus$, various species of $Juncus$ and $Carex, Primula veris, Ophioglossum vulgatum, Cardamine pratensis, Oenanthe lachenalii$ and $Dactylorhiza praetermissa$. Open water pools and ditches are fringed with $Phragmites australis$ and $Bolboschoenus maritimus$; notable species found here include $Althea officinalis$ and $Ranunculus baudotii$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Althaea officinalis, Festuca arenaria, Frankenia laevis, Parapholis incurva, Ranunculus baudotii, Salicornia pusilla, Sarcocornia perennis, Suaeda vera$","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Amphibia.
$Bufo calamita$.
Invertebrates.
$Salticella fasciata, Haliplus mucronatus, Athetis pallustris, Eupithecia extensaria, Dexiopsis lacustris, Haematapota bigoti, Phaonia fusca, Pherbellia dorsata, Rymosia connexa, Spilogona biseriata$","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
British Trust for Ornithology: Bird Ringing Observatory; Common Bird Census; Constant Effort Ringing Site & Hen Harrier Roost Record Scheme
Annual Bird Migration Record
ITE: Butterfly Monitoring Scheme
Shorelark colour-ringing scheme.
Environment.
Wash Study Centre established 1958 promotes education and research and survey.
Daily weather recording.","Gibraltar Point is managed as a nature reserve and supports a field station for education and research.
The Wash Study Centre is equipped with lecture room laboratories, library and living accommodation. It is staffed by one full-time officer and two seasonal assistants that give courses for schools, undergraduate and adult education. Accommodation and facilities are available for visiting students and research workers. The internet address is: www.Lincstrust.org.uk; e-mail address is: educationatgib@aol.com","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
An Interpretative Centre and shop open every day in summer and at weekends in winter. Guided tours provided for visitors in summer. Some access suitable for disabled visitors and children in pushchairs. Events arranged for public; bird watching hides and publicity material available.","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1995) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 6 Eastern England: Flamborough Head to Great Yarmouth. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 5. Eastern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Covey, R (1998) Chapter 6. Eastern England (Bridlington to Folkestone) (MNCR Sector 6). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 179-198. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Davey, P (1990) (revised by Wilson, K (1997)) Gibraltar Point management plan. Unpublished, Lincolnshire Trust for Nature Conservation
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Doody, P & Barnett, B (eds.) (1987) The Wash and its environment. Report of a conference held on 8–10 April 1987. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research and survey in nature conservation, No. 7)
Dugdale, RE (1977) Sediment movements in the nearshore zone, Gibraltar Point, Lincolnshire. Unpublished PhD thesis, University of Nottingham
Foster-Smith, RL & Sotheran, I (1999) Broad scale remote survey and mapping of sublittoral habitats and biota of the Wash and the Lincolnshire and the north Norfolk coasts. English Nature Research Reports, No. 336
Gibbon, R (1996) Reserve Focus: Gibraltar Point NNR British Wildlife, 7(3), 177-179
Lincolnshire Trust for Nature Conservation (1988) Birds at Gibraltar Point 1949 – 1987. Lincolnshire Trust for Nature Conservation
Lincolnshire Trust for Nature Conservation (1992–1996) Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve annual reports. Lincolnshire Trust for Nature Conservation
Marren, P (1994) England's National Nature Reserves. Poyser
May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Mortimer, D (n.d. [2002]) Wash and North Norfolk Coast European Marine Site management scheme. [English Nature, Peterborough]
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.)",,,
7000046,UK13021,Gladhouse Reservoir,Classified/designatd,S,186.41,,Midlothian,14/07/1988,55 47 10 N,03 06 00 W,329897,653584,NT310553,273,273,273,"A reservoir, built for public water supply, with limited aquatic and emergent vegetation. The reservoir is the largest freshwater body in the Lothians and is surrounded by both coniferous and mixed woodland and grassland. The site is an internationally important winter roost for pink-footed goose $Anser brachyrhynchus$.","
","Nearest town/city: Edinburgh
On the northern slopes of the Moorfoot Hills, 20 km south of Edinburgh.","The main feature of this site is the area of open water. There are small areas of emergent vegetation dominated by $Phragmites australis$ at the edges of the reservoir and areas of coniferous and mixed woodland, scrub and neutral and marshy grassland.",None reported,None reported,"Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.",None reported,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
There are several small public car parks at the edge of the reservoir from which people birdwatch or walk.
","Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",,,
9000439,UK53001,Gough Island,Classified/designatd,OT,6500,,Tristan da Cunha,01/07/2008,040 19 00 S,009 56 00 W,0,0,,0,910,,"Gough is the largest relatively unmodified cool temperate island ecosystem in the South Atlantic Ocean. Only some 24 introduced plant species have been recorded, and they form a relatively minor component. The site has been described as ""a strong contender for the title most important seabird colony in the world"". As many as 54 bird taxa are recorded, of which 20 are non-breeding seabirds and two are endemic landbirds. The seabirds include $Eudyptes chrysocome moseleyi$ (about 48% of world population), $Diomedea e. dabbenena$, $D. chlororhynchos$, $Phoebetria fusca$, $Macronectes giganteus$, $Pterodroma brevirostris$, $P. macroptera$, $P. mollis$, $P. incerta$, $Pachyptila vittata$, $Procellaria cinerea$, $Puffinus gravis$, $P. assimilis$, $Garrodia nereis$, $Pelagodroma marina$, $Fregetta grallaria$, $Pelecanoides urinatrix$ (>20,000 pairs), $Catharacta antarctica$, $Sterna vittata$ and $Anous stolidus$. The endemic terrestrial species are $Gallinula comeri$ and $Rowettia goughensis$ (1,000 pairs, 1993 estimate).","Criterion 1
Gough Island is one of the largest relatively unmodified cool temperate island ecosystems in the
southern hemisphere; it falls biogeographically within the southern cool temperate zone,
although aspects of its upland habitats and several animal (e.g. penguins, albatrosses and seals)
and plant species show strong affinities to the sub-Antarctic region.
Inland Wetlands include Permanent and Intermittent streams (including many small waterfalls)
[M]; Permanent freshwater pools [Tp]; and Non-forested peatlands [U].
Marine/Coastal Wetlands include Rocky marine shores, including a number of rocky offshore
islets and sea cliffs [D], Marine subtidal aquatic beds, characterized by three species of kelp [B],
and Permanent shallow marine waters [A].
Examples of each of the above wetland types are given below. Note that names in parentheses
used for selected wetlands are descriptive and/or are in common usage on Gough Island, and
are not yet officially adopted.
Permanent streams [Wetland type M]
The “Gony” and The Glen streams draining Gonydale and Tarn Moss, respectively.
Permanent freshwater pools [Wetland type Tp]
Numerous small pools in the “Lake District” and on Tarn Moss in the centre of the island near
Edinburgh Peak.
Non-forested peatlands [Wetland Type U]
Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS), page 5
Albatross Plain, Tarn Moss and Mildred Mire in the island’s uplands.
Rocky marine shores [Wetland type D]
The narrow boulder beaches of Long Beach and Capsize Sands backed by high cliffs on the
island’s south-east coast and the offshore islets of Penguin Island, Church Rock, Lot’s Wife,
Cone Island and Saddle Island.
Marine subtidal aquatic beds[ Wetland type B]
The east-coast kelp beds stretching from North East Point to South East Point, including those
in Hawkins, Milford and Quest Bays and around Penguin Island.
Permanent shallow marine waters [Wetland Type A]
Representative bays around the island’s coastline, including Sea Elephant and Battle Bays on the
exposed western side of the island and Hawkins, Milford, Quest and Transvaal Bays on the more
sheltered east coast.
Criterion 2
The following IUCN-categorized globally threatened and near-threatened species (2008 listings
and taxonomic treatments) breed on Gough Island or occur regularly within its territorial waters.
Southern Right Whale Eubalaena glacialis Endangered
Northern Rockhopper Penguin Eudyptes moseleyi Endangered
*Tristan Albatross Diomedea dabbenena Critically Endangered
*Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross Thalassarche chlororhynchos Endangered
*Sooty Albatross Phoebetria fusca Endangered
*Southern Giant Petrel Macronectes giganteus Near Threatened
*Grey Petrel Procellaria cinerea Near Threatened
Atlantic Petrel Pterodroma incerta Endangered
Gough Moorhen Gallinula comeri Vulnerable
Gough Bunting Rowettia goughensis Critically Endangered
The Southern Right Whale is listed on CITES Appendix I and has been protected since 1935 by
the International Whaling Commission. Five of the above avian species (asterisked) are listed
within the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP), to which the
United Kingdom is a Party, its ratification having been extended to include the Overseas
Territory of Tristan da Cunha. Several other species of IUCN-threatened and ACAP-listed
procellariiform seabirds (albatrosses and petrels) have been recorded visiting Gough territorial
waters as non-breeders.
Of the significant wetland types identified as occurring on Gough Island, Non-forested
peatlands and Rocky marine shores (including sea cliffs and mouse-free offshore vegetated islets)
are critical to the survival of Tristan Albatrosses and Gough Buntings, and Northern
Rockhopper Penguins, Sooty Albatrosses and Gough Buntings, respectively. All these species
breed wholly or primarily within the designated wetland types.
All the above threatened species are fully protected by the Conservation of Native Organisms
and Natural Habitats (Tristan da Cunha) Ordinance, 2006. No domestic category-of-threat
classification currently exists under Tristan da Cunha legislation.
Criterion 3
Gough Island is one of the most pristine oceanic islands in the southern hemisphere. It
currently supports only one introduced mammal, the House Mouse Mus musculus. Away from
the South African-run meteorological station in Transvaal Bay there is a near-complete absence
of permanent man-made objects, such as fences, field huts or sign posts, giving the island a
complete wilderness nature. Exceptions are the remains of the old base at The Glen and four
crosses marking the sites of persons who died of exposure or by drowning. Although
introduced plants and invertebrates do occur, they have not visibly altered the natural
appearance of the island’s wetlands.
The following threatened avian species are endemic: (or are practically endemic, with only relict
populations; asterisked) remaining on the other Tristan islands:
*Tristan Albatross
*Atlantic Petrel
Gough Moorhen (an introduced population exists on the main island of Tristan da Cunha)
Gough Bunting.
Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatrosses are endemic to the Tristan da Cunha group. Numbers of
plants and invertebrates are either endemic to the island, or to the island group. Preliminary
taxonomic work on the littoral flora and fauna (Chamberlain et al. 1985) suggest several species
are endemic to Gough, and to the Gough/Tristan group. There is little information from the
subtidal; however, there are significant differences between Gough and the northern Tristan
islands because of the colder sea temperatures at Gough.
Gough Island supports in unaltered conditions all the natural terrestrial vegetation types found
within the Tristan da Cunha group, including upland peatlands (bogs), wet heath and feldmark
(alpine habitat), and lowland fern bush and tussock grassland, as well as intertidal and subtidal
habitats, including kelp beds.
Criterion 4
Gough Island provides annual refuge and breeding habitats to many species (22 birds, two seals)
that range and forage across the South Atlantic and farther afield, both during and outside of
their breeding seasons. For example, Tristan and Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatrosses regularly
visit the South American and southern African coasts. The former species has been recorded in
Australian waters. The Antarctic Tern Sterna vittata over-winters in South Africa.
Criterion 5
Gough Island regularly supports more than 20 000 waterbirds. Recent (>2000) population
estimates (breeding pairs) exist for the following species:
Northern Rockhopper Penguin 65 000
Tristan Albatross 2500 (biennial breeder)
Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross 5300
Sooty Albatross 5000 (biennial breeder)
Southern Giant Petrel 250
Atlantic Petrel 1 800 000
Great Shearwater Puffinus gravis 980 000
Soft-plumaged Petrel Pterodroma mollis 400 000
Broad-billed Prion Pachyptila vittata 1 750 000
Seven other seabird species are thought to have populations that exceed 10 000 annually
breeding pairs each.
Large numbers of seabirds regularly occur within Gough territorial waters (including of species
that do not breed on Gough). Notably, large rafts of Great Shearwaters Puffinus gravis and flocks
of Broad-billed prions Pachyptila vittata are regularly seen from the Gough shore in summer
months, in numbers that at times far exceed 20 000 birds of each species.
Criterion 6
Gough Island supports more than 1% of the global population of many of the waterbird species
and subspecies that breed on the island. Notable examples for which sufficient data exist
include:
*Northern Rockhopper Penguin: c. 28%
*Tristan Albatross: >99%
*Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross: c. 17%
*Sooty Albatross: c. 32%
*Atlantic Petrel: >99%
Great Shearwater: c. 17%
Tristan Skua Catharacta antarctica hamiltoni c. 83%
*Gough Moorhen 100% (non-introduced population only).
Note: six species (asterisked) of the above seven taxa are globally threatened (see Criterion 2
above).
Sources: Cuthbert 2004, Cuthbert & Sommer 2004, Ryan 2007, Wanless 2007, Cooper 2008,
Cuthbert et al. in press.
Criterion 7
The territorial waters of Gough support significant populations of pelagic and demersal fish,
with over 50 species recorded from the Tristan Group. Although little is known about their
population sizes, it is considered, due to the absence of a commercial finfish fishery and neartotal
lack of exploitation historically, that their stocks around Gough remain in a pristine
Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS), page 8
condition. The Klipfish Bovichtus diacanthus is endemic to the Tristan group. Additionally, the
island’s waters support a substantial part of the global population of the Tristan Rock Lobster,
which is endemic to the Tristan da Cunha islands and Vema Seamount.
Andrew et al. (1995) consider that local populations of the Broad-nosed Seven-gilled Shark or
Rock Shark Notorynchus cepedianus, a key predator in the marine environment, are probably selfsustaining.
Criterion 8
Gough Island’s territorial waters support the inshore populations of a number of fish species and
of the Tristan Rock Lobster. Examples of inshore-breeding fish species include the Klipfish,
Tristan Wrasse Nelabrichthys ornatus, Five-finger Acantholatris monodactylus and False Jacopever
Sebastes capensis.
Criterion 9
Gough Island is considered to support as much as 50% of the global breeding population (and is
the largest island population) of the Subantarctic Fur Seal Arctocephalus tropicalis.
The island’s Tristan Rock Lobster population also represents far more than 1% of the species’
global population, as shown by island-specific quotas and catches by the commercial fishery.
The waters around Gough undoubtedly contain more than 1% of the populations of shallowwater
invertebrate species endemic to the Tristan Islands, for instance the urchin Arbacia
crassispina. More taxonomic work is required on marine invertebrate groups.
Sources: Bester 2006; Ryan 2007, Tristan Agriculture & Natural Resources Department in litt.","Gough Island lies 350 km south-south-east of Tristan da Cunha itself, in the mid-South Atlantic Ocean, and about 2,500 km from South Africa (Cape Town) and about 4,000 km from South America (Mar del Plata). The site includes the shallow coastal waters.","Provide further description, as appropriate, of the main habitats, vegetation types, plant and
animal communities present in the Ramsar site, and the ecosystem services of the site and the
benefits derived from them.
Gough Island and its territorial waters form the largest relatively unmodified cool temperate
island ecosystem in the South Atlantic. Probably the most significant wetland types are Nonforested
peatlands and Marine subtidal aquatic beds (see Sections 14, Criterion 1 and 19 above),
which support a dense (but low) vegetation cover of mainly grasses, sedges and mosses and huge
numbers of both surface- and burrow-nesting seabirds, and dense inshore kelp beds with an
Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS), page 11
attendant demersal and pelagic fauna, including the commercially exploited and near-endemic
Tristan Rock lobster, respectively.
Twenty-two species of birds (20 seabirds and two land birds) and two species of seals breed on
the island. Although hardly studied, it is likely that the biotic influence of guano-rich run-off
water is significant in the maintenance of the inshore environment, especially the shallow
seaweed and kelp bed ecosystems.
Vegetation types are altitudinally zoned, with Non-forested peatlands occurring in the
mountainous interior, and the lower slopes closer to sea level being dominated by fern bush and
coastal tussock.
Because of the difficulties of working in the marine environment around Gough, only
preliminary work has been done describing marine habitats and communities. In general littoral
species and zonation is typical of other sub-Antarctic islands, but is markedly impoverished,
lacking some of the common zone-forming species found elsewhere. The littoral seaweed flora
of Gough is markedly different from that of the northern Tristan islands, and includes a lowwater
band of the large brown Bull Kelp Durvillaea antarctica, which is absent from Tristan. Little
is known of subtidal communities and species; the results of a diving survey in the 1980s are
currently being written up as part of the Darwin post-project (see section 29)","Several plant species are noteworthy on Gough Island. In the lowlands, the Island Tree Phylica
arborea, Bog Fern Blechnum palmiforme and the annual Bracken Histiopteris incisa dominate much of
the ground, forming a dense vegetation cover up to three metres high, known as fern bush,
through which it is difficult to walk, especially in summer when the Bracken emerges. Fern bush
is a dynamic community, dependent on a mosaic of peat slips caused by heavy rainfall events to
maintain plant diversity and to allow the germination of the Island Tree (whose seedlings do not
emerge through the smothering Bracken which grows as much as two metres high in thick
stands in summer, but which are commonly found on the unshaded rock and soil exposed by
peat slips). Fern Bush supports large numbers of burrowing seabirds, notably those of the genus
Pterodroma (gadfly petrels), including the near-endemic and Endangered (from attacks by alien
mice) Atlantic Petrel
Along the tops and upper slopes of the coastal cliffs, and on the vegetated offshore islets, two
large grass species, Gough Tussock Parodiochloa flabellata and Tussock Grass Spartina arundinacea,
form dense stands in which large numbers of Great Shearwaters breed, especially in the southeast
of the island. The only other tree on the island, the Sophora Tree Sophora microphylla, occurs
at one locality only, Sophora Glen on the island’s east coast, and is of uncertain origin.
In the uplands the vegetation, described as wet heath, is much lower (<1-m high) and is mainly
made up of grasses, sedges and creeping forbs (including Dogcatcher Acaena sarmentosa with its
hooked inflorescences that get caught on clothing and Berry Bush Empetrum rubrum with its
bright red edible berries), with mosses predominating in the more water-logged areas. In some
Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS), page 12
areas, such as Gonydale, dwarf Bog Ferns do not grow higher than the rest of the vegetation.
Exposed ridges have a less lush vegetation, known as feldmark, with stunted grasses, sedges and
mosses predominating, as well as lichens on exposed rock surfaces.
The very wet bogs which are poorly drained (such as are found on Albatross Plain, Tarn Moss
and Mildred Mire) in the uplands are dominated by Sphagnum mosses and hepatics (liverworts).
These localities will not always support the weight of human visitors and are best skirted
whenever possible – both for comfort and to avoid leaving long-lasting footprints. Slightly dryer
bogs, notably in the north of the island, may be covered by dense stands of the small sedge-like
plant Tetroncium magellanicum, which seems to grows only vegetatively (no female flowers have
ever been observed on the island), forming distinctive rings and circles as it spreads.
Twelve plant species are considered to be endemic to Gough Island, and a further 49 species
occurring are restricted to the Tristan Islands. Endemic species of interest include Gough Brass
Buttons Cotula goughensis, which adds splashes of yellow in summer on biotically-influenced (by
manuring and moderate trampling) sites around penguin and seal colonies on the boulder
beaches and on the coastal cliffs. An intriguing Tristan endemic is Scurvy Grass Cardamine
glacialis, which is actually a perennial herb in the family Brassicacae and not a grass at all. It is
quite rare, but may be found in damp, shaded sites, such as on stream banks.
A number of introduced plants occurs, but few have as yet led to large changes in the vegetation.
Thus vegetation types on Gough are among the most botanically pristine in Insulantarctica.
Thistles Sonchus spp., Broad-leafed Dock Rumex obtusifolius, Farm Grass Holcus lanatus, Creeping
Bent Agrostis stolonifera and Annual Blue-grass Poa annua are among the most widespread alien
plant taxa, so that their eradication seems currently unfeasible. However, ongoing eradication
efforts have led to the successful removal of at least four alien plants with restricted distributions
in the last 30 years, and efforts continue to eradicate several other species that have not spread
widely, including the Potato Solanum tuberosum. The Procumbent Pearlwort Sagina procumbens, first
reported in 1998, is regarded as having the potential to be highly invasive, and a long-term
programme is currently working to eradicate it from the coastal cliffs in Transvaal Bay before it
spreads farther afield.
Forty species of marine algae have been recorded from within Gough’s territorial waters, of
which at least two are thought to be endemic. From sea level to a depth of five metres, the most
obvious species is the Bull Kelp, a large brown seaweed (not a true kelp) which is typical of sub-
Antarctic waters and absent from the more northerly Tristan islands which lie north of the
Subtropical Front, so is at the northern edge of its range at Gough. In deeper waters the Pale
Kelp Laminaria pallida and Giant Kelp Macrocystis pyrifera predominate, forming a distinct zone of
calmer water. Work on the Gough subtidal flora is ongoing; the position of the island and
preliminary work suggests that it will be extremely important in biogeographical and
distributional terms for marine algae in the South Atlantic Ocean.","Information on endemism and on threatened species of vertebrate fauna has been given above.
Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS), page 13
Perhaps the most noteworthy aspect of the vertebrate fauna of Gough is the sheer numbers of
individuals. Bird species that occur up into their millions, and a fur seal that occurs in its
hundreds of thousands (and whose population is still growing from near-extinction by human
exploitation) make for spectacular sights indeed, hardly duplicated anywhere else in the world.
Although much less obvious to the human eye, the marine fauna of Gough’s territorial waters
exists in a largely pristine state, with only the (well-managed by a quota system) fishery for
Tristan Rock Lobster having any impact.
Gough’s position has led to an intriguing mix of vertebrates of both tropical and sub-Antarctic
affinities. The island is the most northerly breeding locality for several species, such as the
Southern Elephant Seal Mirounga leonina and the Southern Giant Petrel Macronectes giganteus (now
extinct at Tristan) Its penguins and albatrosses are also from essentially sub-Antarctic stock. Yet
it also supports the most southerly known breeding population of the Brown Noddy Anous
stolidus, a seabird of the tern family with a tropical distribution elsewhere. This mix of species
with affinities with very different biogeographical regions is hardly repeated elsewhere in the
southern hemisphere and gives Gough a very special status.
Among the terrestrial invertebrates, a high level of flightlessness occurs (e.g. of moths and flies),
which is characteristic of many southern oceanic islands. Beetles (including weevils, rove
beetles and water beetles) are notably common, with a number of endemic species known to the
island, or to the island group.
In the past century several mammal species have been deliberately introduced to the island,
largely made up of domestic stock (chickens, sheep, goats). However, the only alien mammal
currently remaining, and the only one that was most probably accidentally introduced, is the
House Mouse, whose impacts are discussed below. Feral cats Felis catus and rats Rattus sp. have
never definitely been recorded from Gough. A large number of alien invertebrates has been
introduced and become established, many of which have spread all over the island (e.g. flies,
millipedes, beetles, wasps, snails and slugs).","Recent and current research activities are closely linked to those directed at the island’s
conservation management. The following research projects are noteworthy:
An assessment of the potential for rodent eradication in the Tristan da Cunha Island Group
This project, funded by OTEP (UK’s Overseas Territories Environment Programme) operated
from April 2005 to March 2008. An on-site feasibility study was undertaken at Gough in
September 2007 (Parkes 2008). Consideration will now be given to the production of an
operational plan to eradicate mice by dropping poison bait from helicopters. Research into the
effects of the introduced House Mouse on breeding birds has led to the award of a PhD thesis
(Wanless 2007). Research has commenced on assessing the risk of the two endemic land birds
to both primary and secondary poisoning and what mitigating actions should be taken, as well
continuing to assess aspects of mouse biology deemed necessary to design a successful
eradication exercise.
Managing alien plants on the outer islands of Tristan da Cunha
This OTEP-funded project runs from August 2007 to March 2009. It concentrates on
eradicating the Procumbent Pearlwort on Gough and developing improved quarantine
procedures to reduce the risks of new species of alien plants reaching the island. A survey of the
presence and distribution of alien plants over accessible parts of the island, with the collection of
herbarium specimens, has commenced.
Control of alien mice and plants at the Gough Island World Heritage Site
This project, to run from July 2008 to March 2010, has been funded by OTEP. It aims to follow
and build on the objectives of the above two projects, leading to the eventual eradication of both
the mice and the pearlwort.
Monitoring and demography of threatened birds breeding at Gough Island
Ongoing research, some of which dates back to the mid-1980s, aims to assess population trends
and reasons for change in a selected suite of threatened and near-threatened species on Gough.
These include the Northern Rockhopper Penguin, Tristan and Atlantic Yellow-nosed
Albatrosses, Southern Giant Petrel, Atlantic Petrel and Gough Bunting. Methodologies adopted
include island-wide censuses and following colour-banded birds in study colonies through their
breeding seasons on an annual basis (Cuthbert & Sommer 2004). This project is supported by
the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the University of Cape Town.
Enabling the people of Tristan da Cunha to implement the CBD in the marine environment
As part of this Darwin Initiative post-project, existing information on the Gough marine
environment is being collated into an accessible form. This includes the write-up of a subtidal
diving survey carried out in the 1980s. Completion of this work will enable an assessment to be
made of further work required to establish baseline information for the Gough intertidal and
subtidal zones.
Other research activities
1. Remote tracking of albatrosses has been conducted to determine at-sea distribution and
to assess interactions with fisheries.
2. Counts of fur and elephant seals on selected shoreline lengths and localities are
undertaken from time to time to assess population trends.
Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS), page 19
3. Near-annual surveys of Tristan Rock Lobster are undertaken in summer months to
assess stock size for quota-setting purposes.
Research facilities
A small laboratory housed within the South African meteorological station is made available for
research and conservation management activities. Since most of the above research is conducted
in the field, often from tented camps, the basic facilities available are considered adequate.","No such facilities exist ashore on Gough. TCD and TANRD staff have joined research and
conservation management projects for limited periods from time to time, thereby gaining
appropriate skills and experience.
The TANRD has co-published with the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and
Petrels a wall poster on the conservation of the Tristan Albatross. Copies of this poster were
given to all the school children attending St Mary’s School on Tristan da Cunha in 2007.","Currently, tourism does not take place ashore in terms of the island’s management plan, although
from time to time, usually in summer months, cruise ships and yachts visit inshore waters
without effecting landings.
No plans exist for offering land-based tourism, or providing facilities for such an activity.","Biogeographical regionalism scheme
Clark, M.R. & Dingwall, P.R. 1985. Conservation of Islands in the Southern Ocean. Gland
& Cambridge: International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
193 pp.
Udvardy, M.D.F. 1975. A classification of the biogeographical provinces of the world.
IUCN Occasional Paper No. 18. 48 pp.
Selected bibliography on Gough island and surrounding waters
Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS), page 21
Andrew, T.G., Hecht, T., Heemstra, P.C. & Lutjeharms, J.R.E. 1995. Fishes of the Tristan da
Cunha Group and Gough Island, South Atlantic. J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology
Ichthyological Bulletin No. 63. 43 pp.
Angel, A. & Cooper, J. 2006. A review of the impacts of introduced rodents on the islands of
Tristan da Cunha and Gough. RSPB Research Report No. 17. Sandy: Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds. 58 pp.
Angel, A, Wanless, R.M. & Cooper, J. 2008. Review of impacts of the introduced House Mouse
on islands in the Southern Ocean: are mice equivalent to rats? Biological Invasions DOI
10.1007/s10530-008-9401-4.
Bester, M.N., Möller, H., Wium, J. & Enslin, B. 2001. An update on the status of Southern
Elephant Seals at Gough Island. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 31: 68-71.
Bester, M.N., Wilson, J.W., Burle, M.-H. & Hofmeyr, G.J.G. 2006. Population trends of
Subantarctic Fur Seals at Gough Island. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 36: 191-
194.
BirdLife International. 2008. Threatened birds of the world. www.birdlife.org.
Chamberlain, Y.M. 1965. Marine algae of Gough Island. Bulletin of the British Museum
(Natural History) Botany Series Vol.3 No. 5. 236 pp.
Chamberlain, Y., Holdgate, M.W. & Wace. N.[M.] 1985. The littoral ecology of Gough Island,
South Atlantic Ocean. Tethys 11: 302-319.
Chevallier, L. 1987. Tectonic and structural evolution of Gough volcano: a volcanological
model. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research 33: 325-336.
Cooper, J. 1983. Bird ringing at Gough Island, 1977-1982. South African Journal of Antarctic
Research 13: 47-48.
Cooper, J. 1988. Bird ringing at Gough Island, 1982-1987; with an analysis of movements of
Wandering Albatrosses. South African Journal of Antarctic Research 18: 21-22.
Cooper, J. 2008. Complete-island census and demographic study of the Critically Endangered
Tristan Albatross Diomedea dabbenena at Gough Island, summer 2007/2008. Unpublished
report to Birds Australia, 8 pp.
Cooper, J. & Ryan, P.G. 1994. Management Plan for the Gough Island Wildlife Reserve.
Edinburgh: Government of Tristan da Cunha. 96 pp.
Cooper, J. & Ryan, P.G. 1995. Conservation status of Gough Island. In: Dingwall, P.R. (Ed.).
Progress in the conservation of Subantarctic islands. Proceedings of the SCAR/IUCN
Workshop on the Protection, Research and Management of Subantarctic Islands, Paimpont,
France, 27-29 April, 1992. Gland & Cambridge: World Conservation Union. pp. 71-84.
Cuthbert, R.[J.] 2004. Breeding biology of the Atlantic Petrel, Pterodroma incerta, and a
population estimate of this and other burrowing petrels on Gough Island, South Atlantic
Ocean. Emu 104: 2221-228.
Cuthbert, R.J. 2005. Breeding biology, chick growth and provisioning of Great Shearwaters
(Puffinus gravis) at Gough Island, South Atlantic Ocean. Emu 105: 305-310.
Cuthbert, R.[J.] & Hilton, G.[M.] 2004. Introduced House Mice Mus musculus: a significant
predator of threatened and endemic birds on Gough Island, South Atlantic Ocean? Biological
Conservation 17: 483-489.
Cuthbert, R.J. & Sommer, E.S. 2004. Population size and trends of four globally threatened
seabirds at Gough Island, South Atlantic Ocean. Marine Ornithology 32: 97-103.
Cuthbert, R.[J.] & Sommer, E.[S.] 2004. Gough Island bird monitoring manual. RSPB
Research Report No. 5. Sandy: Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. 52 pp.
Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS), page 22
Cuthbert, R.[J.], Cooper, J., Glass, C.J., Glass, J.P., Glass, S. Glass, T. Ryan, P.G., Wanless,
R.M., Burle, M.-H. & Hilton, G.M. 2009. Population trends and conservation status of the
Northern Rockhopper Penguin Eudyptes moseleyi at Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island.
Bird Conservation International 19: 109-120.
Cuthbert, R[J.], Hilton, G.[M.], Ryan, P.[G.] & Tuck, G.N. 2005. At-sea distribution of
breeding Tristan Albatrosses Diomedea dabbenena and potential interactions with pelagic
longline fishing in the South Atlantic Ocean. Biological Conservation 121: 345-355.
Cuthbert, R.J., Phillips, R.A. & Ryan, P.G. 2003. Separating the Tristan Albatross and the
Wandering Albatross using morphometric measurements. Waterbirds 26: 338-344.
Cuthbert, R.[J.], Ryan, P.G., Cooper, J. & Hilton, G.[M.] 2003. Demography and population
trends of the Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross. The Condor 105: 439-452.
Cuthbert, R.[J.], Sommer, E.[S.], Ryan, P.[G.], Cooper, J. & Hilton. G.[M.] 2004. Demography
and conservation of the Tristan Albatross Diomedea [exulans] dabbenena. Biological
Conservation 117: 471-481.
Furness, R.W. 1988. Influences of status and recent breeding experience on the moult strategy
of the Yellow-nosed Albatross. Journal of Zoology, London 215: 719-727.
Gaston, K.J., Jones, A.G., Hänel, C. & Chown. S.L. 2003. Rates of species introductions to a
remote oceanic island. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B 270: 1091-1098.
Glass, N., Lavarello, I., Glass, J.P. & Ryan, P.G. 2000. Longline fishing at Tristan da Cunha:
impacts on seabirds. Atlantic Seabirds 2: 49-56.
Gremmen, N., Barendse, J. & Orr, I. 2001. Invasion and eradication of Sagina procumbens L.
(Procumbent Pearlwort) on Gough Island. Aliens 14: 19-20.
Groves, E.W. 1981. Vascular plant collections from the Tristan da Cunha group of islands.
Bulletin of the British Museum, (Natural History) Botany Series 8: 333-420.
Hänel, C. 2008. Gough Island 500 years after its discovery: a bibliography of scientific and
popular literature. South African Journal of Science 104: 329-332 + plus supplementary online
material at www.sajs.co.za.
Hänel, C. & Heyne, H. 2008. Ticks of Tristan da Cunha Archipelago (Acarina: Ixodidae:
Argasidae. Beiträge zür Entomologie 58: 121-134.
Hänel, C. & Palma, R.L. 2007. The lice of the Tristan da Cunha Archipelago. Beiträge zür
Entomologie 57: 105-133.
Hänel, C. & Pont, A.C. 2008. Houseflies of the Tristan da Cunha Islands: new records,
including the first for Fannia albitarsis Stein, 1911 (Diptera: Fannidae, Muscidae). Beiträge
zür Entomologie 58: 211-222.
Hänel, C., Chown, S.L. & Gaston, K.J. 2005. Gough Island a natural history. Stellenbosch: Sun
Press. 169 pp.
Heaney, J.B. 1957. The survey of Gough Island. Empire Survey Review 14: 63-73.
Heaney, J.B. 1957. The Gough Island Scientific Survey. Polar Record 8: 338-345.
Helyer, P. & Swales, M. 1998. Bibliography of Tristan da Cunha. Oswestry: Anthony Nelson.
175 pp.
Heydorn, A.E.F. 1965. The South Atlantic Rock-Lobster Jasus tristani at Vema Seamount,
Gough Island and Tristan da Cunha. Division of Sea Fisheries Investigational Report No. 73.
20 pp.
Holdgate, M.[W.] 1958. Mountains in the sea. The story of the Gough Island Expedition.
London: Macmillan & Co. 222 pp.
Holdgate, M.W. 1959/60. The fresh water fauna of Gough island (South Atlantic). Proceedings
of the Linnean Society of London 172: 8-24.
Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS), page 23
Holdgate, M.W. 1965. Part III. The fauna of the Tristan da Cunha Islands. Philosophical
Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B. Biological Sciences 249: 361-402.
Imber, M.J. 1992. Cephalopods eaten by Wandering Albatrosses (Diomedea exulans L.)
breeding at six circumpolar localities. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand 22: 243-
263.Oldfield, S. undated. Nomination of Gough Island Tristan da Cunha Islands for
inclusion in the World Heritage List submitted by the Secretary of State for Foreign and
Commonwealth Affairs United Kingdom. Joint Nature Conservation Committee & Nature
Conservation Bureau. 51 pp.
Jones, A,G., Chown, S.L. & Gaston, K.J. 2002. Terrestrial invertebrates of Gough Island: an
assemblage under threat? African Entomology 10: 83-91.
Jones, A,G., Chown, S.L. & Gaston, K.J. 2003. Introduced House Mice as a conservation
concern on Gough Island. Biodiversity and Conservation 12: 2107-2119.
Jones, A.G., Chown, S.L., Ryan, P.G., Gremmen, N.J.M. & Gaston, K.J. 2003. A review of
conservation threats on Gough Island: a case study for terrestrial conservation in the Southern
Oceans. Biological Conservation 113: 75-87.
Jones, A.G., Chown, S.L., Webb, T.J. & Gaston, K.J. 2003. The free-living pterygote insects of
Gough Island, South Atlantic Ocean. Systematics and Biodiversity 1: 213-273.
Le Maitre, R.W. 1960. The geology of Gough Island, South Atlantic. Overseas Geology and
Mineral Resources 7: 371-380.
Marshall, D.J. & Chown, S.L. 2003. Marine hyadesiid mites from Gough Island. Hydrobiologia
495: 119-126.
Milton, S.J., Ryan,, P.G., Moloney, C.L., Cooper, J. & Dean, W.R. 1993. Disturbance and
demography of Phylica arborea (Rhamnaceae) on the Tristan-Gough group of islands.
Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 111: 55-70.
Ollier, C.D. 1984. Geomorphology of South Atlantic volcanic islands. Part II: Gough Island.
Zeitschrift für Geomorphologie 28: 393-404.
Parkes, J. 2008. Feasibility Plan to Eradicate Mice (Mus musculus) from Gough Island. Sandy:
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www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/projects/tristandacunha/index.asp.
Pollock, D.E. 1981. Population dynamics of Rock Lobster Jasus tristani at the Tristan da Cunha
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Richardson, M.E. 1984. Aspects of the ornithology of the Tristan da Cunha Group and Gough
Island, 1972-1974. Cormorant 12: 122-201.
Roscoe. M.J. 1979. Biology and exploitation of the Rock Lobster Jasus tristani at the Tristan da
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118, 47 pp.
Roux, J.P. 1981. The pteridophytes of Gough Island. Journal of South African Botany 47: 135-
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Ryan, P.G. 1993. The ecological consequences of an exceptional rainfall event at Gough Island.
South African Journal of Science 89: 309-311.
Ryan, P.G. (Ed.) 2007. Field guide to the animals and plants of Tristan da Cunha and Gough
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Ryan, P.G. & Cuthbert, R.J. 2008. The biology and conservation status of the Gough Bunting
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9000407,UK22004,Gouliot Caves and Headland,Classified/designatd,OT,4,,"Sark, Bailiwick of Guernsey",09/04/2007,049 25 54 N,002 22 45 W,0,0,,0,80,,"The site consists of the Gouliot Headland on the west coast of Sark and La Moie de Gouliot, a large sea stack connected to the headland at low water. It includes the famous Gouliot Caves that cross the headland three times from North to South with other openings to the West. These caves have long been noted for the amazing variety of invertebrate life, especially sponges, hydroids, sea-anemones and sea squirts that can be found on their walls by foot at low spring tide or by diving. Before the invention of the aqualung this was one of the few places where sub-marine life could be examined in situ. Many of the species described in the monographs of Alder & Hancock & Bowerbank came from these caves.","1. The assemblage of marine life found on the walls of the caves is nearly unique in Western Europe. This is a consequence of Sark’s cliffs and geology interacting with a huge tidal range of 10m at Spring tides. The caves extend from above high-water mark to below low-water with a very rich fauna. Much of this fauna occurs only subtidally in other places. It is the largest such cave system in Europe that can be visited on foot.
2. Because of the rareness of this habitat intertidally it contains many species that are endangered, and the whole habitat is threatened elsewhere in Europe.
3. Because of the rareness of the habitat many of the species cannot be found elsewhere in Western Europe. Particularly noteworthy are the sponges (Porifera) and sea anemones and hydroids (Cnidaria). The site is important for these and other inter-tidal and normally sub-littoral invertebrates, The main invertebrate communities are those associated with rocky littoral and sub-littoral habitats including many rare species. The site also includes the headland above the caves which contains many typical coastal ecosystems including coastal grassland and hard rock. These habitats support many rare and endangered species of plants, insects and lichens.
4. It is internationally important because of the remarkable diversity of the invertebrate species it contains. It is also a site where the exceptionally large tidal range coupled with the constancy of the cave situation mean that these animals, many of which can only otherwise be found by diving or dredging, can be viewed at low-water. Because of this, these caves are the site where many of these animals were first described and studied in the 19th and early 20th centuries, before readily available sub-aqua equipment.","The site lies in the mid-part of the west coast of Sark, Channel Islands, approximately 11.5 km ESE by sea of St Peter Port in Guernsey.","The following habitats can be identified in the Ramsar site.
Terrestrial Habitats
Coastal Grassland
54 species of vascular plants have been recorded from the south side of the headland, and 56 from the north, with 30 species common to both sides (Appendix 4). These species are typical of those found on cliffs in the Channel Islands. The vegetation of the south side of the headland is more ‘Mediterranean’ in type with mostly low growing plants, and many species that flower in spring or autumn (Appendix 3 Figure 8). That on the north side is much lusher and scrub is present covering areas of the cliff (see Figures in Appendix 3).Presumably this difference is due to the aspect. Similar differences are found between south and north facing cliffs elsewhere in Sark and in the other Channel Islands.
On the north east side of the site the boundary is formed by a steep valley that descends to the sea on the north. In this there is a flush, and other areas of wet ground. These wet areas support a different flora including Marsh Pennywort ($Hydrocotyle vulgaris$) only found in a few other places in the island.
Soft Cliff
Soft cliff is found in patches at the bottom of the coastal grassland above the sheer rocks dropping to the sea. It is an important nesting site for solitary bees and wasps and for the tiger beetle $Cicindela campestris$.
Hard Cliff
Outcrops of rock occur all over the site and around above the sea. This has a covering of many species of lichens (Appendix 4). Particulary noteworthy are the two species of $Roccella$ and $Teloschistes flavicans$. $Teloschistes flavicans$ is only found at one other place in the Bailiwick of Guernsey, at Jerbourg Point in Guernsey, a similar high headland.
Marine Habitats
Rocky Shore
This has similar species present to rocky shores elsewhere in the Channel Islands. Particularly noteworthy is the marine pulmonate mollusc $Onchidella celtica$ (Appendix 3 Figure 15) which occurs around the cave entrances on the shady north side of the headland. There are recent records only from two other places in the Channel Islands.
Undersea Caves (partially exposed at LW)
These caves form the unique interest of the site. The fauna is popularly described in the leaflet by Ann Allen, Appendix 6. The walls are in large areas covered with marine life, and this is exposed at low water spring tides. It is one of the very few places in Western Europe where many of the species present can be seen by observers on foot and is the largest such area. A species list of many of the larger organisms present is given in Appendix Table 5. The reason for the species richness in not completely clear. One factor is probably that the caves have several entrances and inter-conecting passageways leading to strong currents through the caves at high water, bringing plenty of food to the mainly filter-feeding organisms on the walls.",See 20,See 20,No information available,"Exhibition, talks and films on Gouliot Caves have been shown annually at the Visitor Centre. There is an information booklet available on the species found in the Caves. The headland is included in Sark’s Wildflower walks which takes place annually and there is a leaflet available on the flora.","Caves are used for leisure diving, cave visiting and walking on the headland. They are promoted in the tourist brochures.","Alder, J. & Hancock, A. 1845-1855. A monograph of the British nudibranchiate Mollusca: with figures of all the species. Parts I-VII. Ray Society, London.
Allen, A (1988) Gouliot Caves. Ann Allen
Allen, A (1989) Sark invertebrates of the rocky shore. Ann Allen
Allen, A. 1993. Field Companion; Flowers of Sark. (Private Publication)
Allen, A & Hilton, B (1988) Distribution & zonation of marine lichens in Sark. Report & Transactions La Société Guernesiaise, 22(1987), 234-257
Ansted, D. T. & Latham, R. G. 1862. The Channel Islands 604pp W. H. Allen & Co., London
Bowerbank, J.S. 1864-1882. A Monograph of the British Spongiadae in 4 vols., published by the Ray Society
Cheney, C. S. British Geological Survey, NERC. A preliminary hydrogeological study of the Island of Sark 2004.
Gibbons, Wes 1975 Sark Rocks An Introduction to the Geology of the Island, published by Manche Technical Supplies (Jersey)
Le Sueur, F. & McClintock D, 1963. A check list of the flowering plants & ferns wild on Sark & its off-islets. Rep. Trans. Soc. guernes. 17, (1962) 303-318
Marquand, E. D. 1901. Flora of Guernsey and the lesser Channel Islands. London.
Marsden, M. H.1995. A new check list of flowering plants & ferns wild on Sark. Rep. Trans. Soc. guernes. 23. (1994), 754-783
McClintock, D. 1975. The wildflowers of Guernsey. Collins, London 288pp.
Pienkowski, MW (ed.) (2005) Review of existing and potential Ramsar sites in UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. (Contractor: UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough.) Final report on Contract CR0294 to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Bristol. www.ukotcf.org",,,
7000110,UK13022,Greenlaw Moor,Classified/designatd,S,247.6,,Scottish Borders,15/03/1996,55 44 06 N,02 27 06 W,371720,649090,NT716492,229,232,231,"This area consists of heather moorland to the east, and raised mire to the west. The heather is the largest remaining example of moorland at mid-altitude in the Borders. There are two pools at Hule Moss which support an internationally important wintering population of pink-footed geese. The area of raised moss is well developed with a fairly typical flora, including some regionally uncommon bryophytes.","
","Nearest town/city: Berwick-upon-Tweed
Located in the southern Lammermuir Hills, in the Scottish Borders west of Berwick-upon-Tweed.","This site consists of two lochans set within an area of heather moorland showing sparse representation of other typical moorland species. The west loch is 'perched' and very exposed with a thin marginal surround of $Juncus effusus$ tussocks which merges into a fringe of $Deschampsia$ and $Eriophorum$ and the heather moorland with acid grassland patches. Other shoreline species are very limited and include $Carex rostrata$, $C. nigra$, and $Rumex obtusifolius$. The lochan shoreline and substrate are entirely mineral, unlike the east loch, which is more varied and deeper with a peaty substrate. This loch supports marginal poor-fen with $Sphagnum recurvum$ with scattered $Salix cinerea$ ssp. $oleifolia$ with fringing $Carex rostrata$, $C. nigra$, $Juncus effusus$ and $Agrostis stolonifera$. At the outer edges of the basin other $Sphagnum$ species occur with $Eriophorum vaginatum$, $Calliergonella cuspidata$, $Carex echinata$ and $Juncus articulatus$. Flushes around the outflow of the east loch at the south-east corner support $Ranunculus repens, R. flammula, Trifolium repens$ with $Agrostis$ and $Rumex$. $Callitriche$ species also occur here. Around this outlet further species of aquatic and terrestrial zone $Sphagna$ occur. There are no significant invasive or introduced species. The hydroseral development of particularly the east loch may be expected to proceed in the long term to more extensive poor-fen, limited only by the deeper water. There is no indication of rafting taking place.",None reported,None reported,"Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
PhD study involving site on 'Aspects of the ecology of the Lepidoptera associated with $Calluna vulgaris$ on managed northern heath' (Haysom 1998; Haysom & Coulson 1998).
Miscellaneous.
Extensive bibliography available.
No other facilities.","An informal moorland management demonstration. Local gamekeeping course is held on site.
A bird hide is situated on the site at Hule Moss.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Walking, riding and bird watching.
Bird hide on Hule Moss only.
Bird watching principally takes place in winter.","[See separate list]
Haysom, K (1998) Aspects of the ecology of the Lepidoptera associated with Calluna vulgaris on managed northern heath. Unpublished PhD thesis, University of Durham, Department of Biological Sciences
Haysom, KA & Coulson, JC (1998) The Lepidoptera fauna associated with Calluna vulgaris: effects of plant architecture on abundance and diversity. Ecological Entomology, 23(4), 377-***
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",,,
7000043,UK13023,"Gruinart Flats, Islay",Classified/designatd,S,3260.69,,Argyll and Bute,14/07/1988,55 50 42 N,06 19 33 W,129386,669934,NR292698,-1,37,11,"Estuarine sand flats, saltmarsh and ombrogenous bog habitats are the main wetland habitat types, supporting roosting, breeding and feeding waterfowl populations.
","
","Nearest town/city: Bowmore
North-west coast of the Inner Hebridean island of Islay off the west coast of Scotland.
","This site has extensive sand-flats, coastal grasslands and dune grasslands. Saltmarsh, semi-improved and improved neutral grasslands (some seasonally flooded). Extensive wet and dry heaths with acid and marshy grasslands grading into ombrogenous bog and swamp with some semi-natural scrub. Small areas of ancient semi-natural woodland and recent secondary planted woods.
",None reported,None reported,"Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Regular wildfowl counts undertaken by RSPB and SNH.
Chough Survey to be undertaken 1998.
Research on lapwing productivity is ongoing by RSPB.
Habitat.
Sand Dune Survey of GB included two areas of this site.
Flora.
RSPB NVC survey of Loch Gruinart Reserve.
Vegetation monitoring under several MA's.","The site is used as a resource by local schools, assisted with information and guidance from SNH and RSPB who run guided walks all year for the general public.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Recreation is very low-key and spread over the whole year. Birdwatching groups visit regularly. Otherwise, casual tourism.","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1997) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 14 South-west Scotland: Ballantrae to Mull. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Bignal, E, Curtis, D & Matthews J (1988) Islay: Land types, bird habitats and nature conservation. Part 1. Land types and birds on Islay. NCC CSD Report, No. 809
Boyd, JM & Bowes, DR (eds.) (1983) The natural environment of the Inner Hebrides. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Series B: Biological Sciences, 83
Boyd, JM & Boyd, IL (1990) The Hebrides. A natural history. Collins, London (New Naturalist No. 76)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 3. North-west Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Connor, DW & Little, M (1998) Chapter 13. West Scotland (MNCR Sector 13). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 355-370. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Dargie, TCD (1993) Sand dune vegetation survey of Great Britain: a national inventory. Part II: Scotland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Dargie, TCD (2000) Sand dune vegetation survey of Scotland: national report. Scottish Natural Heritage, Commissioned Report, No. F97AA401. www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/strategy/commreports/F97AA401.pdf
Dipper, FA, Howson, CM & Steele, D (in prep.) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 13. Sealochs in west Scotland: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Easterbee, N, Stroud, DA, Bignal, EM & Dick, TD (1987) The arrival of Greenland barnacle geese, Branta leucopsis, at Loch Gruinart, Islay. Scottish Birds, 14, 175-179
Hampson, P, Beaumont, D & Peacock, M (1996) Integrating farming and wildlife conservation at the RSPB Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve. RSPB Conservation Review, 10, 59-68
May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Ramsay, DL & Brampton, AH (2000) Coastal cells in Scotland: Cell 5 – Cape Wrath to the Mull of Kintyre. Scottish Natural Heritage Research Survey and Monitoring Report, No. 147
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Weighell, AJ, Donnelly, AP & Calder, K (eds.) (2000) Directory of the Celtic coasts and seas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",,,
7000071,UK11028,Hamford Water,Classified/designatd,E,2187.21,,Essex,08/06/1993,51 52 46 N,01 14 29 E,623078.7,225131.2,TM231251,-1,3,1,"Hamford Water is a large, shallow estuarine basin comprising tidal creeks and islands, intertidal mud and sand flats, and saltmarsh supporting rare plants and internationally important species/populations of migratory waterfowl.
",,"Nearest town/city: Harwich
Hamford Water is a tidal inlet whose mouth is about 5 km south of Harwich, Essex.","The main habitat types of this site are, intertidal mud and sand flats;and saltmarsh.
The main vegetation types of this site consist of pioneer saltmarsh communities; $Salicornia sp. Suaeda maritima$ and $Spartina maritima$. Mature saltmarsh communities; $Limonium binervosum$ and $Atriplex portulacoides$, $Puccinellia$ sp. and eelgrass $Zostera$ sp. beds
","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Peucedanum officinale$ (nationally rare RDB Lower risk – near threatened)",None reported,"Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
There are also other bird counts and research on oysters.
Environment.
Hydrological monitoring.
Sedimentation monitoring.
Saltmarsh erosion.",Boat trips are available around the site.,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Yachting, walking, wildfowling and sport fishing occur on the site.
","Anon. (2002) Essex Coast and Estuaries Coastal Habitat Management Plan: Executive summary. English Nature, Peterborough (Living with the Sea LIFE Project). www.english-nature.org.uk/livingwiththesea/champs/pdf/ESSEX.FINALEXEC.SUMMARY.pdf
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1998) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 7 South-east England: Lowestoft to Dungeness. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 5. Eastern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Covey, R (1998) Chapter 6. Eastern England (Bridlington to Folkestone) (MNCR Sector 6). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 179-198. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Davidson, NC, Laffoley, D d’A, Doody, JP, Way, LS, Gordon, J, Key, R, Pienkowski, MW, Mitchell, R & Duff, KL (1991) Nature conservation and estuaries in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Hill, TO, Emblow, CS & Northen, KO (1996) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 6. Inlets in eastern England: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Pritchard, DE, Housden, SD, Mudge, GP, Galbraith, CA & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",,,
7000031,UK11030,Holburn Lake and Moss,Classified/designatd,E,28.03,,Northumberland,17/07/1985,55 37 20 N,01 55 09 W,405086.1,636521.7,NU051365,142,171,154,"The Holburn Lake and Moss site is important for its wet mire habitat and the associated bird interest. The site comprises a lowland raised mire and the adjacent slopes which form its catchment area. The south-western outflow to the mire was dammed in 1934 to create Holburn Lake which has subsequently been designated for its internationally important birds. The core of the site is comprised of some 10 ha of largely heather-dominated vegetation, punctuated by wetter hollows which retain a $Sphagnum$-rich flora. There is a small area of poor-fen at the eastern end of the lake.
At the north of the site there is an area of conifer plantation. Much of the plantation is dense with little ground flora, but in an area where the canopy was opened up by fire, there are some typical bog plant species.","Ramsar criterion 1
The site is a nationally rare example of a lowland raised mire.
Ramsar criterion 3
The site is an important winter roost site for greylag geese, of which the entire Icelandic race winters in Britain.
Ramsar criterion 4
Regularly visited by large flocks of mallard $Anas platyrhynchos$, wigeon $Anas penelope$ and teal $Anas crecca$, provides an inland roost for coastal wildfowl during unfavourable weather conditions. A few pairs of shelduck $Tadorna tadorna$, shoveler $Anas clypeata$ and tufted duck $Aythya fuligula$ regularly breed here.","Nearest town/city: Berwick-upon-Tweed
Holburn Lake and Moss are located 10 km north-west of Belford in north Northumberland.","The main open part of the moss is dominated by $Calluna vulgaris$, with some $Eriophorum vaginatum$, $E. angustifolium$ and $Erica tetralix$. Much of the vegetation is referable to a degraded form of $Erica tetralix-Sphagnum papillosum$ raised and blanket mire (M18) and $Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum$ blanket mire (M19), coming close to dry heath in some places. Much of the floristic interest lies in hollows, scattered across the surface of the Moss where water retention has allowed a more $Sphagnum$-rich vegetation to develop (M2).
An island in the middle of the lake supports large stands of reedmace $Typha latifolia$. The lake shores support a fringe of woody nightshade $Solanum dulcamara$, soft rush $Juncus effusus$ and sharp-flowered rush $Juncus acutiflorus$. At the western end of the lake there is an area of poor-fen, largely dominated by $Juncus effusus$ and $Eriophorum angustifolium$ over a carpet of $Sphagnum$ mosses.
On the northern side of the Moss conifers form a dense canopy with little undergrowth. The south-eastern part of this area, where the fire opened up the canopy, has a significant component of bog species. The small lake on the northern edge of the site is overgrown with rushes $Juncus$ spp., $Eriophorum angustifolium$ and $Sphagnum$ species.
The heath is subjected to regular burning and now has a good cover of $Calluna vulgaris$ with only minor patches of bracken infestation.",None reported,None reported,"Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Environment.
Water levels are monitored using a gauge board on the lake and 12 dip-wells on the Moss.
Water levels on adjacent peat extraction site monitored by Northumberland County Council.",None reported,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
There is no significant regular use of the site for recreation or tourism.
","Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",,,
7000140,UK11031,Humber Estuary,Classified/designatd,E,37987.8,,City of Kingston upon Hull; East Riding of Yorkshire; Humberside; Lincolnshire; North East Lincolnshire; North Lincolnshire,,053 32 59 N,000 00 03 E,536379,407878,TA363078,-13,10,,"The Humber Estuary is the largest macro-tidal estuary on the British North Sea coast. It drains a catchment of some 24,240 square kilometres and is the site of the largest single input of freshwater from Britain into the North Sea. It has the second-highest tidal range in Britain (max 7.4 m) and approximately one-third of the estuary is exposed as mud or sand flats at low tide. The inner estuary supports extensive areas of reedbed with areas of mature and developing saltmarsh backed in places by limited areas of grazing marsh in the middle and outer estuary. On the north Lincolnshire coast the saltmarsh is backed by low sand dunes with marshy slacks and brackish pools. The Estuary regularly supports internationally important numbers of waterfowl in winter and nationally important breeding populations in summer.","Ramsar criterion 1
The site is a representative example of a near-natural estuary with the following component habitats: dune systems and humid dune slacks, estuarine waters, intertidal mud and sand flats, saltmarshes, and coastal brackish/saline lagoons.
It is a large macro-tidal coastal plain estuary with high suspended sediment loads, which feed a dynamic and rapidly changing system of accreting and eroding intertidal and subtidal mudflats, sandflats, saltmarsh and reedbeds. Examples of both strandline, foredune, mobile, semi-fixed dunes, fixed dunes and dune grassland occur on both banks of the estuary and along the coast. The estuary supports a full range of saline conditions from the open coast to the limit of saline intrusion on the tidal rivers of the Ouse and Trent. Wave exposed sandy shores are found in the outer/open coast areas of the estuary. These change to the more moderately exposed sandy shores and then to sheltered muddy shores within the main body of the estuary and up into the tidal rivers. The lower saltmarsh of the Humber is dominated by common cordgrass Spartina anglica and annual glasswort Salicornia communities. Low to mid marsh communities are mostly represented by sea aster Aster tripolium, common saltmarsh grass Puccinellia maritima and sea purslane Atriplex portulacoides communities. The upper portion of the saltmarsh community is atypical, dominated by sea couch Elytrigia atherica (Elymus pycnanthus) saltmarsh community. In the upper reaches of the estuary, the tidal marsh community is dominated by the common reed Phragmites australis fen and sea club rush Bolboschoenus maritimus swamp with the couch grass Elytrigia repens (Elymus repens) saltmarsh community. Within the Humber Estuary Ramsar site there are good examples of four of the five physiographic types of saline lagoon.
Ramsar criterion 3
The Humber Estuary Ramsar site supports a breeding colony of grey seals Halichoerus grypus at Donna Nook. It is the second largest grey seal colony in England and the furthest south regular breeding site on the east coast. The dune slacks at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe on the southern extremity of the Ramsar site are the most north-easterly breeding site in Great Britain of the natterjack toad Bufo calamita.
Ramsar criterion 5
Assemblages of international importance:
153,934 waterfowl, non-breeding season
(5 year peak mean 1996/97-2000/2001)
Ramsar criterion 6 – species/populations occurring at levels of international importance.
Eurasian golden plover, Pluvialis apricaria
altifrons subspecies – NW Europe, W Continental Europe, NW Africa population
17,996 individuals, passage, representing an average of 2.2% of the population
(5 year peak mean 1996-2000)
Red knot, Calidris canutus
islandica subspecies
18,500 individuals, passage, representing an average of 4.1% of the population
(5 year peak mean 1996-2000)
Dunlin, Calidris alpina
alpina subspecies – Western Europe (non-breeding) population
20,269 individuals, passage, representing an average of 1.5% of the population
(5 year peak mean 1996-2000)
Black-tailed godwit, Limosa limosa
islandica subspecies
915 individuals, passage, representing and average of 2.6% of the population
(5 year peak mean 1996-2000)
Common redshank, Tringa totanus
brittanica subspecies
7,462 individuals, passage, representing an average of 5.7% of the population
(5 year peak mean 1996-2000)
Common shelduck, Tadorna tadorna
Northwestern Europe (breeding) population
4,464 individuals, wintering, representing an average of 1.5% of the population
(5 year peak mean 1996/7-2000/1)
Eurasian golden plover, Pluvialis apricaria
altifrons subspecies – NW Europe, W Continental Europe, NW Africa population
30,709 individuals, wintering, representing an average of 3.8% of the population
(5 year peak mean 1996/7-2000/1)
Red knot, Calidris canutus
islandica subspecies
28,165 individuals, wintering, representing an average of 6.3% of the population
(5 year peak mean 1996/7-2000/1)
Dunlin, Calidris alpina
alpina subspecies – Western Europe (non-breeding) population
22,222 individuals, wintering, representing an average of 1.7% of the population
(5 year peak mean 1996/7-2000/1)
Black-tailed godwit, Limosa limosa
islandica subspecies
1,113 individuals, wintering, representing an average of 3.2% of the population
(5 year peak mean 1996/7-2000/1)
Bar-tailed godwit , Limosa lapponica
lapponica subspecies
2,752 individuals, wintering, representing an average of 2.3% of the population
(5 year peak mean 1996/7-2000/1)
Common redshank, Tringa totanus
brittanica subspecies
4,632 individuals, wintering, representing an average of 3.6% of the population
(5 year peak mean 1996/7-2000/1)
Ramsar criterion 8
The Humber Estuary acts as an important migration route for both river lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis and sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus between coastal waters and their spawning areas.","Nearest town/city: Kingston-upon-Hull
The Humber Estuary is located on the boundary between the East Midlands Region and the Yorkshire and the Humber Region, on the east coast of England bordering the North Sea.","Description
Much of the intertidal area of the Humber Estuary consists of mudflats with fringing saltmarsh. There are smaller areas of intertidal sand flats, and sand dunes. The saltmarsh is both eroding and accreting; although coastal squeeze is resulting in net losses, and cord grass Spartina anglica is a major colonising species. In areas of reduced salinity such as the Upper Humber there are extensive areas of common reed Phragmites australis with some sea club-rush Bolboschoenus maritimus. Mid-level saltmarsh tends to be much more floristically diverse, and in the higher level marsh with its dendritic network of drainage channels, salt pans and borrow pits grasses dominate with thrift Armeria maritima where the marsh is grazed by cattle and sheep. Extensive areas of eel grass Zostera marina and Z. nolti have been known to occur at Spurn Bight, although in recent years records are limited. Behind the sandflats of the Cleethorpes coast the mature sand-dune vegetation contains some locally and nationally rare species including chestnut flat sedge Blysmus rufus, bulbous meadow grass Poa bulbosa and dense silky-bent Apera interrupta. The sand dunes, which cap the shingle spit that forms Spurn Peninsula are dominated by marram grass Ammophila arenaria and patches of dense sea buckthorn Hippophae rhamnoides.",None reported,"Species Information
Birds
Species currently occurring at levels of national importance:
Great bittern, Botaurus stellaris
stellaris subspecies – W Europe, NW Africa (breeding) population
2 booming males, breeding, representing an average of 10.5% of the GB population
(3 year mean 2000-2002)
Eurasian marsh harrier, Circus aeruginosus
Europe population
10 females, breeding, representing an average of 6.3% of the GB population
(5 year mean 1998-2002)
Pied avocet, Recurvirostra avosetta
Western Europe (breeding) population
64 pairs, breeding, representing an average of 8.6% of the GB population
(5 year mean 1998-2002)
Little tern, Sterna albifrons
albifrons subspecies, Western Europe (breeding) population
51 pairs, breeding, representing an average of 2.1% of the GB population
(5 year mean 1998-2002)
Dark-bellied brent goose, Branta bernicla
bernicla subspecies
2,098 individuals, wintering, representing an average of 2.1% of the GB population
(5 year peak mean 1996/7-2000/1)
Eurasian wigeon, Anas penelope
Northwestern Europe (non-breeding) population
5,044 individuals, wintering, representing an average of 1.2% of the GB population
(5 year peak mean 1996/7-2000/1)
Common teal, Anas crecca
crecca subspecies, Northwestern Europe (non-breeding population)
2,322 individuals, wintering, representing an average of 1.2% of the GB population
(5 year peak mean 1996/7-2000/1)
Common pochard, Aythya ferina
Northeastern & Northwestern Europe (non-breeding) population
719 individuals, wintering, representing an average of 1.2% of the GB population
(5 year peak mean 1996/7-2000/1)
Greater scaup, Aythya marila
marila subspecies, Western Europe (non-breeding) population
127 individuals, wintering, representing an average of 1.7% of the GB population
(5 year peak mean 1996/7-2000/1)
Common goldeneye, Bucephala clangula
clangula subspecies, Northwestern & Central Europe (non-breeding) population
467 individuals, wintering, representing an average of 1.9% of the GB population
(5 year peak mean 1996/7-2000/1)
Great bittern, Botaurus stellaris
stellaris subspecies – W Europe, NW Africa (breeding) population
4 individuals, wintering, representing an average of 4.0% of the GB population
(5 year peak mean 1998/9-2002/3)
Hen harrier, Circus cyaneus
Europe population
8 individuals, wintering, representing an average of 1.1% of the GB population
(5 year peak mean 1997/8-2001/2)
Eurasian oystercatcher, Haematopus ostralegus
ostralegus subspecies
3,503 individuals, wintering, representing an average of 1.1% of the GB population
(5 year peak mean 1996/7-2000/1)
Pied avocet, Recurvirostra avosetta
Western Europe (breeding) population
59 individuals, wintering, representing an average of 1.7% of the GB population
(5 year peak mean 1996/7-2000/1)
Great ringed plover, Charadrius hiaticula
hiaticula subspecies
403 individuals, wintering, representing an average of 1.2% of the GB population
(5 year peak mean 1996/7-2000/1)
Grey plover, Pluvialis squatarola
squatarola subspecies, Eastern Atlantic (non-breeding) population
1,704 individuals, wintering, representing an average of 3.2% of the GB population
(5 year peak mean 1996/7-2000/1)
Northern lapwing, Vanellus vanellus
Europe (breeding) population
22,765 individuals, wintering, representing an average of 1.1% of the GB population
(5 year peak mean 1996/7-2000/1)
Sanderling, Calidris alba
Eastern Atlantic (non-breeding) population
486 individuals, wintering, representing an average of 2.3% of the GB population
(5 year peak mean 1996/7-2000/1)
Curlew, Numenius arquata
arquata subspecies
3,253 individuals, wintering, representing an average of 2.2% of the GB population
(5 year peak mean 1996/7-2000/1)
Ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres
interpres subspecies, Northeastern Canada & Greenland (breeding) population
629 individuals, wintering, representing an average of 1.3% of the GB population
(5 year peak mean 1996/7-2000/1)
Great ringed plover, Charadrius hiaticula
psammodroma subspecies
1,766 individuals, passage, representing an average of 5.9% of the GB population
(5 year peak mean 1996-2000)
Grey plover, Pluvialis squatarola
squatarola subspecies, Eastern Atlantic (non-breeding) population
1,590 individuals, passage, representing an average of 2.3% of the GB population
(5 year peak mean 1996-2000)
Sanderling, Calidris alba
Eastern Atlantic (non-breeding) population
818 individuals, passage, representing an average of 2.7% of the GB population
(5 year peak mean 1996-2000)
Ruff, Philomachus pugnax
Western Africa (non-breeding) population
128 individuals, passage, representing an average of 1.4% of the GB population
(5 year peak mean 1996-2000)
Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus
islandicus subspecies
113 individuals, passage, representing an average of 2.3% of the GB population
(5 year peak mean 1996-2000)
Common greenshank, Tringa nebularia
Northwestern Europe (breeding) population
77 individuals, passage, representing an average of 5.5% of the GB population
(5 year peak mean 1996-2000)","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the
national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl &
Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation
Committee.
Seal populations are monitored by the Sea Mammal Research Unit
Humber Wader Ringing Group
Spurn Bird Observatory
National Nature Reserve monitoring
Environment.
Institute of Estuarine & Coastal Studies, Hull: various
Industrial Concerns: monitoring on behalf of companies such as Associated British Ports and BP
Environment Agency monitoring: various
Geomorphological studies associated with shoreline management planning
National Nature Reserve monitoring","There are a four National Nature Reserves with associated facilities within the Ramsar site (Spurn, Far Ings, Donna Nook and Saltfleetby – Theddlethorpe Dunes) and a number of other visitor, information and/or education centres including the Spurn Bird Observatory, the Cleethorpes Discovery Centre, Water’s Edge and Far Ings. A wide range of Humber wide and area-specific information is available through a range of media (eg leaflets, displays, internet etc) including ‘Humber Estuary European Marine Site Codes of Conduct’ developed with a range of stakeholders to cover a range of recreational and educational activities and ‘Coastal Futures’ – a partnership project working with local communities affected by flood risk and associated issues including managed realignment includes proactive education work within schools.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Sailing: marinas at Brough, Winteringham, Hull, Grimsby and South Ferriby.
Bathing etc: Cleethorpes (some 6m visitors/yr).
Walking/Horse riding: throughout
Beach fishing, match sea-fishing, non-commercial bait digging.
Non-commercial samphire collection
Wildfowling
Tourist amusements: Cleethorpes.
Bird watching: throughout but particularly at Blacktoft Sands RSPB reserve and the four National Nature Reserves.","Site-relevant references
Allen, J, Boyes, S, Burdon, D, Cutts, N, Hawthorne, E, Hemingway, K, Jarvis, S, Jennings, K, Mander, L, Murby, P, Proctor, N, Thomson, S & Waters, R (2003) The Humber estuary: a comprehensive review of its nature conservation interest. (Contractor: Institute of Estuarine & Coastal Studies, University of Hull.) English Nature Research Reports, No. 547. www.english-nature.org.uk/pubs/publication/pub_results.asp?C=0&K=&K2=R547&I=&A=&Submit1=Search
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1995) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 6 Eastern England: Flamborough Head to Great Yarmouth. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 5. Eastern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Catley, G (2000) Humber estuary wetland bird survey: twelve months of high and low tide counts, September 1998 to August 1999. English Nature Research Reports, No. 339
Cave, R, Ledoux, L, Jickells, T & Andrews, J (2002) The Humber catchment and its coastal area. HumCat Consortium
Covey, R (1998) Chapter 6. Eastern England (Bridlington to Folkestone) (MNCR Sector 6). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 179-198. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cayford, J.T. & Waters, R.J. 1996. Population estimates for waders Charadrii wintering in Great Britain, 1987/88 – 1991/92. Biological Conservation 77: 7-17.
Davidson, N.C., Laffoley, D. d’A., Doody, J.P., Way, L.S., Gordon, J., Key, R., Pienkowski, M.W., Mitchell, R. & Duff, K.L. 1991. Nature conservation and estuaries in Great Britain. Peterborough, Nature Conservancy Council.
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
English Nature (2003) The Humber Estuary European Marine Site: English Nature’s advice given under Regulation 33(2) of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations 1994. Interim advice, April 2003. English Nature, Peterborough. www.humberems.co.uk/downloads/English%20Natures%20Reg%2033%20Advice.pdf
English Nature & Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies (2003) The Humber bibliography. www.humber-bib.hull.ac.uk
Environment Agency (2005) Planning for the rising tides. The Humber Flood Risk Manageemnt Strategy Consultation Document. Environment Agency North East Region, Leeds. www.environment-agency.gov.uk/regions/northeast/411697.ac.uk/coastalobs/media/pdf/humberestuarysmp.pdf
Environment Agency (2000) Planning for the rising tides. The Humber Estuary Shoreline Management Plan. Environment Agency North East Region, Leeds. www.hull.ac.uk/coastalobs/media/pdf/humberestuarysmp.pdf
Environment Agency, Countryside Agency, English Nature & Lincolnshire Council (2004) The Alkborough Flats Project. Alkborough Flats Project Partners. www.english-nature.co.uk/about/teams/team_photo/alkborough.pdf
Gibbons, D.W., Reid, J.B. & Chapman, R.A. 1993. The New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland: 1988–1991. London, T. & A.D. Poyser.
Hagemeijer, W.J.M. & Blair, M.J. (eds) 1997. The EBCC Atlas of European Breeding Birds: Their Distribution and Abundance. London, T & A.D. Poyser
Hoyo, J. del, Elliot A. & Sargatal, J. eds. 1996. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 3: Hoatzin to Auks. Barcelona, Lynx Edicions.
Hull Biodiversity Partnership (2004) Hull Biodiversity Action Plan - Estuarine habitats. Hull Biodiversity Partnership, Hull. www.hull.ac.uk/HBP/ActionPlan/Estuary.htm
Humber Management Scheme (2005) Humber Management Scheme web pages. Humber Management Scheme, Doncaster. www.humberems.co.uk
Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies (1994) Humber estuary and coast management issues. Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies /Humberside County Council
JNCC. 1999. The Birds Directive – selection guidelines for Special Protection Areas. JNCC Peterborough.
Jones, NV (ed.) (1988) A dynamic estuary: man, nature and the Humber. Hull University Press, Hull
Jones, NV & Elliott, M (eds.) (2000) The Humber estuary and adjoining Yorkshire and Lincolnshire coasts. A volume based on a local meeting of the Estuarine and Coastal Sciences Association, Hull, UK, April 1996. Coastal Zone Topics: Process, Ecology & Management, 4
Kershaw, M. & Cranswick, P.A. 2003. Numbers of Wintering Waterbirds in Great Britain and the Isle of Man, 1994/1995 – 1998/1999): I. Wildfowl and selected waterbirds. Biological Conservation 111: 91 – 104.
Kirby, J.S., Evans, R.J. & Fox, A.D. 1993. Wintering seaducks in Britain and Ireland: populations, threats, conservation and research priorities. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 3: 105-117.
Lack, P. 1986. The Atlas of Wintering Birds in Britain and Ireland. T & A D Poyser, Calton.
Lloyd, C., Tasker, M.L. & Partridge, K. 1991. The status of seabirds in Britain and Ireland. London, T. & A.D. Poyser.
May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Moser, M. 1988. Limits to the numbers of Grey Plovers Pluvialis squatarola wintering on British estuaries: an analysis of long-term population trends. Journal of Applied Ecology 25: 473-485.
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
National Rivers Authority & Humberside County Council (1994) The Humber Estuary Standing Conference, proceedings November 1993
National Rivers Authority & Humberside County Council (1995) The Humber Estuary Standing Conference, proceedings November 1994
National Rivers Authority & Humberside County Council (1996) The Humber Estuary Standing Conference, proceedings November 1995
National Rivers Authority (1994) Humber estuary catchment management plan consultation report. National Rivers Authority
National Rivers Authority (1995) Humber estuary catchment management plan action plan. National Rivers Authority
National Rivers Authority (1995) The Humber estuary tidal defence strategy – final report. Sir William Halcrow & Partners Ltd
Ogilvie, M.A. & the Rare Breeding Birds Panel. 2002. Rare Breeding Birds in the United Kingdom in 2000. British Birds 95: 542 – 582.
Owen, M., Atkinson-Willes, G.L. & Salmon, D.G. 1986. Wildfowl in Great Britain; second edition. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.
Pollitt, M.S., Cranswick, P.A., Musgrove, A., Hall, C., Hearn, R., Robinson, J. and Holloway, S. 2000. The Wetland Bird Survey 1998-99: Wildfowl and Waders Counts. BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Slimbridge.
Pollitt, M.S., Hall, C., Holloway, S.J., Hearn, R.D., Marshall, P.E., Musgrove, A.J., Robinson, J.A. & Cranswick, P.A. 2003. The Wetland Bird Survey 2000-01: Wildfowl and Wader Counts. BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Slimbridge.
Prater, A.J. 1981. Estuary Birds of Britain and Ireland. London, T & A.D. Poyser
Prime, JH & Hammond, PS (1990) The diet of grey seals from the south-western North Sea assessed from analyses of hard parts found in faeces. Journal of Applied Ecology, 27, 435-447
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Rehfisch, M.M., Austin, G.E., Armitage, M.J.S., Atkinson, P.W., Holloway, S.J., Musgrove, A.J. & Pollitt, M.S. 2003. Numbers of Wintering Waterbirds in Great Britain and the Isle of Man, (1994/5 – 1998/1999): II. Coastal Waders (Charadrii). Biological Conservation 112: 329 – 341.
Ridgill, S.C. & Fox, A.D. 1990. Cold Weather Movements of Waterfowl in Western Europe. IWRB Special Publication No 13. IWRB, Slimbridge.
Scott, D.A. & Rose, D.A. 1996. Atlas of Anatidae populations in Africa and western Eurasia. Wetlands International Publication No. 41. Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Shennan, I & Andrews, JE (eds.) (2000) Holocene land-ocean interaction and environmental change around the North Sea. Geological Society, London (Special Publication)
Spurn Heritage Coast Project (1996) Spurn Heritage Coast Management Strategy
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Snow, D.W. & Perrins, C.M. 1998. The Birds of the Western Palearctic. Volume 1: Non-Passerines. Concise Edition. Oxford & New York, Oxford University Press.
Stone, B.H., Sears, J., Cranswick, P.A., Gregory, R.D., Gibbons, D.W., Rehfisch, M.M., Aebischer, N.J. & Reid, J.B. 1997. Population estimates of birds in Britain and in the United Kingdom. British Birds 90: 1-22.
Stoyle, M.G. 2002. A report on the 2002 breeding season at the Little Tern colony, Beacon Lagoons Nature Reserve, Easington, East Yorkshire. Spurn Bird Observatory Trust.
Stroud, D.A., Chambers, D., Cook, S., Buxton, N., Fraser, B., Clement, P., Lewis, P., McLean, I., Baker, H. & Whitehead, S. 2001. The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Volumes 1-3. JNCC, Peterborough.
Tubbs, C.R. 1991. The population history of Grey Plovers Pluvialis squatarola in the Solent, southern England. Wader Study Group Bulletin 61: 15-21.
Wetlands International. 2002. Waterbird Population Estimates – Third Edition. Wetlands International Global Series No. 12. Wageningen, The Netherlands.
White, LT (1998) The Humber Wildfowl Refuge Committee Education Project (unpublished)",31/08/2007,,
52,UK41002,Hungry Bay Mangrove Swamp,Classified/designatd,OT,2.01,,Bermuda,10/05/1999,32 16 00 N,64 45 00 W,,,not avai,0,0,0,A tidal mangrove swamp (Bermuda's largest) in a shallow sea bay with a relatively narrow opening to the sea. Supports important populations of endangered native crabs.,"Criterion 1
The largest example of the most northerly mangrove swamp in the Atlantic.
Criterion 2
The last Bermuda refuge for several crustacean species
Criterion 3
The last Bermuda refuge for several crustacean species in addition to supporting wintering birdlife.
Criterion 4
Supporting wintering birdlife, especially herons, egrets and North American wood warblers.
Criterion 8
The swamp supports important populations of endangered native crabs (the last Bermudan refuge for several Crustacea — including largest remaining population of land crab $Cenobita clypeatus$ and giant land crab $Cardisoma guahumi$).","Nearest town/city: Hamilton
Hungry Bay Mangrove Swamp is located on the south shore at Hungry Bay, Paget Parish, 2 km east of Hamilton.","Mangrove swamps with $Avicennia germinans, Conocorpus erectus, Rhizophora mangle$ and some $Salicornia$ sp. Bermuda’s largest tidal mangrove swamp located in a shallow (mostly c. 1 m deep) sea bay with a relatively narrow opening to the sea. It is the largest example of Bermuda’s mangrove swamps, which are the most northerly in the world.
Has the longest continuous sequence of mangrove peat layers in the Atlantic, and the first documented evidence of significant forest retreat caused by contemporary sea-level rise.
The swamp supports important populations of endangered native crabs (the last Bermudan refuge for several Crustacea — including largest remaining population of land crab $Cenobita clypeatus$ and giant land crab $Cardisoma guahumi$), as well as wintering birds.","Both the two mangrove species to occur on Bermuda are found here: Black Mangrove $Avicennia germinans$ and Red Mangrove $Rhizophora mangle$. Surrounding woodlands have a range of other trees including Buttonwood $Conocorpus erectus$.
On the south-east edge of the mangrove swamp there are areas of marsh plants, with Large Marsh Rush $Juncus acutus$, Sea Purslane $Sesuvium portulacastrum$, Sea Ox-eye $Borrichia arborescens$, Sea Lavender $Limonium caroliniatum, Paspalum vaginatum, Sporobolus virginicus$, Woody Grasswort $Sarcocornia perennis$ and West Indian Grass $Eustachys petraea$. These areas are not extensive, but are of interest as they illustrate the position of Bermuda on the northern margin of tropical mangrove distribution and on the southern margins of temperate saltmarsh distribution.","A wintering area for Great Blue Heron $Ardea herodias$, Yellow-crowned Night Heron $Nyctanassa violacea$, Snowy Egret $Leucophoyx thula$, Mallard $Anas platyrhynchus$, Belted Kingfisher $Ceryle alcyon$ and Northern Waterthrush $Seirus noveboracensis$.
The swamp supports the only significant surviving populations on Bermuda of the Giant Land Crab $Cardisoma guanhumi$ (two colonies on the upper fringes of the mangrove swamp) and is the only location in Bermuda for the Land Hermit Crab $Cenobita clypeatus$ (total of 54 individuals in 1990). The Mangrove Crab $Goniopsis cruentatus$ also occurs. A number of other mangrove-living Crustacea occur.",Research conducted by J. Ellison into effects of sea-level changes on mangrove swamps.,None reported,"Activities:
Some recreational boat traffic.
Public access to the site is limited and only possible through private lands. Public access will not be encouraged.","Ellison, JC (1991) Hungry Bay Mangrove Swamp, Bermuda. Present condition and future management. Report of Bermuda Biological Station for Research, St George's
Ellison, JC (1993) Mangrove retreat with rising sea level, Bermuda. Estuarine, coastal and shelf science, 37(1), 75-87
Ellison, JC (1996) Pollen evidence of Late Holocene mangrove development in Bermuda. Global Ecology and Biogeography Letters, 5(6), 315-326
Hayward, SJ, Gomez, FH & Sterrer, W (eds.) (1981) Bermuda's delicate balance: people and environment. Bermuda National Trust, Paget
Hepburn, I, Oldfield, S & Thompson, K (1992) UK Dependent Territories Ramsar study: Stage 1. Unpublished report to Department of the Environment, European and International Habitat Protection Branch, Bristol, from International Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Bureau/ NGO Forum for Nature Conservation in UK Dependent Territories, Slimbridge/ Sandy (Research contract, No. 7/2/126)
Linton, D & Fisher, T (eds.) (2004) CARICOMP – Caribbean Coastal Marine Productivity Program: 1993–2003. Caribbean Coastal Marine Productivity (CARICOMP) Program. www.ccdc.org.jm/CARICOMP%20Annual%20Report.pdf
Pienkowski, M (ed.) (2003) A sense of direction: a conference on conservation in UK Overseas Territories and other small island communities, Bermuda 22nd–27th March 2003. UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough. www.ukotcf.org
Pienkowski, MW (ed.) (2005) Review of existing and potential Ramsar sites in UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. (Contractor: UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough.) Final report on Contract CR0294 to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Bristol. www.ukotcf.org
Proctor, D & Fleming, LV (eds.) (1999) Biodiversity: the UK Overseas Territories. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Scott, DA & Carbonell, M (eds.) (1986) A directory of neotropical wetlands. IUCN/IWRB, Cambridge/Slimbridge
Syvret, A, Smith-Abbot, J, Glasspool, AF & Stroud, D (2003) Hungry Bay Mangrove Swamp. In: A sense of direction: a conference on conservation in UK Overseas Territories and other small island communities, ed. by M. Pienkowski, 212-216. UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough. www.ukotcf.org
Thomas, MLH (1993) Mangrove swamps in Bermuda. Atoll Research Bulletin, 386, 1-17
Wingate, DB (1984) Taking stock of Bermuda's wetland heritage. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hamilton",,,
9000440,UK53002,Inaccessible Island,Classified/designatd,OT,126524,,Tristan da Cunha,28/06/2008,037 18 00 S,012 41 00 W,0,0,,0,511,,"Inaccessible Island is a near-pristine cool temperate island of volcanic origin. The island is characterized by steep coastal cliffs that rise to an undulating plateau. Inaccessible is heavily vegetated. A total of 24 species of seabirds and land birds (several endemic to the island or to the Tristan Group) and the Subantarctic Fur Seal Arctocephalus tropicalis breed, some in very large numbers. There are no introduced mammals, although there have been in the past, and there are a number of introduced species of invertebrates and plants. Several bird species are considered threatened by the World Conservation Union. The deep marine component is relatively little known but above 40 m supports a variety of intertidal and subtidal habitats dominated by seaweed and kelp beds, a range of invertebrates including a commercially-exploited population of Tristan Rock Lobster Jasus tristani, demersal and pelagic fish, and cetaceans of several species that are seen from time to time. Important wetland types include Non-forested peatlands, Permanent freshwater pools, Permanent streams, Marine subtidal aquatic beds and Rocky marine shores.","Criterion 1
Inaccessible Island is a near-pristine cool temperate island of volcanic origin; it falls biogeographically within the southern cool temperate zone, although aspects of its upland habitats and several animal (e.g. penguins, albatrosses and seals) and plant species show strong affinities to the sub-Antarctic region.
Inland Wetlands include Permanent and Intermittent streams (including waterfalls) [M]; Permanent freshwater pools [Tp]; and Non-forested peatlands [U].
Marine/Coastal Wetlands include Rocky marine shores, including sea cliffs with narrow boulder beaches at their feet [D], Marine subtidal aquatic beds, made up largely of seaweed meadows and kelp beds comprising two species of kelp [B] and Permanent shallow marine waters [A].
Examples of each of the above wetland types are given below:
Permanent streams [Wetland type M]
Waterfall River that drains the island’s eastern plateau via several spectacular waterfalls and a 300-m high cliff.
Permanent freshwater pools [Wetland type Tp]
Skua Pond at West Point.
Non-forested peatlands [Wetland Type U]
Molly Bog and Dick’s Bog , on the island’s plateau.
Rocky marine shores [Wetland type D]
The narrow boulder beaches at Blenden Hall and between North Point and Pig Beach Point on the east coast, as well as the offshore stacks of Pyramid Rock and Cave Rock.
Marine subtidal aquatic beds[ Wetland type B]
The east-coast kelp beds stretching from North Point to East Point.
Permanent shallow marine waters [Wetland Type A]
Carlisle Bay on the island’s more sheltered eastern coastline.
Criterion 2
The following nine IUCN-categorized globally threatened and near-threatened vertebrate species (2008 listings and most recent taxonomic treatments) breed on Inaccessible Island or occur regularly within its territorial waters:
Southern Right Whale Eubalaena glacialis Endangered
Northern Rockhopper Penguin Eudyptes moseleyi Endangered
*Tristan Albatross Diomedea dabbenena Critically Endangered
*Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross Thalassarche chlororhynchos Endangered
*Sooty Albatross Phoebetria fusca Endangered
*Spectacled Petrel Procellaria conspicillata Vulnerable
Inaccessible Rail Atlantisia rogersi Vulnerable
Tristan Thrush Nesocichla eremita Near Threatened (subspecies gordoni)
Inaccessible Bunting Nesospiza acunhae Vulnerable (three subspecies and hybrids between them occur)
It is possible that two threatened winter-breeding burrowing petrels, the Grey Petrel Procellaria cinerea (Near Threatened; ACAP-listed, see below) and the Atlantic Petrel Pterodroma incerta (Endangered) breed on Inaccessible, but evidence is lacking due to the lack of winter surveys by ornithologists.
The Southern Right Whale is listed on CITES Appendix I and has been protected since 1935 by the International Whaling Commission. Four of the above avian species (asterisked above) are listed within the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP), to which the United Kingdom is a Party, its ratification including the Overseas Territory of Tristan da Cunha. Several other species of IUCN-threatened and ACAP-listed southern procellariiform seabirds (albatrosses and petrels) have been recorded visiting Inaccessible territorial waters as non-breeders (Ryan 2007).
Of the significant wetland types identified as occurring on Inaccessible Island, Non-forested peatlands and Rocky marine shores (including sea cliffs and boulder beaches) are critical to the survival of the breeding populations of Tristan Albatross (relict population of 2-3 pairs) and Spectacled Petrel (island endemic), and Northern Rockhopper Penguin and Sooty Albatross, respectively. All these species breed wholly or primarily within the designated wetland types.
All the above threatened species are fully protected by the Conservation of Native Organisms and Natural Habitats (Tristan da Cunha) Ordinance, 2006. No domestic category-of-threat classification currently exists under Tristan da Cunha legislation.
Criterion 3
Inaccessible Island is one of the most pristine oceanic islands in the southern hemisphere. It supports no introduced mammals. Away from the field hut at Blenden Hall there is a complete absence of permanent man-made objects, such as fences or sign posts, giving the island a complete wilderness nature. Although introduced plants and invertebrates do occur, they have not visibly altered the natural appearance of the island’s wetlands.
Three threatened avian species are endemic: to the island:
Spectacled Petrel
Inaccessible Rail
Inaccessible Bunting
Additionally, the Tristan Thrush is a near-threatened endemic subspecies and the Tristan Albatross and Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross are endemic to the Tristan Group.
Numbers of plants and invertebrates are either endemic to the island, or to the island group. Baardseth (1941) considered that around 40% (about 50 species) of seaweeds (mainly red algae) recorded from the Tristan north islands are endemic to the archipelago. However, he conceded that much taxonomic work was needed, particularly on the South American flora, before the true figures could be established. A few of these have only been found on Inaccessible, but it is likely that further surveys will reveal them at the other islands. Collections from recent surveys (Scott in prep.) should help to establish the true proportion of endemic seaweeds in the islands.
Inaccessible Island supports in unaltered conditions most of the natural terrestrial vegetation types found within the Tristan da Cunha group, including upland peatlands (bogs) and wet heath, and lowland fern bush and tussock grassland, as well as subtidal seaweed and kelp beds. Seaweed beds on subtidal boulders are particularly well developed and diverse around the island. Feldmark (alpine habitat) is absent due to the relatively low height of the island.
Criterion 4
Inaccessible Island provides annual refuge and breeding habitats to many species (16 seabirds, one seal) that range and forage across the South Atlantic, both during and outside of their breeding seasons. For example, Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatrosses and Spectacled Petrels regularly visit the South American and southern African coasts. The Antarctic Tern over-winters in South Africa.
Criterion 5
Inaccessible Island regularly supports more than 20 000 waterbirds. Recent (2000+) population estimates (breeding pairs) have been made for the following taxa:
Northern Rockhopper Penguin 18 000
Tristan Albatross 2-3 (biennial breeder)
Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross 2000
Sooty Albatross 500
Broad-billed Prion Pachyptila vittata >50 000
Spectacled Petrel 10 090
Kergeulen Petrel Lugensa brevirostris >100
Soft-plumaged Petrel Pterodroma mollis >10 000
Great Shearwater Puffinus gravis >2 000 000
Little Shearwater P. assimilis >5000
White-bellied Storm Petrel Fregetta grallaria >50 000
White-faced Storm Petrel Pelagodroma marina c. 5000
Common Diving Petrel Pelecanoides urinatrix c. 5000
Inaccessible Rail c. 5000
Tristan Skua Catharacta antarctica hamiltoni 100
Antarctic Tern Sterna vittata 100
Common Noddy Anous stolidus 50
Large numbers of seabirds regularly occur within Inaccessible territorial waters (including of species that do not breed on the island). Notably, large rafts of Great Shearwaters Puffinus gravis and flocks of Broad-billed Prions Pachyptila vittata are regularly seen from the shore in summer months, in numbers that must far exceed 20 000 birds of each species. Large numbers of storm petrels may be seen at dark nights at sea around the island, when attracted to the lights of visiting vessels.
Criterion 6
Inaccessible Island supports more than 1% of the global population of several of the seabird and waterbird species and subspecies that breed on the island. Notable examples for which sufficient data exist include:
*Northern Rockhopper Penguin: c. 8%
*Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross: c. 6 %
*Sooty Albatross: c. 3%
*Spectacled Petrel: 100%
Great Shearwater: c. 36%
Tristan Skua c. 8%
*Inaccessible Rail 100%
Note: five species (asterisked) of the above seven taxa are globally threatened (see Criterion 2 above).
Sources: Ryan & Glass 2001, Ryan 2007, Cuthbert et al. in press.
Criterion 7
The territorial waters of Inaccessible support significant populations of pelagic and demersal fish, with over 50 species recorded from the Tristan group. Although little is known about their population sizes, it is considered, due to the absence of a commercial finfish fishery and near-total lack of exploitation historically, that their stocks around the island remain in a near-pristine condition. The Klipfish Bovichtus diacanthus is endemic to the Tristan Group. Additionally, the island’s waters support a substantial part of the global population of the Tristan Rock Lobster, which is endemic to the Tristan da Cunha islands and to Vema Seamount.
Criterion 8
Inaccessible Island’s territorial waters support the inshore populations of a number of fish species and of the Tristan Rock Lobster. Examples of inshore-breeding fish species include the Klipfish, Tristan Wrasse Nelabrichthys ornatus, Five-finger Acantholatris monodactylus and False Jacopever Sebastes capensis.
Criterion 9
The island’s Tristan Rock Lobster population represents far more than 1% of the species’ global population, as shown by island-specific quotas and catches by the commercial fishery. The waters around Inaccessible undoubtedly contain more than 1% of the populations of other shallow-water invertebrate species endemic to the Tristan islands, for instance the sea urchin Arbacia crassispina. More taxonomic work is required on marine invertebrate groups (S. Scott in prep.).","Inaccessible Island lies 40 km south-west from the main island of Tristan da Cunha in the mid South Atlantic Ocean. It forms part of the United Kingdom Overseas Territory of Tristan da Cunha (resident population recorded as 264 on 19 March 2009) , which is part of the UK Overseas Territory of St Helena.
Inaccessible Island is uninhabited, save for occasional (and usually short) visits for research and conservation management purposes.","Inaccessible Island and its territorial waters form one of the largest unmodified cool temperate island ecosystems in the South Atlantic. Probably the most significant wetland types are Non-forested peatlands and Marine subtidal aquatic beds (see Sections 14, Criterion 1 and 19 above), which support a dense (but low) vegetation cover of mainly grasses, sedges and mosses and huge numbers of both surface- and burrow-nesting seabirds, and dense inshore seaweed meadows and kelp beds with an attendant demersal and pelagic fauna, including the commercially exploited and near-endemic Tristan Rock Lobster, respectively.
The zonation of marine life from the shore downwards is characteristic. Stable intertidal rocks are mainly covered with short seaweed turfs, containing large numbers of small invertebrates. At Pyramid Rock, the most exposed corner of the island where there is a constant swell and it is rarely possible to get ashore, the whole intertidal zone is covered with large barnacles, whereas rock pools here contain anemones, sponges and seaquirts usually found only in the subtidal zone. By contrast, intertidal mobile boulder and cobble beaches are usually devoid of attached life (apart from temporary microscopic films). In shallow water between 0-10 m, dense beds of foliose and filamentous seaweeds cover all bedrock and stable boulders, in the absence of significant grazers. Here there is a rich diversity of algae; seaweeds are by far the most diverse group of organisms underwater. Below 10-12 m, the flatter rocks are increasingly grazed by hordes of sea urchins, resulting in bare, pink coralline algal-encrusted rock surfaces, together with some resistant animals, notably the Jewel Anemone Corynactis annulata. On vertical or overhanging surfaces where sea urchins find it difficult to reach, there is often a dense cover of sessile animals including hydroids, bryozoans, sponges, anemones, tube anemones and soft corals, preyed on by mobile animals such as starfish, whelks and rock lobsters. The overall diversity of animals is very low; this is to be expected from the island’s extremely isolated location and small size. Forests of Pale Kelp Laminaria pallida and Giant Kelp Macrocystis pyrifera grow on rocks between 10-35 m, and are inhabited by numerous Tristan Wrasse and Five-finger. Offshore of the east coast beds of fine pale sand are present at the base of boulder slopes below 25 m, with characteristic animals and algae growing on embedded pebbles, but little sign of infauna apart from occasional bivalves Tawera philomena. Extensive areas between 50-100 m deep on the west side of the island support a significant rock lobster population
The marine ecosystem is generally characteristic of exposed cool temperate locations, but with a very impoverished fauna, which presumably results in short food chains. Many species are very small and/or sessile, and have live young rather than a planktonic stage, supporting the theory that the island was colonised mainly by animals drifting on seaweeds or other debris. There is still little known about how the inshore marine ecosystem functions.
Twenty species of birds (16 seabirds and four land birds) and one species of seal breed on the island. Although not as yet studied, it is likely the biotic influence of guano-rich run-off water is significant in the maintenance of the inshore environment, especially the kelp bed ecosystem.
Vegetation types are altitudinally zoned, with Non-forested peatlands (wet heath) occurring on the interior plateau, and the lower slopes closer to sea level being dominated by coastal tussock.",,,"Recent and current research activities are closely linked to those directed at the island’s conservation management. The following research projects are noteworthy:
Managing alien plants on the outer islands of Tristan da Cunha
This OTEP-funded project runs from August 2007 to March 2009. At Inaccessible it has concentrated on eradicating New Zealand Flax. The project also aims at improving quarantine procedures to reduce the risks of new species of alien plants reaching the island. Observations of the presence and distribution of alien plants over accessible parts of the island are undertaken during flax eradication visits.
Monitoring and demography of threatened birds breeding at Inaccessible Island
Ongoing research, some of which dates back to the mid-1980s, aims to assess population trends and reasons for change in a selected suite of threatened and near-threatened species on Inaccessible. These include the Northern Rockhopper Penguin, Tristan, Atlantic Yellow-nosed and Sooty Albatrosses, Spectacled Petrel and Inaccessible Bunting. Methodologies adopted include island-wide censuses as set out in a seabird monitoring manual (Ryan 2005). This project is supported by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the University of Cape Town. These research activities are usually combined with plant-eradication exercises, and took place most recently in 2000, 2004 and 2007.
Enabling the people of Tristan da Cunha to implement the CBD in the marine environment.
Following concern over the possible introduction of alien marine species to Tristan via a stranded oil production platform in 2006 (Scott 2007), funding was obtained through the Darwin Initiative for subtidal surveys including around Inaccessible, in recognition that little baseline information existed for the island. Diving surveys were successfully carried out in November 2007, and are currently being written up (S. Scott in prep.). The current phase of the project is due to end in April 2009.
Other research activities
Near-annual surveys of Tristan Rock Lobster are undertaken in summer months to assess stock size for quota-setting purposes.
Research facilities
A small (9 x 6 m) field hut exists at Blenden Hall, erected and equipped with basic facilities in January 2000. It can sleep up to six persons. It replaces a previous hut erected on the site in 1982. Since the above research is conducted in the field, often from tented camps on the plateau or at The Waterfall on the east coast, the basic facilities available are considered adequate.","No such facilities exist ashore on Inaccessible.
TANRD staff have joined research and conservation management projects for limited periods from time to time, thereby gaining appropriate skills and experience. The Darwin post-project (see Section 29 above) includes training for Tristanians in species recognition and underwater survey techniques, relevant to Inaccessible, and public presentations on Tristan and elsewhere.","Tourism is restricted in terms of the island’s management plan. From time to time, usually in summer months, small numbers of cruise ships visit the island and may affect guided landings by small boats when sea conditions allow.","Biogeographical regionalism scheme
Clark, M.R. & Dingwall, P.R. 1985. Conservation of Islands in the Southern Ocean. Gland & Cambridge: International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. 193 pp.
Udvardy, M.D.F. 1975. A classification of the biogeographical provinces of the world. IUCN Occasional Paper No. 18. 48 pp.
Selected bibliography on Inaccessible Island and surrounding waters
Andrew, T.G., Hecht, T., Heemstra, P.C. & Lutjeharms, J.R.E. 1995. Fishes of the Tristan da Cunha Group and Gough Island, South Atlantic. J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology Ichthyological Bulletin No. 63. 43 pp.
Baardseth, E. 1941. The seaweeds of Tristan da Cunha. Results of the Norwegian Scientific Expedition to Tristan da Cunha 1937-1938 No. 9. 173 pp.
Barber-James, H.M. 2007. Freshwater invertebrate fauna of the Tristan da Cunha Islands (South Atlantic Ocean), with new records for Inaccessible and Nightingale Islands. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa 62: 24-36.
BirdLife International. 2008. Threatened birds of the world. www.birdlife.org.
Cuthbert, R.[J.], Cooper, J., Glass, C.J., Glass, J.P., Glass, S. Glass, T. Ryan, P.G., Wanless, R.M., Burle, M.-H. & Hilton, G.M. 2009. Population trends and conservation status of the Northern Rockhopper Penguin Eudyptes moseleyi at Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island. Bird Conservation International doi:10.1017/S0959270908007545.
Dean, W.R.J., Milton, S.J., Ryan, P.G. & Moloney, C.L. 1994. The role of disturbance in the establishment of indigenous and alien plants at Inaccessible and Nightingale Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. Vegetatio 113: 13-23.
Elliott, H.F.I 1956. A contribution to the ornithology of the Tristan da Cunha Group. Ibis 99: 545-586.
Fraser, M.W. 1984. New and rarely recorded species from the Tristan da Cunha Group. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club 104: 154-156.
Fraser, M.W. 1984. Foods of Subantarctic Skuas on Inaccessible Island. Ostrich 55: 192-195.
Fraser, M.W. & Briggs, D.J. 1992. New information on the Nesospiza buntings at Inaccessible Island, Tristan da Cunha, and notes on their conservation. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club 112: 191-205.
Fraser, M.W., Dean, W.R.J. & Best, I.C. 1992. Observations on the Inaccessible Island Rail Atlantisia rogersi: the world’s smallest flightless bird. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club 112:12-23.
Fraser, M.W., Ryan, P.G., Dean, W.R.J., Briggs, D.J. & Moloney, C.L. 1994. Biology of the Tristan Thrush Nesocichla eremita. Ostrich 65: 14-25.
Fraser, M.W., Ryan, P.G. & Watkins, B.P. 1988. The seabirds of Inaccessible Island, South Atlantic Ocean. Cormorant 16: 7-33.
Glass, N., Lavarello, I., Glass, J.P. & Ryan, P.G. 2000. Longline fishing at Tristan da Cunha: impacts on seabirds. Atlantic Seabirds 2: 49-56.
Groves, E.W. 1981. Vascular plant collections from the Tristan da Cunha group of islands. Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) Botany Series 8: 333-420.
Hagen, Y. 1952. Birds of Tristan da Cunha. Results of the Norwegian Scientific Expedition to Tristan da Cunha 1937-1938 No. 20. 248 pp.
Hänel, C. & Heyne, H. 2008. Ticks of Tristan da Cunha Archipelago (Acarina: Ixodidae: Argasidae. Beiträge zür Entomologie 58: 121-134.
Hänel, C. & Palma, R.L. 2007. The lice of the Tristan da Cunha Archipelago. Beiträge zür Entomologie 57: 105-133.
Hänel, C. & Pont, A.C. 2008. Houseflies of the Tristan da Cunha Islands: new records, including the first for Fannia albitarsis Stein, 1911 (Diptera: Fannidae, Muscidae). Beiträge zür Entomologie 58: 211-222.
Helyer, P. & Swales, M. 1998. Bibliography of Tristan da Cunha. Oswestry: Anthony Nelson. 175 pp.
Heydorn, A.E.F. 1965. The South Atlantic Rock-lobster Jasus tristani at Vema Seamount, Gough Island and Tristan da Cunha. Division of Sea Fisheries Investigational Report No. 73. 20 pp.
Holdgate, M.W. 1965. Part III. The fauna of the Tristan da Cunha Islands. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B. Biological Sciences 249: 361-402.
Klimaszewaki, J., Maus, C. & Gardiner, A. 2002. The importance of tracking introduced species: new records of athetine rove beetles from South Atlantic Inaccessible Island (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae). The Coleopterists Bulletin 56: 481-490.
Milton, S.J., Ryan, P.G., Moloney, C.L., Cooper, J. & Dean, W.R.J. 1993. Disturbance and demography of Phylica arborea (Rhamnaceae) on the Tristan-Gough group of islands. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 111: 55-70.
Ollier, C.D. 1984. Geomorphology of South Atlantic volcanic islands. Part I: the Tristan da Cunha Group. Zeitschrift für Geomorphologie 28: 367-382.
Pollock, D.E. 1981. Population dynamics of Rock Lobster Jasus tristani at the Tristan da Cunha group of islands. Fisheries Bulletin of South Africa 15: 49-66.
Preece, R.C. 2001. Introduced land molluscs on the islands of the Tristan da Cunha-Gough Group (South Atlantic). Journal of Conchology 37: 253-259.
Preece, R.C., Bennett, K.D. & Carter, J.R. 1986. The Quaternary palaeobotany of Inaccessible Island (Tristan da Cunha Group). Journal of Biogeography 13: 1-33.
Richardson, M.E. 1984. Aspects of the ornithology of the Tristan da Cunha Group and Gough Island, 1972-1974. Cormorant 12: 122-201.
Roscoe. M.J. 1979. Biology and exploitation of the Rock Lobster Jasus tristani at the Tristan da Cunha Islands, South Atlantic, 1949-1976. Sea Fisheries Branch Investigational Report No. 118. 47 pp.
Roux, J.P., Ryan, P.G., Milton, S.J. & Moloney, C.L. 1992. Vegetation and checklist of Inaccessible Island, central South Atlantic Ocean, with notes on Nightingale Island. Bothalia 22: 93-109.
Rowlands, B.W & Hilton, G.[M.} 2006. Tristan da Cunha (including Gough Island). In: Sanders, S. (Ed.). Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom Overseas Territories. Sandy: Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. pp. 227-246.
Ryan, P.G. 1987. The origin and fate of artifacts stranded on islands in the African Sector of the Southern Ocean. Environmental Conservation 14: 341-346.
Ryan, P.G. 1991. The impact of the commercial lobster fishery on seabirds at the Tristan da Cunha Islands, South Atlantic Ocean. Biological Conservation 57: 339-350.
Ryan, P.G. 1992. The ecology and evolution of Nesospiza buntings. PhD thesis, University of Cape Town. 300 pp.
Ryan, P.G. 1998. The taxonomic and conservation status of the Spectacled Petrel Procellaria conspicillata. Bird Conservation International 8: 223-235.
Ryan, P.G. 2001. Morphological heritability in a hybrid bunting complex: Nesospiza at Inaccessible Island. The Condor 103: 429-438.
Ryan, P.G. 2005. Inaccessible Island seabird monitoring manual. RSPB Research Report No. 16. Sandy: Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. 32 pp.
Ryan, P.G. (Ed.) 2007. Field guide to the animals and plants of Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island. Newbury: Pisces Publications. 162 pp.
Ryan, P.[G] 2008. Endemic Bird Areas: Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island. British Birds 101: 586-606.
Ryan, P.G. & Glass, J.P. 2001. Inaccessible Island Nature Reserve Management Plan. Edinburgh: Government of Tristan da Cunha. 65 pp.
Ryan, P.G. & Moloney, C.L. 1991. Prey selection and temporal variation in the diet of Subantarctic Skuas at Inaccessible Island, Tristan da Cunha. Ostrich 62: 52-58.
Ryan, P.G. & Moloney, C.L. 2000. The status of Spectacled Petrels Procellaria conspicillata and other seabirds at Inaccessible Island. Marine Ornithology 28: 93-100.
Ryan, P.G. & Moloney, C.L. 2002. Breeding behaviour, clutch size and egg dimensions of Nesospiza buntings at Inaccessible Island, Tristan da Cunha. Ostrich 73: 52-58.
Ryan, P.G. & Watkins, B.P. 1988. Accumulation of stranded plastic objects and other artefacts at Inaccessible Island, central South Atlantic Ocean. South African Journal of Antarctic Research 18: 11-13.
Ryan, P.G., Bloomer, P., Moloney, C.L. Grant, T.J. & Delport, W. 2007. Ecological speciation in South Atlantic island finches. Science 315: 1420-1423.
Ryan, P.G., Dean, W.R.J., Moloney, C.L., Watkins, B.P. & Milton, S.J. 1990. New information on seabirds at Inaccessible Island and other islands in the Tristan da Cunha Group. Marine Ornithology 18: 43-54.
Ryan, P.G., Dorse, C. & Hilton, G.M. 2006. The conservation status of the Spectacled Petrel Procellaria conspicillata. Biological Conservation 131: 575-583.
Ryan, P.G., Moloney, C.L. & Hudon, J. 1994. Color variation and hybridization among Nesospiza buntings on Inaccessible Island, Tristan da Cunha. The Auk 111: 314-327.
Ryan, P.G., Watkins, B.P. & Siegfried, W.R. 1989. Morphometrics, metabolic rate and body temperature of the smallest flightless bird: the Inaccessible Island Rail. Condor 91: 465-467.
Scott, S. 2006. Stranded production platform Petrobras XXI, Tristan da Cunha. Marine biological survey, October 2006. Unpublished report to the Administrator, Tristan da Cunha. 15 pp.
Scott, S. In prep. Marine biological survey of Inaccessible. Darwin post-project report.
Siddall, C.P. 1985. Survey of Inaccessible Island, Tristan da Cunha Group. Polar Record 22: 528-531.
[Tristan da Cunha 2006]. The Conservation of Native Organisms and Natural Habitats (Tristan da Cunha) Ordinance 2006. The St Helena Government Gazette Extraordinary 44 (13): TA1-TA13.
Tristan da Cunha Government 2006. Tristan da Cunha Biodiversity Action Plan. Edinburgh: Tristan da Cunha Government. 55 pp. + annexes, figures and maps.
Wace, N.M. & Dickson, J.H. 1965. Part II. The terrestrial botany of the Tristan da Cunha Islands. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B. Biological Sciences 249: 273-360
Wace, N.M. & Holdgate, M.W. 1976. Man and nature in the Tristan da Cunha Islands. IUCN Monograph No. 6. 114 pp.
Wace, N.M. & Ollier, C.D. 1984. Biogeography and geomorphology of South Atlantic islands. National Geographic Society Research Reports 1975 Projects: 733-758.
Watkins, B.P., Cooper, J. & Newton, I.P. 1984. Research into the natural sciences at the Tristan da Cunha Islands, 1719-1983: a bibliography. South African Journal of Antarctic Research 14: 40-47.",,,
7000165,UK13024,Inner Clyde Estuary,Classified/designatd,S,1824.92,,Argyll and Bute; Inverclyde; Renfrewshire; West Dunbartonshire,27/03/2000,55 56 50 N,04 38 00 W,235578,675814,NS356758,-1,3,0,"The Inner Clyde Ramsar site is recognised as a single ecological unit. It is a long, narrow, heavily industrialised estuary on the west coast of Scotland, extending 20 km westward from Newshot Island to the northern edge of Ardmore Bay adjacent to modified shore line at Craigendoran. On the southern shore the site extends westwards from Newshot Island to Newark Castle. Almost the entire Inner Clyde Ramsar site (94.6%) consists of tidal mudflat with a shoreline of unmanaged semi-natural coastal vegetation. Saltmarsh is also present, accounting for 3.6% of the total shoreline area.",The Inner Clyde Ramsar site qualifies under criterion 6 by regularly supporting in winter an internationally important population of redshank $Tringa totanus$.,The estuary is located on the west coast of central Scotland.,Site dominated by intertidal mudflats with small areas of saltmarsh.,None reported,None reported,"Annual WeBS counts allows the monitoring of all bird populations within the Inner Clyde.
· Research contracts to examine various aspects of ornithological or estuarine interest are arranged as required.",Education/Information disseminated through SNH/RSPB/SWT/BTO publications.,Recreational activities are limited to sport fishing (including bait-digging) and the use of light sailing craft.,"Allen, JA, Barnett, PRO, Boyd, JM, Kirkwood, RC, Mackay, DW & Smyth, JC (eds.) (1986) The environment of the estuary and Firth of Clyde. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Series B: Biological Sciences, 90
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1997) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 14 South-west Scotland: Ballantrae to Mull. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 3. North-west Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Connor, DW & Little, M (1998) Chapter 12. Clyde Sea (MNCR Sector 12). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 339-353. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Curtis, DY & Figures, J (1992) Parklea Enterprise Zone: Proposed reclamation Environmental Impact Statement. (Contractor: University of Paisley, Department of Biology) Inverclyde District Council, Greenock
Firth, CR & Collins, PEF (2002) Coastal processes and management of Scottish estuaries. VI. The Firth of Clyde. Scottish Natural Heritage Review, No. 108
Halliday, JB (1978) The feeding distribution of birds on the Clyde estuary tidal flats 1976–77. (Contractor: Paisley College of Technology, Department of Biology). Unpublished report to Nature Conservancy Council, South-West (Scotland) Region (Internal Report, No. NC 192 F)
McLusky, DS (ed.) (1997) The estuaries of central Scotland. A volume based on a local meeting of the Estuarine and Coastal Sciences Association, Edinburgh, UK, April 1995. Coastal Zone Topics: Process, Ecology & Management, 3
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Perkins, EJ (ed.) (1981) Biological indicators of water quality in the Firth of Clyde. Nature Conservancy Council, Balloch (Internal Report, No. **)
Ramsay, DL & Brampton, AH (2000) Coastal cells in Scotland: Cell 6 – Mull of Kintyre to the Mull of Galloway. Scottish Natural Heritage Research Survey and Monitoring Report, No. 148
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Weighell, AJ, Donnelly, AP & Calder, K (eds.) (2000) Directory of the Celtic coasts and seas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",,,
7000166,UK13025,Inner Moray Firth,Classified/designatd,S,2339.25,,Highland,22/03/1999,57 29 70 N,04 21 15 W,258798,847373,NH588474,-2,2,0,The Inner Moray Firth Ramsar site supports extensive intertidal flats and smaller areas of saltmarsh. These intertidal areas are especially important for the populations of wintering waterfowl which feed and roost here each year.,"Ramsar Criterion 1
The site supports a variety of important wetland habitats including intertidal flats with eelgrass $Zostera$ beds, saltmarsh, and a sand and shingle spit.","Nearest town/city: Inverness
Inner Moray Firth Ramsar site lies to the north of Inverness in eastern Scotland, and comprises the Beauly Firth and part of the Inverness Firth which together form the south-eastern estuarine component of the Moray Basin system.",The Inner Moray Firth supports the full range of estuarine habitats. Of particular importance are the extensive beds of eelgrass $Zostera$ spp. The tidal flats are bordered locally by saltmarsh and there is a good example of a shingle spit at Whiteness Point.,"Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Zostera angustifolia, Z. noltei$ and $Carex recta$.
Lower Plants.
$Cladonia uncialis uncialis$.",None reported,"
Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.",The RSPB have a hide adjacent to Longman Bay which is open all year by arrangement. There is a public hide overlooking Munlochy Bay. A number of fixed interpretation panels are located around the site.,"Land-based recreation:
Birdwatching occurs where there is easy public access or the site can be viewed from the road. All-year activity. Local cruises to view the population of bottlenose dolphins $Tursiops truncatus$ resident in the Moray Firth area operate except during winter months. Walkers tend to use recognised paths including one track which runs along the south side of Munlochy Bay.
Water-based recreation:
Power boating, water-skiing, wind-surfing, canoeing and jet-skiing are undertaken occasionally. Mainly April to September and in deep water.
Wildfowling:
Most wildfowling occurs in the Beauly Firth, Munlochy Bay area and Longman and Castle Stuart Bays. Shooting by the owners/occupiers on site is not problematic. Geese are scared off adjacent agricultural fields at Munlochy and this activity requires a licence out of season.","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1996) Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. Region 3. North-east Scotland: Cape Wrath to St Cyrus. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coastal Directories Series)
Batten, LA, Bibby, CJ, Clement, P, Elliot, GD & Porter, RF (1990) Red Data Birds in Britain. Action for rare, threatened and important species. Poyser, London, for Nature Conservancy Council and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Bennett, TL & McLeod, CR (1998) Chapter 4. East Scotland (Duncansby Head to Dunbar) (MNCR Sector 4). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 123-154. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 4. North and east Scotland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Cleator, B (1993) The status of the genus Zostera in Scottish waters. SNH Review, No. 22
Covey, R, Fortune, F, Nichols, DM & Thorpe, K (1998) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sectors 3, 4, 13 & 15. Lagoons in mainland Scotland and the Inner Hebrides: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Dean, BJ, Webb, A, McSorley, CA & Reid, JB (2003) Aerial surveys of UK inshore areas for wintering seaduck, divers and grebes: 2000/01 and 2001/02. JNCC Report, No. 333. www.jncc.gov.uk/page-2346
Dean, BJ, Webb, A, McSorley, CA & Reid, JB (2004) Surveillance of wintering seaduck, divers and grebes in UK inshore areas: aerial surveys 2002/03. JNCC Report, No. 345
Dean, BJ, Webb, A, McSorley, CA, Schofield, RA & Reid, JB (2004) Surveillance of wintering seaducks, divers and grebes in UK inshore areas: aerial surveys and shore-based counts 2003/04. JNCC Report, No. 357
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Fox, AD, Yost, L & Gilbert, G (1986). A preliminary appraisal of the intertidal sea-grass resource in the Moray Firth. Nature Conservancy Council
Gordon, JE & Sutherland, DG (eds.) (1993) Quaternary of Scotland. Chapman & Hall, London, for Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 6)
Harding-Hill, R (1993) The Moray Firth review. Scottish Natural Heritage, North-West Region, Inverness
May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Ralph, R (ed.) (1986) The marine environment of the Moray Firth. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Series B: Biological Sciences, 91
Ramsay, DL & Brampton, AH (2000) Coastal cells in Scotland: Cell 3 – Cairnbulg Point to Duncansby Head. Scottish Natural Heritage Research Survey and Monitoring Report, No. 145
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Scottish Wildlife Trust (1995) Phase 1 Habitat survey 1992–1995. Scottish Wildlife Trust Inverness District Branch
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",,,
7000032,UK11032,Irthinghead Mires,Classified/designatd,E,792.08,,Cumbria; Northumberland,17/07/1985,55 04 46 N,02 30 43 W,367303.6,576258.6,NY673762,220,288,263,"Irthinghead Mires comprises a series of five high quality blanket mires, Butterburn Flow, Haining Head Moss, Hummel Knowe Moss, Coom Rigg Moss and Felicia Moss. They occupy various topographical situations including extensive valley-side flows, saddle mires and convex watershed mires. The undamaged state of these mires together with the range of vegetation and morphological mire type makes this an outstanding complex.","Ramsar criterion 1
Supports an outstanding example of undamaged blanket bogs which are characteristic of the vegetation of upland north-western Britain. Most English (and many Scottish) blanket bogs have been extensively degraded by afforestation, burning, agricultural drainage and overgrazing. The Irthinghead Mires are one of few examples of this vegetation type in a near-natural state. There is also good representation of different topographic mire type and surface patterning.
Ramsar criterion 2
A notable variety of $Sphagnum$ mosses.
Ramsar criterion 3
Butterburn Flow several rare plants, whilst a rare spider, $Eboria caliginosa$, has been recorded at Coom Rogg Moss.","Nearest town/city: Hexham
On the Cumbria-Northumberland Border in the upper catchment of the River Irthing.
","Habitats: Blanket Mire
Vegetation Types: $Erica tetralix-Sphagnum papillosum$ blanket mire $Sphagnum magellanicum-Andromeda polifolia$ sub-community.
$Sphagnum cuspidatum/recurvum$ bog pool community, $Rhynchospora alba$ sub-community.
$Carex echinata-Sphagnum recurvum/auriculatum$ mire, $Carex echinata$ sub-community.
$Molinia caerulea-Potentilla erecta$ mire, $Erica tetralix$ sub-community.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Carex magellanica$
Lower Plants.
$Sphagnum imbricatum, Sphagnum pulchrum, Sphagnum magellanicum$","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Eboria caliginosa$","Environment.
Monitoring programme in place with good baseline. Based on 5-year repeats.
Research interest from many universities.
Flora.
Some commissioned research to investigate bog rehabilitation and the effects of forestry.
Extensive vegetation and faunal survey work.","Both Forest Enterprise and Northumberland Wildlife Trust lead 'low key' visits, but this is not actively encouraged.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
'Low key' visits are led by Forest Enterprise and Northumberland Wildlife Trust, but tourism is not actively encouraged.","Border Mires LIFE Steering Group (2003) The Border Mires Active Blanket Bog Rehabilitation Project, final report. Border Mires LIFE Steering Group
Hutt, D (2005) The Border Mires. Natural World, 73(Spring 2005), 35–38
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Sloan, V (2002) Vegetation and hydrological monitoring of the Border Mires following management interventions designed to restore blanket bog communities. Unpublished MSc dissertation, School of Biology, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Smith, RS & Charman, DJ (1988) The vegetation of upland mires within conifer plantations in Northumberland, northern England. Journal of Applied Ecology, 25, 579–594
Smith, RS, Lunn, AG & Newson, MD (1995) The Border Mires in Kielder Forest – a review of their ecology and conservation management. Forest Ecology and Management, 79, 47–61
Thompson, G, Smith, R, Lunn, A, Hutt, D, Burlton, W & Charman, D (2004) Bogged down with conservation work: restoration of internationally important mire sites in northern England. Biologist, 51(1), 45–48. www.iob.org/downloads/51-1_Thompson.pdf",,,
12,UK11033,Isles of Scilly,Classified/designatd,E,401.64,,Cornwall; Isles of Scilly,10/08/2001,49 57 46 N,06 20 42 W,88926,10911,SV884161,3,38,16,"The site is within the Isles of Scilly archipelago and mainly consists of many small uninhabited islands but is also partly within several inhabited islands, with habitats including coastal cliffs, boulder beaches, heathland and some dune grassland. The economy of the Isles of Scilly community depends heavily on the tourist business, which benefits from there being high numbers of breeding seabirds in an attractive environment.",,"Nearest town/city: Penzance (nearest mainland town).
The Isles of Scilly are situated in the South-West Approaches, 45 km south-west of Land's End.","Sea cliffs, rocky islets and boulder beaches are relatively devoid of plant communities except for the sparse crevice vegetation with $Crithmum maritimum$ and $Armeria maritima$. In some places the $Armeria$ cover is dominant, which is a feature peculiar to Scilly. The characteristic 'waved' heathland of the most exposed headlands is dominated by $Calluna vulgaris$ with sheltered areas supporting scrub of $Ulex europaeus$, $Pteridium aquilinum$ and $Rubus$ spp. Some areas of low-lying land have overlying embryonic dunes developing, dominated by $Ammophila arenaria$ and $Carex arenaria$. One site has a small pool fringed by beds of $Scirpus maritimus$.","Species occurring at levels of international importance
Higher Plants
$Rumex rupestris$
Species occurring at levels of national importance
Habitat type
Heathland H4
Higher Plants
$Ornithopus pinnatus
Viola kitaibeliana$",None reported,"- 3 year Species Recovery Programme to assist with breeding success of terns, particularly Roseate Tern, including the employment of a Seasonal Tern Warden.
- Recent (1999) census of breeding seabirds on all islands, giving a baseline for future surveys.","Currently small-scale wildlife tours which operate throughout the main season for the tourists, and some schools from Cornwall have regular summer camps when they receive basic environmental information as part of their general educational activities. The AONB Unit has recently produced an educational pack for schools which includes general information on the environment, conservation designations and protection and raises awareness of the ecology of seabirds at a basic level. The Seasonal Tern Warden will give talks about seabirds to schools and has provided material for media coverage on his seabird work.","There are many boat trips and some wildlife walks provided on a daily basis throughout the main tourist season. These provide only basic information on the wildlife that is present, including the breeding seabirds. There are some interpretive panels on the main islands and more are planned. Landing of people from the tripper boats on to particularly sensitive sites is controlled by voluntary agreement between the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust and the boat operators.","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1996) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 11 The Western Approaches: Falmouth Bay to Kenfig. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Campbell, S, Hunt, CO, Scourse, JD, Keen, DH & Stephens, N (1998) Quaternary of south-west England. Chapman & Hall, London, for Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 14)
Davies, J (1998) Chapter 8. Western Channel (Durlston Head to Cape Cornwall, including the Isles of Scilly) (MNCR Sector 8). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 219-253. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Fowler, SL & Pilley, GM (1992) Report on the Lundy and Isles of Scilly marine monitoring programmes 1984 to 1991. English Nature Research Reports, No. 10
Hocking, S & Tompsett, P (2001) The location and conservation of eelgrass beds in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Vols. I and II. ERCCIS, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Truro
Isles of Scilly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (2002) Isles of Scilly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Official website. www.ios-aonb.info
May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Robinson, P (1999) Distribution of European storm petrel Hydrobates pelagicus in the Isles of Scilly with probable abundance. Unpublished report to English Nature
Robinson, P (2003) Birds of the Isles of Scilly. Christopher Helm, London
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Weighell, AJ, Donnelly, AP & Calder, K (eds.) (2000) Directory of the Celtic coasts and seas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Wiggington, M (1999) British Red Data Books. 1. Vascular plants. 3rd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",,,
9000331,UK12012,Killough Bay,Classified/designatd,NI,104.23,,Down,23/03/2003,054 15 21 N,005 37 50 W,112152.28,492825.8804,J030346,0,10,5,"Killough Bay encompasses the intertidal areas and adjoining areas of notable habitat, including mudflats, sand-dominated beaches, gravel and cobble units and rocky shore. The boundary of the Ramsar site includes Killough Harbour and Coney Island Bay. The principal interest is the wintering population of light-bellied brent goose $Branta bernicla hrota$, which feeds on the rich mats of the green alga $Enteromorpha$ spp. present especially in Killough Harbour. The birds find refuge here during late winter and spring, once the main wintering flock from Strangford Lough disperses due to lack of food.",,"Killough Bay site is situated some 8 km south-west of Downpatrick, along the County Down coast in the south-east of Northern Ireland.
The population of Downpatrick is approx. 10,300. It is the largest settlement within the local government district of Down, of which the population is approx. 61,000.","Much of the Killough Bay shoreline supports a complex mosaic of annual driftline and cobble beach communities, interspersed with areas of saltmarsh, rock outcrop and low cliffs. Killough Harbour is a sheltered, mixed substrate, sediment shore with a notably rich invertebrate fauna and widespread distribution of the green alga $Enteromorpha$ spp., that attracts internationally important numbers of wintering light-bellied brent goose $Branta bernicla hrota$ to feed on it. Sheets of sand, supporting sand couch $Elytrigia juncea$, are occasionally present along the upper beach.
At Coney Island Bay, the moderately exposed sediment shore is an important example of its type. The rest of the bay is generally sheltered and rocky with rockpools and boulders, forming a species-rich area with a diverse range of seaweeds, such as toothed wrack $Fucus serratus$ and knotted wrack $Ascophyllum nodosum$, and invertebrates, including the notable polychaete worm $Sabellaria alveolata$ at its northern limit. On the rocks, a sparse covering of sea campion $Silene uniflora$, thrift $Armeria maritima$ and $sea plantain$ Plantago maritima gives way to a more species-rich maritime grassland community, typified by sea campion $S. uniflora$, wild carrot $Daucus carota$ ssp. $carota$, thrift $A. maritima$ and red fescue $Festuca rubra$.",None reported,Polychaete worm $Sabellaria alveolata$ (northern limit of distribution in Ireland),EHS staff monitor the site on a regular basis and conduct bird counts through the winter and spring seasons.,Informal site use.,"Parts of the site are used for seaside recreational activities, especially around Coney Island Bay.
The number of visitors per year is unknown but is not likely to be significantly above 10,000.","ASSI Survey report – Habitat Survey Team, Environment and Heritage Service
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1997) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 17. Northern Ireland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Buck, AL & Donaghy, A (eds.) (1996) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 7. Northern Ireland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Cooper, EA, Crawford, I, Malloch, AJC & Rodwell, JS (1992) Coastal vegetation survey of Northern Ireland. (Contractor: University of Lancaster, Unit of Vegetation Science). Unpublished report to Department of the Environment (NI), Belfast
Crowe, O (2005) Ireland’s wetlands and their waterbirds: status and distribution. BirdWatch Ireland, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow
Curtis, TGF & McGough, HN (1988) The Irish Red Data Book. 1 Vascular plants. Stationery Office, Dublin
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Way, LS, Grice, P, MacKay, A, Galbraith, CA, Stroud, DA & Pienkowski, MW (1993) Ireland’s Internationally Important Bird Sites: a review of sites for the EC Special Protection Area network. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough for to Department of the Environment (NI), Belfast, and Irish Wildlife Service, Dublin
Weighell, AJ, Donnelly, AP & Calder, K (eds.) (2000) Directory of the Celtic coasts and seas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Wilkinson, M, Fuller, IWA, Telfer, TC, Moore, CG & Kingston, PF (1988) Northern Ireland Littoral Survey: A conservation-orientated survey of the intertidal seashore of Northern Ireland. Institute of Offshore Engineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh",,,
7000168,UK13027,Kintyre Goose Roosts,Classified/designatd,S,312.19,,Argyll and Bute,28/10/1998,55 31 00 N,05 37 00 W,171218,630060,NR717307,138,138,138,"The Kintyre Goose Roosts Ramsar site comprises five hill lochs (Loch Garasdale, Loch an Fhraoich, Loch Lussa, Tangy Loch and Black Loch (north)) on the Kintyre peninsula. The site supports and internationally important population of Greenland white-fronted goose $Anser albifrons flavirostris$.",,"Nearest town/city: Campbeltown
North of Campbeltown on the Kintyre peninsula, in south-west Scotland","Loch Garasdale, Loch an Fhraoich, Loch Lussa and Black Loch are oligotrophic hill lochs. Very little is currently known of their botany or limnology. Tangy Loch is an unusually alkaline loch that has both eutrophic and oligotrophic conditions. The variety of conditions results in the presence of vegetation typical of eutrophic conditions, such as fennel pondweed - spiked water milfoil $Potamogeton pectinatus - Myriophyllum spicatum$, alongside vegetation typical of oligotrophic conditions such as alternate water-milfoil $Myriophyllum alterniflorum$. The emergent vegetation comprises a common spike-rush - shoreweed $Eleocharis palustris - Littorella uniflora$ swamp which grades into bottle sedge $Carex rostrata$ and common reed $Phragmites australis$ communities inshore. Tangy Loch is notable for the presence of the nationally rare slender naiad $Najas flexilis$, an aquatic vascular plant listed under Annex II of the EC Habitats and Species Directive.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
S1833 Najas flexilis Slender naiad (Habitats Directive Annex II species)",None reported,"Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Environment.
Draft research on current land use management activities.
Liaison with owners and occupiers.",None reported,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Angling occurs on 4 of the 5 lochs.
Wildfowling occurs on 3 of the 5 lochs.
Deer culling is in operation at 4 of the 5 lochs within the buffer zones.
Agricultural pest control is in operation at 4 of the 5 lochs within the buffer zones.
","Kirby, JS & Bates, MA (1998) The effects of afforestation on the use of loch roosts by Greenland white-fronted geese, Draft report. Scottish Natural Heritage
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",,,
7000124,UK12013,Larne Lough,Classified/designatd,NI,395.94,,Larne,04/03/1997,54 48 54 N,05 44 38 W,159475.1255,553129.6179,J450987,0,10,0,"Larne Lough is a sea lough enclosed to the east by the peninsula of Island Magee. Much of the estuary is shallow, having become extensively infilled with sediments of fine muddy sand, and at low water the largest areas of intertidal flats are exposed in the south of the estuary. The northern parts of the estuary are wider and relatively deep, especially at the mouth where dredging is regularly carried out to maintain the shipping channel to the port of Larne. Previously, a complex spit system existed at the mouth of the estuary, formed where sediments from further along the shore were washed into the relatively calm waters of Larne Lough. Very little evidence of these natural spits remain, having been lost under port and industrial developments. In the upper reaches of the estuary at Ballycarry there is an area of saltmarsh. As the effects of salinity and differing tidal inundations are not greatly felt at these upper parts of Larne Lough, the saltmarsh zonation patterns are not distinct and the main vegetational interest lies in the transition to non-saltmarsh plant communities. The vegetation is dominated by mid-upper saltmarsh communities and a $Phragmites$ reedbed, with some saltmarsh pans.","Ramsar criterion 2
By supporting an important assemblage of vulnerable and endangered Irish Red Data Book bird species. The site regularly supports nationally important numbers of breeding populations of the following species: roseate tern $Sterna dougallii$ and common tern $Sterna hirundo$.","Nearest town/city: Larne
Located on the Co. Antrim coast in the east of Northern Ireland. The town of Larne is located at the northern mouth of the Lough.","There are diverse habitats around the lough ranging from an artificial brackish lagoon in the northwest, to mudflats, rocky shores and saltmarsh throughout.
",None reported,None reported,None reported,"An adjoining 'open farm' has developed a nature trail in close proximity to the lough shore.
","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Most recreation occurs along the eastern shore and includes occasional power-boating, water-skiing, canoeing which is concentrated around Larne and outside the estuary mouth, and sailing. There are no marinas within the estuary but there are moorings at Larne and at Ballydown. Bathing and beach recreation occurs on the beaches just outside the estuary mouth.","ASSI Survey report – Habitat Survey Team, Environment and Heritage Service
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1997) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 17. Northern Ireland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Buck, AL & Donaghy, A (eds.) (1996) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 7. Northern Ireland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Crowe, O (2005) Ireland’s wetlands and their waterbirds: status and distribution. BirdWatch Ireland, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow
Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland) (1995) Larne Lough Conservation Plan – Draft. Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), Belfast
Kirk, McClure & Morton (1994) Magheramorne Landfill Project Environmental Statement.
KMM Marenco (****) Marine flora and fauna of Larne Lough. (Contractor: KMM Marenco, Belfast)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Way, LS, Grice, P, MacKay, A, Galbraith, CA, Stroud, DA & Pienkowski, MW (1993) Ireland’s Internationally Important Bird Sites: a review of sites for the EC Special Protection Area network. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough, for Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), Belfast, and Irish Wildlife Service, Dublin
Weighell, AJ, Donnelly, AP & Calder, K (eds.) (2000) Directory of the Celtic coasts and seas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",,,
9,UK11034,Lee Valley,Classified/designatd,E,447.87,,Essex; Greater London; Hertfordshire,22/09/2000,51 34 51 N,00 02 58 W,541985,188929,TQ351887,10,29,20,"The Lee Valley comprises a series of embanked water supply reservoirs, sewage treatment lagoons and former gravel pits along approximately 24 km of the valley. These waterbodies support internationally important numbers of wintering gadwall and shoveler and nationally important numbers of several other bird species.
The site also contains a range of wetland and valley bottom habitats, both man-made and semi-natural, which support a diverse range of wetland fauna and flora.","Ramsar Criterion 2
The site supports the nationally scarce plant species whorled water-milfoil $Myriophyllum verticillatum$ and the rare or vulnerable invertebrate $Micronecta minutissima$ (a water-boatman).","The Lee Valley site comprises four SSSIs spaced along the valley from just downstream of Ware in Hertfordshire to Finsbury Park in London, a total distance of about 24 km. The whole site is contained within the Lee Valley Regional Park.","Open water, plus associated wetland habitats including reedbeds, fen grassland and woodland supporting a number of wetland plant and animal species including internationally important numbers of wintering wildfowl.","Nationally important species occurring on the site
Higher Plant
$Myriophyllum verticillatum$ (nationally scarce)
Invasive non-natives:
$Impatiens glandulifera$, $Fallopia japonica$","Nationally important species occurring on the site
Invertebrate
$Micronecta minutissima$ (RDB3)
Invasive non-native:
$Mustela vison$","· Wetland Bird Survey counts
· Various University of Hertfordshire projects
· Ongoing SSSI unit monitoring
· Rye Meads used for experimental study of fish predation by cormorants
· Monitoring of recently created reedbed at Rye Meads",Various activities organised by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority. Schools visits to Rye Meads RSPB reserve. Projects by University of Hertfordshire students. The Heritage Lottery Fund is considering a partnership bid for funds for a new visitor centre at Rye Meads.,"The whole site is within the Lee Valley Regional Park, with a large area forming the River Lee Country Park. The whole site supports high levels of visitor pressure; principally for purposes of angling, walking, cycling and birdwatching; with boating on the adjacent canal. These activities are mostly well regulated and at current levels are not considered to threaten the interest (although they may reduce the potential for enhancing the interest).","Batten, LA, Bibby, CJ, Clement, P, Elliot, GD & Porter, RF (1990) Red Data Birds in Britain. Action for rare, threatened and important species. Poyser, London, for Nature Conservancy Council and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Bibby, CJ (1981) Wintering bitterns in Britain. British Birds, 74(1), 1-10
Day, JCU & Wilson, J (1978) Breeding bitterns in Britain. British Birds, 71, 285-300
Fox, AD (1988) Breeding status of the gadwall in Britain and Ireland. British Birds, 81(1), 51-66
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Rose, PM & Scott, DA (1997) Waterfowl population estimates. 2nd edn. Wetlands International, Wageningen (Wetlands International Publication, No. 44) www.wetlands.org/IWC/wpe2/WPE2-toc.htm
Stone, BH, Sears, J, Cranswick, PA, Gregory, RD, Gibbons, DW, Rehfisch, MM, Aebischer, NJ & Reid, JB (1997) Population estimates of birds in Britain and in the United Kingdom. British Birds, 90(1), 1-22
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Stroud, DA, Mudge, GP & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1990) Protecting internationally important bird sites: a review of the EEC Special Protection Area Network in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Tucker, GM & Heath, MF (1994) Birds in Europe: their conservation status. BirdLife International, Cambridge (BirdLife Conservation Series, No. 3)",22/09/2000,,
7000033,UK11035,Leighton Moss,Classified/designatd,E,128.61,,Lancashire,28/11/1985,54 10 03 N,02 47 31 W,348284.8,474973,SD483749,5,5,5,"Leighton Moss is the largest reedbed in north-west England and is situated on the eastern edge of Morecambe Bay in Lancashire. Large areas of open water are surrounded by extensive reedbeds in which areas of willow scrub and mixed fen vegetation also occur. A typical and varied fen flora has developed in part, whilst the reedbed shows all stages of seral transition from open water through to woodland.","Ramsar criterion 1
An example of large reedbed habitat characteristic of the biogeogaphical region. The reedbeds are of particular importance as a northern outpost for breeding populations of great bittern $Botaurus stellaris$, Eurasian marsh harrier $Circus aeruginosus$ and bearded tit $Panurus biarmicus$.
Ramsar criterion 3
The site supports a range of breeding birds including great bittern $Botaurus stellaris$, Eurasian marsh harrier $Circus aeruginosus$ and bearded tit $Panurus biarmicus$.
Species occurring in nationally important numbers outside the breeding season include northern shoveler $Anas clypeata$ and water rail $Rallus aquaticus$","Nearest town/city: Lancaster
Leighton Moss lies between Warton and Silverdale on the eastern edge of Morecambe Bay.","No ecological features described on this site.
",None reported,"Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Mammals.
$Lutra lutra$
Invertebrates.
$Sphserophoria loewi, Photedes captiuncula$","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory birds and wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Irish Wetland Birds Survey (I-WEBS) organised by the IWC Birdwatch Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (Ireland) and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.
Considerable amounts of research continues to be undertaken by the RSPB on bittern and bearded tit feeding/breeding ecology, in addition to reedbed management.
Invertebrate data is collected by volunteers and specialist on a regular basis.
Environment.
Daily weather records, water level and water quality monitoring is undertaken by RSPB wardening staff.
Visitor usage and visitor numbers are monitored on a daily basis at this extremely popular and well visited RSPB bird reserve.","The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds employs a number of warden-teachers who undertake environmental educational work and escort large numbers of school parties around Leighton Moss throughout most of the year. Various educational programmes are also run for adults and a series of public guided walks have become popular in more recent years. The RSPB has excellent visitor and school room facilities as part of its interpretative centre on the reserve.
","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
The RSPB employs a number of warden-teachers who undertake environmental educational work and escort large numbers of school parties around Leighton Moss throughout most of the year. Various educational programmes are also run for adults and a series of public guided walks have become popular in more recent years.
The RSPB has excellent visitor and school room facilities as part of its interpretative centre on the reserve.
","Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Gray, LC (1980) Environmental bibliography of north-west England (vice-counties 59, 60, 69 and 70) 1850–1979. University of Lancaster Library, Lancaster (Library Occasional Paper, No. 10)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Wilson, J (n.d. [~1989]) Leighton Moss and Morecambe Bay Reserve. The first twenty-five years 1964–1988. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds",,,
9000386,UK23003,"Les Écréhous & Les Dirouilles, Jersey",Classified/designatd,OT,5459,,Jersey,02/02/2005,049 17 32 N,001 57 56 W,0,0,,-15,15,,"The site complex consists of two reefs which form an extensive shoal area 11 km long and 3.7 km wide. At high tide only a group of rocky heads and an islet, Le Maitre Isle, are exposed. Four of the heads are large enough to support buildings: La Marmotiére, Le Blianque Îsle, La Grande Brecque and La Petit Breque. The tidal range can exceed 12 m. At low tide various habitats are exposed, including reefs, boulder fields, sandy shores and shingle banks. The area is fed clean well-oxygenated water, and this factor, together with the range of habitats and the site’s biogeographical position supports a wide range of rich and diverse biotopes and some unusual species assemblages. The flora and fauna is characterised by limit-of-range species at the northern and southern margins of their distributions which are not present on shores either to the north or south respectively. Fishing within the site is of great cultural, social and traditional importance to the population of Jersey.","1. The site has the one of the largest tidal ranges in the world which can exceed 12 metres, and a wide range of substrata and wave exposure. Its waters are relatively warm due to the influence of the Gulf Stream and surrounding oceanographic conditions. Habitat-based evaluations using comparisons with the nearby South-East Coast of Jersey Ramsar site (designated 2000) indicate that due to the diverse range of habitats, communities and species, the site has great ecological value which play a substantial ecological role in the natural functioning of the system.
The extensive rocky intertidal areas in this site are of international importance because of the rarity and possible threats to this type of habitat and its associated communities. Situated in Le Golfe Normano-Breton, in the same region as the Baie de Mont St Michel (designated Ramsar site 1994), the site is part of the last vestiges of a former land bridge to continental Europe and plays a major role in the continued functioning of the Golfe.
2. The site is internationally important because it supports the following vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered species. The ecological community is unique.
Bottlenose dolphin $Tursiops truncatus$ Bern appendix II; C.M.S. appendix II; EC Habitats Dir. Annex II, IV ; CWJ Protected
Common dolphin $Delphinus delphis$ Bern appendix II; C.M.S. appendix II; CWJ Protected
White-beaked dolphin $Lagenorhynchus albirostris$ Bern appendix II; C.M.S. appendix II; CWJ Protected
Risso's dolphin $Grampus griseus$ C.M.S appendix II; Bern appendix II; CWJ Protected
Striped dolphin $Stenella coeruleoalba$ Bern appendix II; CWJ Protected
Harbour porpoise $Phocoena phocoena$ Bern appendix II; C.M.S. appendix II; EC Habitats Dir. Annex II; CWJ Protected
Pilot whale $Globicephala melas$ C.M.S. appendix II; Bern appendix II; CWJ Protected
Atlantic grey seal $Halichoerus grypus$ EC Habitats Dir. Annex II
Basking shark $Cetorhinus maximus$ IUCN vulnerable; Bern appendix II
Common tern $Sterna hirundo$ EC Birds Dir.
Atlantic salmon $Salmo salar$ EC Habitats Dir. Annex II
Common sturgeon $Acipenser sturio$ IUCN Red List; C.M.S. Appendix II; Bern Appendix II
Twaite shad $Alosa fallax$ IUCN Red List; EC Habitats Dir. Annex II
Short-snouted seahorse $Hippocampus hippocampus$ IUCN Red List; Bern Appendix II
(CWJ = Conservation of Wildlife (Jersey) Law 2000 (as amended))
3. Jersey is situated in Le Golfe Normano-Breton between England and France on the boundary between the cold and warm temperate marine biogeographical regions. Overlap between these regions promotes increased species richness and provides assemblages which include species at the limits of their respective distributions. Species associated with warmer southern European waters such as ormer $Haliotis tuberculata$ which are rare or absent from British coasts thus coexist with at those normally associated with colder northern waters such as the beadlet anenome $Actinia equina$. It has been hypothesised that such limit-of-range populations may eventually, through adaptation to local, more extreme environmental conditions than core populations undergo allopatric speciation which arises though reproductive isolation. Monitoring of these habitats for environmental change is therefore crucial (Taylor & Cook 1981). A small population of grey seals $Halichoerus grypus$ and one of the largest breeding populations of bottlenose dolphins $Tursiops truncatus$ in the British Isles are recorded in the area.
4. The Baie de St Malo experiences huge diurnal movements of relatively warm, closed waters moved by a residual inshore anti-clockwise current around Jersey. This enhances local recruitment of many species of planktonic larvae, especially Crustacea. The large rocky platforms are important to many invertebrate and vertebrate organisms, providing shelter, protection and food for both larval and adult stages. Likewise the rich infaunal communities of the mud and sand flats are important for their range of mollusc and worm species. These areas are important nursery zones for shore and shallow sublittoral fish communities. The wide shallow gullies dividing the rocky platforms also provide critical habitat for many other forms and stages of life as do the extensive and diverse algal assemblages. Different locations within the site support a number of species of wintering and passage waders and wildfowl with important feeding and roosting locations. The number of birds found within the site contribute to Jersey’s nationally significant populations of birds which include common tern $Sterna hirundo$, Eurasian oystercatcher $Haematopus ostralegus$, ringed plover $Charadrius hiaticula$ and great cormorant $Phalocrocorax carbo$.
7. The areas of shallow water and the large number of intertidal pools within the site provide habitat for many species of fish. The South-East Coast of Jersey surveys recorded 107 marine fish species of which ten are of EU or UK importance and 34 priority marine invertebrates of which 14 are rare or scarce (UK). There is no reason to suppose that this site supports fewer. The enormous water exchanges, strong tidal streams, a wide variety of wave energy conditions and substrate variation provide ideal conditions for the support of a wide diversity of organisms. The combination of biogeographic location, oceanographic circulation and physical features enhances biodisparity. The site contributes to the biodiversity of the Golfe Normano-Breton and thence to the English Channel. Among the most important fish species are sturgeon $Acipenser sturio$, allis shad $Alosa alosa$, twaite shad $Alosa fallax$, basking shark $Cetorhinus maximus$, giant goby $Gobius cobitis$, short-snouted seahorse $Hippocampus hippocampus$, common goby $Pomatoschistus microps$, sand goby $Pomatoschistus minutus$, Atlantic salmon $Salmo salar$.
8. The topographical diversity of the site creates a range of sheltered areas which provide conditions favouring recruitment of planktonic larvae. Many species of fish feed and grow in the warm fertile shallows before commencing their autumn migration to spawn elsewhere. Conversely, other species winter in the area and leave during the summer. The site also provides habitat for the entire life cycle of many smaller marine organisms. This wide diversity provides feeding for dolphins and seabirds.","The site is situated 20 km to the north-east of Gorey harbour on the east of the Channel Island of Jersey. The island is situated in the English Channel, 22.4 km west of Normandy (France) and 136 km south of Weymouth (England).","The site contains a diverse array of habitats and micro-habitats. Luxuriant growth of fucoid algae on intertidal rocky platforms, rockpools and gullies with a variety of algae, crustaceans and fish, intertidal channels with sponge and ascidian communities and some intertidal sediment communities all occur on the site.","Intertidal rocky platforms bear luxuriant growth of fucoid algae. Stands of kelp $Laminaria$ species also occur.
Intertidal rockpools contain dense colonies of the non-native alga $Sargassum muticum$, first recorded in Jersey in 1980.","Nationally important species include the molluscs $Modiolus modiolus$, $Haliotis tuberculata$, $Gibbula pennanti$ and $Mactra glauca$. Crabs include $Pisa tetraodon$ and $Thia scutellata$.
The extensive areas of shallow water and huge numbers of intertidal pools found within the site provide habitat for many species of fish such as short-snouted seahorse $Hippocampus hippocampus$ and giant goby $Gobius cobitis$.",Difficulties in accessing the site and resource limitations currently preclude research.,An information booklet on the importance of Jersey’s Ramsar site is available.,Low-level recreation by visitors from France and Jersey. The increase in these visits is a cause for concern and negotiations are in progress to control this.,"Anon. (1997) Anthropogenic radionucleides in the region of Jersey. Southampton Oceanography Centre, Geosciences Division, unpublished report to States of Jersey
Bishop, AC & Bisson, G (eds.) (1989) Jersey: description of 1:25,000 Channel Islands sheet 2. HMSO, London, for British Geological Survey (Classical areas of British geology)
Critchley, AT, Farnham, WF & Morrell, SL (1983) A chronology of new European sites of attachment for the invasive brown alga, Sargassum muticum, 1973–1981. Journal of the Marine Biological Association, 63, 799-811
Crutchley, S (1997) Designation of a Marine Protected Area in Jersey: Recommendations with special reference to molluscs. Unpublished MSc dissertation, University College London
Culley, M, Farnham, W, Fletcher, R & Thorp, C (1996) The marine ecology of Maitresse Ile, Les Minquiers. University of Portsmouth, Marine Laboratory, unpublished report to States of Jersey
Culley, MB (1979) An investigation into some aspects of the fisheries of Jersey. University of Portsmouth, Marine Laboratory, unpublished report to States of Jersey
Farnham, WF (1991) Marine fauna of Jersey. University of Portsmouth, Marine Laboratory, unpublished report to States of Jersey
Hiscock, K (ed.) (1996) Marine Nature Conservation Review: rationale and methods. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Jewell, S (1995) An identification and analysis of key criteria for the sustainable development of Jersey’s coastal zone. Unpublished MSc dissertation, Heriot-Watt University, Institute of Offshore Engineering, Edinburgh
Kindleysides, D (1995) Conserving the intertidal biodiversity of Jersey: a strategy. Unpublished MSc dissertation, University College London
Light, J (2005) Hunting molluscs on Les Ecrehou. Mollusc World, 7, 3-4
Orbi, A & Salomon, J-C (1988) Dynamique de maree dans le Golfe Normand-Breton. Oceanologica Acta, 11(1), 55-64
Pienkowski, MW (ed.) (2005) Review of existing and potential Ramsar sites in UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. (Contractor: UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough.) Final report on Contract CR0294 to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Bristol. www.ukotcf.org
Rodwell, WJ (1996) Les Écréhous Jersey. La Société Jersiaise, St Helier
Taylor, PD & Cook, PL (1981) Hippoporidra edax (Busk, 1859) and a revision of some fossil and living Hippoporidra (Bryozoa). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) (Geology), 35, 243-251",,,
9000385,UK23002,"Les Minquiers, Jersey",Classified/designatd,OT,9575,,Jersey,02/02/2005,048 58 27 N,002 07 14 W,0,0,,-15,15,,"The site complex consists of an extensive shoal area approximately 16 km long and 11 km wide. At high tide only rocky heads and a small supralittoral area, La Maitresse Isle (which supports some small stone dwellings), are exposed. The tidal range can exceed 12 m. At low tide various habitats are exposed, including reefs, boulder fields, sandy shores and shingle banks The area is fed clean well-oxygenated water and this factor, together with the range of habitats and the site’s biogeographical position supports a wide range of rich and diverse biotopes and some unusual species assemblages. The flora and fauna is characterised by limit-of-range species at the northern and southern margins of their distributions which are not present on shores either to the north or south respectively. Fishing within the site is of great cultural, social and traditional importance to the population of Jersey.","1. The site has the one of the largest tidal ranges in the world, which can exceed 12 metres, and a wide range of substrata and wave exposure. Its waters are relatively warm due to the influence of the Gulf Stream and surrounding oceanographic conditions. Habitat-based evaluations using comparisons with the nearby South-East Coast of Jersey Ramsar site (designated 2000) indicate that due to the diverse range of habitats, communities and species the site has great ecological value which play a substantial ecological role in the natural functioning of the system.
The extensive rocky intertidal areas in this site are of international importance because of the rarity and possible threats to this type of habitat and its associated communities. Situated in Le Golfe Normano-Breton, in the same region as the Baie de Mont St Michel (designated Ramsar site 1994), the site is part of the last vestiges of a former land bridge to continental Europe and plays a major role in the continued functioning of the Golfe.
2. The site is internationally important because it supports the following vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered species:
Bottlenose dolphin $Tursiops truncatus$ Bern appendix II; C.M.S. appendix II; EC Habitats Dir. Annex II, IV ; CWJ Protected
Common dolphin $Delphinus delphis$ Bern appendix II; C.M.S. appendix II; CWJ Protected
White-beaked dolphin $Lagenorhynchus albirostris$ Bern appendix II; C.M.S. appendix II; CWJ Protected
Risso's dolphin $Grampus griseus$ C.M.S appendix II; Bern appendix II; CWJ Protected
Striped dolphin $Stenella coeruleoalba$ Bern appendix II; CWJ Protected
Harbour porpoise $Phocoena phocoena$ Bern appendix II; C.M.S. appendix II; EC Habitats Dir. Annex II; CWJ Protected
Pilot whale $Globicephala melas$ C.M.S. appendix II; Bern appendix II; CWJ Protected
Atlantic grey seal $Halichoerus grypus$ EC Habitats Dir. Annex II
Basking shark $Cetorhinus maximus$ IUCN vulnerable; Bern appendix II
Atlantic salmon $Salmo salar$ EC Habitats Dir. Annex II
Common sturgeon $Acipenser sturio$ IUCN Red List; C.M.S. Appendix II; Bern Appendix II
Twaite shad $Alosa fallax$ IUCN Red List; EC Habitats Dir. Annex II
Short-snouted seahorse $Hippocampus hippocampus$ IUCN Red List; Bern Appendix II
(CWJ = Conservation of Wildlife (Jersey) Law 2000 (as amended))
3. Jersey is situated in Le Golfe Normano-Breton between England and France on the boundary between the cold and warm temperate marine biogeographical regions. Overlap between these regions promotes increased species richness and provides assemblages which include species at the limits of their respective distributions. Species associated with warmer southern European waters such as ormer $Haliotis tuberculata$ which are rare or absent from British coasts thus coexist with at those normally associated with colder northern waters such as the beadlet anenome $Actinia equina$. It has been hypothesised that such limit-of-range populations may eventually, through adaptation to local, more extreme environmental conditions than core populations undergo allopatric speciation which arises though reproductive isolation. Monitoring of these habitats for environmental change is therefore crucial (Taylor & Cook 1981). One of the largest breeding populations of bottlenose dolphins $Tursiops truncatus$ in the British Isles are recorded in the area.
4. The Baie de St Malo experiences huge diurnal movements of relatively warm, closed waters moved by a residual inshore anti-clockwise current around Jersey. This enhances local recruitment of many species of planktonic larvae, especially Crustacea. The large rocky platforms are important to many invertebrate and vertebrate organisms, providing shelter, protection and food for both larval and adult stages. Likewise the rich infaunal communities of the mud and sand flats are important for their range of mollusc and worm species. These areas are important nursery zones for shore and shallow sublittoral fish communities. The wide shallow gullies dividing the rocky platforms also provide critical habitat for many other forms and stages of life as do the extensive and diverse algal assemblages. Different locations within the site support a number of species of wintering and passage waders and wildfowl with important feeding and roosting locations. The number of birds found within the site contribute to Jersey’s nationally significant populations of three species, which are great cormorant $Phalocrocorax carbo$, Sandwich tern $Sterna sandvicensis$ and European storm-petrel $Hydrobates pelagicus$.
7. The areas of shallow water and the large number of intertidal pools within the site provide habitat for many species of fish. The South-East Coast of Jersey surveys recorded 107 marine fish species of which ten are of EU or UK importance and 34 priority marine invertebrates of which 14 are rare or scarce (UK). There is no reason to suppose that this site supports fewer. The enormous water exchanges, strong tidal streams, a wide variety of wave energy conditions and substrate variation provide ideal conditions for the support of a wide diversity of organisms. The combination of biogeographic location, oceanographic circulation and physical features enhances biodisparity. The site contributes to the biodiversity of the Golfe Normano-Breton and thence to the English Channel. Among the most important fish species are sturgeon $Acipenser sturio$, allis shad $Alosa alosa$, twaite shad $Alosa fallax$, basking shark $Cetorhinus maximus$, giant goby $Gobius cobitis$, short-snouted seahorse $Hippocampus hippocampus$, common goby $Pomatoschistus microps$, sand goby $Pomatoschistus minutus$, Atlantic salmon $Salmo salar$.
8. The topographical diversity of the site creates a range of sheltered areas which provide conditions favouring recruitment of planktonic larvae. Many species of fish feed and grow in the warm fertile shallows before commencing their autumn migration to spawn elsewhere. Conversely, other species winter in the area and leave during the summer. The site also provides habitat for the entire life cycle of many smaller marine organisms. This wide diversity provides feeding for dolphins and seabirds.","The site lies 34 km due south from the port of St Helier in the Channel Island of Jersey. The island is situated in the English Channel, 22.4 km west of Normandy (France) and 136 km south of Weymouth (England).","The site contains a diverse array of habitats and micro-habitats. Luxuriant growth of fucoid algae on intertidal rocky platforms, rockpools and gullies with a variety of algae, crustaceans and fish, intertidal channels with sponge and ascidian communities and some intertidal sediment communities all occur on the site.","Intertidal rocky platforms bear luxuriant growth of fucoid algae. Stands of kelp $Laminaria$ species also occur.
Intertidal rockpools contain dense colonies of the non-native alga $Sargassum muticum$, first recorded in Jersey in 1980.","Nationally important species include the molluscs $Modiolus modiolus$, $Haliotis tuberculata$, $Gibbula pennanti$ and $Mactra glauca$. Crabs include $Pisa tetraodon$ and $Thia scutellata$.
The extensive areas of shallow water and huge numbers of intertidal pools found within the site provide habitat for many species of fish such as short-snouted seahorse $Hippocampus hippocampus$ and giant goby $Gobius cobitis$.",Difficulties in accessing the site and resource limitations currently preclude research.,An information booklet on the importance of Jersey’s Ramsar site is available.,"Low-level recreation by visitors from France and Jersey. The increase in these visits is a cause for concern, and negotiations are in progress to control this.","Anon. (1997) Anthropogenic radionucleides in the region of Jersey. Southampton Oceanography Centre, Geosciences Division, unpublished report to States of Jersey
Bishop, AC & Bisson, G (eds.) (1989) Jersey: description of 1:25,000 Channel Islands sheet 2. HMSO, London, for British Geological Survey (Classical areas of British geology)
Critchley, AT, Farnham, WF & Morrell, SL (1983) A chronology of new European sites of attachment for the invasive brown alga, Sargassum muticum, 1973–1981. Journal of the Marine Biological Association, 63, 799-811
Crutchley, S (1997) Designation of a Marine Protected Area in Jersey: Recommendations with special reference to molluscs. Unpublished MSc dissertation, University College London
Culley, M, Farnham, W, Fletcher, R & Thorp, C (1996) The marine ecology of Maitresse Ile, Les Minquiers. University of Portsmouth, Marine Laboratory, unpublished report to States of Jersey
Culley, MB (1979) An investigation into some aspects of the fisheries of Jersey. University of Portsmouth, Marine Laboratory, unpublished report to States of Jersey
Farnham, WF (1991) Marine fauna of Jersey. University of Portsmouth, Marine Laboratory, unpublished report to States of Jersey
Hiscock, K (ed.) (1996) Marine Nature Conservation Review: rationale and methods. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Jewell, S (1995) An identification and analysis of key criteria for the sustainable development of Jersey’s coastal zone. Unpublished MSc dissertation, Heriot-Watt University, Institute of Offshore Engineering, Edinburgh
Kindleysides, D (1995) Conserving the intertidal biodiversity of Jersey: a strategy. Unpublished MSc dissertation, University College London
Orbi, A & Salomon, J-C (1988) Dynamique de maree dans le Golfe Normand-Breton. Oceanologica Acta, 11(1), 55-64
Pienkowski, MW (ed.) (2005) Review of existing and potential Ramsar sites in UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. (Contractor: UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough.) Final report on Contract CR0294 to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Bristol. www.ukotcf.org
Rodwell, WJ (1996) Les Écréhous Jersey. La Société Jersiaise, St Helier
Taylor, PD & Cook, PL (1981) Hippoporidra edax (Busk, 1859) and a revision of some fossil and living Hippoporidra (Bryozoa). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) (Geology), 35, 243-251",,,
9000387,UK23004,"Les Pierres de Lecq (the Paternosters), Jersey",Classified/designatd,OT,512,,Jersey,02/02/2005,049 17 36 N,002 12 15 W,0,0,,-15,15,,"At high water only four heads are uncovered. At low tide an extensive reef is uncovered. Great Rock, which is ten metres high and Sharp Rock, four metres high, are the largest rocks and are situated in the middle of the bank.","1 The site has the one of the largest tidal ranges in the world, which can exceed 12 metres, and a wide range of substrata and wave exposure. Its waters are relatively warm due to the influence of the Gulf Stream and surrounding oceanographic conditions. Habitat-based evaluations using comparisons with the nearby South-East Coast of Jersey Ramsar site (designated 2000) indicate that due to the diverse range of habitats, communities and species the site has great ecological value which play a substantial ecological role in the natural functioning of the system.
The extensive rocky intertidal areas in this site are of international importance because of the rarity and possible threats to this type of habitat and its associated communities.
2. The site is internationally important because it supports the following vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered species. The ecological community is unique.
Bottlenose dolphin $Tursiops truncatus$ Bern appendix II; C.M.S. appendix II; EC Habitats Dir. Annex II, IV ; CWJ Protected
Common dolphin $Delphinus delphis$ Bern appendix II; C.M.S. appendix II; CWJ Protected
White-beaked dolphin $Lagenorhynchus albirostris$ Bern appendix II; C.M.S. appendix II; CWJ Protected
Risso's dolphin $Grampus griseus$ C.M.S appendix II; Bern appendix II; CWJ Protected
Striped dolphin $Stenella coeruleoalba$ Bern appendix II; CWJ Protected
Harbour porpoise $Phocoena phocoena$ Bern appendix II; C.M.S. appendix II; EC Habitats Dir. Annex II; CWJ Protected
Pilot whale $Globicephala melas$ C.M.S. appendix II; Bern appendix II; CWJ Protected
Atlantic grey seal $Halichoerus grypus$ EC Habitats Dir. Annex II
Basking shark $Cetorhinus maximus$ IUCN vulnerable; Bern appendix II
Atlantic salmon $Salmo salar$ EC Habitats Dir. Annex II
Common sturgeon $Acipenser sturio$ IUCN Red List; C.M.S. Appendix II; Bern Appendix II
Twaite shad $Alosa fallax$ IUCN Red List; EC Habitats Dir. Annex II
Short-snouted seahorse $Hippocampus hippocampus$ IUCN Red List; Bern Appendix II
(CWJ = Conservation of Wildlife (Jersey) Law 2000 (as amended))
3. Jersey is situated in Le Golfe Normano-Breton between England and France on the boundary between the cold and warm temperate marine biogeographical regions. Overlap between these regions promotes increased species richness and provides assemblages which include species at the limits of their respective distributions. Species associated with warmer southern European waters such as ormer $Haliotis tuberculata$ which are rare or absent from British coasts thus coexist with at those normally associated with colder northern waters such as the beadlet anenome $Actinia equina$. It has been hypothesised that such limit-of-range populations may eventually, through adaptation to local, more extreme environmental conditions than core populations undergo allopatric speciation which arises though reproductive isolation. Monitoring of these habitats for environmental change is therefore crucial (Taylor & Cook 1981).
4. The Baie de St Malo experiences huge diurnal movements of relatively warm, closed waters moved by a residual inshore anti-clockwise current around Jersey. This enhances local recruitment of many species of planktonic larvae, especially Crustacea. The large rocky platforms are important to many invertebrate and vertebrate organisms, providing shelter, protection and food for both larval and adult stages. These areas are important nursery zones for shore and shallow sublittoral fish communities. The wide shallow gullies dividing the rocky platforms also provide critical habitat for many other forms and stages of life as do the extensive and diverse algal assemblages.
7. The areas of shallow water and the large number of intertidal pools within the site provide habitat for many species of fish. The enormous water exchanges, strong tidal streams, a wide variety of wave energy conditions and substrate variation provide ideal conditions for the support of a wide diversity of organisms. The combination of biogeographic location, oceanographic circulation and physical features enhances biodisparity. The site contributes to the biodiversity of the Golfe Normano-Breton and thence to the English Channel.
Among the most important fish species are sturgeon $Acipenser sturio$, allis shad $Alosa alosa$, twaite shad $Alosa fallax$, basking shark $Cetorhinus maximus$, giant goby $Gobius cobitis$, short-snouted seahorse $Hippocampus hippocampus$, common goby $Pomatoschistus microps$, sand goby $Pomatoschistus minutus$, Atlantic salmon $Salmo salar$.
8. The topographical diversity of the site creates a range of sheltered areas which provide conditions favouring recruitment of planktonic larvae. Many species of fish feed and grow in the warm fertile shallows before commencing their autumn migration to spawn elsewhere. Conversely, other species winter in the area and leave during the summer. The site also provides habitat for the entire life cycle of many smaller marine organisms. This wide diversity provides feeding for dolphins and seabirds.","The site lies approximately 16 km due north of Gréve de Lecq on the north-west coast of the Channel Island of Jersey. The island is situated in the English Channel, 22.4 km west of Normandy (France) and 136 km south of Weymouth (England).","The site contains a diverse array of habitats and micro-habitats. Luxuriant growth of fucoid algae on intertidal rocky platforms, rockpools and gullies with a variety of algae, crustaceans and fish, intertidal channels with sponge and ascidian communities all occur on the site.","Intertidal rocky platforms bear luxuriant growth of fucoid algae. Stands of kelp $Laminaria$ species also occur.
Intertidal rockpools contain dense colonies of the non-native alga $Sargassum muticum$, first recorded in Jersey in 1980.","Nationally important species include the molluscs $Modiolus modiolus$, $Haliotis tuberculata$, $Gibbula pennanti$ and $Mactra glauca$. Crabs include $Pisa tetraodon$ and $Thia scutellata$.
The extensive areas of shallow water and huge numbers of intertidal pools found within the site provide habitat for many species of fish such as short-snouted seahorse $Hippocampus hippocampus$ and giant goby $Gobius cobitis$.",Difficulties in accessing the site and resource limitations currently preclude research.,An information booklet on the importance of Jersey’s Ramsar site is available.,Infrequent visits by small boats; the number of visitors to this reef is very low.,"Anon. (1997) Anthropogenic radionucleides in the region of Jersey. Southampton Oceanography Centre, Geosciences Division, unpublished report to States of Jersey
Bishop, AC & Bisson, G (eds.) (1989) Jersey: description of 1:25,000 Channel Islands sheet 2. HMSO, London, for British Geological Survey (Classical areas of British geology)
Critchley, AT, Farnham, WF & Morrell, SL (1983) A chronology of new European sites of attachment for the invasive brown alga, Sargassum muticum, 1973–1981. Journal of the Marine Biological Association, 63, 799-811
Crutchley, S (1997) Designation of a Marine Protected Area in Jersey: Recommendations with special reference to molluscs. Unpublished MSc dissertation, University College London
Culley, M, Farnham, W, Fletcher, R & Thorp, C (1996) The marine ecology of Maitresse Ile, Les Minquiers. University of Portsmouth, Marine Laboratory, unpublished report to States of Jersey
Culley, MB (1979) An investigation into some aspects of the fisheries of Jersey. University of Portsmouth, Marine Laboratory, unpublished report to States of Jersey
Farnham, WF (1991) Marine fauna of Jersey. University of Portsmouth, Marine Laboratory, unpublished report to States of Jersey
Hiscock, K (ed.) (1996) Marine Nature Conservation Review: rationale and methods. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Jewell, S (1995) An identification and analysis of key criteria for the sustainable development of Jersey’s coastal zone. Unpublished MSc dissertation, Heriot-Watt University, Institute of Offshore Engineering, Edinburgh
Kindleysides, D (1995) Conserving the intertidal biodiversity of Jersey: a strategy. Unpublished MSc dissertation, University College London
Orbi, A & Salomon, J-C (1988) Dynamique de maree dans le Golfe Normand-Breton. Oceanologica Acta, 11(1), 55-64
Pienkowski, MW (ed.) (2005) Review of existing and potential Ramsar sites in UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. (Contractor: UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough.) Final report on Contract CR0294 to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Bristol. www.ukotcf.org
Rodwell, WJ (1996) Les Écréhous Jersey. La Société Jersiaise, St Helier
Taylor, PD & Cook, PL (1981) Hippoporidra edax (Busk, 1859) and a revision of some fossil and living Hippoporidra (Bryozoa). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) (Geology), 35, 243-251",,,
7000170,UK13028,Lewis Peatlands,Classified/designatd,S,58984.23,,Western Isles / Na h-Eileanan an Iar,07/12/2000,58 15 00 N,06 35 00 W,131128,938150,NB311382,9,240,86,"The Lewis Peatlands site is predominantly made up of a near-continuous mantle of blanket bog liberally dotted with small pools and lochans. In the southern part of the site the peatland is more broken with outcrops of rocks (Lewisian gneiss) and lochans forming a distinctive 'knock and lochan' landscape and including the larger freshwater nutrient-poor lochs of south central Lewis. The vast expanse of this relatively undisturbed peatland landscape supports a diverse range of associated flora and fauna. With their north-westerly and island location, the Lewis Peatlands are probably the most extremely 'Atlantic' of all the blanket mires in Great Britain. In terms of the bioclimatic zones represented, the hyper-oceanic, extremely humid upper boreal zone predominates to an extent found nowhere else in Scotland.","Ramsar Criterion 1
The site qualifies under Criterion 1 by supporting one of the largest and most intact known areas of blanket bog in the world. It includes extensive areas of ombrotrophic or rain-fed bog together with numerous, smaller areas where the peatland lies in depressions and is subject to a flow of water carrying nutrients dissolved from rock and mineral soil. The area of qualifying blanket bog is coincident with that of Lewis Peatlands SAC.
Ramsar Criterion 2
The site qualifies under Criterion 2 by supporting a number of rare species of wetland birds. There is a diverse population of breeding waterfowl including nationally important populations of red-throated diver$ Gavia stellata$, black-throated diver $Gavia arctica$, golden plover $Pluvialis apricaria$ and greenshank $Tringa nebularia$.","The site is located 5 km west of Stornoway.
The Lewis Peatlands site is situated on the Isle of Lewis at the north-western limit of the British Isles.","The Lewis Peatlands site is predominantly made up of blanket bog habitat consisting of mainly but not exclusively M17 $Scirpus cespitosus-Eriophorum vaginatum$ blanket mire including the $Drosera rotundifolia - Sphagnum$ and $Cladonia$ sub-communities. Drier ground and slopes also contain M19 $Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum$ blanket mire. Wet heath habitat M15 $Scirpus cespitosus-Erica tetralix$ also occurs on slopes, hills and in the knock and lochan landscape of central and south Lewis. Freshwater lochs and lochans are also an important habitat feature of the peatlands consisting mainly of the European habitat features Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the $Littorelletea uniflorae$ and/or of the $Isoëto-Nanojuncetea$ (NVC community A22 $Littorella uniflora-Lobelia dortmanna$), and dystrophic lochs (containing NVC communities M1 $Sphagnum auriculatum$ bog pool community, M2 $Sphagnum cuspidatum/recurvum$ bog pool community and M3 $Eriophorum angustifolium$ bog pool community).","Assemblage.
The site is internationally important because it contains the following Habitats Directive Annex I features:
H3130 Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or of the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea
H3160 Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds
H4010 Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix
H7130 Blanket bogs
H7150 Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Hammarbya paludosa$
Lower Plants.
$Campylopus shawii$
$Sphagnum imbricatum$ ssp. $austinii$","Internationally important species occurring on the site
Mammals
S1355 Lutra lutra Otter (Habitats Directive Annex II species)","Scottish Blanket Bog Inventory: Lewis and Harris - characterisation of blanket bogs using Landsat Thematic Mapper (Quarmby, Everingham & Reid 1997)
A preliminary investigation into the significance of climate and land management history on the prevalence of $Racomitrium lanuginosum$ on the blanket bogs of Lewis. Department of Geography, University-upon-Tyne (Moores & Stevenson 1998).",Information booklet (Taylor 2004).,"Sport hunting for grouse and deer occurs on the site between 12 August to 10 December for grouse, 1 July to 20 October for red deer stags and 21 October to 15 February for red deer hinds. Angling also occurs on the site between 5 February to 31 October for salmon and 15 March to 7 October for sea trout and brown trout. These activities at their present level are considered compatible with the interest of the site.","Bates, MA, Shepherd, KB, Whitfield, P & Arnott, DA (1994) A breeding wader and upland survey of selected sites in Lewis and Harris. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Research Report, No. **
Boyd, JM (ed.) (1979) The natural environment of the Outer Hebrides. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Series B: Biological Sciences, 77
Everingham, F & Mayer, P (1991) A peatland survey of Lewis 1987–1989. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Contract Survey, No. 132)
Hulme, PD (1985) The peatland vegetation of the Isle of Lewis and Harris and the Shetland Islands, Scotland. Aquilo, Series Botanica, 21, 81-88
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Moores, AJ & Stevenson, AC (1998) A preliminary investigation into the significance of climate and land management history on the prevalence of Racomitrium lanuginosum on the blanket bogs of Lewis. University-upon-Tyne, Department of Geography
Quarmby, NA, Everingham, F & Reid, E (1997) Scottish Blanket Bog Inventory: Lewis and Harris – characterisation of blanket bogs using Landsat thematic mapper Scottish Natural Heritage Research Survey and Monitoring Report, 85
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Shepherd, KB & Whitfield, DP (1996) A survey of moorland breeding birds on the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland in 1996. Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh
Shepherd, KB, Batchelor, PK, Hulka, S, Stirling, JP, Watson, D & Whitfield, DP (1995) A survey of moorland breeding birds on the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland in 1995. Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Taylor, K (2004) The Lewis Peatlands: the island's growing heart. Scottish Natural Heritage, Stornoway
Whitfield, P, Vigano, P & Renwick, L (1998) Birds of the peatlands of Lewis and Harris: species distributions and recommendations for the boundary of the Lewis Peatlands Special Protection Area.",07/12/2000,,
46,UK22001,"Lihou Island and L`Erée Headland, Guernsey",Classified/designatd,OT,390,,Bailiwick of Guernsey,01/03/2006,049 27 34 N,002 39 43 W,,,,,25,,"Within the site's relatively small area there is an amazing variety of interesting habitat types including rocky, gravelly and sandy shoreline, the sublittoral zone, coastal grassland, saltmarsh, reedbed and saline lagoon. The site includes also vegetated shingle banks, seagrass $Zostera$ beds and wet grassland, which are internationally threatened habitat types. These habitats support a rich diversity of animals and plants. For example, 214 different species of seaweed have been recorded on the shore around Lihou Island – an exceptionally large number for such a small area.
The area also has a rich cultural heritage, many important archaeological and historical remains, and L'Eree Headland has been identified as one of 11 'Areas of Geological Importance' in Guernsey.","1 Global-priority habitats, seagrass beds (at and below low-water mark) and species-rich wet grassland are present, plus other wetland features including reedbeds, saline lagoons, wet coastal grazing, saltmarsh. Marine habitats include shell-gravel, sand, and intertidal and subtidal rocks.
2 Several Red Data Book species occur, including the fern allies $Ophioglossum azoricum$, found in Lihou and $Isoetes histrix$ which occurs in Lihou and L’Erée headland. $O. azoricum$ is a RDB species in both France and the UK, and $I. histrix$ is known from only one site in England.
3 Species-rich wet-grassland at La Claire Mare, including loose-flowered orchid $Orchis laxiflora$ (not present farther north in UK); many other wetland plants and insects not found elsewhere in region. Saltmarsh is very rare in the Channel Islands. Foreshore has 136 ha of intertidal rocky shore supporting many rare species including ormer $Haliotis tuberculata$, of great local cultural significance.
4 The site is a good stepping-stone for critically endangered aquatic warbler $Acrocephalus paludicola$ at La Claire Mare. L’Erée is a good roost for gulls, and for curlews etc., especially during storms/high tides. Lihou island is an important area for wader roosting in winter; there are particularly large numbers of Eurasian oystercatchers $Haematopus ostralegus$ (see Section 20 of the RIS, and Appendix 7 of the accompanying supporting documentation).
7 Many rare species, and a representative sample of the north-west European fish fauna are found in the marine area of the site. The Channel Islands are on the northernmost extent of the ormer’s $Haliotis tuberculata$ natural distribution range.","The site lies on the west coast of Guernsey, 8 km west of St Peter Port, the nearest large town. It includes La Claire Mare, La Rousse Mare (the Colin Best Nature Reserve), the shingle bank Les Anguillières, the western end of L'Erée Headland, Lihou Island and the area of coast between the northern end of L'Erée and Le Catioroc including La Chapelle island. To seaward it is bounded by straight lines between the highest points of various reefs and rocks.","The following habitats/vegetation types can be identified in the site:
Terrestrial habitats
Pebble banks
Dune grassland
Coastal grassland
Scrub
Saltmarsh
Brackish pond
Reedbed
Wet meadow
Improved grassland
Streams
Walls
Soft cliff
Hard cliff
The characteristic vegetation of the above habitats is described in Ozanne, Gilmour & David (2002) (see Appendix)
Marine habitats
Rocky shore
Sandy shore
Gravel
Shell-gravel
Eelgrass $Zostera$","Rare and noteworthy plant communities:
Coastal grassland. This is a common habitat round the coast of the Channel Islands. That in the Ramsar site is important for the rare species found there including the fern allies $Ophioglossum azoricum$, found in Lihou and $Isoetes histrix$ which occurs in Lihou and L’Erée headland. $O. azoricum$ is a RDB species in both France and the UK, and $I. histrix$ is known from only one site in England. Several other species occur that do not occur in the UK mainland, such as sand crocus $Romulea columnae$ which is frequent here
Shingle bank. Vegetated shingle is an internationally-threatened habitat. The examples in the Ramsar site include such noteworthy species as sea kale $Crambe maritima$ and yellow horned-poppy $Glaucium flavum$.
Saltmarsh. This habitat is extremely scarce in the Channel Islands. Two patches occur in the Ramsar site. On Lihou, a brackish pool between two pebble banks has saltmarsh goosefoot $Chenopodium chenopodioides$, not found elsewhere in the Channel Islands. In La Rousse Mare is a larger area of saltmarsh with a temporary brackish pond. This has extensive areas of glasswort $Salicornia$ spp. and annual seablite $Suaeda maritima$, both very rare elsewhere in the islands.
Wet meadow or Marshy grassland. There are three very important, species-rich, marshy fields at the east side of La Claire Mare, and an area of reedbed. The flora includes adder’s-tongue $Ophioglossum vulgatum$, which is known to occur at only two other sites in Guernsey, and several species of orchid, including loose-flowered orchid $Orchis laxiflora$ which does not occur in the UK, as well as many other typical marshland plants.
Intertidal areas. These are extremely rich in seaweeds; over 200 species have been recorded. There are also beds of eelgrass $Zostera$ (a global priority habitat) at and below low tide mark.
The exposed rocky outcrops have a rich and varied lichen flora including two species of $Roccella$ and many other rare species.
Lists of plants recorded from the area are attached as supplementary information.","The site is very important for birds. The following bird notes for various areas in the Ramsar site are extracted from David & Gilmour (2003):
Lihou
Breeding birds: largest great black-backed gull $Larus marinus$ colonies in Bailiwick. Common shelduck $Tadorna tadorna$; Eurasian oystercatcher $Haematopus ostralegus$; ringed plover $Charadrius hiaticula$ (1-2 pairs); stonechat $Saxicola torquata$.
Good for migrants (many species), important gull roost, non-breeding meadow pipits
La Rousse and La Claire Mares
Now arguably Guernsey’s premier birding site – only Pleinmont can challenge.
Breeding birds: reed warbler $Acrocephalus scirpaceus$; common shelduck; stonechat; common moorhen $Gallinula chloropus$; common coot $Fulica atra$; feral geese
Migrants: extensive; warblers include aquatic warbler $Acrocephalus paludicola$ (top site)
Non-breeding/Wintering: ducks (including: northern shoveler $Anas clypeata$, common teal $Anas crecca$ and Eurasian wigeon $Anas penelope$); common snipe $Gallinago gallinago$; water rail $Rallus aquaticus$; bearded tit $Panurus biarmicus$; waders; roosting gulls
L'Erée Headland
Breeding birds: short-toed treecreeper $Certhia brachydactyla$; blackcap $Sylvia atricapilla$; common bullfinch $Pyrrhula pyrrhula$; Eurasian sparrowhawk $Accipiter nisus$; goldcrest $Regulus regulus$; common chiffchaff $Phylloscopus collybita$.
Used by migrants.
Lists of birds recorded from the area are attached as supplementary information.
The land area is important for its invertebrate fauna. The main invertebrate communities are those associated with the habitats listed in Section 19, including many rare species as some of these habitats are threatened in the island.
Many species of wetland Diptera are not known from elsewhere in the Island. These include Nemotelus spp. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) and some Dolichopid flies from the brackish marsh at La Rousse Mare, and many other Ephydrid, Sciomyzid and Dolichopodid species from the freshwater areas. The area is also rich in Coleoptera, Hemiptera and Lepidoptera.
The marine area is very rich in species. They have been little studied, but an extensive list is provided by Brehaut (1989) (see Appendix).
The area is particularly suitable for the ormer Haliotis tuberculata, found in shallow water underneath weed-covered rocks. These molluscs are gathered by hand on the lowest spring tides, and are a local delicacy. Fishing regulations have been introduced to protect stocks. The Channel Islands are on the northernmost extent of the ormer’s natural distribution range. Ormers are culturally important as part of the heritage of the Channel Islands.
Atlantic grey seals Halichoerus grypus are occasionally sighted within the site. Atlantic grey seals are near the southernmost limit of their range, extending as far as the Brittany coast.
Lists of invertebrates recorded from the area are attached as supplementary information.","La Société Guernesiaise has been carrying out a long-term survey of waders around the whole coast of Guernsey including the Ramsar Site. The organisation is also surveying breeding birds in the island. One of the transects is in the site.
One of the MarClim transects is believed to be in the site.","There are two bird hides at La Société Guernesiaise Reserve at La Claire Mare, together with display boards indicating the species likely to be seen. There is a large display board at Lihou Island giving details of the natural history and history of the island. Many leaflets are available giving information for Lihou and the causeway, together with websites. Guided walks around Lihou Island take place in the summer. School visits take place each year to Lihou and the causeway area. Imperial College, London use the area for part of their Marine Biology Field Course each autumn.","Lihou Island is a popular site for walkers and is promoted in current tourist brochures. Guided walks take place in the summer. The West Coast Path around the coast of Guernsey passes the back of the shingle bank. L’Erée Headland has a popular beach for sunbathing and bathing at high tide; many people explore the wildlife around Lihou Causeway.
Birdwatching is a popular activity and there are two bird hides at La Claire Mare. The marshy fields to the east have a path cut round them in spring so that the orchids and other flowers can be admired. Rockpooling is also a common activity.
On Lihou island there is a large rock pool used for bathing at the north-west corner. Around the south side of L'Erée headland are popular bathing beaches. The coast at La Chapelle Dom Hué is used by surfers.
Some of the fields at La Rousse Mare are used by an agricultural show in August and occasionally for other events.","Brehaut, RN (1989) Description of the proposed marine conservation area at Rue de la Rocque, St Pierre du Bois, Guernsey. Report & Transactions La Société Guernesiaise, 22(1988), 385-392
David, CT & Gilmour KJ (2003) A review of sites of nature conservation importance in the revised rural area plans. A report to the I.D.C by La Société Guernesiaise, St Peter Port
Fry, JC (1998) Lihou Island management plan. Second draft. States Board of Administration, Guernsey
Met Office Hadley Centre (2003) Scenarios of climate change for islands within the BIC region. British Irish Council, Dublin/London. www1.british-irishcouncil.org/climatechange
Ozanne, BJ, Gilmour, KJ & David, CT (2002) Common and threatened indicator plant species of various habitats in Guernsey & Herm. A report to the Biodiversity Working Group, Advisory & Finance Committee by La Société Guernesiaise, St Peter Port
Pienkowski, MW (ed.) (2005) Review of existing and potential Ramsar sites in UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. (Contractor: UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough.) Final report on Contract CR0294 to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Bristol. www.ukotcf.org
Pomeroi, M de & Robinson, A (1994) The rocks and scenery of Guernsey. La Société Guernesiaise, St Peter Port
Pritchard, DE, Housden, SD, Mudge, GP, Galbraith, CA & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy
Roach, RA, Topley, CG, Brown, M, Bland, AM & D'Lemos, RS (1991) Outline and guide to the geology of Guernsey. Guernsey Museum, St Peter Port (Monograph, No. 3)
States Board of Administration (nd [~1998]) Lihou Island information pack. States Board of Administration, Guernsey
States Environment Department Lihou Island web pages. States of Guernsey Environment Department. www.gov.gg/ccm/navigation/environment/lihou-island
Trowbridge, CD, Farnham, WF & White, LF (2004) Thriving populations of the native macroalga Codium tomentosum on Guernsey rocky shores. Journal of the Marine Biological Association, 84(5), 873-877
Veron, PK (ed.) (1997) Important sites for birds in the Channel Islands. La Société Guernesiaise, St Peter Port
Guernsey Biological Records Centre www.biologicalrecordscentre.gov.gg
La Société Guernesiaise www.societe.org.gg
States of Guernsey Environment Department www.gov.gg",,,
7000005,UK11036,Lindisfarne,Classified/designatd,E,3679.22,,Northumberland,05/01/1976,55 40 22 N,01 50 17 W,410177.8,642154.1,NU102422,-1,11,0,"The area comprises a range of coastal habitats, including rocky shore, sand dunes, saltmarsh and intertidal sand and mudflats, that support internationally important numbers of wintering waterfowl.
The extensive intertidal flats of sand and silt contain abundant invertebrates, and also support beds of eelgrass $Zostera$ spp., important food sources for wintering birds. There is a large area of saltmarsh, especially around Holy Island Sands. The lower marsh is dominated by the introduced common cord-grass $Spartina anglica$, but at higher levels common saltmarsh-grass and thrift are the main species.
Extensive sand dunes are found on the eastern and northern parts of Holy Island, and on the mainland at Ross Links, between Holy Island and Budle Bay. The foredunes are dominated by marram, with older dunes supporting acidic communities including dune heath. Dominated by creeping willow $Salix arenaria$ and cross-leaved heath, the dune slacks are more species-rich.","Ramsar criterion 1
This site contains extensive intertidal flats, together with a large area of saltmarsh, and major sand dune system with well developed dune slacks.","Nearest town/city: Berwick-upon-Tweed
The site lies on the east coast of England south of Berwick-upon-Tweed.","On this site there is a rich marine invertebrate fauna with $Zostera$ beds supporting internationally important numbers of waterfowl including pale-bellied brent geese, the only British site where the Svalbard population is found. The dunes have some dune heath and the rare liverwort $Petalophyllum ralfsii$ is also present.","Internationally important species occurring on the site.
Lower Plants.
S1395 Petalophyllum ralfsii Petalwort (Habitats Directive Annex II species)
Higher plants
Dune helleborine $Epipactis sancta$ (endemic on Holy Island)",None reported,"Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
ITE Butterfly transect; Refuge for waterfowl - ongoing project.
Flora.
$Spartina$ control research; $Zostera$ monitoring; $Enteromorpha$ study.","As the site is a National Nature Reserve guided walks, talks and slide shows are available on request. There is a nature trail around the site and two hides. There is a leaflet describing the interest at the site.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Land based recreation:
Baitdigging is controlled by bylaw.
Wildfowling: 150 permits issued.
Horseriding by free permit only.
Water based recreation:
Watersports zone in Budle Bay is controlled by bylaw.
Over 250,000 visitors to Holy Island each year pass through site.","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1995) Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. Region 5 North-east England: Berwick-upon-Tweed to Filey Bay. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coastal Directories Series)
Bennett, TL & Foster-Smith, JL (1998) Chapter 5. South-east Scotland and north-east England (Dunbar to Bridlington) (MNCR Sector 4). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 123-154. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Brazier, DP, Davies, J, Holt, RHF & Murray, E (1998) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 5. South-east Scotland and north-east England: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1997) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 5. Eastern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Davidson, NC, Laffoley, D d’A, Doody, JP, Way, LS, Gordon, J, Key, R, Pienkowski, MW, Mitchell, R & Duff, KL (1991) Nature conservation and estuaries in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Huddart, D & Glasser, NF (2002) Quaternary of northern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 25)
Lacambra, C, Cutts, N, Allen, J, Burd, F & Elliott, M (2004) Spartina anglica: a review of its status, dynamics and management. English Nature Research Reports, No. 527. www.english-nature.org.uk/pubs/publication/PDF/527.pdf
May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Volume 3: Site accounts. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",11/03/1992,,
7000054,UK14007,Llyn Idwal,Classified/designatd,W,13.51,,Gwynedd,07/11/1991,53 06 55 N,04 01 29 W,264509,359521,SH645595,378,380,378,"A relatively shallow oligotrophic lake, with a species-rich flora with nearly all species typical of such waters in Britain being represented. These include six-stamened waterwort $Elatine hexandra$, pillwort $Pilularia globulifera$ and awlwort $Subularia aquatica$. There are small areas of emergent vegetation. Biologically it is a relatively rich lake.","Ramsar criterion 1
A small, shallow, oligotrophic corrie lake. The semi-circular rock basin (or cwm) containing the lake is one of the finest examples in Snowdonia.
Ramsar criterion 2
Species-rich plant community, including almost all of the species typical of oligotrophic waters in Britain. Notable species include $Elatine hexandra$ and $Subularia aquatica$ (both nationally scarce) and $Pilularia globulifera$ (vulnerable at a European level).
","Nearest town/city: Bangor
Llyn Idwal lies 17.5 km SSE of Bangor in the Snowdonia mountains of north Wales.","Submerged aquatic flora in an oligotrophic lake associated with base-poor conditions. $Pilularia globulifera, Subularia aquatica, Littorella uniflora, Isoetes lacustris, Lobelia dortmanna$ and $Sparganium angustifolium$ are all present.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Elatine hexandra, Subularia aquatica, Pilularia globulifera$.",None reported,"Miscellaneous.
Palaeolimnological assessment of effects of acid deposition (BSc dissertation) (ref.?).
Study of recent environmental change in selected standing waters in Wales (Bennion 1996; Bennion $et al$. 1997).
Ecology and conservation history of Llyn Idwal & Cwellyn (Duigan $et al$. 1998).
Survey for $Luronium natans$ in 1998.","Site is provided with interpretive material and educational groups often use the surrounding land for geology, geography and biology studies. Limited guided walks given by CCW/NT/SNP wardens/staff.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Most activities are walkers on the surrounding land. Very few people use the site itself - a few anglers (seldom seen now) and one or two brave people in the summer for swimming in the lake.","Bassett, DE (ed.) (1986) National Nature Reserves in Wales: a systematic survey. 7. Cwm Idwal NNR, Gwynedd. Nature in Wales, NS,3(1/2) (1984), 79-90
Bennion, H (ed.) (1996) A study of recent environmental change within selected standing waters in Wales. CCW Contract Science, No. 130
Bennion, H, Allott, TEH, Appleby, PG, Hunt, M, Oliver, E & Patrick, ST (1997) A study of recent environmental change within selected standing waters proposed as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) in Wales – Llyn Idwal, Llyn Cwellyn and Llyn Safadden (Llangorse Lake) Phase II. CCW Contract Science, No. 187
Duigan, CA, Allott, TEH, Monteith, DT, Patrick, ST, Lancaster, J & Seda, JM (1998) The ecology and conservation of Llyn Idwal and Llyn Cwellyn (Snowdonia National Park, north Wales, UK) – two lakes proposed as special areas of conservation in Europe. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 8(3), 325-360 www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/10006549/ABSTRACT
Jones, PS, Stevens, DP, Blackstock, TH, Burrows, CR & Howe, EA (eds.) (2003) Priority habitats of Wales: a technical guide. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor
Radford, GL (2005) Monitoring vegetation change in the Eryri SAC. Fifth repeat survey and final report for Cwm Idwal. CCW Contract Science Report, No. 702
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)",,,
7000055,UK14008,Llyn Tegid,Classified/designatd,W,478.08,,Gwynedd,07/11/1991,52 53 04 N,03 37 28 W,290699,333167,SH907332,158,159,159,"Llyn Tegid is the largest natural lake in Wales. The lake bed is owned by Snowdonia National Park Authority although the water is the property of the Environment Agency. It is important for its internationally rare plant species, particularly floating water plantain $Luronium natans$ and its unique fish fauna, including the endemic whitefish or gwyniad, $Coregonus lavaretus$. The glutinous snail $Myxas glutinosa$ was considered to have been lost from this locality, as it had not been found in Llyn Tegid since 1953. However it was rediscovered in the lake in summer 1998.","Ramsar criterion 1
Largest natural lake in Wales, lying deep in a formerly glaciated trough.
Ramsar criterion 2
Plant species growing in or beside the lake are mudwort $Limosa aquatica$, six-stamened waterwort $Elatine hexandra$, water sedge $Carex aquatilis$ and floating water plantain $Luronium natans$, all of which are scarce in Britain. The latter species is regarded as vulnerable on a global scale. This site is also one of only six sites in Britain for the whitefish or gwyniad $Coregonus lavaretus$; the Welsh population of this fish is genetically distinct. Llyn Tegid is also an unusual habitat for the normally riverine fish grayling $Thymallus thymallus$. The Nationally Rare glutinous snail $Myxas glutinosa$ has been rediscovered in the shallow gravels of the lake shore.","Nearest town/city: Bala
Llyn Tegid lies 24 km north-east of Dolgellau, north Wales.","This site is mainly open water with $Luronium natans$, $Elatine hexandra$ and $Limosella aquatica$. Topogeneous fen/swamp.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
S1831 Luronium natans Floating water-plantain (Habitats Directive Annex II species)","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Fish.
$Coregonus lavaretus$
Invertebrates.
$Myxas glutinosa$ (UK Biodiversity Action Plan species).","Flora.
Study of algal blooms - Environment Agency.
Translocation of gwyniad to another lake to maintain genetic stock: project commenced 2004, organised by Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), Environment Agency (EA) and Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH).
Gwyniad survey 2003 (CCW).
Macrophyte survey of tributaries 2003 (CCW).
Catchment management project in preparation by CCW, EA & University of Bangor 2004.",Leaflet produced; symposium of environmental history of the lake was held November 1997 - the proceedings were published in 2003 (Duigan $et al$. 2003).,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Llyn Tegid is an important recreational resource supporting local tourism. Sailing, fishing and other water sports are all important. In general these activities are not detrimental, although increased visitors to the area may add to sewage inputs.","Bennion, H, Shilland, E & Appleby, PG (1997) A study of recent environmental change at Llyn Tegid (Lake Bala), Wales. Report to the Environment Agency. University College London, Environmental Change Research Centre (ECRC Research Report, No. 36)
Duigan, CA, Gritten, R & Millband, H (eds.) (2003) Llyn Tegid symposium: the ecology, conservation and environmental history of the largest natural lake in Wales: a meeting organised by Countryside Council for Wales, Environment Agency Wales, Snowdonia National Park Authority and Gwynedd Council, Plas Tan y Bwlch, Maentwrog, 20th November 1997. Proceedings. University of Liverpool, Liverpool
Environment Agency Wales, Countryside Council For Wales, Forestry Commission, Gwynedd County Council, Farmers Union of Wales & National Farmers Union (1999) A strategy and action plan for the sustainable use of Llyn Tegid. Environment Agency, Cardiff
Fowles, A (1994) Invertebrates of Wales: a review of important sites and species. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Holyoak, DT & Willing, MJ (1998) Status and ecology of the glutinous snail Myxas glutinosa at Llyn Tegid. CCW Science Report, No. 338
Jones, PS, Stevens, DP, Blackstock, TH, Burrows, CR & Howe, EA (eds.) (2003) Priority habitats of Wales: a technical guide. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Willing, M (2004) Condition assessment of the glutinous snail Myxas glutinosa in Llyn Tegid, 2002. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor
Winfield, IJ, Fletcher, JM & James, JB (2003) Gwyniad translocation project: Phase One – a condition assessment of the potential donor population in Llyn Tegid. CCW Contract Science Report, No. 597",,,
7000051,UK13029,Loch an Duin,Classified/designatd,S,2621.13,,Western Isles / Na h-Eileanan an Iar,25/04/1990,57 38 30 N,07 08 50 W,94300,873600,NF943736,-1,50,8,"This site is important in the British Isles for its complex system of freshwater, brackish and sea lochs, and tidal channels. It includes part of the north-east coastland of North Uist and some of the adjacent islands and skerries. The comprehensive range of salinities, from freshwater to brackish and saltwater, is reflected in the associated plant and animal communities, which include the northern forms of some seaweeds. The habitat types of the coastland and islands range from moorland to maritime grassland. The site is also important for its geomorphology, as it is one of the best fjardic loch systems in Great Britain.","Ramsar criterion 1
The largest fjardic loch system in Britain, featuring a complex system of freshwater, brackish and sea lochs, and tidal channels.","Nearest town/city: Stornoway
Loch an Duin occupies the north-east coast of the island of North Uist, which lies south of Harris in the Outer Hebrides.","Loch an Duin contains a wide range of habitats. The open water habitats can be split into three sections based on salinity. The areas of freshwater and low salinity contain a mixture of both fresh and brackish water communities featuring $Myriophyllum alterniflorum, Potamogeton pectinatus$ and $Chara$ sp. amongst the flora and the shrimps $Gammarus duebeni$ and $Neomysis integer$ amongst the fauna. In the strongly brackish area $Ruppia maritima, Zostera marina$ and $Fucus vesiculosus$ are abundant. A range of other seaweeds is present, as well as $Cerastoderma glaucum$, which has a limited distribution in Great Britain. The more marine areas have a typical marine community with $Fucus serratus$ and $Laminaria saccharina$, though still with brackish communities in places.
Similarly the terrestrial habitats of the coastal system feature a wide range of habitats, with acidic moorland dominant on the mainland, whilst on the small islands within the site maritime grassland prevails. Additionally there are small intertidal areas and some fragmented saltmarsh development.","Assemblage.
The site is internationally important because it contains the following Habitats Directive Annex I features:
H1140 Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide
H1150 Coastal lagoons
H1160 Large shallow inlets and bays
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Zostera marina$
Lower Plants.
$Lamprothamnium papulosum$, $Chara$ spp.","Internationally important species occurring on the site.
Mammals.
S1355 Lutra lutra Otter (Habitats Directive Annex II species)
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Mollusca
$Cerastoderma glaucum$","Contemporary.
No current scientific research/survey/monitoring is taking place.
Completed.
Flora and Fauna.
Marine: The flora and fauna of the part of the site which is within the Loch nam Madadh catchment was surveyed in 1996.
Additionally, several lagoons and bays outside this area have also been surveyed. Lagoons surveyed 2004 by SNH Maritime Group for Site Condition Monitoring and also in recent years for a PhD project on charophytes (Martin 2001).
Fauna.
Invertebrates: The benthic invertebrate communities of the open water habitats have been surveyed in detail in parts of the site.
Birds: The islands in the site have been surveyed for Seabird 2000; the Hebridean Mink Project and the British Trust for Ornithology Heron Census. Breeding Birds surveyed in 2003 for SNH Site Condition Monitoring.",None reported,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Land-based recreation:
Walking, including dog walking, birdwatching and mammal watching occur, at a low level, due to the remoteness of much of the site, mostly during April-September.
Water Recreation: Angling occurs at a low level, from both shore and boat. Again this mainly occurs from April-September. Some yachting probably also occurs, again in April-September.
Wildfowling and hunting: These practices occur at a low level across the site. Season 1 September to 20 February inclusive.","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1997) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Regions 15 & 16. North-west Scotland: the Western Isles and west Highland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Beaver, R & Dipper, FA (2002) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 14. Sealochs in the Outer Hebrides: area summaries. Peterborough, Joint Nature Conservation Committee (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Connor, DW & Little, M (1998) Chapter 14. Outer Hebrides (MNCR Sector 14). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 371-383. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Howson, CM (1991) Marine Nature Conservation Review .Survey of Scottish sealochs: Volume 1 The sealochs of North and South Uist and Benbecula. (Contractor: University Marine Biological Station, Millport) Report to Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Hudson, G et al. (1982) Soil Survey of Scotland. Macaulay Institute for Soil Research, Aberdeen.
MacTaggart, F (1997) Loch an Duin SSSI, Loch nam Madadh SSSI (incorporating the Loch Maddy–Sound of Harris GCR site). Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh (Earth Science Site Documentation Series, Nos. 307, 308, 309)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Martin, A (2001) The ecology and palaeoecology of the charophyte Lamprothamnium papulosum in UK coastal lagoons. Unpublished PhD thesis, University College London
Martin, A, Carvalho, L & Downie, AJ (2003) Rare charophytes in Scotland's coastal saline lagoons. Botanical Journal of Scotland, 54(1), 23-35
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stewart, NF (2004) Important stonewort areas. An assessment of the best areas for stoneworts in the United Kingdom. Plantlife International, Salisbury
Thorpe, K, Dalkin, MJ, Fortune, F & Nichols, DM (1998) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 14. Lagoons in the Outer Hebrides: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Weighell, AJ, Donnelly, AP & Calder, K (eds.) (2000) Directory of the Celtic coasts and seas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",,,
7000037,UK13031,Loch Eye,Classified/designatd,S,205.14,,Highland,01/10/1986,57 47 30 N,03 58 00 W,283190,879753,NH831797,16,19,17,"Loch Eye is a relatively large, shallow, nutrient-rich inland water body located between the Cromarty and Dornoch Firths. In winter the loch acts as an important roosting site for internationally important numbers of waterfowl. The loch and surrounding area also supports a diverse range of higher plant communities.","
","Nearest town/city: Inverness
Loch Eye Ramsar site lies 6 km south-east of Tain in Easter Ross.","Open water forms the majority of the Ramsar site. Alder and willow carr occur in and adjacent to the loch in places. The loch supports a diverse range of submerged macrophytic plants. An extensive draw-down zone is usually present in summer, which together with fens/marshes, separates the loch from the surrounding land.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Goodyera repens, Potamogeton filiformis, Potamogeton rutilus$",None reported,"Completed.
Habitat.
The palaeolimnology of Loch Eye was studied during 1998 as part of a wider study investigating the palaeolimnology of Scottish Freshwater Lochs.
Easter Ross Loch Survey 1994
Loch Eye, Easter Ross: a case study in eutrophication (Bailey-Watts 1991).",None reported,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Land based recreation:
Walkers and bird watchers tend to go where there is easy public access or where the site can be viewed from the road. Walking occurs all year; birdwatching concentrates between September and April.
Wildfowling has largely ceased following the Bird Sanctuary Order effective since 1974. Shooting by the owners/occupiers on site is not problematic. Goose are scared off adjacent agricultural fields and this requires a licence out of season. The Loch Eye Angling Association fish the loch (season April to September) and have occasionally stocked it with brown trout in the past. Fishing uses rowing boats only and this activity does not conflict with the conservation objectives of the site.
Water based recreation:
Windsurfing occurs less frequently now than in the past. Mainly April to September.","Bailey-Watts, AE (1991). Loch Eye, Easter Ross – a case study in eutrophication. Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Edinburgh (unpublished report)
Batten, LA, Bibby, CJ, Clement, P, Elliot, GD & Porter, RF (1990) Red Data Birds in Britain. Action for rare, threatened and important species. Poyser, London, for Nature Conservancy Council and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Lassiere, O (1994) Easter Ross loch survey. Scottish Natural Heritage
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stewart, NF (2004) Important stonewort areas. An assessment of the best areas for stoneworts in the United Kingdom. Plantlife International, Salisbury
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Wortham, P (1998) Loch Eye Site of Special Scientific Interest, 5 Year Management Statement. 1997/8 – 2001/2. Scottish Natural Heritage, Dingwall",,,
7000062,UK13032,Loch Ken and River Dee Marshes,Classified/designatd,S,769.11,,Dumfries and Galloway,31/08/1992,54 59 28 N,04 01 00 W,271029,568255,NX710681,44,49,48,"The Loch Ken and River Dee Marshes is a long linear loch and river system which is the southernmost of its type in Scotland. It contains areas of swamp, fen, grassland and carr woodland and is a good example of a semi-natural freshwater system in north-west Europe. The site supports internationally important roosting numbers of Greenland white-fronted geese $Anser albifrons flavirostris$ and Icelandic greylag geese $Anser anser$. There are four nationally important aquatic plants and three nationally important aquatic invertebrates found within the wetland complex. The site is a diverse and complex water system with opportunities for environmental education and research.","Ramsar criterion 2
Supports an assemblage of at least four nationally scarce species of aquatic plant and an assemblage of at least three British Red Data Book aquatic invertebrates","Nearest town/city: Kirkcudbright
The Loch Ken and River Dee Marshes are located between New Galloway and Castle Douglas in south-west Scotland. The site extends from Kenmure Holms SSSI south of New Galloway to Threave Castle north of Castle Douglas.","The site consists of a linear reservoir and river course with an indented shoreline and associated swamp, fen, mire, marshy grassland, alder-willow carr and some oak woodland communities. Of particular note are the unusual mire, fen and herb-rich meadow communities, the best example of this habitat in Dumfries and Galloway. Kenmure Holms is a herb-rich fen meadow and swamp with sedge and reed vegetation. Farther downstream, River Dee and Threave and Carlingwark SSSIs support grassland and mire habitats which are species-rich in places.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Pilularia globulifera, Limosella aquatica, Elatine hexandra, Carex elongata$","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Sitticus floricola, Hydroporus rufifrons$ and $Bidessus minutissimus$.","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Flora.
Monitoring of key plants, RDB, NS and regionally important species.
Fauna.
Monitoring of mire habitat for RDB species $Sitticus floricola$ and water beetles.
Monitoring of bird species and populations.
Environment.
Water level and quality monitoring.
Monitoring recreation and other human activities.","The RSPB and the Dumfries and Galloway Ranger Service carry out a series of educational activities, including guided walks, talks, and environmental projects within the area. The local community are also involved with a number of local environmental initiatives in the area. There are a number of hides for birdwatching and a reserve leaflet provides information on the site. Local school groups are encouraged to use the reserve for environmental education.
Red kites have been reintroduced nearby and can be viewed from an observation hide.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Recreation and tourism activities are mostly seasonal with the main recreational activity in the summer months. A caravan site at Parton on the eastern shore of Loch Ken accommodates many of the visitors. There is water-skiing on Loch Ken with restrictions on the timing of use, and sanctuary zones to prevent disturbance to birds. These are continually monitored by the RSPB warden and the Council Ranger Service. Wildfowling also occurs on the site in winter and is monitored to ensure compliance with legal and other restrictions. All other recreational activities are monitored by the ranger service and RSPB in consultation with SNH and landowners.","Coxon, P (1977) The breeding birds of Loch Ken/River Dee, Kircudbrightshire. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Coxon, P (1977/78) The wintering birds of Loch Ken/River Dee, Kircudbrightshire. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Greenland White-fronted Goose Study (1990) Greenland white-fronted geese in Britain: 1987/88–1989/90. Greenland White-fronted Goose Study research report, No 7. Nature Conservancy Council, CSD Report, No. 1137.
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stroud, D.A. 1984 Status of Greenland white-fronted geese in Britain, 1982/83 Bird Study, 31, 111-116.
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Volume 3: Site accounts. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Stroud, DA, Mudge, GP & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1990) Protecting internationally important bird sites: a review of the EEC Special Protection Area Network in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Stubbs, HJ (1976) A summary of wetland vegetation, River Dee (Dumfries and Galloway). Nature Conservancy Council South West Region (Scotland), Dumfries",,,
7000008,UK13033,Loch Leven,Classified/designatd,S,1611.8,,Perth and Kinross,05/01/1976,56 11 48 N,03 22 30 W,314821,701442,NO147013,106,109,108,"Loch Leven is the largest naturally eutrophic loch in the British Isles. It is relatively shallow and is surrounded by farmland, with a diverse aquatic flora and shoreline vegetation. The site supports internationally important wintering populations of pink-footed geese and shoveler, as well as an assemblage of over 20,000 wintering waterfowl.","Ramsar criterion 1
A particularly good example of a naturally eutrophic loch. The largest loch of its kind in Britain, being both large and shallow with only rare stratification. It supports characteristic flora and fauna, including the nationally rare invertebrates $Macroplea appendiculata, Thanatophilus dispar$ and $Saldula fucicola$.","Nearest town/city: Kinross
The loch is adjacent to the town of Kinross and the M90 motorway, in an open catchment of predominantly farmed land.
Administrative Region: Perth and Kinross","Swamp and reed beds - $Phragmites australis$ and $Phalaris arundinacea$
Tall herb fen - $Phalaris arundinacea$ dominates.
Open water and submerged macrophytes $Potamogeton pectinatus$ and charophytes dominate.
Grasslands - $Arrhenatherum elatius$ grassland, and $Festuca ovina$ and $Agrostis capillaris$ grassland.
Rush pasture - $Juncus effusus$ and $Juncus acutiflorus$ are typical species.
Mire - $Filipendula ulmaria$ and $Angelica sylvestris$ characterise this community.
Woodland /Scrub - $Alnus glutinosa$ and $Urtica dioica$, with $Ulex europaeus$ and $Rubus fruticosus$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site
Higher Plants:
$Juncus filiformis, Hierochloe odorata$","Nationally important species occurring on the site
Invertebrates:
$Thanatophilus dispar, Macroplea appendiculata, Saldula fucicola$","Fauna:
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Ornithology: Geese and agriculture, cormorant/fishery interactions. Breeding wildfowl monitoring.
Fisheries research:
Population size and distribution.
Flora:
Monitoring of aquatic macrophytes and emergent vegetation
Miscellaneous:
The management plan for Loch Leven includes prescriptions for the following research:
Water Quality Monitoring: algal and zooplankton communities, water chemistry, part of European LIFE Project.
Facilities include a small laboratory, boats and essential equipment.","The RSPB have a nature reserve and visitor centre at Vane Farm, providing interpretation and birdwatching facilities. SNH have an office at Kinross Pier and employ a warden to both monitor and provide information about the site.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality:
SNH keep records of numbers of wildfowl shot on the estate to prevent excessive shooting or disturbance.
The Vane Farm RSPB Reserve is a popular location for birdwatchers, and provides educational and recreational facilities with the minimum disturbance to birds.
There are three areas of the loch's shore open to public access. These areas are situated where the impact of visitors is minimal.
Fishing from boats is a popular pursuit on the loch, and is controlled to minimise any impacts to bird populations.","Anon. (ed.) (1974) The Loch Leven I.B.P. Project. A symposium sponsored by the Royal Society of Edinburgh at the University of Stirling on 11–13 June 1973. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, 74B
Anon. (n.d.) Wildlife of Loch Leven. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Bailey-Watts, AE & Kirika, A (2000) Loch Leven 2000: physical, chemical and algal aspects of water quality. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report, No. F99LH08
Carvalho, L & Kirika, A (2002) Loch Leven 2001: physical, chemical and algal aspects of water quality. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report, No. F01LH03
Carvalho, L & Kirika, A (2005) Loch Leven 2003: physical, chemical and algal aspects of water quality. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report, No. 114 (ROAME No. F01LH03d)
Carvalho, L, Kirika, A & Gunn, I (2004) Long-term patterns of change in physical, chemical and biological aspects of water quality at Loch Leven. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report, No. 031 (ROAME No. F01LH03)
Greenhalgh, M (2000) Wild trout in the British Isles – their variety and conservation. British Wildlife, 12(2), 114-121
Kirika, A & Carvalho, L (2004) Loch Leven 2002: physical, chemical and algal aspects of water quality. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report, No. 030 (ROAME No. F01LH03B)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Pritchard, DE, Housden, SD, Mudge, GP, Galbraith, CA & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Scottish Natural Heritage (2002) Loch Leven NNR. 'A natural place in history'. Scottish Natural Heritage, Kinross (leaflet). www.nnr-scotland.org.uk/publications_detail.asp?pubID=4
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Stroud, DA, Mudge, GP & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1990) Protecting internationally important bird sites: a review of the EEC Special Protection Area Network in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough",27/03/2000,,
7000009,UK13034,Loch Lomond,Classified/designatd,S,236.9,,Argyll and Bute; Stirling; West Dunbartonshire,05/01/1976,56 03 45 N,04 30 30 W,243474,688648,NS438883,8,13,11,"The site consists of the marshy hinterland around the lower reaches of the River Endrick where it flows into Loch Lomond, and four islands in the loch. The marshy loch shore portion of the site comprises low-lying regularly flooded wetlands, woodland fringes and rough pasture. The site supports several species of nationally scarce plants, and the slow-moving river and lagoons are especially rich in aquatic invertebrates. The area is noted for its wintering waterfowl and supports an internationally important population of Greenland white-fronted geese $Anser albifrons flavirostris$.","Ramsar criterion 3
The site supports several scarce and one British Red Data Book wetland plants and also three rare species of invertebrates.","Nearest town/city: Glasgow
Loch Lomond lies approximately 25 km north-west of Glasgow.","There is a range of plant communities on the marshy hinterland south of the River Endrick. The Ring Bog is a tract of floodplain mire consisting mainly of eutrophic-mesotrophic swamp communities, dominated by reed-canary grass $Phalaris arundinacea$ with sharp-flowered rush $Juncus acutiflorus$, bladder sedge $Carex vesicaria$, water sedge $C. aquatilis$ and common sedge $C. nigra$. At least half of the marshy hinterland is rough pasture used as feeding areas by wintering wildfowl. There are species-rich areas of grassland cut as hay meadows. The shore zone of the islands, particularly Creinch and Clairinch, is species-rich and supports a good variety of plants including globeflower $Trollius europaeus$, columbine $Aquilegia vulgaris$ and goldilocks buttercup $Ranunculus auricomus$.
The site is rich in invertebrates and supports one Red Data Book aquatic species; a rare moth, the bulrush wainscot $Nonagria typhae$, in stands of bulrush $Typha latifolia$ on the mainland.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Rumex aquaticus, Lysimachia thyrsiflora, Elatine hydropiper$","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
Bulrush wainscot moth $Nonagria typhae$","Contemporary.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Environment.
'The effects of power boats on the aquatic environment of Loch Lomond'. The study aims to investigate adverse effects, if any, of power boat activity on the water quality of Loch Lomond. Ongoing research based at the University Field Station Rowardennan.
Shore erosion studies.
Fauna.
'Breeding biology of pied flycatchers'. Ongoing research based at the University Field Station Rowardennan including studies on Inchcailloch.
Miscellaneous.
RSPB proposal to reintroduce ospreys to this site.","Loch Lomond Park Authority Rangers provide occasional guided walks. There is a general information leaflet for Inchcailloch.
Scottish Natural Heritage staff give occasional talks to public groups on general conservation projects around Loch Lomond. The summer warden on Inchcailloch acts as an information source for visitors.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Land-based recreation:
Fishing and walking (on both mainland and islands), bird watching.
Wildfowl shooting is permitted under a Nature Reserve Agreement.
Water-based recreation:
Angling from boats, jet-skiing, canoeing, and windsurfing.","Anon. (ed.) (1974) A natural history of Loch Lomond. University of Glasgow Press, Glasgow
Dargie, JC & McCrae G (1993) Loch Lomond vegetation survey: Part 1 general report. Scottish Natural Heritage, Clydebank
Dickinson, G (1995) Environmental impacts in the Loch Lomond area of Scotland. In: Sustainable tourism development, ed. by H. Coccossis & P. Nijkamp, 159-168. Avebury, Aldershot
Gordon, JE & Sutherland, DG (eds.) (1993) Quaternary of Scotland. Chapman & Hall, London, for Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 6)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Maitland, PS (ed.) (1981) The ecology of Scotland's largest lochs: Lomond, Awe, Ness, Morar and Shiel. W. Junk Publishers, The Hague (Monographiae Biologicae, No. 44)
Maitland, PS (2002) Freshwater fish of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Forth Naturalist and Historian, 25, 53-64
Mitchell, J (2001) Loch Lomondside. HarperCollins, London (New Naturalist series, No. 88)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Price, R (1988) The geomorphology and Quaternary history of the Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve and the surrounding area. Nature Conservancy Council, Scotland South West Region (Internal Report, No. NC 232g)
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Scottish Natural Heritage (2003) Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve – 'Where High Road meets Low Road'. Scottish Natural Heritage, Stirling (leaflet). www.nnr-scotland.org.uk/publications_detail.asp?pubID=6
Scottish Natural Heritage (2004) Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Inventory, Version 2.0. Central Environmental Surveys, Dunblane. www.environmentalsurveys.co.uk/llt/dist/fpage.html
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Weddle, R (ed.) (2005) The natural history of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. Glasgow Naturalist, 23(6). www.gnhs.freeuk.com/llproceedings.html
Wiggington, M (1999) British Red Data Books. 1. Vascular plants. 3rd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",,,
7000088,UK13035,Loch Maree,Classified/designatd,S,3173.67,,Highland,19/09/1994,57 41 10 N,05 28 15 W,193122,871521,NG931715,16,19,18,"Loch Maree is a large oligotrophic loch in north-west Scotland, with a mean depth of 38 m and a volume of 1091 million cubic metres. Loch Maree supports five nationally scarce wetland and aquatic plant species (brown beak-sedge $Rhynchospora fusca$, bog hair grass $Deschampsia setacea$, marsh clubmoss $Lycopodiella inundata$, waterwort $Elatine hexandra$ & spring quillwort $Isoetes echinospora$). The site also supports a nationally outstanding assemblage of dragonflies (12 species), including the British Red Data Book species northern emerald $Somatochlora arctica$, and two nationally scarce species (azure hawker $Aeshna caerulea$ & whitefaced dragonfly $Leucorrhinia dubia$); and a population of char $Salvelinus alpinus$, which may belong to a genetically-distinct 'race'. Loch Maree is the single most important breeding site for black-throated diver $Gavia arctica$ in Britain.","Ramsar criterion 1
Loch Maree is a particularly good example of a large oligotrophic freshwater loch characteristic of upland north-west Europe.
Ramsar criterion 2
Loch Maree supports outstanding assemblages of wetland plants and animals including five nationally scarce aquatic plants, a nationally rare dragonfly and is the single most important breeding population of black-throated diver $Gavia arctica$ in Britain.","Nearest town/city: Ullapool
Loch Maree Ramsar site lies 2 km north-west of Kinlochewe, extending to within 5 km of Poolewe in Wester Ross.","Many parts of the shoreline are unsuitable for plant growth due to strong wave action and steep rocky outcrops below water level. Most of the vegetation present is limited to the more sheltered areas at the east and west ends and around the islands. Dense beds of alternate-flowered water milfoil $Myriophyllum alterniflorum$ and stoneworts $Nitella$ sp. occur at the eastern end of the loch. On the predominantly sand and silt substrate around the islands, water lobelia $Lobelia dortmanna$, bulbous rush $Juncus bulbosus$ and quillwort $Isoetes lacustris$ are common. The small lochans on Eileann Subhainn, the largest island, contain the nationally scarce six-stamened waterwort $Elatine hexandra$ and spring quillwort $Isoetes echinospora$. The main loch shore supports several nationally scarce species, including marsh clubmoss $Lycopodiella inundata$ and bog hair-grass $Deschampsia setacea$.
The islands in Loch Maree, particularly the three largest, support one of the least-disturbed remnants of native Scots pine woodland in Scotland. In the wettest areas within the forest there are small-scale examples of Scandinavian type 'bog woodland'. Alder woodland also fringes Loch Maree in places, notably at the south-east end. The mire areas are dominated by a typical acid ground flora, although a number of uncommon plants are present including the nationally scarce brown-beaked sedge $Rhynchospora fusca$.","Assemblage
This site is intenationally important because it supports:
Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the $Littorelletea uniflorae$ and/or of the $Isoëto-Nanojuncetea$, Bog woodland, Alluvial forests with $Alnus glutinosa$ and $Fraxinus excelsior$ ($Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion alvae$)
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Deschampsia setacea, Elatine hexandra, Isoetes echinospora, Rhynchospora fusca, Lycopodiella inundata$","Assemblage.
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
This site supports a diverse assemblage of invertebrates including:
$Somatochlora arctica, Aeshna caerulea, Leucorrhina dubia$.
Mammals
$Lutra lutra$","Contemporary.
Fauna.
There is annual monitoring of site integrity, black-throated divers, public use, fishing and rare species. There is intermittent monitoring of water quality.
Completed.
Flora.
Fresh-water macrophytes have been surveyed (Bell 1990). NVC habitat survey.
Environment.
Water Survey of Loch Maree (Morris 1990); NCC unpublished report.",Limited use made of the islands by local primary school and specialist groups. Potential to be developed with local schools.,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Water based recreation:
Wind-surfing and canoeing are only occasional uses but recently pressure has increased from these activities. Angling is mainly by estates and has remained constant historically. The loch is fished most intensively during August and September.","Bell (1990)
Gordon, JE & Sutherland, DG (eds.) (1993) Quaternary of Scotland. Chapman & Hall, London, for Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 6)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Morris (1990)
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Scottish Natural Heritage (1993) Ramsar citation (Montreux Criteria, 1990) – Loch Maree, Highland Region (153A). Scottish Natural Heritage
Scottish Natural Heritage (1995) Loch Maree Islands National Nature Reserve Ten Year Management Plan 1995–2005. Scottish Natural Heritage
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",,,
7000172,UK13037,Loch of Inch and Torrs Warren,Classified/designatd,S,2111.39,,Dumfries and Galloway,02/02/1999,54 50 30 N,04 52 30 W,215410.9,553447.8,NX154534,-2,13,3,"The Ramsar site is comprised of two separate sites: a large eutrophic freshwater loch (Loch of Inch) and an area of foreshore and sand dunes (Torrs Warren). The latter system contains several sand dune habitats of international importance and nationally important examples of dune slacks. Both components of the site support, in winter, internationally important numbers of Greenland white-fronted geese and a nationally important number of hen harrier; the overall assemblage of wintering waterfowl is also of interest.","Ramsar criterion 1
There are outstanding examples of sand dune and dune slack habitats in the dune system at Torrs Warren.","Nearest town/city: Wigtown.
Loch of Inch is 2.5 km east of Stranraer; Torrs Warren is approx. 7 km south-east of Stranraer.","Loch of Inch: shallow freshwater lake; eastern shore is fringed by well developed fen communities; aquatic plants grow down to a depth of about 2 metres. Uncommon plant species present include the nationally scarce six-stamened waterwort $Elatine hexandra$.
Torrs Warren: acidic sand dune system with highly varied dune morphology; includes areas of accretion and erosion and well developed pools or slacks. Important habitats are the Annex I types: Embryonic shifting dunes; Shifting dunes along the shoreline with $Ammophila arenaria$ (“white dunes”); Fixed dunes with herbaceous vegetation (“grey dunes”); Atlantic decalcified fixed dunes ($Calluno-Ulicetea$). The dunes support a large variety of flowering plants including nationally scarce cowbane $Cicuta virosa$, sea radish $Raphanus maritimus$, lesser tussock-sedge $Carex diandra$ and coralroot orchid $Corallorhiza trifida$.","Assemblage.
The site is internationally important because it contains the following Habitats Directive Annex I features:
H2110 Embryonic shifting dunes
H2120 Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (“white dunes”)
H2130 Fixed dunes with herbaceous vegetation (“grey dunes”)
H2150 Atlantic decalcified fixed dunes (Calluno-Ulicetea)
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Elatine hexandra, Cicuta virosa, Corallorhiza trifida$","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Amphibians
S1166 Triturus cristatus Great crested newt (Habitats Directive Annex II species)
Invertebrates.
$Hydroporus brevis$ (British Red data book species) recorded from the site in 1943; looked for in 1999 but not found.","Geomorphological studies - Glasgow University and SNH.
Fixed point photography - conservation liaison group.
Lichen surveys & monitoring - conservation liaison group.
Goose and hen harrier roost monitoring - local ornithologists.",None reported,"Activities:
There are a number of caravan sites in the vicinity of the site, and the area is popular in the summer due to the easy access to good quality beaches. However, because of MoD activities/restrictions, people are restricted to the beach area and therefore do not affect the dune habitats. The beach is used by geese for roosting but at different times from the majority of visitors to the beach, so these recreational activities have no adverse affect on the interest of the site. There is limited sport shooting (wildfowl) in the area, but this tends to be on farmland and away from the Ramsar site. There has been some disturbance in these areas in the past to the Greenland white-fronted geese but this does not appear to be a problem currently.
There are formal paths around the Loch of Inch, but the gardens are only open during the summer months and again, there is no effect on the bird interest.
Facilities provided:
Caravan sites
Seasonality:
Mainly during the summer months. Wildfowling over winter.","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1996) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 13. Northern Irish Sea: Colwyn Bay to Stranraer, including the Isle of Man. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 3. North-west Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Covey, R (1998) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 11. Liverpool Bay and the Solway Firth: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Dargie, TCD (1993) Sand dune vegetation survey of Great Britain: a national inventory. Part II: Scotland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Dargie, TCD (1999) Sand dune vegetation survey of Scotland: south west. Scottish Natural Heritage Research, Survey and Monitoring Report, No. 125 (3 vols)
Dargie, TCD (2000) Sand dune vegetation survey of Scotland: national report. Scottish Natural Heritage, Commissioned Report, No. F97AA401. www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/strategy/commreports/F97AA401.pdf
Doarks C, Hedley, SM, Radley, GP & Woolven, SC (1990) Sand dune survey of Great Britain. Site report No. 94. Torrs Warren, Dumfries and Galloway. Nature Conservancy Council, CSD Report, No 1178
Fox, AD & Stroud, DA (1988) The breeding biology of the Greenland white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons flavirostris). Meddelelser om Gronland. Bioscience, 27, 1-16
Fox, AD & Stroud, DA, (eds.) (1981) Report of the 1979 Greenland White-fronted goose Study Expedition to Egalungmiut Nunat, west Greenland. Greenland White-fronted Goose Study, Aberystwyth
Fox, AD, Madsen, J & Stroud, DA (1983) A review of the life history and ecology of the Greenland white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons flavirostris). Ornithologisk Forenings Tidsskrift, 77, 43-55.
Greenland White-fronted Goose Study (1990) Greenland white-fronted geese in Britain: 1987/88–1989/90. Greenland White-fronted Goose Study research report, No 7. Nature Conservancy Council, CSD Report, No. 1137.
May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Mills, DJL (1998) Chapter 11. Liverpool Bay to the Solway (Rhôs-on-Sea to the Mull of Galloway) (MNCR Sector 11). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 315-338. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Pritchard, DE, Housden, SD, Mudge, GP, Galbraith, CA & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy
Ramsay, DL & Brampton, AH (2000) Coastal cells in Scotland: Cell 6 – Mull of Galloway to the inner Solway Firth. Scottish Natural Heritage Research Survey and Monitoring Report, No. 149
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Ruttledge, RF & Ogilvie, MA (1979) The past and current status of the Greenland white-fronted goose in Ireland and Britain. Irish Birds, 1, 293-363.
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Stroud, D.A. 1984 Status of Greenland white-fronted geese in Britain, 1982/83 Bird Study, 31, 111-116.
Stroud, DA, Mudge, GP & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1990) Protecting internationally important bird sites: a review of the EEC Special Protection Area Network in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Weighell, AJ, Donnelly, AP & Calder, K (eds.) (2000) Directory of the Celtic coasts and seas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",28/01/1999,,
7000082,UK13038,Loch of Kinnordy,Classified/designatd,S,85.09,,Angus,29/03/1994,56 40 30 N,03 02 40 W,336021,754218,NO360542,143,143,143,"A eutrophic loch with associated wetland communities, notably basin mire, swamp and fen. Submerged aquatic plant communities are absent and the grassland and woodland fringe is incomplete.
The loch was formerly much larger in extent, but a series of drainage attempts were made, initially to facilitate marl removal. However it has been increasing in extent in recent years due to the silting of the loch's current outflow stream.
Many fen communities have been identified including those dominated by common reed $Phragmites australis$ and yellow iris $Iris pseudacorus$ in places. A stand of bogbean $Menyanthes trifoliata$ is found in the main lochan. Scarce plant species present include cowbane $Cicuta virosa$, water sedge $Carex aquatilis$, lesser tussock-sedge $Carex diandra$ and swamp meadow-grass $Poa palustris$.
Carr woodlands include willow, alder and birch communities, which are thought to be natural. The remainder of the woodland is planted.
A range of grassland types are also present, including species-rich damp $Molinia$-dominated areas. Northern brown argus and pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies have been recorded at this site. Mammalian interests include otters and red squirrel. The loch is also a roost for internationally important numbers of geese.","Ramsar criterion 1
The site supports particularly good examples rich swamp, fen, grassland and carr communities, which are increasingly rare nationally.
Ramsar criterion 2
Supports a number of rare species of wetland plants and an assemblage of rare breeding migratory waterfowl.","Nearest town/city: Dundee
The site is a lowland loch situated in a mainly arable agricultural catchment, in eastern Scotland.","The main habitats and plant species of the site are:
• Open water/lochans, where bogbean $Menyanthes trifoliata$ is abundant.
• Swamp/fen/mire communities, characterised by reed $Phragmites australis$, yellow iris $Iris pseudacorus$, water horsetail $Equisetum fluviatile$, bottle sedge $Carex rostrata$, reed canary-grass $Phalaris arundinacea$, marsh cinquefoil $Potentilla palustris$, meadowsweet $Filipendula ulmaria$ and angelica $Angelica sylvestris$.
• Carr woodland/scrub, with mainly willow $Salix cinerea$, alder $Alnus glutinosa$ and birch $Betula$ spp.
• Grasslands, characterised by purple moor-grass $Molinia caerulea$, false oat-grass $Arrhenatherum elatius$, sheep's fescue $Festuca ovina$, common bent $Agrostis capillaris$ and heath bedstraw $Galium saxatile$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Limosella aquatica, Cicuta virosa$",None reported,"Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Environment.
Monitoring of water levels in the loch, to determine optimum design of weir for flood control.
Water quality is also monitored, using data from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, to assess any change in the loch's nutrient status.","The RSPB occasionally take supervised school groups to the loch, and provide three bird watching hides.
","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Angling occurs on the loch and is restricted to certain areas to limit disturbance to birds.
One landowner occasionally shoots wildfowl, but is restricted to ten days in any one season.
Birdwatching, from three hides provided, regularly occurs on site. The hides are accessed by screened footpaths and walkways.
Visits from the general public are managed by the RSPB warden and volunteers, and access is restricted when necessary.","Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Crouch, Hogg, Waterman (1994) Loch of Kinnordy water level management proposals report. Scottish Natural Heritage report
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Ninnes, R (1995) Loch of Kinnordy – water levels, rainfall and sluice management. Scottish Natural Heritage report
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Wood, D (1990) A vegetation survey of Loch of Kinnordy RSPB reserve. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds report",,,
7000019,UK13039,Loch of Lintrathen,Classified/designatd,S,216.81,,Angus,24/07/1981,56 40 40 N,03 11 00 W,327778,754900,NO275546,208,208,208,"Loch of Lintrathen is a mid-altitude oligotrophic-mesotrophic loch occupying a glacial basin and now used as a water supply reservoir, located in Angus in east Scotland. In winter, the site is a roost for internationally important numbers of greylag geese $Anser anser$.","
","Nearest town/city: Dundee
Loch of Lintrathen is a large oligotrophic-mesotrophic, mid-altitude loch, above Strathmore, in eastern Scotland. The loch occupies a glacial basin.","There is no emergent vegetation within this site, but occasional falls in water level due to water extraction from the reservoir can create large expanses of dwarf inundation vegetation. $Peplis portula$ and $Eleocharis acicularis$ characterise this vegetation. Conifer plantation and mixed woodland are common around the loch side. Common species here are larch, Scots pine and spruce. There is a wetland area at the north-western corner of the site which is a mosaic of marshy grassland, reedswamp, and alder and willow carr.",None reported,None reported,"Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Environment.
Scottish Water, who manage the water supply, regularly take water quality samples.","Scottish Wildlife Trust members are allowed access to a hide for bird watching
","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Fishing and access (e.g. for birdwatching) are controlled by bylaws within the site, and monitored by Scottish Water, SNH and the Scottish Wildlife Trust.
Unregulated sport shooting occurs on land adjacent to the site, and may cause disturbance to the birds. This activity will therefore be investigated and monitored by SNH.","Duck, RW & McManus, J (1985) Bathymetric charts of ten Scottish lochs. University of Dundee, Tay Estuary Research Centre, Newport-on-Tay (TERC Report, No. 9)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Murray, J & Pullar, L (1904) Bathymetrical survey of the fresh-water lochs of Scotland. Part III – Lochs of the Tay Basin. Scottish Geographical Magazine, 20(1), 1-47
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Tayside Regional Council (1994) Backwater and Lintrathen Reservoirs byelaws. Tayside Regional Council, Water Services Dept., Dundee
Tayside Regional Council (1994) Backwater and Lintrathen Reservoirs management rules. Tayside Regional Council Water Services Dept., Dundee",,,
7000036,UK13040,Loch of Skene,Classified/designatd,S,120.9,,Aberdeenshire,01/10/1986,57 09 30 N,02 21 30 W,378473,807497,NJ783075,83,83,83,"Loch of Skene is a eutrophic lowland loch which supports an internationally important population of roosting Icelandic greylag geese $Anser anser$, and nationally important populations of other wintering and breeding waterfowl.
","
","Nearest town/city: Aberdeen
13 km west of Aberdeen.
","The macrophyte flora of the Loch of Skene has been somewhat depleted by a growth of algae but the deeper water still retains a dense and diverse macrophyte community, mainly of $Potamogeton$ species and $Elodea canadensis$. A number of local species are represented including $Potamogeton friesii$ and $Callitriche hermaphroditica$ (both formerly nationally scarce). $Eleocharis acicularis$ (also formerly nationally scarce) is locally abundant on the muddy flats. Several other local or rare species have been recorded in the past including $Apium inundatum$, $Catabrosa aquatica$, $Lobelia dortmanna$ and $Utricularia minor$. The loch is fringed by various swamp communities (NVC types S9a, S19a, and S14a) and tall herb fen (S28) and there is also birch-willow carr. The site also supports two nationally scarce orchid species: $Corallorhiza trifida$ and $Goodyera repens$ (the latter in pine woodland).","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Corallorhiza trifida$",None reported,"Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.",None reported,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
The loch is also used for sailing (up to 30 boats in the summer) and sport angling.
The terrestrial margins of the loch are used for occasional shooting of wildfowl (and pest) species.","Bell, MV, Dunbar, J & Parking, J (1988) Numbers of wintering pink-footed and greylag geese in north-east Scotland 1950–1986. Scottish Birds, 15(1), 49-60
Bell, MV & Riddoch, JF (1988) Wintering wildfowl at Loch of Skene. North-East Scotland Bird Report, 1988, 49-55
Buckland, ST, Bell, MV & Picozzi, N (eds.) (1990) The birds of north-east Scotland. North-East Scotland Bird Club, Aberdeen
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Own, R (1983) Causes and effects of nuisance populations of phytoplankton in the Loch of Skene, Aberdeenshire. North East River Purification Board report
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",,,
7000105,UK13041,Loch of Strathbeg,Classified/designatd,S,615.94,,Aberdeenshire,27/11/1995,57 37 24 N,01 53 00 W,406892,859287,NK070592,0,16,5,"This is a shallow naturally eutrophic loch with adjoining reedbeds, freshwater marshes, and alder and willow carr. The calcareous dunes and dune slacks within this site are relatively undisturbed and contain a rich flora. The diversity of plant communities supports a correspondingly diverse invertebrate fauna.
The loch constitutes the largest dune slack pool in Britain (200 ha) and the largest water body in the north-east Scottish lowlands. It is separated from the sea by a dune system 0.5-1 km wide.
This site provides wintering habitat for a number of important wetland bird species, particularly wildfowl, and is also an important staging area for migratory wildfowl from Scandinavia and Iceland/Greenland.","Ramsar criterion 1
The loch constitutes the largest dune slack pool in Britain and the largest water body in the north-east Scottish lowlands and is one of very few naturally eutrophic lochs of the size in the region.","Nearest town/city: Fraserburgh
Situated inland from Rattray Head, the north-east point of the Buchan coast, 13 km south of Fraserburgh on the east coast of Scotland.","Open Water: largest waterbody in north-east Scotland. Largest dune lake in Britain. It is shallow (c. 1.5 m deep) and nutrient-rich.
Marsh: wetland habitat is relatively rare in the district and the surrounding marshes are among the richest in north-east Scotland.
Well-developed system of calcareous dunes and slacks also present within the site.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Ranunculus reptans, Corallorhiza trifida, Potamogeton filiformis, Juncus balticus$
Lower Plants.
$Tolypella nidifica$",None reported,"Contemporary.
Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Other regular Bird counts have also been carried out on the Loch.
Environment.
Future work on the nutrient status of the Loch is Planned by SNH in partnership with SEPA, RSPB and others.
Completed.
ITE Coastal Survey Invertebrates & Vegetation (1976)
Vegetation Survey (Dunbar & Cutts 1980)
BLS Lichen Survey (1984)
ITE Survey of Sand Dunes in Relation to Grazing (1986)
Study on Distribution of Geese (Paterson & Keller 1989)
Freshwater Macrophyte Survey (Pritchard 1990)
RSPB Vegetation Survey (Prosser & Wallace 1990)
RSPB Land Use and Wildfowl Counts in Relation to Nutrient Status of The Loch of Strathbeg (Raffaelli, Warbrick & Young 1991)","There is a RSPB Visitor centre at Starnafin and network of hides around loch.
","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Bird watching, Walking.
","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1996) Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. Region 3. North-east Scotland: Cape Wrath to St Cyrus. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coastal Directories Series)
Bell, MV (1981) Wintering wildfowl at the Loch of Strathbeg. North-East Scotland Bird Report, 1980, 37-42
Bell, MV, Dunbar, J & Parking, J (1988) Numbers of wintering pink-footed and greylag geese in north-east Scotland 1950–1986. Scottish Birds, 15(1), 49-60
Bourne, WRP, Gimingham, CH, Morgan, NC & Britton, RH (1973) The Loch of Strathbeg. Nature, 242, **
British Lichen Society (1984) Lichen survey
Buckland, ST, Bell, MV & Picozzi, N (eds.) (1990) The birds of north-east Scotland. North-East Scotland Bird Club, Aberdeen
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Doarks, C, Holder, C & Radley, G (1994) Sand dune survey of Great Britain. Site report No. 99. Loch of Strathbeg dunes, Banff & Buchan, Scotland. 1990. JNCC Report, No. 39
Dunbar, J & Cutts, JS (1980) Vegetation survey
Edwards, T (1854) The birds of Strathbeg and its neighbourhood, with a few remarks upon their habitats, etc. Naturalist, 4, **
Francis, I (1996) Reserve focus – Loch of Strathbeg, Aberdeenshire. British Wildlife, 8(2), 109-111
Institute of Terrestrial Ecology (1976) Coastal survey invertebrates & vegetation
Institute of Terrestrial Ecology (1986) Survey of sand dunes in relation to grazing
May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Paterson, IJ & Keller, V (1989) Study on distribution of geese
Pritchard, DE, Housden, SD, Mudge, GP, Galbraith, CA & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy
Pritchard, JS (1990) Freshwater macrophyte survey
Pritchard, S (1990) Freshwater macrophyte survey of Loch of Strathbeg, Meikle, Sand and Cotehill Lochs. Nature Conservancy Council Prosser, M & Wallace, H (1990) RSPB vegetation survey
Raffaelli, D, Warbrick, S & Young M (1991) RSPB land use and wildfowl counts in relation to nutrient status of the Loch of Strathbeg
Ramsay, DL & Brampton, AH (2000) Coastal cells in Scotland: Cell 2 – Fife Ness to Cairnbulg Point, Scottish Natural Heritage Research Survey and Monitoring Report, No. 144
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Rose, PM & Scott, DA (1997) Waterfowl population estimates. 2nd edn. Wetlands International, Wageningen (Wetlands International Publication, No. 44) www.wetlands.org/IWC/wpe2/WPE2-toc.htm
Steers, JA (1973) The coastline of Scotland. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Stroud, DA, Mudge, GP & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1990) Protecting internationally important bird sites: a review of the EEC Special Protection Area Network in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Walton, K (1956) Rattray: a study in coastal evolution. Scottish Geographical Magazine, 72, 85-96",,,
7000114,UK13042,Loch Ruthven,Classified/designatd,S,201.15,,Highland,16/08/1996,57 19 54 N,04 16 48 W,261738,827813,NH617278,218,218,218,"Loch Ruthven is a mesotrophic loch with rocky margins, and stands of bottle sedge $Carex rostrata$ around much of the perimeter. A marshy zone is found at the west end of the loch where there is a transition from open water, through swamp and fen, to sedge-rich acidic grassland. This site is largely surrounded by birch woodland and the catchment supports a range of other habitats such as upland heath and grassland, upland mire, swamp/fen/carr, wet lowland, grassland, rivers and streams.","Ramsar criterion 3
On this site there are two nationally scarce species of orchid growing in boggy areas surrounding Loch Ruthven, coralroot orchid $Corallorhiza trifida$, and bog orchid $Hammarbya paludosa$.
The site forms a core part of the breeding range, and one of the most productive breeding populations in Britain, of Slavonian grebe $Podiceps auritus$","Nearest town/city: Inverness
Loch Ruthven is 18 km south of Inverness, close to Loch Ness in north-east Scotland",Mesotrophic loch with large beds of emergent bottle sedge $Carex rostrata$.,"Assemblage.
The site is internationally important because it contains the following Habitats Directive Annex I feature:
H3130 Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or of the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Hammarbya paludosa, Corallorhiza trifida$","Internationally important species occurring on the site.
Mammals.
S1355 Lutra lutra Otter (Habitats Directive Annex II species)","Fauna.
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) study into the habitat characteristics of the loch in relation to the presence and breeding success of Slavonian grebe $Podiceps auritus$.
Observation hide maintained by the RSPB.","The Royal Society Protection of Birds provides interpretative facilities on its reserve and organises educational visits for local schools and visiting groups
","Activities.
Swimming, birdwatching, picnicking, trout angling.
Facilities provided.
14 boats are available for trout angling.
Seasonality.
Birdwatching, fishing and general recreational activities in summer.","Anon. (1995) Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report. Volume 2: Action plans. HMSO, London
Benn, S (2003) Conserving Scotland's Slavonian grebes. British Wildlife, 15(1), 25-30
Chandler, TJ & Gregory, S (eds.) (1976) The climate of the British Isles. Longman, London
Pollard, M & MacLennan, A (1996) Loch Ruthven management plan. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Edinburgh
Stewart, A, Pearman, DA & Preston, CD (eds.) (1994) Scarce plants in Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Summers, RW & Mavor, RA (1995) Occupation patterns of lochs by Slavonian grebes in Scotland. Scottish Birds, 18(1), 65-70",,,
7000063,UK13043,Loch Spynie,Classified/designatd,S,93.62,,Moray,31/08/1992,57 41 00 N,03 16 42 W,323486,866407,NJ238666,3,4,3,"Loch Spynie is one of the few large and naturally eutrophic waterbodies in northern Scotland. It supports a diverse aquatic flora with extensive reedbeds fringing and adjacent to the open water body and various stages of hydroseral succession including mesotrophic fen, willow scrub and swamp alder woodland. The reedbeds and fen support a number of regionally scarce species of southern distribution. The abundance of yellow iris $Iris pseudacorus$ in the fen and in the adjacent fen-meadow is an unusual feature in the Moray Firth and Grampian area. It is also one of the few Scottish localities for alder swamp woodland. The loch itself contains a nationally uncommon aquatic community and a nationally scarce pondweed species. Loch Spynie regularly supports internationally important numbers of roosting Icelandic greylag geese $Anser anser$.","Ramsar criterion 1
Loch Spynie is one of very few large and naturally eutrophic waterbodies in northern Scotland. It contains extensive areas of water-fringing vegetation and all stages of succession, through swamp and fen to willow and alder woodland.
Ramsar criterion 2
Loch Spynie supports three nationally scarce wetland vascular plants and several wetland species which are rare in northern Scotland.","Nearest town/city: Elgin
3 km north of Elgin, north-east Scotland.","Loch Spynie contains extensive reedbeds, and smaller areas of mesotrophic fen, and willow and alder woodland. The reedbeds vary from pure stands of $Phragmites$ to more mixed stands with other swamp and fen species, and include NVC types S4a, S4b, S4c, S26a and S26b, and regionally scarce species of southern distribution such as $Epilobium hirsutum$ and $Berula erecta$. The mixed fen is dominated by combinations of tall herb and sedge species (NVC type S27), and supports several regionally rare species such as $Carex diandra$ and $Ranunculus lingua$. The abundance of $Iris pseudacorus$ in the fen, and in the adjacent fen-meadow (cf M28), is an unusual feature in the Moray Firth Basin and in Grampian. As well as extensive willow scrub (NVC types W1 and W3) there is also alder swamp woodland (cf. W5). The loch itself is eutrophic and contains a particularly diverse aquatic water flora, including the local and nationally uncommon NVC type A11 and a nationally scarce pondweed species, $Potamogeton filiformis$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Potamogeton filiformis, Corallorhiza trifida, Juncus balticus$",None reported,"Contemporary.
Fauna.
Occasional research on fish.
Completed.
Flora.
Fen vegetation survey completed (Smedley 1998).",A limited amount of interpretation is provided in the bird hide.,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Bird watching occurs on the site, for which a bird hide has been provided.
","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1996) Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. Region 3. North-east Scotland: Cape Wrath to St Cyrus. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coastal Directories Series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Ross, S (1992) The Culbin Sands – fact and fiction.University of Aberdeen, Centre for Scottish Studies, Aberdeen
Smedley, MD (1998) Loch Spynie SSSI. Fen vegetation survey (NVC) and monitoring baseline, 1995. Scottish Natural Heritage (unpublished survey report)
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",,,
7000192,UK12014,Lough Foyle,Classified/designatd,NI,2204.36,,Derry; Derry City; Limavady,02/02/1999,55 05 24 N,07 01 37 W,79303.39994,588841.8053,C621274,0,10,0,"The site is comprised of a large shallow sea lough which includes the estuaries of the rivers Foyle, Faughan and Roe. The site contains extensive intertidal areas of mudflats and sandflats, saltmarsh and associated brackish ditches.","Ramsar criterion 1
This is a particularly good representative example of a wetland complex including intertidal sand and mudflats with extensive seagrass beds, saltmarsh, estuaries and associated brackish ditches.
This is a particularly good representative example of a wetland, which plays a substantial hydrological, biological and ecological system role in the natural functioning of a major river basin which is located in a trans-border position.
Ramsar criterion 2
The site supports an appreciable assemblage of rare, vulnerable or endangered species or sub-species of plant and animal. A range of notable fish species have been recorded for the Lough Foyle estuary and the lower reaches of some of its tributary rivers. These include allis shad $Alosa alosa$, twaite shad $A. fallax fallax$, smelt $Osmerus eperlanus$ and sea lamprey $Petromyzon marinus$, all of which are Irish Red Data Book species. In addition, important populations of Atlantic salmon $Salmo salar$ migrate through the system to and from their spawning grounds.
Ramsar criterion 3
The site supports a diverse assemblage of wintering waterfowl which are indicative of wetland values, productivity and diversity. These include internationally important populations of Whooper Swan $Cygnus cygnus$, Light-bellied Brent Goose $Branta bernicla hrota$ and Bar-tailed Godwit $Limosa lapponica$. Additional wildfowl species which are nationally important in an all-Ireland context are Red-throated Diver $Gavia stellata$, Great crested Grebe $Podiceps cristatus$, mute swan $Cygnus olor$, Bewick’s Swan $C. columbianus$, Greylag Geese $Anser anser$, Shelduck $Tadorna tadorna$, Teal $Anas crecca$, Mallard $Anas platyrhynchos$, Wigeon $A. penelope$, Eider $Somateria mollissima$, and Red-breasted Merganser $Mergus serrator$. Nationally important wader species are Oystercatcher $Haematopus ostralegus$. Golden Plover $Pluvialis apricaria$, Grey Plover $Pluvialis squatarola$, Lapwing $Vanellus vanellus$, Knot $Calidris canutus$, Dunlin $C. aplina$, Curlew $Numenius arquata$, Redshank $Tringa tetanus$ and Greenshank $T. nebilaria$.","Nearest town/city: Londonderry
Lough Foyle is situated on the north coast of Northern Ireland immediately downstream and extending to the north-east of the city of Londonderry.","The littoral communities found in Lough Foyle reflect the dominance of intertidal sands and muds. While rocky substrate is very limited, the extensive beds of common mussel $Mytilus edulis$ provide a stable surface for acorn barnacle $Semibalanus balanoides$ and edible periwinkle $Littorina littorea$. The polychaete green leaf worm $Eulalia viridis$ is a common associate. The soft shores hold a range of invertebrates typical of mud and sand shores, with a number of species, such as the polychaete worm $Hediste diversicolor$, indicative of reduced salinity conditions. Balls Point has the highest diversity of sediment and community types in Lough Foyle and holds large populations of the bivalves sand gaper $Mya arenaria$ and peppery furrow shell $Scrobicularia plana$.
The intertidal area consists of extensive mudflats, which support large beds of both common mussel $Mytilus edulis$ and eelgrass $Zostera$ spp. The latter are amongst the largest colonies of this vegetation type in Northern Ireland and includes two species, narrow-leaved eelgrass $Zostera angustifolia$ and dwarf eelgrass $Z. noltei$. Large stands of saltmarsh vegetation occur along the foreshore, displaying a transitional sequence of community types. The lower colonising saltmarsh consists of a community dominated by common saltmarsh-grass $Puccinellia maritima$. As tidal influence declines up the shore, this is replaced by a 'middle-marsh' community, characterised by red fescue $Festuca rubra$ and mud rush $Juncus gerardii$. Localised stands of sea club-rush $Bolboschoenus maritimus$ and common reed $Phragmites australis$ also occur. The uppermost saltmarsh features a community dominated by common couch $Elytrigia repens$. Just west of the Ballykelly Bank, on the large intertidal mudflats which form part of a larger creek network, the lower saltmarsh communities are replaced by extensive stands of common cord-grass$ Spartina anglica$. Brackish dykes behind the shore support a maritime aquatic and swamp vegetation, including the rare reflexed saltmarsh-grass$ Puccinellia distans$ and spiral tasselweed $Ruppia cirrhosa$.",None reported,"Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Fish.
$Alosa alosa, Alosa fallax, Osmerus eperlanus, Petromyzon marinus$",The site is occassionally used by local academic institutions.,A small education centre at Magilligan occasionally uses the Lough for study and research.,"Activities.
Magilligan Point is a popular recreation venue for bathing.
Facilities provided.
Discussions regarding a passenger ferry from Magilligan Point to Greencastle on the Southern Irish shores of the Lough have been on-going.
Seasonality.
During the summer months
","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1997) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 17. Northern Ireland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Buck, AL & Donaghy, A (eds.) (1996) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 7. Northern Ireland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Cooper, EA, Crawford, I, Malloch, AJC & Rodwell, JS (1992) Coastal vegetation survey of Northern Ireland. (Contractor: University of Lancaster, Unit of Vegetation Science). Unpublished report to Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), Belfast
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Crowe, O (2005) Ireland’s wetlands and their waterbirds: status and distribution. BirdWatch Ireland, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow
Lacambra, C, Cutts, N, Allen, J, Burd, F & Elliott, M (2004) Spartina anglica: a review of its status, dynamics and management. English Nature Research Reports, No. 527. www.english-nature.org.uk/pubs/publication/PDF/527.pdf
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Way, LS, Grice, P, MacKay, A, Galbraith, CA, Stroud, DA & Pienkowski, MW (1993) Ireland’s Internationally Important Bird Sites: a review of sites for the EC Special Protection Area network. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough, for Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), Belfast, and Irish Wildlife Service, Dublin
Weighell, AJ, Donnelly, AP & Calder, K (eds.) (2000) Directory of the Celtic coasts and seas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Wilkinson, M, Fuller, IWA, Telfer, TC, Moore, CG & Kingston, PF (1988) Northern Ireland Littoral Survey: A conservation-orientated survey of the intertidal seashore of Northern Ireland. Institute of Offshore Engineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh",,,
7000010,UK12016,Lough Neagh and Lough Beg,Classified/designatd,NI,50165.84,,Antrim; Armagh; Ballymena; Cookstown; Craigavon; Down; Dungannon; Lisburn; Londonderry; Magherafelt; Tyrone,05/01/1976,54 34 11 N,06 24 34 W,115083.5766,528322.203,J029702,0,20,0,"Lough Neagh is situated in the centre of Northern Ireland. It is the largest freshwater lake in the United Kingdom covering an area of 383 km2 with a longest length of 30.5 km and narrowest width of 12.1 km across the middle. The lake is very shallow for its size, with a mean depth of 8.9 metres. At its deepest point it extends down to 34 metres. The 125 km shoreline is mostly exposed with wave-beaten rocks and stones but there are also some sheltered, sandy bays with better-developed marginal vegetation including some reedbeds.
This site also contains a smaller lake, Lough Beg (1,125 ha) to the north, as well as a small satellite lake, Portmore Lough (286 ha) which is situated to the east of Lough Neagh. Lough Beg (meaning 'little lough') is essentially a widening of the Lower Bann River just downstream from where it leaves Lough Neagh. Lough Beg is very shallow, with a mean depth of 1-2 metres and a surface area of km2. About 200 hectares of the west shore is unimproved wet grassland that is largely inundated with floodwater each winter.
Rivers flowing into Lough Neagh drain about 43% of Northern Ireland, plus part of County Monaghan in the Republic of Ireland.","Ramsar criterion 1
A particularly good representative example of natural or near-natural wetlands, common to more than one biogeographic region. The site is the largest freshwater lake in the United Kingdom. Lough Neagh a relatively shallow body of water supporting beds of submerged aquatic vegetation fringed by associated species-rich damp grassland, reedbeds, islands, fens, marginal swampy woodland and pasture. Other interesting vegetation types include those associated with pockets of cut-over bog, basalt rock outcrops and boulders, and the mobile sandy shore.
Ramsar criterion 2
Supports an appreciable assemblage of rare, vulnerable or endangered species or sub-species of plant or animal or an appreciable number of individuals of any one of these species. The site supports over 40 rare or local vascular plants which have been recorded for the site since 1970; the most notable are eight-stamened waterwort $Elatine hydropiper$, marsh pea $Lathyrus palustris$, Irish lady’s tresses $Spiranthes romanzoffiana$, alder buckthorn $Frangula alnus$, narrow small-reed $Calamagrostis stricta$ and holy grass $Hierochloe odorata$. The Lough and its margin are also home to a large number of rare or local invertebrates, including two aquatic and two terrestrial molluscs, a freshwater shrimp $Mysis relicta$, eight beetles, five hoverflies, seven moths and two butterflies. Of the rare beetles recorded two, $Stenus palposus$ and $Dyschirius obscurus$, have their only known Irish location around the Lough. The Lough also supports twelve species of dragonfly.
Ramsar criterion 3
This site is of special value for maintaining the genetic and ecological diversity of a region becuse of the quality and peculiarities of its flora and fauna. The site regularly supports substantial numbers of individuals from particular groups of waterfowl which are indicative of wetland values, productivity and diversity. In addition, this site is of special value for maintaining the genetic and ecological diversity of Northern Ireland because of the quality and peculiarities of its flora and fauna. A large number of plants and animal species are confined or almost confined to this area within Northern Ireland.
Ramsar criterion 4
This site is of special value as the habitat of plants or animals at a critical stage of their biological cycles. The site supports an important assemblage of breeding birds including the following species with which occur in nationally important numbers: great crested grebe $Podiceps cristatus$, gadwall $Anas strepera$, pochard $Aythya ferina$, tufted duck $Aythya fuligula$, snipe $Gallinago gallinago$ and redshank $Tringa totanus$. Other important breeding wetland species include shelduck $Tadorna tadorna$, teal $Anas crecca$, shoveler $Anas clypeata$, lapwing $Vanellus vanellus$ and curlew $Numenius.arquata$.
Ramsar criterion 7
The site supports a population of pollan $Coregonus autumnalis$, one of the few locations in Ireland and one of the two known locations in the UK (the other is Lower Lough Erne). It is one of the most important species in Ireland in terms of faunal biodiversity since it occurs nowhere else in Europe, and the Irish populations are all well outside the typical range – the Arctic Ocean drainages of Siberia, Alaska and north-western Canada, where it is known as the Arctic cisco.","Nearest town/city: Belfast
Lough Neagh is situated in the centre of Northern Ireland. It is the largest freshwater lake in the United Kingdom, covering an area of 383 square km, with a longest length of 30.5 km and narrowest width of 12.1 km across the middle.","Most of the shoreline and shallow margin of the Lough is exposed to wave action and has a rocky or sandy character. The submerged and floating aquatic vegetation is confirmed to sheltered bays and inlets and includes very extensive stands of fennel-leaved pondweed $Potamogeton pectinatus$ and slender-leaved pondweed $P. filiformis$ intermixed with smaller quantities of additional species.
Swamp vegetation generally consists of a mosaic of small stands of common spike-rush $Eleocharis palustris$, reedmace $Typha latifolia$, branched bur-reed $Sparganium erectum$, flowering rush $Butomus umbellatus$, bulrush $Scirpus lacustris$ and bottle sedge $Carex rostrata$. Locally, large stands of common reed $Phragmites australis$ have developed.
The tall fen occurring along the water's edge mostly consists of a thin, generally species-poor band of reed canary-grass $Phalaris arundinacea$, hemlock water dropwort $Oenanthe crocata$, yellow loosestrife $Lysimachia vulgaris$ and purple loosestrife $Lythrum salicaria$, but in places there are a number of more uncommon plant species.
Some of the Lough shore is fringed by a fragmented, swampy woodland of alder $Alnus glutinosa$ and willow $Salix$ spp. related to successive lowerings of water-levels. This woodland is among the best of its type in Northern Ireland. It is extensive and locally contains a diversity of plants including many notable species.
The remainder of the shore is mostly covered by a variety of grassland types ranging from improved and reseeded grassland to species-rich hay meadows, with the most characteristic type being wet marshy grassland with soft rush $Juncus effusus$ and brown sedge $Carex disticha$ as the most prominent species.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Elatine hydropiper, Spiranthes romanzoffiana, Calamagrostis stricta, Hierochloe odorata, Mentha pulegium, Lathyrus palustris, Frangula alnus, Carex elongata$","Assemblage.
During the breeding season the site supports a diverse assemblage of waterfowl, including:
$Larus ridibundus, Podiceps cristatus, Anas strepera, Tringa totanus, Gallinago gallinago, Aythya fuligula, Aythya ferina, Anas clypeata, Larus fuscus$ and $ Larus canus$.
Pollan $Coregonus autumnalis$","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory birds and wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Irish Wetland Birds Survey (I-WEBS) organised by the IWC Birdwatch Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (Ireland) and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.
Miscellaneous.
The University of Ulster has a freshwater research laboratory on the shores of Lough Neagh.",The Lough Neagh Discovery Centre is located on the southern shores of Lough Neagh and is run by Craigavon Borough Council. School groups and other incidental visitors are also catered for at the nearby Environment and Heritage Service Warden's office/information centre.,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
There is regular use of parts of the site for informal recreation.
","Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Crowe, O (2005) Ireland’s wetlands and their waterbirds: status and distribution. BirdWatch Ireland, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Smart, M (1989) Ramsar Advisory Missions: Report No. 10: Lough Neagh / Lough Beg, Northern Ireland, UK (1989). Ramsar Convention Bureau, Gland. www.ramsar.org/ram_rpt_10e.htm
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Way, LS, Grice, P, MacKay, A, Galbraith, CA, Stroud, DA & Pienkowski, MW (1993) Ireland’s Internationally Important Bird Sites: a review of sites for the EC Special Protection Area network. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough, for Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), Belfast, and Irish Wildlife Service, Dublin
Wood, RB & Smith, RV (eds.) (1993) Lough Neagh: The ecology of a multipurpose water resource. Kluwer, Dordrecht (Monographiae Biologicae, No. 69)
Wolfe-Murphy, SA, Lawrie, EW, Smith, SJ & Gibson, CE (1993) Northern Ireland Lakes Survey. Unpublished report to Northern Ireland Department of Environment, Countryside and Wildlife, Belfast",,,
49,UK41003,Lover`s Lake Nature Reserve,Classified/designatd,OT,2.1,,Bermuda,10/05/1999,32 21 00 N,64 42 00 W,,,not avai,0.1,2,,"A 2 m-deep lake, fringed with predominantly black mangrove. The water level is tidal and falls via subterranean channels. Important for an endemic fish and both wintering and passage waterfowl.","Criterion 1
The site’s saline nature and tidal flows permit the coexistence of marine and brackish species. One species of mangrove, $Avicemica germinans$, is represented.
Criterion 2
The site supports a population of an endemic killifish $Fundulus$
Criterion 7
The site supports a population of an endemic killifish $Fundulus$","Nearest town/city: St. George`s town
Located at Ferry Point, St. George`s Island, 3.5 km WSW of St. George`s town.",The only saline pond bordered by a pure stand of black mangrove $Avicemica germinans$. The open-water pond supports a mixed brackish and marine community.,"Higher Plants.
Pure stands of fringing black mangrove $Avicennia germinans$; submerged beds of $Ruppia maritima$ and $Thalassia testudinum$; the most extensive stands of $Salicornia$ spp. and $Sesuvium portulacastrum$. Bermuda is the most northerly location of mangrove growth in the Atlantic.","Assemblage.
The site is an important wintering area for pied-billed grebe $Podilymbus podiceps$ and northern waterthrush, and for the reintroduced yellow-crowned night heron $Nyctanassa violacea$. It also provides seasonal habitat for passage waterfowl, and, in winter, for the belted kingfisher $Ceryle alcyon$.
It supports the only known population of the endemic killifish $Fundulus relictus$. There is also an interesting invertebrate fauna.
The site is the only Bermudan pond/lake where non-native $Gambusia$ spp. has not yet been introduced.","A detailed study of the lake was conducted by Thomas $et al$. (1991).
The killifish $Fundulus$ population has been sampled for taxonomic studies (Grady $et al$. 2001).",The site is visited by tours from the nearby Bermuda Biological Station.,"Access is via a walking trail through Ferry Reach park and is used by locals and tourists, including birdwatching groups.","Grady, JM, Coykendall, DK, Collette, BB & Quattro, JM (2001) Taxonomic diversity, origin, and conservation status of Bermuda killifishes (Fundulus) based on mitochondrial cytochrome b phylogenies. Conservation Genetics, 2(1), 41-52
Hepburn, I, Oldfield, S & Thompson, K (1992) UK Dependent Territories Ramsar study: Stage 1. Unpublished report to Department of the Environment, European and International Habitat Protection Branch, Bristol, from International Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Bureau/ NGO Forum for Nature Conservation in UK Dependent Territories, Slimbridge/ Sandy (Research contract, No. 7/2/126)
Pienkowski, M (ed.) (2003) A sense of direction: a conference on conservation in UK Overseas Territories and other small island communities, Bermuda 22nd–27th March 2003. UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough. www.ukotcf.org
Pienkowski, MW (ed.) (2005) Review of existing and potential Ramsar sites in UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. (Contractor: UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough.) Final report on Contract CR0294 to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Bristol. www.ukotcf.org
Proctor, D & Fleming, LV (eds.) (1999) Biodiversity: the UK Overseas Territories. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Scott, DA & Carbonell, M (eds.) (1986) A directory of neotropical wetlands. IUCN/IWRB, Cambridge/Slimbridge
Thomas, MLH (1993) Mangrove swamps in Bermuda. Atoll Research Bulletin, 386, 1-17
Thomas, MLH, Eakins, KE & Logan, A (1991) Physical characteristics of the Anchialine Ponds of Bermuda. Bulletin of Marine Science, 48(1), 125-136
Wingate, DB (1984) Taking stock of Bermuda's wetland heritage. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hamilton",,,
7000073,UK11037,Lower Derwent Valley,Classified/designatd,E,915.45,,East Riding of Yorkshire; North Yorkshire; York,08/06/1993,53 53 04 N,00 55 34 W,470572.3,443710.1,SE706437,4,7,5,"The Lower Derwent Valley represents one of the most important examples of traditionally managed species-rich alluvial flood meadow habitat remaining in the UK. These grasslands, which were formerly widespread, are now very restricted in distribution due to agricultural improvement. The river and these floodlands play a substantial role in the hydrological and ecological functioning of the internationally important Humber basin.","Ramsar criterion 1
The site represents one of the most important examples of traditionally managed species-rich alluvial flood meadow habitat remaining in the UK.
The river and flood meadows play a substantial role in the hydrological and ecological functioning of the Humber Basin.
Ramsar criterion 2
The site has a rich assemblage of wetland invertebrates including 16 species of dragonfly and damselfly, 15 British Red Data Book wetland invertebrates as well as a leafhopper, $Cicadula ornata$ for which Lower Derwent Valley is the only known site in Great Britain.
Ramsar criterion 4
The site qualifies as a staging post for passage birds in spring. Of particular note are the nationally important numbers of Ruff, $Philomachus pugnax$ and Whimbrel, $Numenius phaeopus$.","Nearest town/city: York
The site lies approximately 10 km east of York, much of it on the boundary between North Yorkshire and East Yorkshire.","The Lower Derwent Valley contains extensive species-rich flood meadows, fens, swamps and wet woodland. The main vegetation types over 20 ha in extent are MG4; MG7c; MG8; MG9; MG13; S5; S19; S28; $Carex acuta$ in swamps and fens; OV32.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Lathyrus palustris, Sium latifolium, Oenanthe silaifolia, Persicaria laxiflora, Potamogeton trichoides$","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Panagaeus cruxmajor, Dytiscus dimidiatus, Saprinus virescens, Hydraena palustris, Atheta terminalis, Parphotistus nigricornis, Hypera diversipunctata, Rhamphomyia phyoprocta, Hilara brevittata, H. merula, Dolichopus cilifemoratus, Herrostomus angustifrons, Antichaeta analis, A. obliviosa, Dichetophora finlandica$","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Migratory whimbrel.
All important breeding birds.
Otter populations.
Environment.
Biological and chemical water quality (routine).
Miscellaneous.
Research has been undertaken under the Lower Derwent Project into the hydrological and ecological functioning of the river, ings and associated features of wildlife interest.
Eutrophication and its effects on invertebrate communities.
Habitat requirements of farmland birds.
Flora.
NVC survey has been undertaken for much of the site.","Guided walks and lectures are available on request. There are interpretation panels on the site and a site leaflet is available. The site is well used as an educational facility for schools, work-experience placements and for undergraduate/postgraduate demonstrations, placements and projects. It is also used by NGOs for staff development.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
There is no significant regular use of the site for recreation or tourism.
","ADAS (1990) Botanical monitoring North Duffield Carrs, North Yorkshire. Unpublished report from ADAS Land Management Services, to British Coal Corporation
Crackles, FE (1990) The flora of the East Riding of Yorkshire. University of Hull, Hull
Environment Agency/ Yorkshire Water/ English Nature (2000) Lower Derwent modelling study: Hydrological modelling report
Environment Agency/ Yorkshire Water/ English Nature (2000) Lower Derwent modelling study: Hydraulic and water quality modeling report
Environment Agency/ Yorkshire Water/ English Nature (2000) Lower Derwent modelling study: Ecological model
Environment Agency/ Yorkshire Water/ English Nature (2000) Lower Derwent Project phase I (1997-2000): Model application, analysis and conclusions
Gibbons, B (1994) Reserve focus: The Lower Derwent Valley, Yorkshire British Wildlife, 5(6), 381-383
Key, RS (1986) Review of invertebrate sites in England: Humberside. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Invertebrate Site Register Report No. 651)
Key, RS (1987) Rare and notable species in Yorkshire and Humberside: Species ecology and site occurrence. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Invertebrate Site Register Report No. 82)
Mather, JR (1986) The birds of Yorkshire. 1st edn. Croom Helm, London
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Pritchard, DE, Housden, SD, Mudge, GP, Galbraith, CA & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy.
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Volume 3: Site accounts. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Tolhurst, SA (1987) A survey of the aquatic flora of the Pocklington Canal, Yorkshire 1986. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Contract surveys, No. 4)
Trinder, C. (1990) Lower Derwent Valley NVC Project – Phase 1. Nature Conservancy Council North-East England Region (unpublished report)
Woodroffe, G (1998) Reinforcing otter populations of the Derwent and Esk catchments in North Yorkshire. British Wildlife, 9(3), 145-153",,,
18,UK12017,Magheraveely Marl Loughs,Classified/designatd,NI,58.78,,Fermanagh,07/02/2007,054 11 21 N,007 16 00 W,58178.76382,491198.6297,H494284,50,80,61,"The six Loughs are characterised by the presence of calcium carbonate deposits, or marl, which are precipitated out of the calcium-rich water to produce marl loughs, a relatively rare lake type in Northern Ireland. (There are 23 loughs of this type in Northern Ireland, of which these are the best examples.) Biological interest is related to the presence of vegetation which reflects these calcareous conditions, including rich and extensive stonewort (charophyte) communities. The loughs are surrounded by an inundation zone containing significant stands of alkaline fen vegetation. This is generally composed of a sward rich in sedges and herbs. The clean unpolluted waters of the loughs support populations of White-clawed crayfish $Austropotamobius pallipes$, a species which is becoming increasingly rare throughout its geographical range.","1. Magheraveely Marl Loughs qualify under Criterion 1 because they represent a rare wetland type in Northern Ireland.
2. Magheraveely Marl Loughs qualify under Criterion 2 because they support vulnerable vegetation communities and species.","The Magheraveely Marl Loughs are situated in the south-west of Northern Ireland, approximately 35 km south-east from Enniskillen, within the local government district of Fermanagh. Three of the six loughs are intersected by the border with the Republic of Ireland.","A combination of hard water and low nutrient status has produced loughs that approach the classic marl lake condition. In addition they are surrounded by wetlands whose interest is also promoted by high calcium concentration. Biological interest is related to the presence of vegetation which reflects these calcareous conditions, including rich and extensive stonewort (charophyte) communities with several rare and local species, including $Chara aspera$, $C. curta$, $C. hispida$, $C. pedunculata$ and $C. rudis$.
The loughs exhibit the natural succession from open water to terrestrial vegetation types and include a number of rare and unusual plant communities. The aquatic vegetation of the loughs is dominated by submerged beds of charophytes. Other open water species include white water lily $Nymphaea alba$, yellow water lily $Nuphar lutea$ and pondweeds such as $Potamogeton natans$ and $P. lucens$.
The loughs are surrounded by an inundation zone containing significant stands of alkaline fen vegetation. This is generally composed of a sward rich in sedges and herbs. Characteristic species include the lesser tussock sedge $Carex diandra$, long-stalked yellow sedge $Carex viridula$ and glaucous sedge $Carex flacca$. Other frequent species include marsh arrowgrass $Triglochin palustre$, quaking-grass $Briza media$ and more notably, marsh helleborine $Epipactis palustris$, grass-of-Parnassus $Parnassia palustris$, knotted pearlwort $Sagina nodosa$ and fen bedstraw $Galium uliginosum$. The latter are all scarce species in Northern Ireland.
Calcareous fen with $Cladium mariscus$ is also present within the site.
The clean unpolluted waters of the loughs support populations of White-clawed crayfish $Austropotamobius pallipes$, an Annex II species which is becoming increasingly rare throughout its geographical range.","The rich and extensive stonewort (charophyte) communities include several rare and local species, including $Chara aspera$, $C. curta$, $C. hispida$, $C. pedunculata$ and $C. rudis$.
Open-water species include white water lily $Nymphaea alba$, yellow water lily $Nuphar lutea$ and pondweeds such as $Potamogeton natans$ and $P. lucens$.
The inundation zone contains significant stands of alkaline fen vegetation, generally composed of a sward rich in sedges and herbs. Characteristic species include the lesser tussock sedge $Carex diandra$, long-stalked yellow sedge $Carex viridula$ and glaucous sedge $Carex flacca$. Other frequent species include marsh arrowgrass $Triglochin palustre$, quaking-grass $Briza media$ and more notably, marsh helleborine $Epipactis palustris$, grass-of-Parnassus $Parnassia palustris$, knotted pearlwort $Sagina nodosa$ and fen bedstraw $Galium uliginosum$. The latter are all scarce species in Northern Ireland.
The following Habitats Directive Annex II features are present within the SAC:
H3140 Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp.
H7210 Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and species of the Caricion davallianae
H7230 Alkaline fens","The clean unpolluted waters of the loughs support populations of White-clawed crayfish $Austropotamobius pallipes$, a Habitats Directive Annex II species (S1092) which is becoming increasingly rare throughout its geographical range. Four of the marl loughs have strong isolated crayfish populations.
In addition the fen vegetation supports a number of notable invertebrate species.",Site monitored regularly by EHS staff.,None reported,Local promotion of walking and cycling. Low intensity with no predicted adverse impact on the interst features.,"Environment and Heritage Service (2005) Northern Ireland Habitat Action Plan. Marl lakes. Environment and Heritage Service, Belfast. www.ehsni.gov.uk/pubs/publications/marllakes_pdf.pdf
Environment and Heritage Service, Habitat Survey Team (1995) Finn Lackey Marl Lake Survey. Environment and Heritage Service, Belfast
Gallagher, M (2000) Survey of the white-clawed crayfish, Austropotamobius pallipes, at eight marl loughs, Finn–Lackey Valley. July 2000. Queen’s University Belfast
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection",,,
7000075,UK11038,Malham Tarn,Classified/designatd,E,286.26,,North Yorkshire,28/10/1993,54 05 46 N,02 09 44 W,389383.5,466722.5,SD894667,378,378,378,"A wetland of international importance comprising areas of open water, fen, soligenous fen and raised bog. These habitats hold important communities of rare plant species and wetland invertebrates, and are of types now highly restricted due to drainage and land use changes.","Ramsar criterion 1
Contains the highest marl lake in Britain, along with acidophilous bog, calcareous fen and soligenous mire.
Ramsar criterion 2
Supports the nationally rare alpine bartisia $Bartsia alpina$ and narrow small reed $Calamagrostis stricta$ and seven nationally scarce species. Supports five listed British Red Data Book invertebrates including the caddis fly $Agrypnia crassicornis$.","Nearest town/city: Skipton
Malham Tarn lies 17 km north-west of Skipton in the Yorkshire Dales.","The Malham Tarn Ramsar site is a wetland of international importance comprising areas of open water, fen raised bog and soligenous mire. The Tarn is a shallow, calcareous lake, which is the highest marl lake in Britain, at 380 m. Associated with the Tarn are habitats demonstrating all the stages of hydrosere development - open water, swamp, fen, and raised bog lying immediately south of the fen. East of the Tarn are two soligenous mires, Ha Mire and the extensive complex of Great Close Mire. These fen systems are highly calcareous with vegetation often encrusted with tufa. Outflows from these mires are tributaries to Gordale Beck, a rich calcareous stream that flows southwards to the boundary of the site.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Bartsia alpina, Calamagrostis stricta$","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Fish.
$Cottus gobio$
Invertebrates.
$Austropotamobius pallipes$","Environment.
Climate data is collected by the FSC from the meteorological station on Tarn Close.
Flora.
A grab survey of plant species on the bed of the Tarn has been carried out every year since 1994.
Vegetational change: A programme of fixed point photography is underway.
Field Studies Council: Ongoing research programme covering a range of environmental aspects (list available if required).","$Field Studies Council$: Malham Tarn house became a centre of the Field Studies Council in 1947 so there has been a long history of educational use of the site.
$Research$: Since the establishment of the Centre a great deal of research has been carried out by universities, colleges, FSC staff and other individuals.
$Interpretation$: The National Trust has produced a free leaflet. Open days on the NNR, allowing public access to the boardwalk, are held annually. A series of guided walks are held by the National Trust.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Fishing: boat fishing is allowed on the Tarn.
Bird watching: a bird hide is situated on the north shore which is open to visitors at all times.
A large number of people walk along the private roads, public footpaths and bridleways. There is some cycling and horse riding. The north-east shore of the Tarn is a popular picnic spot.","Fryer, G (1991) Classic sites: Malham Tarn. Journal of the Institute of Biology, 38(3), 81-83
Holmes PF (1965) The natural history of Malham Tarn. Field Studies, 2(2), 199-223
Huddart, D & Glasser, NF (2002) Quaternary of northern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 25)
Jones, C (2001) Classic wildlife sites: Malham Tarn National Nature Reserve. British Wildlife, 13(1), 29-37
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Piggot, ME & Piggot, CD (1959) Stratigraphy and pollen analysis of Malham Tarn and Tarn Moss. Field Studies, 1(1), 1-18
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Waltham, AC, Simms, MJ, Farrant, AR & Goldie, HS (1997) Karst and caves of Great Britain. Chapman & Hall, London, for Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 12)",,,
7000034,UK11039,Martin Mere,Classified/designatd,E,119.89,,Lancashire,28/11/1985,53 37 24 N,02 52 37 W,341998.6,414497.6,SD420145,3,4,4,"Martin Mere occupies part of a former lake and mire which extended over some 1300 hectares of the Lancashire Coastal Plain during the 17th century. In 1972 the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust purchased 147 hectares of the former Holcrofts Farm, consisting mainly of rough damp pasture, with the primary aim of providing grazing and roosting opportunities for wildfowl. Since acquisition the rough grazed pastures have been transformed by means of positive management into a wildfowl refuge of international importance. Areas of open water with associated muddy margins have been created, whilst maintaining seasonally flooded marsh and reed swamp habitats via water level control. In addition large areas of semi- improved damp grassland, unimproved species rich damp grassland and rush pasture have been maintained and enhanced via appropriate grazing management. Of the pastures the most botanically important are those species rich areas supporting whorled caraway, present here at one of very few sites in northern England. Such pastures are nationally important. However, the outstanding importance of Martin Mere is as a refuge for its large and diverse wintering, passage and breeding bird community. In September 2002, an additional 63 hectares of land were purchased on the southern most part of the refuge at Woodend Farm, with the aid of the Heritage Lottery Fund, to restore arable land to a variety of wetland habitats including seasonally flooded grassland, reedbed, wet woodland and open water habitats. These are all key Biodiversity Action Plan habitats within the Lancashire Plain and Valleys Natural Area.",,"Nearest town/city: Southport
Martin Mere lies between Ormskirk and Southport, close to the village of Burscough.","Large areas of open water with muddy margins associated with seasonally flooded grazing marsh and reed swamp. There are also large areas of surrounding damp species-rich grassland and semi-improved areas of damp grassland maintained by grazing.
","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Carum verticillatum, Rumex maritimus, Oenanthe fisulosa, Oenanthe aquatica, Lemna gibba$
Lower Plants.
$Leucagaricus serenus$",None reported,"Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Considerable amounts of research continues to undertaken by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Martin Mere on the feeding/breeding and behavioural ecology of individual species of wildfowl, in addition to fresh water grazing marsh management.
Environment.
Daily weather records, water level and water quality monitoring is undertaken by wardening staff.
Habitat.
Invertebrate and plant species records are collected by volunteers on a regular basis.
Miscellaneous.
Visitor and educational usage of the Refuge is monitored on a daily basis at this extremely popular and well visited Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Refuge.",WWT employs a number of warden-teacher staff who undertake environmental education work and escort large numbers of school parties around the refuge throughout most of the year. Various educational programmes have also been run for adults in recent years. WWT has excellent visitor and schoolroom facilities as part of its Interpretative Centre on the Refuge.,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
The WWT Refuge at Martin Mere has excellent bird watching and interpretative facilities, including toilets a tea room/restaurant and shop for the selling of WWT goods and other commodities, as well as educational/interpretative materials and an adventure playground based on a bird theme. In addition its waterfowl collection allows close contact with many species of duck, goose and swan from all over the world.
The latter compliments large areas of refuge which remain free from disturbance for wintering, passage and breeding wildfowl and wading birds. The latter being overlooked from many well constructed tower hides. The Refuge including its waterfowl gardens are extremly well visited throughout the year by large numbers of visitors and parties of school children alike. The Refuge features in tourist literature and is well known throughout the country. People management is of the highest order and from a tourist point of view is sustainable without causing detrimental effects upon the wildlife interest of the refuge.
","Phase I Habitat Survey
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Environment Agency (1997) Martin Mere Water Level Management Plan. Environment Agency
Forshaw, DW (****)Wild geese and swans in Lancashire 1995–1998
Gray, LC (1980) Environmental bibliography of north-west England (vice-counties 59, 60, 69 and 70) 1850–1979. University of Lancaster Library, Lancaster (Library Occasional Paper, No. 10)
Hale, WG (1985) Martin Mere. Its history and natural history. Causeway Press, Ormskirk
Huddart, D & Glasser, NF (2002) Quaternary of northern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 25)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Nature Conservancy Council (1987) Invertebrate Site Register – Lancashire. Nature Conservancy Council
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (****)Draft Management Plan. Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust",,,
7000076,UK11040,Medway Estuary and Marshes,Classified/designatd,E,4696.74,,Kent,15/12/1993,51 24 02 N,00 40 38 E,586205.9,170296.3,TQ862703,-1,3,1,"A complex of rain-fed, brackish, floodplain grazing marsh with ditches, and intertidal saltmarsh and mudflat. These habitats together support internationally important numbers of wintering waterfowl. Rare wetland birds breed in important numbers. The saltmarsh and grazing marsh are of international importance for their diverse assemblages of wetland plants and invertebrates.","Ramsar criterion 2
The site supports a number of species of rare plants and animals. The site holds several nationally scarce plants, including sea barley $Hordeum marinum$, curved hard-grass $Parapholis incurva$, annual beard-grass $Polypogon monspeliensis$, Borrer's saltmarsh-grass $Puccinellia fasciculata$, slender hare`s-ear $Bupleurum tenuissimum$, sea clover $Trifolium squamosum$, saltmarsh goose-foot $Chenopodium chenopodioides$, golden samphire $Inula crithmoides$, perennial glasswort $Sarcocornia perennis$ and one-flowered glasswort $Salicornia pusilla$. A total of at least twelve British Red Data Book species of wetland invertebrates have been recorded on the site. These include a ground beetle $Polistichus connexus$, a fly $Cephalops perspicuus$, a dancefly $Poecilobothrus ducalis$, a fly $Anagnota collini$, a weevil $Baris scolopacea$, a water beetle $Berosus spinosus$, a beetle $Malachius vulneratus$, a rove beetle $Philonthus punctus$, the ground lackey moth $Malacosoma castrensis$, a horsefly $Atylotus latistriatuus$, a fly $Campsicnemus magius$, a solider beetle, $Cantharis fusca$, and a cranefly $Limonia danica$. A significant number of non-wetland British Red Data Book species also occur.","Nearest town/city: Canterbury
On the north coast of Kent, within the Greater Thames estuary.","The intertidal flats are of fine, silty sediment. The saltmarsh shows a transition from pioneer communities containing $Zostera$ to high saltmarsh dominated by $Atriplex portulacoides$. The grazing marsh grassland is mesotrophic and generally species-poor. It does, however, contain scattered rarities, mostly annuals characteristic of bare ground. Where the grassland is seasonally inundated and the marshes are brackish the plant communities are intermediate between those of mesotrophic grassland and those of saltmarsh. The grazing marsh ditches contain a range of flora of brackish and fresh water. The aquatic flora is a mosaic of successional stages resulting from periodic clearance of drainage channels. The dominant emergent plants are $Phragmites australis$ and $Bolboschoenus maritimus$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
The site holds several nationally scarce plants, including: $Hordeum marinum, Parapholis incurva, Polypogon monspeliensis, Puccinellia fasciculata, Bupleurum tenuissimum, Trifolium squamosum, Chenopodium chenopodioides, Inula crithmoides, Sarcocornia perennis, Salicornia pusilla$","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
A total of more than twelve British Red Data Book species of wetland invertebrates have been recorded on the site, including:
$Polystichus connexus, Cephalops perspicuus, Peocilobothrus ducalis, Anagnota collini, Baris scolopacea, Berosus spinosus, Malachius vulneratus, Philonthus punctus, Malacostoma castrensis, Atylotus latistriatus, Campsicnemus magius, Cantharis fusca, Limonia danica, Lestes dryas, Hydrochus ignicollis, Hydrophilus piceus, Dicranomyia danica$ and $Lejops vittata$.","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Intertidal invertebrates and biotopes are being surveyed as part of a project on behalf of English Nature and the Medway Swale Estuary Partnership. Additional surveys are being carried out by the Environment Agency and the water industry to investigate the effects of (off-site) water abstraction on the invertebrate communities and birds associated with (on-site) fresh water flows.
Habitat.
ENSIS monitoring.
Experimental mudflat recharge using dredging spoil.
MNCR littoral and sublittoral survey.
Kent Wildlife Habitat Survey, and North Kent Marshes Saltmarsh Survey (Kent County Council); Botanical survey of sea walls in north Kent, and study of factors affecting the occurrence of nationally scarce plant species on sea walls in north Kent SSSIs (English Nature)
Other
A carrying capacity study (for recreational uses) is currently being funded by the Medway Swale Estuary Partnership.","Gillingham Riverside Country Park.
E.ON Oakham Marsh Nature Reserve
The Medway Wildlife Ranger Service provides information to recreational boat users during peak season.
The Medway Swale Estuary Partnership publications and website (www.medway-swale.org.uk) provide information on the environmental features and uses of the estuary.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Yachting, angling, wildfowling, jet skiing, waterskiing, birdwatching. Bird watching occurs throughout the year and wildfowling is restricted to the period September to February. The remaining activities occur year-round but are more prevalent in the summer months. Disturbance from these activities is a current issue but is being addressed through further research, negotiation and information dissemination. In this context, a River Leisure Usage Survey has been carried out by the Medway Swale Estuary Partnership, and the Partnership is funding a carrying capacity study for recreational uses. The Kent Coastal Network is also organising a stakeholders working group to consider the impacts and management of jet-skis within this and other coastal sites in Kent.","Anon. (2002) North Kent Coastal Habitat Management Plan: Executive summary. English Nature, Peterborough (Living with the Sea LIFE Project) www.english-nature.org.uk/livingwiththesea/project_details/good_practice_guide/HabitatCRR/ENRestore/CHaMPs/NorthKent/NorthKentCHaMP.pdf
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1998) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 7 South-east England: Lowestoft to Dungeness. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Blair-Myers, CN (2003) North Kent Marshes Saltmarsh Survey 2002. Kent County Council, Maidstone
Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 5. Eastern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Burton, NHK, Jones, TE, Austin, GE, Watt, GA, Rehfisch, MM & Hutchins, CJ (2003) Effects of reductions in organic and nutrient loading on bird populations in estuaries and coastal waters of England and Wales. English Nature Research Reports, No. 586
Carter Ecological Ltd. (2003) Sea walls, North Kent Marshes 2002: Factors affecting the occurrence of nationally scarce plant species on sea walls in three North Kent SSSIs. English Nature, Wye
Covey, R (1998) Chapter 6. Eastern England (Bridlington to Folkestone) (MNCR Sector 6). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 179-198. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
English Nature (2001) Swale and Medway European Marine Site: English Nature’s advice given under Regulation 33(2) of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations 1994. English Nature, Wye
Godfrey, A (2003) Grazing Marsh Invertebrate Project: Site-Specific Report. Final Report to the Environment Agency/English Nature. Environment Agency, West Malling / English Nature, Wye
Hill, TO, Emblow, CS & Northen, KO (1996) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 6. Inlets in eastern England: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Kent County Council (1992) North Kent Marshes study. Kent County Council, Maidstone
Medway Swale Estuary Partnership (2000) Strategy for the Medway and Swale Estuary. Medway Swale Estuary Partnership, Faversham
Medway Swale Estuary Partnership (2001) Medway and Swale River Leisure Usage Survey. Medway Swale Estuary Partnership, Faversham
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
North Kent Marshes Initiative (1997) Medway Estuary and Swale Management Plan, Consultation draft. North Kent Marshes Initiative
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Stewart, A, Pearman, DA & Preston, CD (eds.) (1994) Scarce plants in Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Thames Estuary Conservation Group (n.d.) The Thames estuary. Thames Estuary Conservation Group
Wiggington, M (1999) British Red Data Books. 1. Vascular plants. 3rd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Williams, P (1996) A survey of ditch flora in the North Kent Marshes SSSIs, 1995. English Nature Research Reports, No. 167
Williams, P & Ware, C [1997] Ditch communities on the North Kent Marshes SSSIs. English Nature Research Reports, No. 289
Worsfold, TM, Grist, NC & Hunter, P (2004) Review of intertidal invertebrate data available for the Medway, Swale and North Kent Marshes estuary systems, with recommendations for future work. Medway Swale Estuary Partnership, Faversham",,,
7000108,UK11041,Mersey Estuary,Classified/designatd,E,5023.35,,Cheshire; Halton; Merseyside; Liverpool; Wirral,20/12/1995,053 18 51 N,002 49 25 W,345100,380000,SJ451800,-3,32,1,"The Mersey is a large, sheltered estuary which comprises large areas of saltmarsh and extensive intertidal sand and mudflats, with limited areas of brackish marsh, rocky shoreline and boulder clay cliffs, within a rural and industrial environment. The intertidal flats and saltmarshes provide feeding and roosting sites for large and internationally important populations of waterfowl. During the winter, the site is of major importance for duck and waders. The site is also important during spring and autumn migration periods, particularly for wader populations moving along the west coast of Britain.",,"Nearest town/city: Liverpool
Mersey Estuary is located in north-west England between the counties of Cheshire and Merseyside.","Within this site the main habitat types are: Mudflats, Sandflats, Saltmarsh, Soft cliffs and Brackish marsh.
The main plant communities consists of: $Spartina anglica$ saltmarsh (SM6), $Puccinellia maritima$ saltmarsh (SM13), Transitional low-marsh vegetation with $Puccinellia maritima$, $Salicornia$ species and $Suaeda maritima$ (SM10), $Honkenya peploides–Cakile maritima$ strandline community (SD2), $Typha latifolia$ swamp (S12), $Phragmites australis–Urtica dioica$ tall-herb fen (S26).
The estuary consists of large areas of intertidal sand and mudflats and saltmarsh. These provide feeding and roosting sites for large populations of waterfowl. Grazing of the saltmarsh by sheep and cattle adds diversity. Some parts of the northern shoreline are formed of boulder clay cliffs below which there are, in some parts, transitional areas with $Phragmites australis$.",None reported,None reported,"Fauna
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Environment
The Environment Agency has ongoing research/monitoring of water quality, management required under the Water Framework Directive. Research/monitoring is undertaken by departments within the University of Liverpool. The Liverpool Bay Shoreline Management Plan (Liverpool Bay Coastal Group, 1999a; 1999b; 1999c) expands knowledge of natural resources and physical processes within and affecting the estuary. In future, this will be enhanced by development of the Mersey Estuary Shoreline Management Plan which has not yet been prepared.","Both public sector and non-governmental organisations are involved in interpretation and education at the site.
","Activities
As the waters become cleaner, more people are likely to be attracted to water-based recreational activities including sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and angling.
There is a network of footpaths in the upper estuary, with the potential to extend public access. There is also the potential for greater integration of the footpath network, and improved accessibility design.
Facilities provided
Partial footpath network. New access points, routes and country parks have been opened recently.
Seasonality
All year with main concentrations during the summer from a catchment of 2 million people.","Anon. (1995) Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report. Volume 2: Action plans. HMSO, London
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1996) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 13. Northern Irish Sea: Colwyn Bay to Stranraer, including the Isle of Man. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 3. North-west Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Buxton, NE (1978) Stanlow and Ince Banks – the wildlife importance of the Banks. Cheshire County Council Planning Department, Chester (Mersey Marshes Local Plan Technical Report No. 3).
Carter, I (1993) Departmental Brief: Mersey Estuary proposed Special Protection Area and Ramsar site (513A). English Nature, Peterborough
Cheshire County Council (1989) The ecology of the Mersey estuary. Cheshire County Council, Environmental Planning, Chester
Clark, NA et al. (1990) Waterfowl migration and distribution in north west estuaries. (Contractor: British Trust for Ornithology) Department of Energy, London (BTO Research Report, No. 54)
Covey, R (1998) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 11. Liverpool Bay and the Solway Firth: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Curtis, MS, Norman, D & Wallace, I (1990) The Mersey estuary – naturally ours. Liverpool Museum, Liverpool
English Nature (2001) Mersey Estuary European Marine Site. English Nature's advice given under Regulation 33(2) of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994, as amended. English Nature, Peterborough. www.english-nature.org.uk/about/teams/team_photo/Mersey%20Estuary%20Reg%2033%20-%20Final%20Version%20Low%20Res%2015May03%20LTF.pdf
George, N (1999) Liverpool Bay coastal natural area. A nature conservation profile. English Nature, Peterborough
Gray, LC (1980) Environmental bibliography of north-west England (vice-counties 59, 60, 69 and 70) 1850–1979. University of Lancaster Library, Lancaster (Library Occasional Paper, No. 10)
Liverpool Bay Coastal Group (1999a) Liverpool Bay Shoreline Management Plan Sub-Cell 11a: Great Ormes Head to Formby Point. Data Collation Report.
Liverpool Bay Coastal Group (1999b) Liverpool Bay Shoreline Management Plan Sub-Cell 11a: Great Ormes Head to Formby Point. Plan Document.
Liverpool Bay Coastal Group (1999c) Liverpool Bay Shoreline Management Plan Sub-Cell 11a: Great Ormes Head to Formby Point. Context Report.
Mersey Basin Campaign (1996) Mersey strategy: Mersey estuary management plan summary. Mersey Basin Campaign, Estuary Projects Group, Manchester
Mersey Estuary Project Group (1995) Mersey estuary management plan – a strategic policy framework. Liverpool University Press, Liverpool
Mills, DJL (1998) Chapter 11. Liverpool Bay to the Solway (Rhôs-on-Sea to the Mull of Galloway) (MNCR Sector 11). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 315-338. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Pugh-Thomas, M (ed.) (1980) The ecology of the Mersey estuary. University of Salford, Manchester, for North West Water Authority
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Rehfisch, MM et al. (1994) Waterfowl distribution and diet on the Mersey estuary and adjacent areas. (Contractor: British Trust for Ornithology) Mersey Barrage Company, Liverpool (BTO Research Report, No. 77)
Rice, KA & Putwain, PD (1987) The Dee and Mersey estuaries. Environmental background. (Contractor: University of Liverpool, Environmental Advisory Unit.) Shell UK Ltd.
Rodwell, JS (ed.) (1995) British plant communities. Volume 4. Aquatic communities, swamps and tall-herb fens. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
Rose, PM & Scott, DA (1997) Waterfowl population estimates. 2nd edn. Wetlands International, Wageningen (Wetlands International Publication, No. 44) www.wetlands.org/IWC/wpe2/WPE2-toc.htm
Stammers, MK (1994) The archaeology of the Mersey estuary: past work and future potential. International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, 23, 27-33
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Taylor, PM & Parker, JG (eds.) (1993) The coast of north Wales & north west England. An environmental appraisal. Hamilton Oil Company Ltd., London
Tucker, GM & Heath, MF (1994) Birds in Europe: their conservation status. BirdLife International, Cambridge (BirdLife Conservation Series, No. 3)
Weighell, AJ, Donnelly, AP & Calder, K (eds.) (2000) Directory of the Celtic coasts and seas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",23/06/2004,,
7000083,UK11043,Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 1,Classified/designatd,E,510.88,,Cheshire; Shropshire; Staffordshire,09/05/1994,52 54 11 N,02 50 25 W,343470.6,334330.9,SJ435343,43,120,73,"The Meres & Mosses form a geographically discrete series of lowland open water and peatland sites in the north-west Midlands of England. These have developed in natural depressions in the glacial drift left by receding ice sheets which formerly covered the Cheshire/Shropshire Plain. The 16 component sites include open water bodies (meres), the majority of which are nutrient-rich with associated fringing habitats; reed swamps, fen, carr & damp pasture. Peat accumulation has resulted in nutrient poor peat bogs (mosses) forming in some sites in the fringes of meres or completely infilling basins. In a few cases the result is a floating quaking bog or schwingmoor. The wide range of resulting habitats support nationally important flora & fauna.","Ramsar criterion 1
The site comprises a diverse range of habitats from open water to raised bog.
Ramsar criterion 2
Supports a number of rare species of plants associated with wetlands including five nationally scarce species together with an assemblage of rare wetland invertebrates (three endangered insects and five other British Red Data Book species of invertebrates).","Nearest town/city: Chester, Shrewsbury, Stafford
16 component sites are located in the Shropshire/Cheshire Plain, south-west of Manchester and north-west of Birmingham.","The site's primary interest is its wide range of lowland wetland types and successional stages within a distinct biogeographical area. Waters are generally circumneutral or acidic depending on the component site's soil type, catchment size and usage. Substantial areas of open water remain in some sites, and in many cases this is fringed by extensive and varied swamp, fen and carr communities. Some basins have become peat-filled, leading in some circumstances to development of ombotrophic conditions; of particular importance are the quaking bogs or schwingmoors.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Elatine hexandra, Eleocharis acicularis, Cicuta virosa, Thelypteris palustris, Carex elongata$","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Hagenella clathrata, Limnophila fasciata, Cararita limnaea, Lathrobium rufipenne, Donacia aquatica, Prionocera pubescens, Gonomyia abbreviata, Sitticus floricola$","Habitat.
Catchment management planning
Peatland restoration & monitoring
Fen rehabilitation.
Limnology.
Hydrology.
Environment.
Water chemistry.
Trophic status / nutrient budgets.
Peat palaeo-ecology.
Impacts of fish.","Areas owned by the Local Authority and National Nature Reserves are used by schools and universities for site-base projects and individual dissertations.
National Nature Reserves are used as sites to demonstrate management-practice and use of machinery.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Variable use of sites depending on their accessibility to the general public. No major tourism or recreational use apart from some angling and boating and motor sports (water-skiing) in one or two cases. Many sites are accessible through a network of public footpaths.","Banks, JW (1970) Observations on the fish population of Rostherne Mere, Cheshire Field Studies 3(2), 357-379
Belcher, JA & Storey, JE (1968) The phytoplankton of Rostherne and Mere meres. Cheshire Naturalist, 905, 57-61.
Bellamy, DJ (1967) Ecological studies on some European mires. Unpublished PhD thesis, University of London
Berry, AQ, Gale, F, Daniels, JL & Allmark, B (eds.) (1996) Fenn's and Whixall Mosses. Clwyd County Council, Mold
Boulton, GS & Worsley, P (1965) Late Weichselian glaciation in the Cheshire Shropshire Basin. Nature, 207(4998), 704-706
Brassil, K, Silvester, R & Tosteven, P (1991) An archaeological assessment of Fenn's and Whixall Mosses, Clwyd and Shropshire. Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust, Welshpool (CPAT Report, No. 9)
Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Carvalho, LC (1993) Experimental limnology on four Cheshire meres. Unpublished PhD Thesis, University of Liverpool
Carvahlo, L & Moss, B (1995) The current status of a sample of English Sites of Special Scientific Interest subject to eutrophication. Aquatic Conservation, 5, 191-204
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Daniels, JL (2002) Fenn's, Whixall & Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve. English Nature, Whitchurch
Daniels, RE (1978) Floristic analyses of British mires and mire communities. Journal of Ecology, 66, 773-802
English Nature (2001) Mosses trails. Exploring Fenn's & Whixall Mosses and the Llangollen Canal. English Nature, Whitchurch
Fowles, A (1994) Invertebrates of Wales: a review of important sites and species. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Hawley, G, Ross, S, Shaw, S, Taylor, K, Wheeler, B & Worrall, P (2004) Nutrient enrichment of basin fens. Options for remediation. English Nature Research Reports, No. 610 www.english-nature.org.uk/pubs/publication/PDF/610.pdf
Huddart, D & Glasser, NF (2002) Quaternary of northern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 25)
Jones, PS, Stevens, DP, Blackstock, TH, Burrows, CR & Howe, EA (eds.) (2003) Priority habitats of Wales: a technical guide. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor
Krivtsov, V, Bellinger, E & Sigee, D (2002) Water and nutrient budgeting of Rostherne Mere, Cheshire, UK. Nordic Hydrology, 33, 391-414
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Moss, B, Beklioglu, M, Carvalho, L, Kilinc, S, McGowan, S & Stephen, D (1997) Vertically-challenged limnology; contrasts between deep and shallow lakes. Hydrobiologia, 342/343, 257-267
Moss, B, McGowan, S, Kilinc, S & Carvalho, L (1993) Current limnological condition of a group of the West Midlands Meres that bear SSSI status. English Nature Research Reports, No. 59
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Pearson, MC & Green, BH (1964) An approach to the hydrology of a 'Schwingmoore'. In: Proceedings of the 10th International Botanical Congress, University of Edinburgh
Poole, EG & Whiteman, A.J (196 1) The glacial drifts of the Shropshire Cheshire Basin. Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society, 117, 91-130
Poole, EG (1966) Late Weichselian glaciation in the Cheshire Shropshire Basin. Nature, 211(5048), 507
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Reynolds, CS (1971) The ecology of the planktonic blue-green algae in the north Shropshire meres. Field Studies, 3, 409-432.
Reynolds, CS (1979) The limnology of the eutrophic meres of the Shropshire–Cheshire Plain. Field Studies, 5(1), 93-173
Rieley, JO, Page, SE & Shah, AA (1984) Eutrophication of afforested basin mires in the Midlands of England. In: Proceedings of the 7th International Peat Congress, Dublin
Rose, F (1953) A survey of the ecology of the British lowland bogs. Proceedings of the Linnaean Society, 164, 186-211
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Sinker, CA (1970) The north Shropshire meres & mosses: a background for ecologists. Field Studies, 1(4), 101-138
Stewart, A, Pearman, DA & Preston, CD (eds.) (1994) Scarce plants in Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Sutherland, JP (1997) The hoverflies (Diptera, Syrphidae) of Rostherne Mere, Cheshire. Dipterists Digest, 4(1), 35-40
Tallis, JH (1973) The terrestrialisation of lake basins in north Cheshire, with special reference to the development of a 'Schwingmoore' structure. Journal of Ecology, 61, 537-567
Turner, J (1964) The anthropogenic factor in vegetational history. I. Tregaron and Whixall Mosses. New Phytologist, 63(1), 73-89
Walsh, B (1965) An investigation of the bottom fauna of Rostherne Mere, Cheshire. Unpublished PhD Thesis, University of Liverpool
Waltham, AC, Simms, MJ, Farrant, AR & Goldie, HS (1997) Karst and caves of Great Britain. Chapman & Hall, London, for Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 12)
Winfield, IJ & Tobin, CM (1995) Impact of fish and fishery management on the conservation of the West Midland Meres: sampling methodology. English Nature Research Reports, No. 137",,,
7000122,UK11080,Midland Meres and Mosses Phase 2,Classified/designatd,EW,1588.24,,Cheshire; Clwyd; Shropshire; Staffordshire; Wrecsam/ Wrexham,02/02/1997,52 55 20 N,02 45 43 W,348762,336414,SJ488364,63,94,83,"The Meres and Mosses form a geographically diverse series of lowland open water and peatland sites in the north-west Midlands of England and north-east Wales. These have developed in natural depressions in the glacial drift left by receding ice sheets which formerly covered the Cheshire/Shropshire Plain. The 18 component sites include open water bodies (meres), the majority of which are nutrient-rich with associated fringing habitats, reed swamp, fen, carr and damp pasture. Peat accumulation has resulted in the nutrient-poor peat bogs (mosses) forming in some sites on the fringes of the meres or completely infilling basins. In a few cases the result is a floating quaking bog or schwingmoor. The wide range of resulting habitats support nationally important flora and fauna.","Ramsar criterion 1
The site comprises a diverse range of habitats from open water to raised bog.
Ramsar criterion 2
Supports a number of rare species of plants associated with wetlands, including the nationally scarce cowbane $Cicuta virosa$ and, elongated sedge $Carex elongata$. Also present are the nationally scarce bryophytes $Dicranum affine$ and $Sphagnum pulchrum$.
Also supports an assemblage of invertebrates including several rare species. There are 16 species of British Red Data Book insect listed for this site including the following endangered species: the moth $Glyphipteryx lathamella$, the caddisfly $Hagenella clathrata$ and the sawfly $Trichiosoma vitellinae$.","Nearest town/city: Chester, Shrewsbury, Stafford
The 18 units which make up the site are spread over the Wrexham / Shropshire / Cheshire and Staffordshire Plain. The majority of the units are in Cheshire and north Shropshire, with a small number of outlying sites in adjacent parts of Staffordshire and Wrexham.","The site's primary interest is its wide range of lowland wetland types and successional stages within a distinct biogeographical area. Waters are generally circumneutral or acidic depending on the component site's soil type, catchment size and usage. Substantial areas of open water remain in some sites, and in many cases this is fringed by extensive and varied swamp, fen and carr communities. Some basins have become peat-filled, leading in some circumstances to the development of ombrotrophic conditions; of particular importance are the quaking bogs or schwingmoors.
Fenns, Whixall, Bettisfield, Wem and Cadney Mosses are large raised bogs of exceptional importance.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Calamagrostis stricta, Carex elongata, Cicuta virosa, Thelypteris palustris$
Lower Plants.
$Sphagnum pulchrum, Dicranum undulatum$","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Limnophila heterogyna, Atylotus plebeius, Hagenella clathrata, Limnophila fasciata, Carorita limnaea, Glyphipteryx lathamella, Trichiosoma vitellinae, Eilema serica, Brachythops wusteneii, Pachinematus xanthocarpos, Sittcus floricola, Lampronia fuscatella, Hybomitra lurida$.","Habitat.
Catchment management planning.
Peatland restoration & monitoring.
Fen rehabilitation.
Limnology.
Hydrology.
Environment.
Water chemistry.
Trophic status/nutrient budgets.
Peat paleo-ecology.
Impacts of fish.","Areas owned by the Local Authority and National Nature Reserves are used by schools and universities for site-based projects and individual dissertations.
National Nature Reserves are used as management-practice and machinery demonstration sites.","Activities.
Angling; boating.
Facilities provided.
There is a network of public footpaths.
Seasonality.
Increased use in summer.","Banks, JW (1970) Observations on the fish population of Rostherne Mere, Cheshire Field Studies 3(2), 357-379
Belcher, JA & Storey, JE (1968) The phytoplankton of Rostherne and Mere meres. Cheshire Naturalist, 905, 57-61.
Bellamy, DJ (1967) Ecological studies on some European mires. Unpublished PhD thesis, University of London
Berry, AQ, Gale, F, Daniels, JL & Allmark, B (eds.) (1996) Fenn's and Whixall Mosses. Clwyd County Council, Mold
Boulton, GS & Worsley, P (1965) Late Weichselian glaciation in the Cheshire Shropshire Basin. Nature, 207(4998), 704-706
Brassil, K, Silvester, R & Tosteven, P (1991) An archaeological assessment of Fenn's and Whixall Mosses, Clwyd and Shropshire. Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust, Welshpool (CPAT Report, No. 9)
Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Carvalho, LC (1993) Experimental limnology on four Cheshire meres. Unpublished PhD Thesis, University of Liverpool
Carvahlo, L & Moss, B (1995) The current status of a sample of English Sites of Special Scientific Interest subject to eutrophication. Aquatic Conservation, 5, 191-204
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Daniels, JL (2002) Fenn's, Whixall & Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve. English Nature, Whitchurch
Daniels, RE (1978) Floristic analyses of British mires and mire communities. Journal of Ecology, 66, 773-802
English Nature (2001) Mosses trails. Exploring Fenn's & Whixall Mosses and the Llangollen Canal. English Nature, Whitchurch
Fowles, A (1994) Invertebrates of Wales: a review of important sites and species. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Hawley, G, Ross, S, Shaw, S, Taylor, K, Wheeler, B & Worrall, P (2004) Nutrient enrichment of basin fens. Options for remediation. English Nature Research Reports, No. 610 www.english-nature.org.uk/pubs/publication/PDF/610.pdf
Huddart, D & Glasser, NF (2002) Quaternary of northern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 25)
Jones, PS, Stevens, DP, Blackstock, TH, Burrows, CR & Howe, EA (eds.) (2003) Priority habitats of Wales: a technical guide. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor
Krivtsov, V, Bellinger, E & Sigee, D (2002) Water and nutrient budgeting of Rostherne Mere, Cheshire, UK. Nordic Hydrology, 33, 391-414
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Moss, B, Beklioglu, M, Carvalho, L, Kilinc, S, McGowan, S & Stephen, D (1997) Vertically-challenged limnology; contrasts between deep and shallow lakes. Hydrobiologia, 342/343, 257-267
Moss, B, McGowan, S, Kilinc, S & Carvalho, L (1993) Current limnological condition of a group of the West Midlands Meres that bear SSSI status. English Nature Research Reports, No. 59
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Pearson, MC & Green, BH (1964) An approach to the hydrology of a 'Schwingmoore'. In: Proceedings of the 10th International Botanical Congress, University of Edinburgh
Poole, EG & Whiteman, A.J (196 1) The glacial drifts of the Shropshire Cheshire Basin. Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society, 117, 91-130
Poole, EG (1966) Late Weichselian glaciation in the Cheshire Shropshire Basin. Nature, 211(5048), 507
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Reynolds, CS (1971) The ecology of the planktonic blue-green algae in the north Shropshire meres. Field Studies, 3, 409-432.
Reynolds, CS (1979) The limnology of the eutrophic meres of the Shropshire–Cheshire Plain. Field Studies, 5(1), 93-173
Rieley, JO, Page, SE & Shah, AA (1984) Eutrophication of afforested basin mires in the Midlands of England. In: Proceedings of the 7th International Peat Congress, Dublin
Rose, F (1953) A survey of the ecology of the British lowland bogs. Proceedings of the Linnaean Society, 164, 186-211
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Sinker, CA (1970) The north Shropshire meres & mosses: a background for ecologists. Field Studies, 1(4), 101-138
Stewart, A, Pearman, DA & Preston, CD (eds.) (1994) Scarce plants in Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Sutherland, JP (1997) The hoverflies (Diptera, Syrphidae) of Rostherne Mere, Cheshire. Dipterists Digest, 4(1), 35-40
Tallis, JH (1973) The terrestrialisation of lake basins in north Cheshire, with special reference to the development of a 'Schwingmoore' structure. Journal of Ecology, 61, 537-567
Turner, J (1964) The anthropogenic factor in vegetational history. I. Tregaron and Whixall Mosses. New Phytologist, 63(1), 73-89
Walsh, B (1965) An investigation of the bottom fauna of Rostherne Mere, Cheshire. Unpublished PhD Thesis, University of Liverpool
Waltham, AC, Simms, MJ, Farrant, AR & Goldie, HS (1997) Karst and caves of Great Britain. Chapman & Hall, London, for Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 12)
Winfield, IJ & Tobin, CM (1995) Impact of fish and fishery management on the conservation of the West Midland Meres: sampling methodology. English Nature Research Reports, No. 137",,,
7000011,UK11044,Minsmere–Walberswick,Classified/designatd,E,2018.92,,Suffolk,05/01/1976,52 18 55 N,01 38 02 E,647656.1,274837.7,TM476748,-1,24,9,"This composite, Suffolk coastal site contains a complex mosaic of habitats, notably, areas of marsh with dykes, extensive reedbeds, mudflats, lagoons, shingle and driftline, woodland and areas of lowland heath. The site supports the largest continuous stand of reed in England and Wales and demonstrates the nationally rare transition in grazing marsh ditch plants from brackish to fresh water. The combination of habitats create an exceptional area of scientific interest supporting nationally scarce plants, British Red Data Book invertebrates and nationally important numbers of breeding and wintering birds.","Ramsar criterion 1
The site contains a mosaic of marine, freshwater, marshland and associated habitats, complete with transition areas in between. Contains the largest continuous stand of reedbeds in England and Wales and rare transition in grazing marsh ditch plants from brackish to fresh water.
Ramsar criterion 2
This site supports nine nationally scarce plants and at least 26 red data book invertebrates.
Supports a population of the mollusc $Vertigo angustior$ (Habitats Directive Annex II; British Red Data Book Endangered), recently discovered on the Blyth estuary river walls.
An important assemblage of rare breeding birds associated with marshland and reedbeds including: $Botaurus stellaris, Anas strepera, Anas crecca, Anas clypeata, Circus aeruginosus, Recurvirostra avosetta, Panurus biarmicus$","Nearest town/city: Southwold
Composite site situated on the coast of Suffolk, between Southwold in the north and Sizewell in the south.","This composite Suffolk coastal site contains a complex mosaic of habitats notably, areas of marsh with dykes, extensive reedbeds, mud flats, lagoons, shingle, woodland and areas of lowland heath. The site supports the largest continuous stand of reed $Phragmites australis$ in England and Wales and nationally rare transition in grazing marsh ditch plants from brackish to fresh water. The combination of habitats create an exceptional area of scientific interest supporting nationally scarce plants, RDB invertebrates and nationally important numbers of breeding and wintering birds.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
This is one of few sites nationally for red-tipped cudweed $Filago lutescens$ (RDB2) which occurs on light, sandy soils.
The nationally rare species $Corynephorus canescens$ (RDB3) occurs on coastal dune habitat.
The site supports a range of nationally scarce plant species characteristic of heathland, wetland and coastal habitats, and the transitions between them. $Althaea officinalis, Myriophyllum verticillatum, Ruppia cirrhosa, Sium latifolium, Sonchus palustris, Ceratophyllum submersum, Ranunculus baudotii$, and $Carex divisa$ (all nationally scarce) are associated with reedbeds, grazing marsh or ditches. $Hordeum marinum$ occurs on sea-walls, $Lathyrus japonicus$ on coastal shingle, and $Crassula tillaea$ on heathland.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Ethmia bipunctella, Aleochara inconspicua, Philonthus dimidiatipennis, Deltote bankiana, Cephalops perspicuus, Erioptera bivittata, E. meijerei, Gymnancycla canella, Pisidium pseudosphaerium, Archanara neurica, Heliothis viriplaca, Pelosia muscerda, Photedes brevilinea, Senta flammea, Herminea tarsicrinalis, Haematopota grandis, Tipula marginata, Podalonia affinis, Arctosa fulvolineata, Eucosma catroptana, E.maritima, Melissoblaptes zelleri, Pima boisduvaliella, Acrotophthalmus bicolor, Limonia danica, Telmaturus tumidulus, Vertigo angustior$ (a Habitats Directive Annex II species (S1014)).","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Flora.
NVC and vegetation monitoring, bird and invertebrate surveys/monitoring carried out on EN's NNRs, NT, SWT, RSPB reserves.","Facilities at National Trust and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds reserves.
","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
A popular area for tourists as it is an AONB and contains Minsmere bird reserve and Dunwich heath, both with toilets/shop/cafe. There are more visitors in the summer, however it well used throughout the year by walkers and bird watchers.
","Axell, HE (1977) Minsmere: portrait of a bird reserve. Hutchinson, London
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1998) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 7 South-east England: Lowestoft to Dungeness. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Batten, LA, Bibby, CJ, Clement, P, Elliot, GD & Porter, RF (1990) Red Data Birds in Britain. Action for rare, threatened and important species. Poyser, London, for Nature Conservancy Council and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burgess, N, Evans, C & Sorensen, J (1990) Heathland management for nightjars. RSPB Conservation Review, 4, 32-35
Council of Europe (1980) Minsmere Nature Reserve, United Kingdom. Council of Europe, Strasbourg (European Diploma Series, No. 18)
Covey, R (1998) Chapter 6. Eastern England (Bridlington to Folkestone) (MNCR Sector 6). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 179-198. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Day, JCU & Wilson, J (1978) Breeding bitterns in Britain. British Birds, 71, 285-300
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
ESL (1997) National Vegetation Classification Survey of Walberswick NNR. ESL, Lincolnshire
Evans, C, Marrs, R & Welch, G (1993) The restoration of heathland on arable farmland at Minsmere RSPB Nature Reserve. RSPB Conservation Review, 7, 80-84
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
National Rivers Authority (1996) Southwold Town Marshes Water Level Management Plan. National Rivers Authority, Ipswich
National Rivers Authority (1996) Tinker's Marsh Water Level Management Plan. National Rivers Authority, Ipswich
National Rivers Authority (1996) Westwood and Dingle Marshes Water Level Management Plan. National Rivers Authority, Ipswich
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (1994) Minsmere management plan. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Smith, K, Welch, G, Tyler, G, Gilbert, G, Hawkins, I & Hirons, G (2000) Management of RSPB Minsmere reedbeds and its impact on breeding bitterns. British Wildlife, 12(1), 16-21
Stewart, A, Pearman, DA & Preston, CD (eds.) (1994) Scarce plants in Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Suffolk Wildlife Trust (1993) National Vegetation Classification of the saltmarsh of the Deben, Alde–Ore and Blyth estuaries, Suffolk. Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Ashbocking
Wiggington, M (1999) British Red Data Books. 1. Vascular plants. 3rd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",19/05/1992,,
7000091,UK13046,Montrose Basin,Classified/designatd,S,984.62,,Angus,03/02/1995,56 42 40 N,02 30 20 W,369084,757896,NO691578,-1,74,9,"Enclosed estuary of the South Esk containing areas of mudflat, marsh and agricultural land, and Dun's Dish, a small eutrophic freshwater loch. It is a good natural example of an estuary, relatively unimpacted by development, a high species diversity in the intertidal zone and supporting a large population of wintering waterfowl. The site is also important internationally for wintering populations of pink-footed goose $Anser brachyrhynchus$, greylag goose $Anser anser$ and common redshank $Tringa totanus$.","Ramsar criterion 1
A particularly good example of an estuary, being relatively unaffected by land-claim, industrial development or pollution.
Montrose Basin has a remarkably high species diversity in the intertidal zone when compared with other sites. The site hydrology is unusual, although the main mudflat is exposed for a long period during each tidal cycle, it remains wet, and therefore supports this high diversity. The complete exchange of water in the Basin with each tide gives the site a high overall water quality.","Nearest town/city: Montrose
Situated on the east coast of Scotland, on the western side of the town of Montrose, within a predominantly agricultural catchment.","The major habitats of the site are the mudflats, which provide rich feeding grounds for the birds of the estuary, with a flora dominated by $Zostera$, $Cladophora$, $Enteromorpha$ and $Fucus$ spp.
The marshes around the Basin contain a rich variety of plant communities. These contain the locally rare plants saltmarsh flat-sedge $Blysmus rufus$, beaked tasselweed $Ruppia maritima$, grey club-rush $Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani$, long-bracted sedge $Carex extensa$ and annual sea-blite $Suaeda maritima$. The area called the Lurgies contains the best example of saline standing waters in Tayside region. The grass ley and arable crops adjacent to the Montrose Basin are important feeding areas for wintering wildfowl.
The loch and fen at Dun's Dish is surrounded by agricultural land. The eutrophic loch has extensive open-water transition mires supporting rich fen and carr communities that contain locally rare plants.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher plants.
$Zostera noltei$, $Zostera marina$, $Zostera angustifolia$.",None reported,"Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Angus Council Ranger Service undertake detailed monitoring of geese and wigeon.","The Scottish Wildlife Trust have a Visitor Centre at the site, and provide several bird-watching hides.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Water-based recreation :
Wind-surfing and canoeing are only occasional uses but recently pressure has increased from these activities. Angling is mainly by estates and has remained constant historically. Duns Dish is fished most intensively during August & September.
Shooting of wildfowl is controlled by a permit system and is restricted to certain parts of the site.
Other activities such as sailing, angling and bait-digging are also controlled by permits.","Ahmad, WA (1990) Assessment of some remote sensing techniques for recognition of sediment distributions in Montrose Basin and the Eden estuary, Scotland. Unpublished PhD thesis, University of Dundee
Angus District Council (1982) Byelaws for the regulation of Montrose Basin Local Nature Reserve. Angus District Council, Forfar
Atkins, SM, Caudwell, CM & Herbert, RA (1992) Montrose Basin tidal flats: environmental survey, September 1991. (Contractor: University of Dundee, Environmental Advisory Unit) Unpublished report to Scottish Wildlife Trust, Edinburgh
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1997) Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. Region 4. South-east Scotland: Montrose to Eyemouth. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coastal Directories Series)
Bayne, DM (1981) Montrose Basin Local Nature Reserve. An assessment of the floristic interest. Nature Conservancy Council, South East (Scotland) Region (unpublished internal file note)
Bennett, TL & McLeod, CR (1998) Chapter 4. East Scotland (Duncansby Head to Dunbar) (MNCR Sector 4). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 123-154. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Boase, H (1970) Bird records of the Tay area, 1961/1967. Unpublished typescript [Includes the first comprehensive account of the larger birds of Montrose Basin]
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 4. North and east Scotland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Caudwell, C (1997) Montrose Basin tidal flats: annual monitoring programme: September 1997. (Contractor: University of Dundee, Environmental Advisory Unit). Unpublished report to Scottish Natural Heritage
Caudwell, C & Jones, AM (1993) Montrose Basin Aerial Multi-Spectral Imaging Project – ground truth survey (November 1992). (Contractor: University of Dundee, Environmental Advisory Unit). Unpublished report to Scottish Natural Heritage
Caudwell, C & Jones, AM (1994) Montrose Basin tidal flats: annual monitoring programme: September 1993. (Contractor: University of Dundee, Environmental Advisory Unit). Unpublished report to Scottish Natural Heritage
Cobb, JLS (1973) Interim report to the Nature Conservancy on the fauna of the Montrose Basin. (Contractor: University of St Andrews, Gatty Marine Laboratory). Unpublished report to Nature Conservancy, South-east (Scotland) Region, Edinburgh
Coffin, H (2000) Assessing the ecological health of Montrose Basin. Unpublished MSc Biology of Water Resource Management Project Report, Napier University, Edinburgh
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Duncan, UK (1981) Species recorded from Montrose Basin and surroundings by Ursula K. Duncan. Nature Conservancy Council, South East (Scotland) Region (unpublished internal file note)
Fisher, J (2001) Montrose Basin. A retrospective. Scottish Wildlife, 42 (pages unnumbered)
Forth River Purification Board (1982) A biological and sedimentological study of the northern shore of the South Esk estuary, Montrose. Unpublished, Forth River Purification Board, Edinburgh (Estuary Survey Section Report, No. ES4/82)
Goater, R (1986) The mute swans of Montrose. Scottish Wildlife, 22(3), 16-18
Goater, R (1992) Wildlife thrives on the fertile ‘lands of sands’. Heritage Scotland, 9(4), 12-13
Gordon, JE & Sutherland, DG (eds.) (1993) Quaternary of Scotland. Chapman & Hall, London, for Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 6)
Ingram, R & Noltie, HJ (1981) The flora of Angus. Dundee Museums and Art Galleries, Dundee
Johnston, R, Topping, G, McIntyre, AD & Gamble, JC (1973) Studies on Montrose Channel and its effluents. Unpublished, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland. (Marine Laboratory Internal Report, No. IR73-9)
Jones, AM & Caudwell, CM (1995) Montrose Basin tidal flats: annual monitoring programme, September – October, 1994. (Contractor: University of Dundee, Environmental Advisory Unit). Unpublished report to Scottish Natural Heritage
Jones, AM & Caudwell, CM (1996) Montrose Basin tidal flats: annual monitoring programme, September – October, 1995. (Contractor: University of Dundee, Environmental Advisory Unit). Unpublished report to Scottish Natural Heritage
Jones, AM & Caudwell, CM (1997) Montrose Basin tidal flats: annual monitoring programme, September – October, 1996. (Contractor: University of Dundee, Environmental Advisory Unit). Unpublished report to Scottish Natural Heritage
King, G, King, M & Adams, D (1993) The Basin: threats and safeguards. In: The Port of Montrose. A history of its harbour, trade and shipping, ed. by G Jackson & SGE Lythe, 11-15. Hutton Press, Tayport/Georgica Press, Wainscott, NY
Loizou, T (2000) The salt marshes of Montrose Basin. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report, No. F99LH17C
MacTaggart, F (1997) Montrose Basin SSSI (incorporating Maryton GCR site). Scottish Natural Heritage, Perth (Earth Science Site Documentation Series)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
McLusky, D & Roddie, K (1982) Montrose Basin Survey 1982. (Contractor: University of Stirling, Department of Biological Sciences) Unpublished report to Nature Conservancy Council (Internal Report, No. NC 199L)
Milligan, J (1984) Quantitative study of the intertidal invertebrate communities of the Montrose Basin, September 1983. Unpublished BSc dissertation, University of Stirling, Department of Biological Sciences
Montrose Basin Heritage Society (2004) Ebb and flow: aspects of the history of Montrose Basin. Pinkfoot Press, Forfar
Morrison, J (1992) Wild nature presided over by House of Dun. Heritage Scotland, 9(4), 11
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Osborne, MC and PA Davies (1993) An airborne remote sensing study of tidally-forced flow in Montrose Basin. In: Proceedings of the NERC Symposium on Airborne Remote Sensing 1993, West Park Centre, University of Dundee, UK, **-**. Natural Environment Research Council, Swindon
Peck, D (1990) An investigation of the major influences on distribution of flora and fauna in the South Esk estuary, Montrose. Unpublished MSc dissertation, Heriot-Watt University, International Centre for Island Technology, Stromness
Pounder, B (1976) Waterfowl at effluent discharges in Scottish coastal waters. Scottish Birds, 9(1) 5-36
Pritchard, DE, Housden, SD, Mudge, GP, Galbraith, CA & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy.
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Sankey, S & Shedden, C (1998) Geese and local economies in Scotland. RSPB / BASC, report to National Goose Forum. www.rspb.org.uk/pdfstore/goose.pdf
Scottish Natural Heritage (1993) Montrose Basin proposed Special Protection Area and Ramsar site (403A). Departmental brief. Scottish Natural Heritage, Research and Advisory Services Directorate, Edinburgh (International Sites Series)
Scottish Natural Heritage (1993) Montrose Basin Site of Special Scientific Interest. SSSI citation, April 1993
Scottish Wildlife Trust (1991) Montrose Basin Local Nature Reserve management plan 1991 – 1996. Scottish Wildlife Trust, Edinburgh
Scottish Wildlife Trust (1996) Montrose Basin Wildlife Centre. Scottish Wildlife Trust (Leaflet)
Scottish Wildlife Trust (2001) Montrose Basin. Scottish Wildlife Trust, Edinburgh (information sheet) www.swt.org.uk/documents/reserves/Reserve%20East%20Montrose%20Basin.pdf
Scottish Wildlife Trust (n.d.) Montrose Basin Wildlife Centre, Angus, Scotland. Scottish Wildlife Trust, Edinburgh (Leaflet)
Somerville, A (1988) The mud of Montrose. Scottish Wildlife, 5, 16-18
Stace, H (1984) Saltmarshes of Montrose Basin. October 1984. Unpublished report to Nature Conservancy Council, Chief Scientist’s Team, Edinburgh
Steers, JA (1973) The coastline of Scotland. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
Stewart, M (1990) A new centre of attraction for Montrose. Scottish Wildlife, 11, 7
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Volume 3: Site accounts. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Stroud, DA, Mudge, GP & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1990) Protecting internationally important bird sites: a review of the EEC Special Protection Area Network in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Walker, CN (1968) A preliminary investigation into the distribution of the polychaete Arenicola marina (L.), on Rossie Island, Montrose. Unpublished BSc dissertation, University of Aberdeen, Department of Zoology",,,
7000120,UK13048,Moray and Nairn Coast,Classified/designatd,S,2412.27,,Grampian; Highland,02/02/1997,57 38 54 N,03 43 48 W,297000,863000,NH968633,-1,19,2,"The Moray and Nairn Coast site is comprised of two areas: the intertidal flats, saltmarsh and sand dunes of Findhorn Bay and Culbin Bar, and the alluvial deposits and associated woodland of the lower River Spey and Spey Bay. It is of outstanding nature conservation and scientific importance for coastal and riverine habitats, and for migrating geese and over-wintering waders.","Ramsar criterion 1
The site supports a variety of important wetland features, including particularly good examples of intertidal flats, saltmarsh and floodplain alder $Alnus glutinosa$ woodland.
Ramsar criterion 2
At least six nationally scarce aquatic and coastal plants are present, sea centaury $Centaurium littorale$, Baltic rush $Juncus balticus$, oysterplant $Mertensia maritima$ and the eelgrasses $Zostera noltei, Z. angustifolia$ and $Z. marina$. The British Red Data Book invertebrates, $Ochthebius lenensis$ (a small water beetle) and $Tetanocera freyi$ (a snail-killing fly) are also found.","Nearest town/city: Elgin
Situated between Nairn, east of Inverness and Spey Bay, east of Elgin. It is an integral part of the Moray Firth on the coast of north-east Scotland.","The Spey Bay/Lower River Spey supports a large range of shingle-related habitats reflecting the succession from presently mobile, unstable conditions to those which have been stable for considerably longer. Areas of recently deposited shingle and sand support a diverse flora of plant species including those associated with coastal habitats and those associated with upland or montane habitats. More stable shingle supports a mosaic of scrub/heath/dry grassland. River channels and adjacent areas of shingle support valley alder woodland and willow scrub. Some of the older channels also support aquatic and fen communities.
Findhorn Bay/Culbin Bars contain a wide variety of coastal habitats including extensive intertidal flats and saltmarsh, sand and shingle bars, dunes, and dune-slacks. Successional processes associated with coastal processes, such as accretion and development of saltmarsh, are of particular interest.","Assemblage.
The site is internationally important because it contains the following Habitats Directive Annex I features:
H1330 Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae)
H2110 Embryonic shifting dunes
H1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks
H91E0 Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae)
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Centaurium littorale, Juncus balticus, Mertensia maritima,
Zostera angustifolia, Zostera marina, Zostera noltei$","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Ochthebius lenensis, Tetanocera freyi$.","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Environment.
The Culbin Bars part of the site is used by Aberdeen University for research into intertidal ecology.
The Lower River Spey/Spey Bay section is used by Glasgow University for research into coastal and fluvial geomorphological processes.","Interpretative panels have been installed at Findhorn Bay and Spey Bay with support from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). SNH has recently produced an education pack for school users to promote the educational use of Findhorn Bay; the potential educational value of this site is considered to be high.
There is an ice house at Spey Bay used as a museum run by the Moray Authority focusing on the salmon-fishing industry. At Findhorn Bay there is a small museum run by the local community funded by Scottish Natural Heritage which provides information on the history and conservation interest of the village and Bay. Both are only open during the summer.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
The site is of importance for recreational angling, wildfowling, walking (the Speyside Way Long Distance footpath runs adjacent to part of the site), watersports (concentrated in Findhorn Bay) and birdwatching. No figures for tourism are available but a very rough estimate would be in the order of 50,000-100,000 visitors per annum.","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1996) Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. Region 3. North-east Scotland: Cape Wrath to St Cyrus. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coastal Directories Series)
Bennett, TL & McLeod, CR (1998) Chapter 4. East Scotland (Duncansby Head to Dunbar) (MNCR Sector 4). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 123-154. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 4. North and east Scotland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Dargie, T (2001) Sand dune vegetation survey of Scotland: East coast. Volume 2: Site reports. Scottish Natural Heritage Research, Survey and Monitoring Report, No. 179
Dargie, TCD (1993) Sand dune vegetation survey of Great Britain: a national inventory. Part II: Scotland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Dargie, TCD (2000) Sand dune vegetation survey of Scotland: national report. Scottish Natural Heritage, Commissioned Report, No. F97AA401. www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/strategy/commreports/F97AA401.pdf
Dean, BJ, Webb, A, McSorley, CA & Reid, JB (2003) Aerial surveys of UK inshore areas for wintering seaduck, divers and grebes: 2000/01 and 2001/02. JNCC Report, No. 333. www.jncc.gov.uk/page-2346
Dean, BJ, Webb, A, McSorley, CA & Reid, JB (2004) Surveillance of wintering seaduck, divers and grebes in UK inshore areas: aerial surveys 2002/03. JNCC Report, No. 345
Dean, BJ, Webb, A, McSorley, CA, Schofield, RA & Reid, JB (2004) Surveillance of wintering seaducks, divers and grebes in UK inshore areas: aerial surveys and shore-based counts 2003/04. JNCC Report, No. 357
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Harding-Hill, R (1993) The Moray Firth review. Scottish Natural Heritage, North-West Region, Inverness
Marshall, S (1987) Spey Bay SSSI Phase 1 habitat survey. Scottish Natural Heritage
Marshall, S (1988) Culbin Sands, Culbin Forest and Findhorn Bay SSSI Phase 1 habitat survey. Scottish Natural Heritage
May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Ralph, R (ed.) (1986) The marine environment of the Moray Firth. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Series B: Biological Sciences, 91
Ramsay, DL & Brampton, AH (2000) Coastal cells in Scotland: Cell 3 – Cairnbulg Point to Duncansby Head. Scottish Natural Heritage Research Survey and Monitoring Report, No. 145
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Ross, S (1992) The Culbin Sands – fact and fiction. University of Aberdeen, Centre for Scottish Studies, Aberdeen
Scottish Natural Heritage (1991) Culbin Sands, Culbin Forest and Findhorn Bay SSSI site management statement. Scottish Natural Heritage
Scottish Natural Heritage (1995) Lower River Spey SSSI site management statement. Scottish Natural Heritage
Scottish Natural Heritage (1996) Spey Bay SSSI site management statement. Scottish Natural Heritage
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Tidswell, R (1997) A botanical survey of the lower Spey Woods. Scottish Natural Heritage",,,
7000118,UK11045,Morecambe Bay,Classified/designatd,E,37404.6,,Cumbria; Lancashire,04/10/1996,54 07 19 N,02 57 21 W,337540.4,469997.2,SD375700,-3,8,0,"Morecambe Bay lies between the coasts of South Cumbria and Lancashire, and represents the largest continuous intertidal area in Britain. Morecambe Bay comprises the estuaries of five rivers and the accretion of mudflats behind Walney Island. The area is of intertidal mud and sandflats, with associated saltmarshes, shingle beaches and other coastal habitats. It is a component in the chain of west coast estuaries of outstanding importance for passage and overwintering waterfowl (supporting the third-largest number of wintering waterfowl in Britain), and breeding waterfowl, gulls and terns.","Ramsar criterion 4
The site is a staging area for migratory waterfowl including internationally important numbers of passage ringed plover $Charadrius hiaticula$.","Nearest town/city: Morecambe
Morecambe Bay is located within the counties of Cumbria and Lancashire in north-west England","The main habitat types of the Morecambe Bay Ramsar site are: Intertidal mudflats and sandflats, saltmarsh, shingle, rocky scars, sand dunes.
A large shallow estuary, with extensive intertidal mudflats, saltmarshes, subtidal sediments and rocky shorelines.
There are small areas of eelgrass $Zostera$ beds and vegetated shingle. There is also the presence of the honeycomb worm $Sabellaria alveolata$.
The saltmarshes are traditionally heavily grazed and provide important wildfowl habitat.",None reported,None reported,"Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Habitat.
Baseline habitat review/survey being completed by English Nature for European Marine Site Management Scheme.",None reported,"Activities.
Angling, wildfowling, bait collection, walking, watersports (including sailing, windsurfing) and birdwatching.
Facilities provided.
There are interpretative facilities at South Walney, Foulney and Leighton Moss reserves, and in the nearby town of Morecambe.
Seasonality.
Wildfowling occurs from1 September to 20 February.","Anon. (1996) Morecambe Bay strategy. Morecambe Bay Project, Kendal
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1996) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 13. Northern Irish Sea: Colwyn Bay to Stranraer, including the Isle of Man. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 3. North-west Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Corlett, J & others (1972) The ecology of Morecambe Bay. Journal of Applied Ecology, 9, 153-234
Covey, R (1998) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 11. Liverpool Bay and the Solway Firth: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Davison, D (n.d.) Morecambe Bay. The secrets of the sands. Morecambe Bay Project, Kendal?
Dean, T (1990) The natural history of Walney Island. Faust, Burnley
Gray, LC (1980) Environmental bibliography of north-west England (vice-counties 59, 60, 69 and 70) 1850–1979. University of Lancaster Library, Lancaster (Library Occasional Paper, No. 10)
May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Mills, DJL (1998) Chapter 11. Liverpool Bay to the Solway (Rhôs-on-Sea to the Mull of Galloway) (MNCR Sector 11). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 315-338. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Parkes, K (1976) Walney. In: Bird observatories in Britain and Ireland, ed. by R. Durman, 251-259. Poyser, London
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Robinson, NA & Pringle, AW (eds.) (1987) Morecambe Bay: an appraisal of present knowledge. Centre for North West Regional Studies/ Morecambe Bay Study Group, Lancaster
Sotheran, I & Walton, R (1997) Broadscale mapping of Morecambe Bay. English Nature Research Reports, No. 232
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Taylor, PM & Parker, JG (eds.) (1993) The coast of north Wales & north west England. An environmental appraisal. Hamilton Oil Company Ltd., London
Weighell, AJ, Donnelly, AP & Calder, K (eds.) (2000) Directory of the Celtic coasts and seas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Wilson, J (1973) Wader populations of Morecambe Bay, Lancashire. Bird Study, 20, 9-23
Wilson, J (n.d. [~1989]) Leighton Moss and Morecambe Bay Reserve. The first twenty-five years 1964–1988. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds",24/09/1999,,
7000176,UK13049,Muir of Dinnet,Classified/designatd,S,157.6,,Aberdeenshire,10/05/1999,57 05 00 N,02 55 00 W,344445.3,799500.8,NO444995,167,167,167,The site comprises two neighbouring lochs of high importance as a roost for greylag geese in autumn and winter.,***Country Agency to provide justification for addition of criterion 5,"Nearest town/city: Aberdeen
The site is 45 km west of Aberdeen.","The lochs exhibit a full range of hydroseral plant communities from a rich variety of aquatics such as pondweeds $Potamogeton$ spp., through emergent swamps with common reed $Phragmites australis$ or bottle sedge $Carex rostrata$, to fens with slender sedge $C. lasiocarpa$ or bog-myrtle $Myrica gale$, and fen woodland with willows $Salix$ spp. and birch $Betula$ spp. A number of rare or local species are represented.",None reported,None reported,"SNH surveys and monitors the vegetation and bird populations. Wildfowl populations are monitored daily by resident SNH staff. Lochs Davan and Kinord are used for research into otters, aquatic vegetation and fish populations by the University of Aberdeen and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.",There is a visitor centre by the Vat Burn.,Fishing under permit on Loch Kinord.,"Gordon, JE & Sutherland, DG (eds.) (1993) Quaternary of Scotland. Chapman & Hall, London, for Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 6)
Macmillan et al. (1998) Eutrophication of Loch Davan. MRCS for Scottish Natural Heritage, Aberdeen
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",,,
7000067,UK11046,Nene Washes,Classified/designatd,E,1517.49,,Cambridgeshire; City of Peterborough,05/03/1993,52 34 41 N,00 04 33 W,530361,299584.3,TL304996,1,6,2,"This site is an extensive area of seasonally-flooding wet grassland (washland) of importance for national and international populations of breeding and wintering waders and wildfowl. During severe winter weather elsewhere, the site can attract waterfowl from other areas due to its relatively mild climate (compared with continental Europe) and abundant food resources available. The site is also notable for the diversity of plant and associated animal life within its network of dykes.","Ramsar criterion 2
The site supports an important assemblage of nationally rare breeding birds. In addition, a wide range of raptors occur through the year. The site also supports several nationally scarce plants, and two vulnerable and two rare British Red Data Book invertebrate species have been recorded.","Nearest town/city: Peterborough
The site extends for 21 km east from Peterborough, in eastern England.","A mixture of largely arable land and agriculturally-improved, floristically-poor grassland. The latter being dominated by species such as $Elymus repens$, $Poa trivialis$ and $Deschampsia cespitosa$. Areas of more structurally-diverse grassland exist containing a range of grasses, sedges and rushes. Species of frequent occurrence include $Eleocharis palustris$, $Glyceria fluitans$, $Glyceria maxima$, $Phalaris arundinacea$, $Alopecurus geniculatus$ and $Juncus effusus$. A couple of small semi-natural grassland areas are also present. The washlands are used for the seasonal uptake of floodwaters and traditionally, cattle grazing in summer months. The mosaic of rough grassland and wet pasture provide a variety of habitats for breeding and feeding birds. Many of the ditches hold a rich flora and several nationally scarce plants including fringed water-lily $Nymphoides peltata$, hair-like pondweed $Potamogeton trichoides$ and marsh dock $Rumex palustris$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Nymphoides peltata$, $Potamogeton trichoides$, $Rumex palustris$, $Potamogeton friesii$, $Alisma lanceolatum$, $Hordeum marinum$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Valvata macrostoma$, $Agabus undulatus$, $Libellula fulva$, $Anasimyia interpuncta$.","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Annual breeding bird survey.",Occasional guided walks are provided by RSPB warden.,Wildfowling and sport hunting annually from September to February.,"Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Environment Agency (1996) Nene Washes water level management plan. Draft. Environment Agency
Folkard, N, Ausden, M & Kitchen, C (1998) Conservation management of the Nene Washes RSPB Reserve. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Stewart, A, Pearman, DA & Preston, CD (eds.) (1994) Scarce plants in Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",,,
7000013,UK11048,North Norfolk Coast,Classified/designatd,E,7862.39,,Norfolk,05/01/1976,52 58 13 N,00 35 55 E,574482,344655.1,TF744446,-2,5,2,"This low-lying barrier coast site extends for 40 km from Holme to Weybourne and encompasses a variety of habitats including intertidal sands and muds, saltmarshes, shingle and sand dunes, together with areas of land-claimed freshwater grazing marsh and reedbed, which is developed in front of rising land. Both freshwater and marine habitats support internationally important numbers of wildfowl in winter and several nationally rare breeding birds. The sandflats, sand dune, saltmarsh, shingle and saline lagoons habitats are of international importance for their fauna, flora and geomorphology.","Ramsar criterion 1
The site is one of the largest expanses of undeveloped coastal habitat of its type in Europe. It is a particularly good example of a marshland coast with intertidal sand and mud, saltmarshes, shingle banks and sand dunes. There are a series of brackish-water lagoons and extensive areas of freshwater grazing marsh and reed beds.
Ramsar criterion 2
Supports at least three British Red Data Book and nine nationally scarce vascular plants, one British Red Data Book lichen and 38 British Red Data Book invertebrates.","Nearest town/city: King's Lynn
The North Norfolk coast Ramsar site covers a 40 km length of coast between Hunstanton and Weybourne, and lies c. 45 km north-west of Norwich","The area consists primarily of intertidal sands and muds, saltmarshes, saline lagoons, shingle banks, and sand dunes. There are also extensive areas of freshwater grazing marsh and reedbed. The coast is of great physiographic interest and the shingle spit of Blakeney Point and the barrier island of Scolt Head Island are of special importance. The salt marshes are mostly developed behind barrier beaches or on sheltered parts of the coast and show zonation from scarcely vegetated sand and mud at the sea-ward edge to maritime grassland and tidal reedbed at the landward margin. The middle salt marsh is dominated in particular by $Limonium vulgare$, $Armeria maritima$, $Aster tripolium$ and $Puccinellia$ species. A nationally rare distinct community dominated by $Suaeda vera$ occurs at the boundary between saltmarsh and sand dunes and includes a number of nationally rare plants. Dune systems occur in various places and range from moderately calcareous to moderately acid. There is a full development from foredunes to grey mature dunes though slacks are relatively small. The dunes are covered with dune grassland, in places lichen heath whilst at Holkham, mature plantations of the introduced Corsican pine $Pinus nigra$ var. $maritima$ occur. The vegetation of the shingle ranges from disturbed almost unvegetated through to lichen heath. Natural brackish lagoons occur in places and are dominated mostly by $Ruppia$. The reclaimed grazing marshes are mostly semi-improved but have dyke floras which may be brackish or fresh. There are extensive freshwater reedbeds in places.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Limonium bellidifolium$ (RDB Nationally Threatened), $Gnaphalium luteoalbum$ (RDB Critical), $Dryopteris cristata$ (RDB Nationally Threatened), $Juncus acutus$ (Nationally Scarce), $Parapholis incurva$ (Nationally Scarce), $Poa bulbosa$, $Ruppia cirrhosa$ (Nationally Scarce), $Vulpia fasciculata$, $Vulpia ciliata$ var. $ambigua$ (Nationally Scarce), $Suaeda vera$ (Nationally Scarce).","Species occurring at levels of international importance.
Mammals.
$Phoca vitulina$
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Amphibians.
$Bufo calamita$
Assemblage.
This site supports a diverse assemblage of invertebrates.","Environment.
This coast has been and continues be subject to a wide variety of research and monitoring projects including the following:
Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Breeding bird surveys.
Various invertebrate studies, both freshwater and marine.
Flora.
NVC of sand dunes, shingle and saltmarsh completed late 1980s.
Survey of saline lagoons 1996.
Recent saltmarsh survey (2002)
An important area for research on various coastal processes both on macro scale and within salt marshes.
Completed.
Habitat.
Study of historical evolution of the coast (Loeps) finished 1997","The site is used extensively by schools and universities for ecological and geomorphological studies. There are some interpretation facilities on the coast, principally at Cley and Blakeney Point. Other activities include guided walks, and leaflets are available.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Large numbers of tourists visit the area especially during the period April to September, but increasingly throughout the year. The nature reserves at Holme, Titchwell, Holkham, Blakeney and Cley all provide facilities for birdwatching through the provision of hides. Most visitors are concentrated on the beaches and their approaches and there is generally only low levels of pressure on saltmarshes and grazing marshes. A visitor management plan has been written with the objective of encouraging sustainable tourism.","Allison, H & Morley, J (eds.) (1989) Blakeney Point and Scolt Head Island. 5th edn. National Trust, Norfolk
Anon. (2002) North Norfolk Coastal Habitat Management Plan: Executive summary. English Nature, Peterborough (Living with the Sea LIFE Project) www.english-nature.org.uk/livingwiththesea/project_details/good_practice_guide/HabitatCRR/ENRestore/champs/NorthNorfolk/NNorfolkCHaMP.pdf
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1995) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 6 Eastern England: Flamborough Head to Great Yarmouth. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Brown, AF, Grice, PV, Radley, GP, Leafe, RN & Lambley, P (1994) Towards a strategy for the conservation of coastal habitats in north Norfolk. A discussion paper. English Nature Research Reports, No. 74
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 5. Eastern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Church, JM, Coppins, BJ, Gilbert, OL, James, PW & Stewart, NF (1996) Red Data Books of Britain and Ireland. Lichens. Volume 1: Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Covey, R (1998) Chapter 6. Eastern England (Bridlington to Folkestone) (MNCR Sector 6). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 179-198. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Dipper, F (2003) The Lincolnshire and North Norfolk maritime area: a review of the past and present status of its species and habitats. English Nature Research Reports, No. 542
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Environment Agency (1997) North Norfolk action plan. Local Environment Agency Plan. Environment Agency, Angliabn Region, Ipswich
Foster-Smith, RL & Sotheran, I (1999) Broad scale remote survey and mapping of sublittoral habitats and biota of the Wash and the Lincolnshire and the north Norfolk coasts. English Nature Research Reports, No. 336
Foster-Smith, RL & White, WH (2004); Foster-Smith, RL (2004); Foster-Smith, RL & Hendrick, VJ (2004) Sabellaria spinulosa in the Wash and North Norfolk Coast cSAC and its approaches: Parts I–III. English Nature Research Reports, Nos. 543, 544, 545
Gibbons, B (1989) Reserve Focus: Cley and Salthouse Marshes, Norfolk British Wildlife, 1(2), 96-98
Lambley, PW (1998) The North Norfolk Natural Area Profile. English Nature, Peterborough
May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Mortimer, D (n.d. [2002]) Wash and North Norfolk Coast European Marine Site management scheme. [English Nature, Peterborough]
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Perrins, J & Bunker, F St PD (1998) Biotope survey of the littoral sediments of the North Norfolk Coast candidate SAC. English Nature Research Reports, No. 285
Pye, K (1991) A scientific bibliography of the North Norfolk Coast. Cambridge Environmental Consultants, Cambridge
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Rodwell, JS (ed.) (2000) British plant communities. Volume 5. Maritime communities and vegetation of open habitats. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Sills, N (1988) Transformation at Titchwell: a wetland reserve management case history. RSPB Conservation Review, 2, 64-68
Stewart, A, Pearman, DA & Preston, CD (eds.) (1994) Scarce plants in Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Tuck, R (1993) Norfolk coast bibliography. National Trust
Wiggington, M (1999) British Red Data Books. 1. Vascular plants. 3rd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Yates, MG, Garbutt, RA, Barratt, DR, Turk, A, Brown, NJ, Rispin, WE, McGrorty, S, Vdit Durell, SEA le, Goss-Custard, JD, Murray, E & Russell, D (2002) Littoral sediments of the Wash and North Norfolk Coast SAC: the 1998 and 1999 surveys of intertidal sediment and invertebrates. English Nature Research Reports, No. 470",20/01/1989,,
7000177,UK13050,North Uist Machair and Islands,Classified/designatd,S,4704.92,,Western Isles / Na h-Eileanan an Iar,29/03/1999,57 32 00 N,07 22 45 W,78147.29,861979.4,NF781620,-1,96,10,"North Uist Machair and Islands Ramsar site comprises a number of machair areas, which show a range of habitats, from intertidal sand and rock through sand dunes and dune slacks to a calcareous coastal plain and acid grassland. The site contains a range of freshwater wetlands including eutrophic machair lochs; important freshwater marshes and fens; wet and dry machair and saltmarsh. These areas are important for their breeding and wintering waterfowl. The machair on Robach and Newton SSSI is also notable for its geomorphological landforms within the sand dune and machair system.",,"Nearest town/city: Lochmaddy
North Uist Machair and Islands lies on the west and north coasts of North Uist in the Outer Hebrides.","North Uist Machair and Islands comprises four sites on the west and north coasts of North Uist, and all or part of three islands in the Sound of Harris. All these components are dominated by sand dune and machair systems. The machair plain includes wet and dry machair, some of which is uncultivated. Associated with the machair are fine examples of nutrient-rich fen, marsh and bog, eutrophic machair lochs, saltmarsh and sandy and rocky shores. The site supports a rich and diverse range of plant communities and includes some locally or nationally scarce plants and bryophytes. The coast, machair lochs and acidic blackland are of considerable ornithological importance for wintering and breeding birds.","Assemblage
This site is internationally important because it contains the following Habitats Directive Annex I features:
H1210 Annual vegetation of drift lines
H1330 Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae)
H2110 Embryonic shifting dunes
H2120 Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (“white dunes”)
H2130 Fixed dunes with herbaceous vegetation (“grey dunes”)
H2190 Humid dune slacks
H21A0 Machairs
H3150 Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition-type vegetation
Internationally important species occurring on the site.
S1833 Najas flexilis Slender naiad (Habitats Directive Annex II species)
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Dactylorhiza majalis scotica, Equisetum variegatum, Potamogeton filiformis, Potamogeton rutilus, Potamogeton coloratus, Potamogeton friesii, Pilularia globulifera, Mertensia maritima$, and $Juncus balticus$
Lower Plants.
$Chara$ spp., $Drepanocladus sendtneri, Drepanocladus polygamus, Tortella fragilis, Distichium inclinatum, Meesia uliginosa, Campylium elodes$ and $Amblyodon dealbatus$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Bombus distinguendus$.
","Birds.
· Corncrake surveys (RSPB/SNH) annual.
· Birds on RSPB reserve monitored every year.
· Breeding wader surveys in 1983, 1995 & 2000, wintering wader survey 1994-95 and 2004. Various national BTO surveys.
· Feasibility study for mink eradication, 1999
· Ongoing research into effects of hedgehogs on ground nesting birds (2000)
- Annual (Feb) barnacle goose count.
Invertebrates.
Survey of $Bombus distinguendus$ in 1997, 2000
Habitat.
Freshwater vegetation surveyed in 1995. Machair vegetation surveyed 1995,1988.
Machair and Freshwater Site Condition Monitoring 2004. Intertidal/marine Site Condition Monitoring 2004.",The RSPB reserve at Balranald has a small visitor centre with interpretive panels and displays. There is a reserve leaflet and the RSPB hold guided walks during the summer for visitors and organised parties. The Balranald site has also been used to demonstrate habitat management for corncrakes to a variety of people and organisations.,"· Walking, including dog walking, birdwatching and mammal watching occur, at a fairly low level, over much of the site, all year. An exception to this, is the Balranald area which is an RSPB reserve and receives reasonably large numbers of visitors mainly in the summer. Visitors are asked to keep to a marked trail to avoid disturbance to breeding birds.
· Angling occurs from both shore and boat. Again this mainly occurs from April to September.
· North Uist Estates shoot over the parts of the site they own, whilst a syndicate of local crofters shoots over some of the SEERAD-owned ground at Balranald. Season 12 August to 20 February inclusive.","Bainbridge, I, Walker, D & Gray, M (1994) Winter bird surveys on proposed Special Protection Areas in Scotland. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (unpublished report to Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh)
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1997) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Regions 15 & 16. North-west Scotland: the Western Isles and west Highland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Booth, AB & Milne, F (1999) Western Isles corncrake habitat survey. (Contactor: Central Environmental Surveys.) Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report, No. F99LC03
Boyd, JM & Boyd, IL (1990) The Hebrides. A natural history. Collins, London (New Naturalist No. 76)
Boyd, JM (ed.) (1979) The natural environment of the Outer Hebrides. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Series B: Biological Sciences, 77
Connor, DW & Little, M (1998) Chapter 14. Outer Hebrides (MNCR Sector 14). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 371-383. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Dargie, TCD (1993) Sand dune vegetation survey of Great Britain: a national inventory. Part II: Scotland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Dargie, TCD (2000) Sand dune vegetation survey of Scotland: national report. Scottish Natural Heritage, Commissioned Report, No. F97AA401. www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/strategy/commreports/F97AA401.pdf
Delaney, S & Ogilvie, MA (1994) Greenland barnacle geese in Scotland, March 1994. Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge (unpublished report to Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough)
Ecology UK Ltd. (2005) North Uist Machair and Islands SPA and South Uist Machair and Lochs SPA: winter wader survey 2004. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report, No. 097 (ROAME No. F03LC05)
Johnston, R, Boyle, J & Quick, R (1995) A survey of wintering waders on the west coast of the Uists in winter 1994–95. Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh (unpublished report)
Johnston, R, Murray, J & Shepherd, MA (1995) Survey of breeding waders on Uist SSSIs. Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh
May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Mitchell, CR, Patterson, DJ, Price, DJ & Kerr, S (1997) Aerial counts of barnacle geese on proposed SPA sites in north and west Scotland. Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge (unpublished report to Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh)
Ramsay, DL & Brampton, AH (2000) Coastal cells in Scotland: Cells 8 & 9 – The Western Isles. Scottish Natural Heritage Research Survey and Monitoring Report, No. 150
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Ritchie, W (1971) The beaches of Barra and the Uists. A survey of the beach, dune and machair areas of Barra, South Uist, North Uist and Berneray. University of Aberdeen, Department of Geography, for Countryside Commission for Scotland, Perth. [Reprinted 2004 as Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report, No. 047]
Scottish Natural Heritage (1998) Machair. Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh (Scotland’s Living Landscapes)
Shepherd, M & Mudge, G (1997) North Uist Machair and Islands Proposed Special Protection Area and Ramsar site (105A) Departmental brief. Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh (International Sites Series)
Stewart, NF (2004) Important stonewort areas. An assessment of the best areas for stoneworts in the United Kingdom. Plantlife International, Salisbury
Weighell, AJ, Donnelly, AP & Calder, K (eds.) (2000) Directory of the Celtic coasts and seas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",13/10/2000,,
7000189,UK43001,"North, Middle and East Caicos Islands",Classified/designatd,OT,58617,,Turks and Caicos,27/06/1990,21 45 00 N,71 45 00 W,,,not avai,0,30,,"A wetland site of international importance containing a variety of marine and coastal habitat types, and complex natural transitions. There are also shallow inland ponds of various sizes linked to the sea in times of storm and/or via subterranean channels. Noteworthy are mangrove swamps, diverse bird life, numerous Arawak sites and several inlet cays. The whole area is a particularly good example of coastal wetland habitat in the Caribbean, providing shelter and nursery locations for various species of waterfowl, turtles and commercial fish species.","Ramsar Criterion 1
The North, Middle and East Caicos wetlands comprise interrelated ecosystems complete with submerged mangroves, algal flats and seagrass beds. It is a wetland site of international importance containing a variety of marine and coastal habitat types, and complex natural transitions. Noteworthy are mangrove swamps, diverse bird life, numerous Arawak sites and several inlet cays. The whole area is a particularly good example of coastal wetland habitat in the Caribbean, providing shelter and nursery locations for various species of waterfowl, turtles and commercial fish species.
Ramsar Criterion 2
Internationally important species occurring on the site (and in some cases more importantly on the adjacent woodland area which is ecologically linked and for which measures of conservation are being explored):
the following Turks & Caicos Islands endemic species of lizard:
the gecko $Aristelliger hechti$ (CR), curly tail $Leiocephalus psammodromus$, Caicos Islands reef gecko $Sphaerodactylus caicosensis$;
and the one endemic species of snake: the Caicos Islands trope boa $Tropidophis greenwayi$.
In addition there are three further lizards that are endemic at the subspecific level:
Turks & Caicos bark anole $Anolis scriptus scriptus$, Turks & Caicos rock iguana $Cyclura carinata carinata$ (CR; the only subspecies of $Cyclura carinata$ found outside the Turks & Caicos Islands is confined to the small island of Booby Cay off nearby Mayaguana);
Mabuya Skink (or slippery back or snake-doctor) $Mabuya mabouya sloanei$;
and one snake: Bahaman rainbow boa $Epicrates chrysogaster chrysogaster$.
The waters of the Ramsar site are important for turtles:
Green $Chelonia midas$, Hawksbill $Eretmochelys imbricata$, Loggerhead $Caretta caretta$ sea turtles, but most nesting beaches have not been included.
Cuban crow $Corvus nasicus$ - occurs only in Cuba and in the Caicos Islands;
Thick-billed Vireo $Vireo crassirostris stalagmium$ - endemic subspecies restricted to the Caicos Islands;
Greater Antillean bullfinch $Loxigilla violacea ofella$ - endemic subspecies restricted to Middle and East Caicos;
Kirtland's warbler $Dendroica kirtlandii$ (VU) - non-breeding grounds for one of the most threatened bird species of the region, the world population consisting of only about 3000 individuals, which breed only in a restricted habitat in one part of Michigan, USA and spend the non-breeding season in largely unknown locations in the Bahamas and TCI.
Ramsar criterion 3
Additionally, submerged mangroves and algal flats are important in contributing suspended material to nearby sand banks and by virtue of circulation to and from the cuts and creeks, the mangroves also contribute materials to the coral reefs.
Ramsar criterion 4
The wetlands are thought to play a major role in providing a nursery and feeding grounds for numerous fauna. They act also as land-protection against hurricane damage. The shallow flats where the seagrasses grow serve as major nursery areas of the inshore marine environment. They are the immediate recipients of nutrients produced from the mangrove areas themselves. The areas often do not contain many species, but some exist in high numbers. Thus the economic value of these areas, particularly with regard to edible species such as mullets and shrimp and sport species such as bonefish, is high.
Ramsar Criterion 6
The site (in some cases in combination with adjacent ecologically linked areas) regularly supports internationally important populations of
West Indian whistling duck $Dendrocyhna arborea$ (VU), the Caribbean population of brown pelicans $Pelecanus occidentalis$, the nominate subspecies of the reddish egret $Egretta rufescens$, the ‘Cuban/Bahaman’ population of the West Indian flamingo $Phoenicopterus ruber$, white-cheeked (or Bahama) pintail $Anas bahamensis$, possibly non-breeding black-bellied plover $Pluvialis squatarola cynosurae$, possibly non-breeding lesser yellowlegs $Tringa flavipes$, Caribbean subspecies of gull-billed tern $Sterna nilotica aranea$.
Ramsar Criterion 8
The area and the flushing of the wetlands to the banks provide food, shelter and nursery locations for various commercial fish and shellfish species, including fish, conch and lobster fisheries.","Nearest town/city: Kew, North Caicos Island.
The settlements of Whitby, Bottle Creek (North Caicos), Conch Bar, Bambarra and Lorimers (Middle Caicos) are all situated close to the site.","Some of the first products of the study of this area (Pienkowski 2002, see below) were the maps which accompany this Ramsar Information Sheet (see also Section 8). These are amplified below by notes on the main vegetation and habitat classes compiled by Frederic J. Burton. Each Ramsar category is followed by a paragraph on the map categories (where appropriate) which fall within it.
Ramsar class A: Shallow marine waters
Water
Open seawater over sand banks south of the Caicos Islands, and in channels between them. Bottom vegetation not described or mapped. (Nothing is attributed to this category in section 8 because category B describes better.)
Ramsar class B: Marine beds
Water
Open seawater over sandbanks south of the Caicos Islands, and in channels between them. Bottom vegetation not described or mapped but aerial and boat checks indicate extensive areas of sea grass.
Ramsar class C: Coral reefs
Water
Typical Caribbean barrier reef communities, including a reef crest and a back-reef lagoon off the north shore of east Caicos.
Ramsar class D: Rocky shores
Occurring along parts of the north-eastern shores of the Caicos Islands and small islets off these. Within the site, this is primarily on East Caicos and Iguana Cay.
Ramsar class E: Sand / shingle shores (including dune systems)
Occurring along parts of the north-eastern shores of the Caicos Islands and small islets off these. Within the site, this is primarily on East Caicos.
Ramsar class G: Tidal flats
Water
Low tidal flats which were flooded at the time of satellite image acquisition, showing as shallow water on the map, are unvegetated sand and silt substrates.
Exposed intertidal mud
Unvegetated sand and silt substrates exposed at the time of satellite image acquisition.
Ramsar class H: Saltmarshes
$Salicornia-Batis-Portulaca$ saltmarsh
A succulent herbaceous saltmarsh community, on a flat calcareous silt substrate. Dominated by $Salicornia virginica, Salicornia bigelovii, Batis maritima$, and $Portulaca rubricaulis. Lycium tweedianum, Chamaesyce vaginulatum, Sporobolus virginicus$, and scattered $Avicennia germinans$ shrubs may be present.
$Distichlis / Sporobolus$ saltmarsh
A grass-dominated saltmarsh community, on a flat calcareous silt substrate. Dominated by $Sporobolus virginicus$ and $Distichlis spicat$a in varying proportions. $Borrichia frutescens, Salicornia virginica, Salicornia bigelovii, Lycium tweedianum, Portulaca rubricaulis$, with $Conocarpus erectus$ as isolated shrubs or trees, may be present.
Mixed saltmarsh with sparse silver $Conocarpus$
Scattered $Conocarpus erectus$ var. $seriacea$ shrubs and trees forming up to 20% cover on a calcareous silt substrate with emergent limestone bedrock. $Sporobolus virginicus, Salicornia virginica, Rhachicallis americana, Borrichia frutescens, Portulaca rubricaulis, Salicornia bigelovii, Fimbristylis ferruginea$, and $Batis maritima$ form a partial ground cover in varying combinations. $Avicennia germinans$ may be present as a rare emergent shrub or tree.
Ramsar class I: Mangrove / tidal forest
$Rhizophora$ & $Avicennia$ mangrove shrublands
Mangrove shrubland communities 1 metre tall, forming 40% - 60% cover on soft calcareous mud covered with a thick algal turf, and a network of tidal creeks. Ranging from monospecific $Avicennia germinans$ at the landward extreme of the community, through mixed $Avicennia germinans - Rhizophora mangle$, to monospecific $Rhizophora mangle$ towards the seaward edge.
$Rhizophora, Avicennia$ and $Laguncularia racemosa$ shrublands also occur in more inland sites, associated with $Conocarpus erectus$ and succulent halophytes on pond fringes and in seasonal floodwater channels.
Ramsar class J: Coastal brackish / saline lagoons
The waterways between the islands (i.e. not in the open sea N or S) might fall into this category, but they fall also into other categories (e.g. B) and have been included there.
Ramsar class Q: Saline / brackish lakes - permanent
Ponds
Shallow brackish to hypersaline ponds, usually narrowly fringed by mangroves and succulent halophytes and otherwise unvegetated. Water levels fluctuate seasonally and many ponds may dry out periodically or seasonally, grading to class R below.
Ramsar class R: Saline / brackish lakes - seasonal / intermittent
Ponds
See Q above.
Ramsar class Ss: Saline / brackish marshes - seasonal / intermittent
Unvegetated rock & mud flats
Rock pavements and dark calcareous silt flooded by seasonal/intermittent expansion of natural brine pans. Virtually devoid of higher plants due to extremely high salinity. Slightly raised rock areas may rarely support a few prostrate $Conocarpus erectus$, severely stunted $Avicennia germinans, Salicornia virginica$ or $Rhachicallis americana$.
Sparsely vegetated saline sand flats
Approximately 75% unvegetated sand with a thin algal crust, supporting local aggregations of $Avicennia germinans$ shrubs, and the succulent halophytes $Portulaca rubricaulis, Salicornia virginica$ and $Suaeda conferta$. Intermittently flooded by rain and/or tide. Old flamingo nests were observed in this habitat, as well as in some ponds.
Ramsar class Sp: Saline / brackish marshes - permanent
Natural brine pans
Depressed rock pavement areas, intermittently filled by high tides, becoming extremely hypersaline due to evaporation, forming crystalline salt at the margins. No vegetation.
Ramsar class Ts: Freshwater marshes / ponds: seasonal / intermittent
Pine woodland sinkholes
Ramsar class W: Shrub-dominated wetlands
$Conocarpus$ shrubland on saltmarsh grasses
$Conocarpus erectus$, usually var. $seriacea$, forming a 1-3 metre seasonally-flooded shrubland over a herbaceous community dominated by $Sporobolus virginicus$ or occasionally $Distichlis spicata. Conocarpus erectus$ var. $erectus$ is often present as a prostrate shrub, with $Salicornia virginica, Portulaca rubricaulis, Borrichia frutescens, Rhachicallis americana, Jacquinia keyensis, Rhynchospora colorata, Fimbristylis ferruginea, Agalinis maritima$, and occasionally $Rhizophora mangle$ and/or $Avicennia germinans$ as shrubs.
$Conocarpus-Rhachicallis$ dwarf shrubland
A seasonally-flooded shrubland with most woody vegetation dwarfed, on calcareous silt with emergent limestone bedrock. Dominated by prostrate $Conocarpus erectus$, with $Rhachicallis americana, Rhizophora mangle, Jacquinia keyensis, Manilkara bahamensis, Thrinax morrisii, Borrichia frutescens, Coccoloba uvifera, Cladium jamaicense, Swietenia mahagoni, Gundlachia corymbosa, Strumpfia maritima, Crossopetalum rhacoma, Sophora tomentosa, Fimbristylis ferruginea$, and $Distichlis spicata$.
Ramsar class Xf: Freshwater tree-dominated wetlands
Seasonally-flooded woodlands (various)
1). $Conocarpus erectus$, including var. $seriacea$, forms seasonally / intermittently flooded woodland communities on very slightly raised sand banks amid tidal flats. The tree layer may be monospecific, or may variously include $Pithecellobium keyense, Dodonea viscosa, Guapira discolor, Swietenia mahagoni, Maytenus phyllanthoides$ and $Metopium toxiferum$. The shrub layer may include the endemic $Eupatorium lucayanum, Crossopetalum rhacoma, Borrichia frutescens, Thrinax morrisii, Coccoloba uvifera$, and $Erithalis fruticosa$, while the herbaceous layer typically includes $Sporobolus virginicus, Chamaesyce vaginulatum$ and $Lycium tweedianum$.
2). $Sabal palmetto$ palms form seasonally-flooded woodlands in association with $Gundlachia corymbosa$ where fresh to brackish floodwater accumulates during the rainy season. The two species are strongly co-dominant, with $Distichlis spicata$ often also abundant.
Seasonally-flooded $Pinus$ woodland
$Pinus caribaea$ woodland occurs in extensive stands intermingled with other seasonally flooded habitats. The limestone bedrock has very thin soils, and many seasonally flooded sinkholes: the entire habitat floods with fresh water during periods of intense rain. $Sabal palmetto$ and $Cladium jamaicense$ grow in the sinkholes. The shrub layer is usually sparse, with $Coccoloba uvifera, Thrinax morrisii, Randia aculeata, Tabebuia bahamensis, Cassia inaguensis, Byrsinomia lucida, Lysiloma latisiliquum, Savia erythroxyloides, Conocarpus erectus, Metopium toxiferum, Acacia choriophylla, Swietenia mahagoni, Ernodea serratifolia$ and $Erithalis fruticosa$. Herbaceous species include $Rhynchospora colorata, Jacquemontia havanensis, Cassytha filiformis$, and the ground orchid $Spiranthes vernalis$.
Ramsar class Other
Dry shrublands
Diverse xerophytic mixed evergreen-deciduous shrublands and woodlands, on limestone bedrock and thin soils. Species composition varies with elevation above ground water, and exposure to salt spray. Abundant tree species include $Lysiloma latisiliquum, Coccoloba diversifolia, Tabebuia bahamensis, Coccothrinax argentata, Thouinia discolor, Metopium toxiferum, Acacia choriophylla, Cephalocereus millspaughii, Guaicum sanctum$ and $Thrinax morrisii$. Several orchid species in the genus $Encyclia$ are also widespread and conspicuous in these habitats.
The notes in this section and, more particularly in sections 17 and 18, will be amplified when the results of current studies coordinated by UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum and the Turks & Caicos National Trust become fully available.","Internationally important species occurring on the site
Habitat:
The mangroves of the TCI are typical of the region. Three species of mangrove, $Rhizophora mangle, Laguncularia racemosa$ and $Avicennia germinans$ grow with $Conocarpus erectus$ (Combretaceae) in mixed stands along the inland margin of the islands fringing the Caicos Bank.
Nationally important species occurring on the site
Habitats:
Pine forests are particularly noteworthy on North Caicos which has the highest rainfall of all the islands, as well as on Middle Caicos.
The dry shrubwoods of coastal areas and rocky plaints, with species such as the prickly pears, $Opuntia millspaughii, O. bahamana$ and $O. lucayana$, have been identified as regional priorities for the conservation of cacti and succulents.
Matured forest stands are rare in many places, probably because of clearance for plantations, hurricane action, and possibly the high demands for fuelwood and for charcoal production (CDB 1983).
Higher plants:
$Batophora$ sp., $Penicillus$ sp., $Halimeda$ sp., $Acetabularia$ sp., $Caulerpa$ sp., $Thalassia testudinum, Cymodocea filiforme, Rhizophora mangle, Avicennia germinans, Salicornia virginica, S.bigloveii, Borrichia arborescens, Sporolobus virginicus$.
Predominant tree species of the forest/scrub biome of the Turks and Caicos include $Pithecellobium keyense$ (Leguminoseae), $Conocarpus erectus$ (Combretaceae), $Bursera simaruba$ (Burseraceae), a species of lignum-vitae $Guaiacum santum$ (Zygophyllaceae) (EN), Caribbean mahogany $Swietenia mahagoni$ (Meliaceae) (EN), $Manilkara bahamensis$ (Sapotaceae) and Caribbean pine $Pinus caribaea$ (Pinaceae).
The following tree and shrub species, all scarce and local in Turks and Caicos and restricted regionally in this distribution, were evaluated against IUCN red list criteria but are not considered to be globally threatened.
$Caesalpinia reticulata, Euphorbia gymnonata, Hibiscus brittonianus, Mimosa bahamensis, Pavonia bahamensis, Pinus caribaea var. bahamensis, Tabebuia bahamensis, Thouinia discolor, Ziziphus taylori, Encyclia caitensic, Argythamnia argentea, Opuntia x lucayana, Limonium bahamense, Cynanchum stiptatum, Borreria brittonii, B. capillaris$.","Internationally important species occurring on the site:
Reptiles and amphibians:
the following Turks & Caicos Islands endemic species of lizard:
the gecko $Aristelliger hechti$ (CR),
Curly Tail $Leiocephalus psammodromus$,
Caicos Islands Reef Gecko $Sphaerodactylus caicosensis$;
and the one endemic species of snake: the Caicos Islands Trope Boa $Tropidophis greenwayi$.
In addition there are three further lizards that are endemic at the subspecific level:
Turks & Caicos Bark Anole $Anolis scriptus scriptus$,
Turks & Caicos Rock Iguana $Cyclura carinata carinata$ (CR; the only subspecies of $Cyclura carinata$ found outside the Turks & Caicos Islands is confined to the small island of Booby Cay off nearby Mayaguana);
Mabuya Skink (or slippery back or snake-doctor) $Mabuya mabouya sloanei$;
and one snake: Bahaman Rainbow Boa $Epicrates chrysogaster chrysogaster$
Marine turtles are common, nesting on many of the cays, $Chelonia midas, Eretmochelys imbricata, Caretta caretta$.
Birds:
$Dendroica kirtlandi, Dendrocygna arborea, Phaethon lepturus catesbyi, Pelecanus occidentalis occidentalis, Fregata magnificens, Ardea herodias, Casmerodius albus egretta, Egretta thula thula, Egretta caerulea, Egretta tricolor ruficollis, Egretta rufescens colorata, Bubulcus ibis ibis, Butorides striatus bahamensis, Nycticorax nycticorax, Nycticorax violaceus violaceus, Phoenicopterus ruber ruber, Dendrocygna arborea, Anas crecca, Anas bahamensis bahamensis, Anas discors, Oxyura jamaicensis, Pandion halioetus ridgwayi, Rallus longirostris, Pluvialis squatarola, Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus, Charadrius wilsonia, Charadrius seimpalmatus, Charadrius melodus, Charadrius vociferus, Haematopus palliatus prattii, Himantopus mexicanus, Tringa melanoleuca, Tringa flavipes, Tringa solitaria, Catoptrophorus semipalmatus, Actitis macularia, Bartramia longicauda, Numenius phaeopus, Arenaria interpres, Calidris alba, Calidris pusilla, Calidris mauri, Calidris minutilla, Calidris melanotos, Calidris himantopus, Limnodromus griseus, Gallinago gallinago, Larus atricilla, Sterna nilotica aranea, Sterna maxima maxima, Sterna sandvicensis acuflavida, Sterna dougallii dougallii, Sterna hirundo, Sterna antillarum antillarun, Sterna anaethetus recognita, Sterna fuscata fuscata, Anous stolidus stolidus, Ceryle alcyon$.","The Darwin Initiative project has brought together a group of scientific specialists from a range of institutions, many of whom have not previously worked together. The biodiversity surveys conducted have drawn on: conservation management, organisational capacity building and ornithological expertise from the UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum; entomological expertise from CABI Bioscience and the Natural History Museum in London; botanical expertise from the Fairchild Tropical Gardens (Florida) and the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, with satellite-imagery skills of the latter; knowledge of bats from the joint chairman of the IUCN/SSC Chiroptera Specialist Group and conservation advisor to The Bat Conservation Trust, and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History (Pennsylvania); expertise in herpetiles from the Zoological Society of San Diego. In each case, the work of these recognised international specialists has been complemented by the knowledge of local people. The results of this work are being incorporated in the draft management plan as well as being prepared for scientific publication. Needs for further study and for monitoring are being addressed within the context of the working plan.","The training and education elements of the Darwin Initiative project have been varied considerably to fit in with changing local requirements. During the specialists’ visits, a wide range of those interested in developing skills have been invited to join in on Middle Caicos. Those to take advantage of this ranged from the local elementary school on Middle Caicos to the British West Indies Collegiate from Providenciales, the High School on North Caicos and staff of the TCI Government. Another extra area of training developed was capacity-building in the Middle Caicos community as a whole to take an increased part in decision-making on the future of their island, based partly on the preliminary results of this project discussed in community meetings. In terms of formal education, the Turks & Caicos National Trust, in consultation with local schools, has developed and implemented an internationally acclaimed environmental education programme for elementary schools Our Land, Our Sea, Our People. This fills a gap in either the absence of suitable environmental material or the use of locally inappropriate materials from UK or distant parts of the Caribbean, so as to restore in young people a value in local knowledge of relations with their environment, while it is still possible to benefit from the first-hand knowledge of their grandparents, who had to live off the land. This will be extended using results from the study of the Ramsar site and adjacent area.
The ecotourism-related developments noted below will be used also for educational purposes.","A key element of the draft management is the provision and management of trails, other viewing situations, literature and guide training at a range of situations within the Ramsar site and surrounding area. Other initiatives of the Turks & Caicos National Trust and of the TCI Government are providing support to local residents on the development of small businesses compatible with, and complementary to, the conservation and education initiatives.
The Government of the Turks & Caicos has transferred to the Turks & Caicos National Trust a former school building, in Bambarra, Middle Caicos, to provide an environmental centre. The building requires considerable renovation before it can be used effectively, but it is already a major asset. TCNT, with the support of TCI Government, UKOTCF and others, is seeking funding for this from various sources, mainly in-country. This will integrate with the other initiatives noted above.","Aldridge, BA (1987) Sampling migratory birds and other observations on Providenciales Island, BWI. Journal of Field Ornithology, 58, **
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7000141,UK11049,Northumbria Coast,Classified/designatd,E,1107.98,,Durham; North Tyneside; Northumberland; South Tyneside; Sunderland; Tyne and Wear,02/02/2000,55 27 58 N,01 35 18 W,426025,619251,NU260193,-1,8,0,"The Northumbria Coast Ramsar site comprises several discrete sections of rocky foreshore between Spittal, in the north of Northumberland, and an area just south of Blackhall Rocks in County Durham. These stretches of coast regularly support nationally important numbers of purple sandpiper and high concentrations of turnstone. The Ramsar site also includes an area of sandy beach at Low Newton, which supports an nationally important breeding colony of little tern, and parts of three artificial pier structures which form important roost sites for purple sandpiper.","Ramsar criterion 6
The site supports internationally important wintering populations of ruddy turnstone $Arenaria interpres$ and purple sandpiper $Calidris maritima$.","Nearest town/city: Newcastle
The site comprises several discrete stretches of the coastline in north-east England, between Spittal in the north of Northumberland to an area just south of Blackhall Rocks in County Durham.",The site consists mainly of areas of rocky shore with associated boulder and cobble beaches. These support a rich algal flora and associated fauna and form an important feeding area for wading birds. The areas of sandy beach within the site support a flora which includes marram $Ammophila arenaria$ and sea sandwort $Honkenya peploides$.,None reported,None reported,"Fauna:
Monitoring of bird populations",None reported,"A diverse range of recreational activities takes place along the coast including walking, camping, sea angling, bird watching, water sports (water-skiing, sailing, windsurfing and canoeing) and general use of amenity beaches. Bird watching is particularly popular at Druridge Bay where there is a Country Park and a number of Nature Reserves. As well as attracting a large number of day trippers, a sizable population of summer visitors stay in caravan sites and other accommodation along the coast.","Anderson, N (1989) A report on the number and distribution of waders and wildfowl on Northumberland coast
Anon. (1997) Monitoring the effects of a new sea outfall at Cambois on the invertebrate fauna. (Contractor: University of Durham). Interim report to Northumbria Water, Durham
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1995) Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. Region 5 North-east England: Berwick-upon-Tweed to Filey Bay. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coastal Directories Series)
Bennett, TL & Foster-Smith, JL (1998) Chapter 5. South-east Scotland and north-east England (Dunbar to Bridlington) (MNCR Sector 4). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 123-154. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Brazier, DP, Davies, J, Holt, RHF & Murray, E (1998) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 5. South-east Scotland and north-east England: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Hagemeijer, EJM & Blair, MJ (eds.) (1997) The EBCC atlas of European breeding birds: their distribution and abundance. Poyser, London
Huddart, D & Glasser, NF (2002) Quaternary of northern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 25)
Lloyd, C, Tasker, ML & Cartridge, K (1991) The status of seabirds in Britain and Ireland. Poyser, London
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Radley, GP (1994) Sand dune vegetation survey of Great Britain: a national inventory. Part 1: England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Stone, BH, Sears, J, Cranswick, PA, Gregory, RD, Gibbons, DW, Rehfisch, MM, Aebischer, NJ & Reid, JB (1997) Population estimates of birds in Britain and in the United Kingdom. British Birds, 90(1), 1-22
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Volume 3: Site accounts. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Stroud, DA, Mudge, GP & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1990) Protecting internationally important bird sites: a review of the EEC Special Protection Area Network in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Thomas, GJ (1982) Breeding terns in Britain and Ireland, 1975–79. Seabird report, 6, 59 69
Thompson, KR, Brindley, E & Heubeck, M (1998) Seabird numbers and breeding success in Britain and Ireland, 1997. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (UK Nature Conservation, No. 22)",,,
7000015,UK11051,Ouse Washes,Classified/designatd,E,2469.08,,Norfolk,05/01/1976,52 28 34 N,00 12 19 E,549769.9,288821.9,TL498888,0,5,2,"This site is an area of seasonally-flooded washland habitat managed in a traditional agricultural manner. The washlands support nationally and internationally important numbers of wintering waterfowl and nationally important numbers of breeding waterfowl. The site is also of note for the large area of unimproved neutral grassland communities which it holds, and for the richness of the aquatic flora within the associated watercourses.","Ramsar criterion 1
The site is one of the most extensive areas of seasonally-flooding washland of its type in Britain.
Ramsar criterion 2
The site supports several nationally scarce plants, including small water pepper $Polygonum minus$, whorled water-milfoil $Myriophyllum verticillatum$, greater water parsnip $Sium latifolium$, river water-dropwort $Oenanthe fluviatilis$, fringed water-lily $Nymphoides peltata$, long-stalked pondweed $Potamogeton praelongus$, hair-like pondweed $Potamogeton trichoides$, grass-wrack pondweed $Potamogeton compressus$, tasteless water-pepper $Polygonum mite$ and marsh dock $Rumex palustris$.
Invertebrate records indicate that the site holds relict fenland fauna, including the British Red Data Book species large darter dragonfly $Libellula fulva$ and the rifle beetle $Oulimnius major$.
The site also supports a diverse assemblage of nationally rare breeding waterfowl associated with seasonally-flooding wet grassland.","Nearest town/city: Ely
The site lies in the counties of Cambridgeshire and west Norfolk. It extends for 36 km south-west of Downham Market to Erith.","The site is one of the country's few remaining areas of extensive washland habitat. It is notable for the large area of unimproved neutral grassland it holds. The grassland communities are characterised by such species as reed and floating sweet grass $Glyceria maxima$ and $G. fluitans$, reed canary-grass $Phalaris arundinacea$, marsh foxtail $Alopecurus geniculatus$ together with a variety of sedges and rushes. Typical herbs include amphibious bistort $Persicaria amphibia$, water pepper $P. hydropiper$, and tubular water dropwort $Oenanthe fistulosa$. The associated dykes and rivers hold a great variety of aquatic plants, the pondweeds $Potamogeton$ spp. are particularly well represented. Other aquatic species include the fringed water lily $Nymphoides peltata$, greater water-parsnip $Sium latifolium$ and the four species of duckweeds $Lemna$ spp. The Old Bedford River and River Delph are good examples of base-rich, slow-flowing lowland rivers. The flora includes the fan-leaved water crowfoot $Ranunculus circinatus$, yellow water-lily $Nuphar lutea$ and river water-dropwort $Oenanthe fluviatilis$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Lactuca saligna$, $Alisma gramineum$, $Sium latifolium$, $Oenanthe fluviatilis$, $Nymphoides peltata$, $Potamogeton praelongus$, $Potamogeton trichoides$, $Potamogeton compressus$, $Polygonum mite$, $Rumex palustris$.","Species occurring at levels of international importance.
Fish.
$Cobitis taenia$.
Invertebrates.
$Libellula fulva$, $Oulimnius major$","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Breeding bird surveys.
Spined loach $Cobitis taenia$ surveys.
Miscellaneous.
Refer to Ouse Washes Management Strategy (English Nature $et al$. 19**) for further information on current and proposed monitoring/research.",The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust have information centres at the site.,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
RSPB, WWT information centres and public bird-watching hides.","Bass, J, Blackburn, J & Giraudy, C (2003) Range extension of the ‘Witham orb mussel’ Sphaerium solidum (Normand) (Bivalvia: Sphaeriidae) or an overlooked resident of the Great Ouse? Journal of Conchology, 38(1), 61-65
Cadbury, CJ, Halshaw, L & Tidswell, R (1993) Status and management of the ditch and pool flora of the Ouse Washes, 1992: comparisons with 1978. English Nature/ Royal Society for the Protection of Birds/ Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Peterborough/ Sandy/ Slimbridge
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
English Nature et al. (19**) The Ouse Washes Management Strategy. English Nature
Gibbons, B (2002) Reserve focus: The Ouse Washes, Cambridgeshire. British Wildlife, 13(4), 267-270
Green, RE, Cadbury, CJ & Wiliams, G (1987) Floods threaten black-tailed godwits breeding at the Ouse Washes. RSPB Conservation Review, 1, 14-16
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
National Rivers Authority (1991) Ouse Washes flood control National Rivers Authority
Posthoorn, R, Kuijken, E & Salathé, T (2001) Ramsar Advisory Missions: No. 49, Ouse Washes, United Kingdom (2001). Ramsar Convention Bureau, Gland. www.ramsar.org/ram_rpt_49e.htm
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Ratcliffe, N, Schmitt, S & Whiffin, M (2005) Sink or swim? Viability of a black-tailed godwit population in relation to flooding. Journal of Applied Ecology, 42(5), 834-843
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",05/03/1993,,
21,UK12018,Outer Ards,Classified/designatd,NI,1154.16,,Ards; Down; North Down,06/04/2005,054 32 47 N,005 29 02 W,174481.7149,517419.3506,J630644,0,20,10,"The Outer Ards site mainly encompasses intertidal areas, but with some additional adjoining areas of notable habitat. It includes sand- and mud-dominated shores, cobble and boulder beaches together with rocky shores. Offshore islands are also present. Adjoining habitat includes areas of dune and maritime grassland, maritime heath and cliff ledge vegetation, saltmarsh, tidal and non-tidal fens and wet flushes. Some areas still display the natural transition from maritime to terrestrial vegetation where a number of notable communities occur. At least 17 rare or local plant species have been recorded across the range of habitats within the area.
The Outer Ards is especially important for the breeding colony of Arctic tern $Sterna paradisaea$, together with the wintering populations of light-bellied brent goose $Branta bernicla hrota$, European golden plover $Pluvialis apricaria$, ruddy turnstone $Arenaria interpres$ and ringed plover $Charadrius hiaticula$. Nationally important populations of 11 other species of bird have also been recorded within the Outer Ards site.",,"The Outer Ards site is situated along part of the eastern shores of County Down, Northern Ireland and extends from Grey Point on the north Down coast to Ballyquintin Point in the south.
The largest nearby settlement is Bangor, population approx. 56,000 which is situated on the north coast of Co. Down, and is adjacent to the Ramsar site at this location. The site crosses the local council areas of North Down, and Ards.","The maritime vegetation along this exposed coastline has been strongly influenced both by the physiography and by human activity. Most of the terrestrial semi-natural vegetation is now confined to a narrow, fragmented shoreline strip and includes areas of dune and maritime grassland, maritime heath and cliff ledge vegetation. Some areas still display the natural transition from maritime to terrestrial vegetation, most typically in sheltered bays, where saltmarshes give way either through brackish fen to freshwater fen, or through inundation grassland to wet flushes and maritime grassland. Incorporated within these transitions are a number of notable vegetation communities, including those characterised by sea-purslane $Atriplex portulacoides$ and by saltmarsh flat-sedge $Blysmus rufus$. On the rocky shores the sequence is more abrupt, with cliff ledge vegetation giving way to maritime grassland and in a few locations, maritime heath. The maritime cliff community characterised by spring squill $Scilla verna$ is particularly notable.
At least seventeen rare or local plant species have been recorded for the area. These include wetland plants from intertidal muds (eelgrass $Zostera marina$ and narrow-leaved eelgrass $Z. angustifolia$), saltmarshes (lax-flowered sea-lavender $Limonium humile$ and hard-grass $Parapholis strigosa$) and freshwater marshes (blunt-flowered rush $Juncus subnodulosus$ and slender spike-rush $Eleocharis uniglumis$). Strandline species include grass-leaved orache $Atriplex littoralis$, frosted orache $A. laciniata$, sea radish $Raphanus raphanistrum$ ssp. $maritimus$ and slender thistle $Carduus tenuiflorus$. Also present are dodder $Cuscuta epithymum$ at Cloghy, rock samphire $Crithmum maritimum$, sea pearlwort $Sagina maritima$ and upright clover $Trifolium striatum$. Some of the coastal grasslands, such as Cloghy, are important for grassland fungi, such as white waxcap $Hygrocybe virginea$, Russian-leather waxcap $H. russocoriacea$, cow-horn coral-fungus $Clavulinopsis corniculata$, olive-coloured earth tongue $Microglossum olivaceum$ and purple-brown earth tongue $Geoglossum atropurpureum$.
Sedimentary shores in Outer Ards are among the best examples of their types in Northern Ireland, with their characteristic species, such as lugworm $Arenicola marina$, common cockle $Cerastoderma edule$, and sand mason $Lanice conchilega$, depending on exposure and sand texture. Several rocky shores display classic shore zonation with boulders and associated communities. Acorn barnacles $Semibalanus balanoides$ and brown seaweeds, such as channelled wrack $Pelvetia canaliculata$, spiral wrack $Fucus spiralis$ and oarweed $Laminaria digitata$ occur on the rocks and boulders, whilst the rockpools host green algae such as $Enteromorpha$ spp. and $Cladophora$ spp.
There are significant populations of both grey seal $Halichoerus grypus$ and common seal $Phoca vitulina$ using the offshore islands and reefs as haul-outs, pupping and mating sites. These islands are very important for the colony of breeding Arctic tern $Sterna paradisaea$. The range of shoreline habitats along the Outer Ards coast supports a wide variety of bird species of both international and national importance, such as light bellied brent goose $Branta bernicla hrota$, ruddy turnstone $Arenaria interpres$, ringed plover $Charadrius hiaticula$, European golden plover $Pluvialis apricaria$, great cormorant $Phalacrocorax carbo$, great crested grebe $Podiceps cristatus$, common eider $Somateria mollissima$, Eurasian curlew $Numenius arquata$, dunlin $Calidris alpina$, northern lapwing $Vanellus vanellus$, Eurasian oystercatcher $Haematopus ostralegus$, purple sandpiper $Calidris maritima$ and common redshank $Tringa totanus$.","HIGHER PLANTS
Eelgrass $Zostera marina$ Nationally rare
Narrow-leaved eelgrass $Zostera angustifolia$ Nationally rare
Lax-flowered sea-lavender $Limonium humile$ Nationally rare
Hardgrass $Parapholis strigosa$ Nationally rare
Blunt-flowered rush $Juncus subnodulosus$ Nationally rare
Slender spike-rush $Eleocharis uniglumis$ Nationally rare
Grass-leaved orache $Atriplex littoralis$ Nationally rare
Frosted orache $Atriplex laciniata$ Nationally rare
Sea radish $Raphanus raphanistrum$ ssp. $maritimus$ Nationally rare
Slender thistle $Carduus tenuiflorus$ Nationally rare
Dodder $Cuscuta epithymum$ Nationally rare
Rock samphire $Crithmum maritimum$ Nationally rare
Sea pearlwort $Sagina maritima$ Nationally rare
Upright clover $Trifolium striatum$ Nationally rare
LOWER PLANTS
Olive-coloured earth tongue $Microglossum olivaceum$ Nationally rare",None reported,EHS staff monitor the site on a regular basis and conduct bird counts through the winter and spring seasons.,None reported,"Most of the sandy bays attract tourists (sometimes in large numbers) for day trips and seaside holidays during spring and summer – numbers across entire site are likely to exceed 500,000, based on day trips per year. Main activities are based around recreation on beaches within the site. In some places these activities are organised and advertised. At the northern end of the site, a coastal path has been developed to manage numbers and access. Tourist visits peak during summer months, but the site is used year-round for recreation.","ASSI Survey – Habitat Survey Team, Environment and Heritage Service
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1997) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 17. Northern Ireland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Cooper, EA, Crawford, I, Malloch, AJC & Rodwell, JS (1992) Coastal vegetation survey of Northern Ireland. (Contractor: University of Lancaster, Unit of Vegetation Science). Unpublished report to Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), Belfast
Crowe, O (2005) Ireland’s wetlands and their waterbirds: status and distribution. BirdWatch Ireland, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow
Curtis, TGF & McGough, HN (1988) The Irish Red Data Book. 1 Vascular plants. Stationery Office, Dublin
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Way, LS, Grice, P, MacKay, A, Galbraith, CA, Stroud, DA & Pienkowski, MW (1993) Ireland’s Internationally Important Bird Sites: a review of sites for the EC Special Protection Area network. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough for to Department of the Environment (NI), Belfast, and Irish Wildlife Service, Dublin
Weighell, AJ, Donnelly, AP & Calder, K (eds.) (2000) Directory of the Celtic coasts and seas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Wilkinson, M, Fuller, IWA, Telfer, TC, Moore, CG & Kingston, PF (1988) Northern Ireland Littoral Survey: A conservation-orientated survey of the intertidal seashore of Northern Ireland. Institute of Offshore Engineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh",,,
50,UK41004,Paget Marsh,Classified/designatd,OT,11.35,,Bermuda,10/05/1999,32 16 00 N,64 46 00 W,,,not avai,,,0.5,"The largest surviving remnant of Bermuda's pre-colonial swamp forest inclusive of marshy savannah, mangrove swamp and peat marsh forest showing all seral stages. The endemic palmetto, endemic sedge and endemic cedar occur on the site.","Criterion 1
The site is of international importance as it is an undisturbed pre-colonial peat marsh in which three endemic species are represented. The site is also a relict mangrove swamp in a nearly non-tidal freshwater peat basin, at the northerly limit for mangrove in the Atlantic.
Criterion 2
The swamp forest contains the endemic Bermuda cedar $Juniperus bermudiana$, the endemic Bermuda palmetto $Sabal bermudana$, and the endemic sedge $Carex bermudiana$, the endemic understorey shrub St. Andrews cross $Hypericum macrosepalum$, and the endemic succulent herb wild pepper $Peperomia septentrionalis$.
Criterion 3
The swamp forest contains the endemic Bermuda cedar $Juniperus bermudiana$ and the endemic Bermuda palmetto $Sabal bermudana; Myrica cerifera$ bushes with the endemic sedge $Carex bermudiana$ and 11 species of fern, mainly osmunda in the understorey; marshes with $Cladium jamaicensis, Typha augustifolia, Scirpus americanus$ and $Acrostichum exelsum$. There are also mangrove swamps with $Rhizophora mangle$.","Nearest town/city: Hamilton
Located at Middle Road, Paget Parish. 1 km SSE of Hamilton.",One of Bermuda's larger undisturbed peat basins with a complete representation of all seral stages of marshland ranging from land-locked mangrove swamp to peat marsh forest.,"Higher Plants.
The swamp forest contains the endemic Bermuda cedar $Juniperus bermudiana$ and the endemic Bermuda palmetto $Sabal bermudana$; $Myrica cerifera$ bushes with the endemic sedge $Carex bermudiana$ and 11 species of fern, mainly $Osmunda$ in the understorey; marshes with $Cladium jamaicensis$, $Typha angustifolia$, $Scirpus americanus$ and $Acrostichum exelsum$. There are also mangrove swamps with $Rhizophora mangle$.
Also contains endemic St. Andrew’s cross $Hypericum macrosepalum$ (largest Bermuda population), and endemic wild pepper $Peperomia septentrionalis$.","Of limited importance for waterfowl, although green heron $Butoroides virescens$ (=$B. striatus$), blue-winged teal $Anas discors$, sora rail $Porzana carolina$, common moorhen $Gallinula chloropus$ and common snipe $Gallinago gallinago$ occur on passage and in winter. Yellow-rumped warblers overwinter in the wax-myrtle $Myrica cerifera$ thickets.
Non-native amphibian species also occur.","No facilities. Long-term botanical monitoring at 5, 10x10 metre quadrats to measure the benefits of culling invasive plant species.",The nature trail is used regularly by educational guided tours and for informal recreational use.,Nature-oriented recreation. There are guided field trips for locals and tourists.,"Bacon, D & Fort, J (2004) The Bermuda Amphibian Project: A comprehensive approach to assessing ecotoxicological impacts on Bermuda's amphibians. In: Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 25th Annual Meeting, 14-18 November 2004, Portland, Oregon. http://abstracts.co.allenpress.com/pweb/setac2004/document/?ID=41474
Hayward, SJ, Gomez, FH & Sterrer, W (eds.) (1981) Bermuda's delicate balance: people and environment. Bermuda National Trust, Paget
Pienkowski, M (ed.) (2003) A sense of direction: a conference on conservation in UK Overseas Territories and other small island communities, Bermuda 22nd–27th March 2003. UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough. www.ukotcf.org
Pienkowski, MW (ed.) (2005) Review of existing and potential Ramsar sites in UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. (Contractor: UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough.) Final report on Contract CR0294 to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Bristol. www.ukotcf.org
Proctor, D & Fleming, LV (eds.) (1999) Biodiversity: the UK Overseas Territories. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Scott, DA & Carbonell, M (eds.) (1986) A directory of neotropical wetlands. IUCN/IWRB, Cambridge/Slimbridge
Thomas, MLH (1993) Mangrove swamps in Bermuda. Atoll Research Bulletin, 386, 1-17
Wingate, DB (1984) Taking stock of Bermuda's wetland heritage. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hamilton",,,
7000042,UK11052,Pagham Harbour,Classified/designatd,E,636.68,,West Sussex,30/03/1988,50 45 48 N,00 45 38 W,487390.9,96787.34,SZ874968,-1,5,1,"Pagham Harbour comprises an extensive central area of saltmarsh and tidal mudflats with surrounding habitats including lagoons, shingle, open water, reed swamp and wet permanent grassland.
The intertidal mudflats are rich in invertebrate and algae, and provide important feeding areas for birds. The lower saltmarsh is dominated by common cord-grass but also includes patches of glasswort. At higher levels sea-purslane is abundant. The area supports internationally important numbers of wintering pintail and nationally important numbers of dark-bellied brent goose, grey plover and black-tailed godwit.",,"Nearest town/city: Chichester
10 km south-east of Chichester.","This site comprises an extensive central area of saltmarsh and tidal mudflats with surrounding habitats including shingles, open water, reed swamp and wet permanent grassland. Pagham Harbour is of national importance for wintering, wildfowl and waders and also for breeding birds both within the Harbour and the surrounding grazing pasture. The site supports nationally important communities of plants and invertebrates.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Petrorhagia nanteuilii$","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Nematostella vectensis$","Contemporary.
Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Completed.
Environment, Flora and Fauna.
Extensive research and surveys into tidal regimes, sediment movement and the distribution of all major animal and plant groups has been carried out in Pagham Harbour.","There is an interpretative centre for the Local Nature Reserve.
A full time Education Officer is employed, the programme being particularly directed at schoolchildren.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Land based recreation:
Walking including dog walking - all year.
Bird watching - all year.
Sea bathing - mostly summer.
Wildfowling: Only in agreed areas - 1 September to 20 February
Adjacent seasonal caravan parks - mainly summer.
","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1998) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 8 Sussex: Rye Bay to Chichester Harbour. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1997) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 6. Southern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Covey, R (1998) Chapter 7. Eastern Channel (Folkestone to Durlston Head) (MNCR Sector 7). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 199-218. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Fojt, W (1985) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. Sussex county report. Unpublished, Nature Conservancy Council
Holder, CS & Woolven, SC (1990) Sand dune survey of Great Britain. Site report No. 79. Pagham Beach Dune, West Sussex, 1990. Nature Conservancy Council, CSD report, No. 1111
Irving, R (1994) Report of the West Sussex Seasearch Project. 1992–1993: Chichester Harbour to Littlehampton. West Sussex Seasearch Project, Coldwaltham
James, CM (1987) Pagham Harbour. In: Birds in Sussex 1962 – 1987, 14-18. Sussex Ornithological Society
May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Pagharn Harbour Project (in prep.) Pagham Harbour Management Plan. West Sussex County Council, Chichester
Rayner, RW (ed.) (1975) The natural history of Pagham Harbour. Bognor Regis Natural Science Society
Robinson, AWH (1995) The harbour entrances of Poole, Christchurch and Pagham. Geographical Journal, 121(1), 33 50
Sheader, M & Sheader, A (1989) Lagoon survey of the south coast, Dorset to East Sussex, 1989. Final report. Nature Conservancy Council, CSD Report, No. 1116
Sneddon, P & Randall, RE (1994) Coastal vegetated shingle structures of Great Britain: Appendix 3. Shingle sites in England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
West Sussex County Council (1987) A guide to Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve. West Sussex County Council, Chichester
Wood, C (ed.) (1984) Sussex sublittoral survey. Selsey Bill to Beachy Head. Nature Conservancy Council, CSD Report, No. 527",,,
51,UK41005,Pembroke Marsh East,Classified/designatd,OT,7.82,,Bermuda,10/05/1999,32 17 00 N,64 46 00 W,,,not avai,0.5,2,,An extensive freshwater $Typha$ sp. and $Cladium$ sp. marsh with some open water channels up to 3 m deep. Supports a wide variety of passage and wintering waterfowl.,"Criterion 1
A good example of a $Typha$ marsh that drains as an estuarine system into the sea and supports juvenile populations of certain fish species. The site regularly supports passage and wintering waterfowl and is an important breeding area for moorhen.","Nearest town/city: Hamilton
Pembroke Marsh East is located on the north-east edge of Hamilton, Pembroke Parish.","A freshwater marsh in a peat basin connected to the sea by a 2 km drainage channel. The quality of the water is very significantly adversely affected by leachate from the adjacent dump (although this is no longer actively used for domestic waste disposal). A good example of a $Typha$ marsh that drains as an estuarine system into the sea and supports juvenile populations of certain fish species. It is Bermuda’s only estuary.
The site regularly supports passage and wintering waterfowl and is an important breeding area for moorhen.
The large capacity of the marsh buffers flooding from Hamilton city runoff during heavy rains.","The largest surviving cattail $Typha angustifolia$ marsh on Bermuda, with some $Ceratophyllum demersum$ and $Cladium jamaicensis$.","Formerly the most important breeding area in Bermuda for moorhen $Gallinula chloropus$ (6 prs +) and American coot $Fulica americana$ (1-2 prs). A wide variety of waterfowl are recorded on passage and in winter, including pied-billed grebe $Podilymbus podiceps$, American bittern $Botaurus lentiginosus$, least bittern $Ixobrychus exilis$, black-crowned night heron $Nycticorax nicticorax$, green heron $Butorides virescens$ (= $B. striatus$), great blue heron $Ardea herodias$, common teal $Anas crecca$, blue-winged teal $A.discors$, ring-necked duck $Aythya collaris$, lesser scaup $A. affinis$ sora rail $Porzana carolina$ and purple gallinule $Porphyrula martinicia$.
Common eel $Anguilla anguilla$ has been recently recorded (2004) in the Pembroke drainage canal. The introduced minnow $Gambusia affinus$ occurs, and the marsh supports Bermuda's largest populations of North American eel and tarpon juveniles, which gain access to the pond via a drainage ditch connecting to Mill Creek 1.6 km to the west.
Several species of endemic freshwater snails, clams and a limpet were recorded in 1910, but not since.",Thomas (1997) studied the limnology of the Pembroke Canal. There have been various engineering studies on drainage problems in the marsh.,None reported,None reported,"Brooke, M, Ryan, P, Furbert, J & Stroud, D (2003) Pembroke Marsh East. In: A sense of direction: a conference on conservation in UK Overseas Territories and other small island communities, ed. by M. Pienkowski, 223-225. UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough. www.ukotcf.org
Chasemore (nd [1960]) Drainage arrangements for the Pembroke Marsh/ Mill Creek Basin. Unpublished report for Bermuda Government Public Works Department
Department of Planning (1987) The Pembroke Marsh Plan. Department of Planning, Bermuda
Hayward, SJ, Gomez, FH & Sterrer, W (eds.) (1981) Bermuda's delicate balance: people and environment. Bermuda National Trust, Paget
Hepburn, I, Oldfield, S & Thompson, K (1992) UK Dependent Territories Ramsar study: Stage 1. Unpublished report to Department of the Environment, European and International Habitat Protection Branch, Bristol, from International Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Bureau/ NGO Forum for Nature Conservation in UK Dependent Territories, Slimbridge/ Sandy (Research contract, No. 7/2/126)
Pienkowski, M (ed.) (2003) A sense of direction: a conference on conservation in UK Overseas Territories and other small island communities, Bermuda 22nd–27th March 2003. UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough. www.ukotcf.org
Pienkowski, MW (ed.) (2005) Review of existing and potential Ramsar sites in UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. (Contractor: UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough.) Final report on Contract CR0294 to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Bristol. www.ukotcf.org
Proctor, D & Fleming, LV (eds.) (1999) Biodiversity: the UK Overseas Territories. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Scott, DA & Carbonell, M (eds.) (1986) A directory of neotropical wetlands. IUCN/IWRB, Cambridge/Slimbridge
Thomas, MLH (1997) Summary and recommendations. In: Report on the ecological conditions of Pembroke Canal and the inner part of Mill Creek, 1996. Bermuda Zoological Society, Flatts
Ward, JL (1992) Sustaining Pembroke Marsh: a case study of a dump. Unpublished MA dissertation, University of Georgia
Wingate, DB (1984) Taking stock of Bermuda's wetland heritage. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hamilton",,,
7000119,UK12019,Pettigoe Plateau,Classified/designatd,NI,1264.32,,Fermanagh,19/11/1996,54 32 00 N,07 59 04 W,13013.16901,531834.2501,H010650,50,180,0,"The Pettigoe Plateau is situated in County Fermanagh in the west of Northern Ireland to the north of Lower Lough Erne. It abuts the International border with the Irish Republic. It is one of the largest expanses of blanket bog in Northern Ireland, formed on a relatively low elevation rolling landscape interspersed with hills with mineral soil and depressions with several small lakes. The extensive blanket bog which covers most of the site exhibits the full range of characteristic vegetation and structural features associated with this type of habitat.","Ramsar criterion 1
A particularly good representative example of blanket bog. The extensive blanket bog, which covers most of the site, exhibits the full range of characteristic vegetation and structural features associated with this type of habitat. These features include a large number of well-developed pool complexes, frequent acid flushes, basin mires and ladder fens.
Ramsar criterion 2
The site supports an important assemblage of vulnerable and endangered Irish Red Data Book bird species. The site also regularly supports nationally important numbers of breeding golden plovers $Pluvialis apricaria$.","Nearest town/city: Enniskillen
The Pettigoe Plateau is located in County Fermanagh, in the west of Northern Ireland, north of Lower Lough Erne. The site abuts the international border with the Republic of Ireland.
","The Ramsar Site is one of the largest areas of intact blanket bog remaining in Northern Ireland. The site comprises an extensive area of lowland blanket bog with a large number of well-developed pool complexes, frequent acid flushes and basin mires. The bog vegetation is characterised by luxuriant $Sphagnum$ mosses, dwarf-shrubs and other associated species, with the strong oceanic influence indicated by the constancy and abundance of purple moor-grass $Molinia caerulea$ and the frequency of bog myrtle $Myrica gale$, the moss $Campylopus atrovirens$ and the liverwort $Pleurozia purpurea$.",None reported,None reported,None reported,None reported,None reported,"Berry, PM, Harrison, PA, Dawson TP & Walmsley, CA (2005) MONARCH 2: modelling natural resource responses to climate change. A local approach. UK Climate Impacts Programme, Oxford. www.ukcip.org.uk/resources/publications/pub_dets.asp?ID=81
Corbett, P. McM & Seymour, GR (1997) The conservation of peatland in Northern Ireland. In: Conserving peatlands, ed by L Parkyn, RE Stoneman & HAP Ingram. CAB International, Wallingford, for Scottish Wildlife Trust
Frazer, JS, Cruickshank, MM & Tomlinson, RW (1988) Northern Ireland Peatland Survey. Part 5 – Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Unpublished report to Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), Countryside and Wildlife Branch, Belfast
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Partridge, K (1992) Northern Ireland Breeding Wader Survey – Final report. Unpublished report to Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), Countryside and Wildlife Branch, Belfast
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Way, LS, Grice, P, MacKay, A, Galbraith, CA, Stroud, DA & Pienkowski, MW (1993) Ireland’s Internationally Important Bird Sites: a review of sites for the EC Special Protection Area network. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough, for Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), Belfast, and Irish Wildlife Service, Dublin
Wolfe-Murphy, SA, Lawrie, EW, Smith, SJ & Gibson, CE (1993) Northern Ireland Lakes Survey. Unpublished report to Northern Ireland Department of Environment, Countryside and Wildlife, Belfast",,,
7000142,UK11053,Pevensey Levels,Classified/designatd,E,3577.71,,East Sussex,02/02/1999,50 50 30 N,00 20 32 E,564886.5,107358.5,TQ649074,1,5,3,"Pevensey Levels is one of the largest and least-fragmented lowland wet grassland systems in south-east England. The low-lying grazing meadows are intersected by a complex system of ditches which support a variety of important wetland communities, including nationally rare and scarce aquatic plants and invertebrates. The site also supports a notable assemblage of breeding and wintering wildfowl. A small area of shingle and intertidal muds and sands is included within the site.","Ramsar criterion 2
The site supports an outstanding assemblage of wetland plants and invertebrates including many British Red Data Book species.
Ramsar criterion 3
The site supports 68% of vascular plant species in Great Britain that can be described as aquatic. It is probably the best site in Britain for freshwater molluscs, one of the five best sites for aquatic beetles Coleoptera and supports an outstanding assemblage of dragonflies Odonata.","Nearest town/city: Eastbourne
Pevensey Levels is located on the Sussex coast between Eastbourne and Hastings.","Pevensey Levels supports a range of important communities of wetland flora and fauna. Various stages of succession are present in the ditches. Floating and submerged aquatic plants such as duckweeds $Lemna$ spp., pondweeds $Potamogeton$ spp. or water fern $Azolla$ spp. represent the pioneer stages. These are followed by larger floating or emergent plants such as frogbit $Hydrocharis morsus-ranae$, bur-reed $Sparganium erectum$ and arrow-head $Sagittaria sagittifolia$. Finally, common reed $Phragmites australis$ or hawthorn $Crataegus monogyna$ becomes dominant. Left undredged, the ditches lose their diversity and varied structure. A rich bankside flora is also present on site. An area of shingle and intertidal muds and sands is another important component of the site. Some flora associated with the shingle is present. For example, yellow horned-poppy $Glaucium flavum$ and sea campion $Silene uniflora$.
The site supports outstanding invertebrate populations and is a top site for Mollusca and aquatic Coleoptera. Over 15 species of dragonfly (Odonata) have been recorded, including several scarce species. One of Britain's largest and rarest spiders, the fen raft spider $Dolomides plantarius$ has its stronghold at Pevensey.
The lowland wet grassland supports a variety of bird species. For example, wintering lapwing and snipe. Breeding bird species include sedge warblers, reed warblers which nest in the scrub and reeds in the ditches respectively.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Althaea officinalis$, $Ceratophyllum submersum$, $Crambe maritima$, $Potamogeton acutifolius$, $Potamogeton friesii$, $Potamogeton trichoides$, $Sium latifolium$, $Stratiotes aloides$","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Segmentina nitida, Anisus vorticulus, Valvata macrostoma, Hydrophilus piceus, Gyrinus suffriani, Elmatophilus brevicollis, Bagous puncticollis, Dolomedes plantarius, Atylotus rusticus, Odontomyia ornata, Pherbellia argyra, Psacadina zernyi, Limophalia pictipennis, Tipula marginata, Placobdella costata$
Assemblage of International importance
The site supports an appreciable assemblage of rare, vulnerable or endangered species or sub-species of plant or animal. Pevensey Levels is probably one of the best sites in Great Britain for freshwater molluscs, one of the very best sites for aquatic Coleoptera and also supports an outstanding assemblage of Odonata.","Contemporary.
A survey of $Dolomedes plantarius$ is shortly to be undertaken, repeating the one done in 1990 (Jones 1990), to monitor its status.
The National Nature Reserve is comprehensively monitored by English Nature and the Sussex Wildlife Trust.
Completed.
Surveys of ditch flora, invertebrates, Odonata, Mollusca and Coleoptera have been carried out, as have routine river corridor surveys. Overwintering and breeding bird surveys have also been done by the RSPB. All these are likely to be repeated from time to time to monitor any changes.","The National Nature Reserve Site Managers lead guided walks on the NNRs, and teach students from local Universities and Schools. East Sussex County Council also have programmes for site visits by the general public.
There are a few interpretive panels at Pevensey Castle.
Future activities: There are proposals for a nature trail and further interpretive panels on the less sensitive parts of the NNR. In the long term, an interpretive centre may be set up.","Activities and facilities provided.
Land-based recreation:
Walking (including dog walking) and horse riding occur on the many public footpaths and bridleways. There is a golf course on the south-east corner. The roads within the site are used for recreational cycling. Two fields are used for the flying of radio-controlled model aircraft under time-limited conditions.
Water based recreation:
The Wallers Haven is occasionally used for rowing training by a local school. All the major Havens are used for angling.
Hunting:
There is a beagle pack located on the site which regularly hunts hares. The site is also used for occasional fox hunting and by bloodhounds. Illegal hunting of hare, and taking of eels also go on. A few owners have licences to shoot wildfowl.
Facilities provided.
The coastal area to the South of the Site has caravan parks and is used as a beach resort.
Seasonality.
Mainly during the summer months. Shooting is over winter.","Belden, P (1987) Pevensey Levels dragonflies. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Carr, R (1983) A survey of the aquatic Coleoptera of the Pevensey Levels. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Clark, J & Murdoch, J (1997) Local knowledge and the precarious extension of scientific networks: a reflection on three case studies. Sociologia Ruralis, 37(1), 38-60
Drake, M (1991) Ephemeroptera and Plecoptera in freshwater and brackish ditch systems on British grazing marshes. Entomologists Gazette, 42, 45-59
Dulley, AJF (1966) The Level and Port of Pevensey in the Middle Ages. Sussex Archaeological Collections, 104, 26-45
Environment Agency (1996) A fisheries management strategy for the Pevensey Levels. Environment Agency Southern Region
Glading, PR (1986) A botanical survey of ditches on the Pevensey Levels. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Hart, C & Douglas, S (1993) Nature conservation and the management of a drainage system habitat. Proceedings of the ICOLE Conference 1993
Hingley, MR (1979) The colonisation of newly-dredged drainage channels on the Pevensey Levels (East Sussex), with special reference to gastropods. Journal of Conchology, 30, 105-122
Hole, M (1998) Comment – What future in farming for wildlife? A farmer’s view from the Pevensey Levels. British Wildlife, 10(1), 9-11
Jones, E (1990) The status of Dolomedes plantarius on Pevensey Levels in August 1990. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Keymer, RJ, Blake, C & Drake, M (1989) Pevensey Levels - final report: proposed boundary for renotification. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Killeen, IJ (1994) A survey of the freshwater Mollusca of the Pevensey Levels East Sussex English Nature Research Report, No 124, Peterborough
Lindsey, BI (1993) English Nature’s Pevensey Levels Wildlife Enhancement Scheme. Sussex Ornithological Newsletter, No. 125 (Summer 1993)
Munday, R (1993) Pevensey Levels ditch survey. Sussex Wildlife Trust/Environment Agency, Worthing
National Rivers Authority (1995) Pevensey Levels biological survey Summer 1994. National Rivers Authority (S) Science Group
O'Neil, P & Beebee, TJC (2005) The great silver water beetle in Britain: a cry for help British Wildlife, 16(4), 265-269
Palmer, M (1984) A comparison of the flora and invertebrate fauna of watercourses in old pasture and arable land in the Pevensey Levels, Sussex. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Palmer, M (1986) The impact of a change from permanent pasture to cereal farming on the flora and invertebrate fauna of watercourses in the Pevensey Levels, Sussex Proceedings of the EWRS/AAB Symposium on Aquatic Weeds
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Rowland, S & Burges, D (1993) Pevensey Levels wintering bird surveys 1993. RSPB/English Nature/Environment Agency, Shoreham
Salzmann, LF (1910) The inning of Pevensey Levels. Sussex Archaeological Collections, 53, 30-60
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Steel, C (1976) The ecology of Pevensey Levels in relation to the drainage system. Unpublished M.Sc dissertation, University of London
Stewart, A, Pearman, DA & Preston, CD (eds.) (1994) Scarce plants in Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Watson, AM & Ormerod, SJ (2004) The distribution of three uncommon freshwater gastropods in the drainage ditches of British grazing marshes. Biological Conservation, 118(4), 455–466
Wiggington, M (1999) British Red Data Books. 1. Vascular plants. 3rd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Willis, J (1995) A contingent valuation study of the Pevensey Levels. English Nature, Peterborough
Willis, J, Garrod, GD, Benson, JF & Carter, M (1996) Benefits and costs of the Wildlife Enhancement Scheme: A case study of the Pevensey Levels. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 39(3), 387-401",28/01/1999,,
7000143,UK11054,Poole Harbour,Classified/designatd,E,2439.2,,Dorset,31/03/1999,50 40 52 N,02 01 34 W,398155.4,86892.75,SY982869,-2,5,0,"Poole Harbour is a bar-built estuary covering an area of nearly 4000 hectares. The Harbour occupies a shallow depression in the acidic, tertiary deposits towards the south-western extremity of the Hampshire Basin and has been formed over the last 5000 years by a rise in sea level. The unusual micro-tidal regime means that a significant body of water is retained throughout the tidal cycle. The site therefore exhibits many of the characteristics of a lagoon. There are extensive intertidal mudflats supporting internationally important numbers of waterfowl in winter. These are fringed on the landward side by saltmarshes or reedbeds. The river valleys of the lower Frome and Piddle support grazing marsh which is also important for wintering waterfowl. Much of the catchment along the western and southern shores comprises the internationally important Dorset heathlands and there are unusual transitions from saltmarsh to valley mire. The Harbour is separated from Poole Bay by the internationally important Studland dunes and the site includes Littlesea, a large dune slack lake also important for wintering wildfowl.","Ramsar criterion 1
The site is the best and largest example of a bar-built estuary with lagoonal characteristics (a natural harbour) in Britain.
Ramsar criterion 2
The site supports two species of nationally rare plant and one nationally rare alga. There are at least three British Red data book invertebrate species.
Ramsar criterion 3
The site includes examples of natural habitat types of community interest - Mediterranean and thermo Atlantic halophilous scrubs, in this case dominated by $Suaeda vera$, as well as calcareous fens with $Cladium mariscus$. Transitions from saltmarsh through to peatland mires are of exceptional conservation importance as few such examples remain in Britain.
The site supports nationally important populations of breeding waterfowl including Common tern, $Sterna hirundo$ and Mediterranean gull $Larus melanocephalus$. Over winter the site also supports a nationally important population of Avocet $Recurvirostra avosetta$.","Nearest town/city: Poole
Poole Harbour lies on the south coast of England between the town of Poole and the Isle of Purbeck.","Subtidal sediments are mainly fine muds and sands with hard substrate occurring locally in the vicinity of the channels which link the series of basins which make up the Harbour. Associated with the subtidal sands of the central Harbour are species rich communities dominated by beds of the tube-worm $Sabella pavonina$. Intertidal areas are again largely fine grain muds although coarser sediments occur in the north-east of the Harbour. Much of the middle and lower saltmarsh is dominated by common cordgrass $Spartina anglica$. Some retreat of the extent of this plant is now occurring in the Harbour. Smaller areas of more species rich upper saltmarsh also occur including areas dominated by sea-blite $Suaeda vera$. Both tidal, brackish reedbed and fresh water reedbed occur around the fringes of the Harbour. Brackish grazing marshes dominated by creeping bent $Agrostis stolonifera$ occur at Keysworth and in the lower Frome and Piddle valleys there is freshwater grazing marsh. The marshes north of the River Piddle have particularly complex vegetation being influenced both by the nutrient-poor acidic water originating in the valley mire at Morden and the nutrient-rich water of the River Piddle. Low sandy cliffs and slopes occur at the edge of Poole Harbour, and the heathland beyond is included in the Dorset Heathland Ramsar site. The large mesotrophic dune slack lake called Littlesea, on the Studland peninsula, is included in both the heathland Ramsar site and Poole Harbour Ramsar site for different interests.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Scorzonera humilis, Potamogeton acutifolius, Alopecurus bulbosus, Oenanthe silaifolia, Myosurus minimus, Suaeda vera, Zostera angustifolia, Zostera noltei, Isoetes echinospora$ and $Elatine hexandra$","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Saldula setulosa, Piesma quadratum$ and $Limonia bezzii$.
The nationally rare sponge $Suberites massa$ also occurs.","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Invertebrates (marine): surveys of subtidal ecology have been carried by P. Dyrynda, beginning in the 1980s.
Bait harvesting: Report into impact of bait havesting (1995) followed by report into bait-dragging (1996).
Miscellaneous.
Langston $et al$. (2003) is being used to inform the scope of the Review of Consents.
Poole Harbour Study Group was established to investigate various issues, particularly those which may arise as a result of the Asset Management Plan. To date the group has undertaken and published various studies including Thomas $et al$. (2004).","There are a number of facilities for bird watching with permanent bird hides and other visitor facilities at Arne, Studland, Brownsea Island and Upton Country Park. Conservation education is also taken forward at these sites through guided walks and school visits.","Infrastructure developments:
There are a number of marinas and boat havens along the northern shore of the Harbour. There are also some 2000 swinging moorings within the site. Most of the north shore of the site is urbanised and there is a caravan site adjacent to the Harbour at Rockley Sands.
Terrestrial and intertidal based recreation:
The site is not heavily used for bathing and beach recreation. There are numerous accesses for bird watching along the northern shore. Public access on the quiet southern shore is limited to Studland National Nature Reserve and a controlled access at Arne RSPB Reserve. There is also easy public access along the River Frome at Wareham allowing good viewing of birds on the grazing marsh.
Bait collection and fishing:
At a few places along the shoreline where there is good access the site is well used for bait-digging and angling. The eastern part of the site is a bass nursery area.
Water-based recreation:
Poole Harbour is heavily used for water sports recreation with sailing and other boating the most frequent activities. Water skiing, jet skiing, wind surfing, canoeing and angling also occur and are most frequent during the summer. The Zoning plan is attempting to address conflicts between users and other interests and has directed certain uses to areas where impacts on nature conservation are thought to be minimal.
A 'Navigate with nature' project, funded by the Department of the Environment, promoted best practice amongst Harbour users to reduce water pollution and disturbance to wildlife.
Wildfowling:
All wildfowling on the intertidal areas is under the control of the Dorset Wildfowling Association. Private estates also shoot on their own land - i.e. on saltmarsh above high water - but much of the shoreline above MHW is controlled by conservation organisations.","Aspinall, S & Tasker, ML (1990) Coastal birds of east Dorset. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Seabirds at Sea Team)
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1998) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 9 Southern England: Hayling Island to Lyme Regis. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Bird, ECF & Ranwell, DS (1964) Spartina saltmarshes in sourthern England. 4. The physiography of Poole Harbour, Dorset. Journal of Ecology, 52, 355-366
BP Petroleum Development Ltd & Heriot-Watt University (1986) Biological and chemical intertidal survey of Poole Harbour, June 1985 : final report.
Bristow, CR, Freshney, EC & Penn, IE (eds.) (1991) Geology of the country around Bournemouth. HMSO, London
Buck, AL (ed.) (1997) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 6. Southern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Cook, K (2001) Poole Harbour reedbed survey. Poole Harbour Study Group, Arne
Council of Europe (1984) Purbeck Heritage Coast, United Kingdom. Council of Europe, Strasbourg (European Diploma Series, No. 21)
Covey, R (1998) Chapter 7. Eastern Channel (Folkestone to Durlston Head) (MNCR Sector 7). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 199-218. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cox, JHS (1996) Progress report of botanical monitoring : Keysworth grazing marshes, Poole Harbour SSSI, Dorset 1993-1995. English Nature internal report
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Davidson, NC, Laffoley, D d’A, Doody, JP, Way, LS, Gordon, J, Key, R, Pienkowski, MW, Mitchell, R & Duff, KL (1991) Nature conservation and estuaries in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Department of Transport & Bristol Ecological Consultants Ltd (1991) Poole Harbour Crossing: NVC survey of saltmarsh in Holes Bay
Doody, P & Dennis, E (1984) Poole Harbour – Dorset. An appraisal of ecological research. Nature Conservancy Council, Huntingdon (Internal Report No. NC 220b)
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Dyrynda, P & Lewis, K (1994) Sedimentary shores within Poole Harbour : bair harvesting and other human impacts. Report to English Nature
Dyrynda, P (1991) Benthic habitats and species of conservation interest within Poole Harbour (Southern England). Nature Conservancy Council
Dyrynda, PEJ (1987) Poole Harbour subtidal survey IV. Baseline assessment. Peterborough : Nature Conservancy Council. CSD Report , No 615
Edwards, B (2004) The vegetation of Poole Harbour. Poole Harbour Study Group, Arne
Gibbons, B (1996) Reserve focus – Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour. British Wildlife, 7(6), 381-383
Haskins, L (1978) The vegetational history of south-east Dorset. Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, University of Southampton
Howard, S & Moore, J (1988) Surveys of harbours, rias and estuaries in southern Britain. Poole Harbour. Peterborough: Nature Conservancy Council. CSD Report. No 896
Howard, S & Moore, J (1989) Surveys of harbours, rias and estuaries in southern Britain : Poole Harbour. Volume I. Report. Field Studies Council. Oil Pollution Research Unit
Jensen, AC, Humphreys, J, Caldow, RWG, Grisley, C & Dyrynda, PEJ (2004) Naturalization of the Manila clam (Tapes philippinarum), an alien species, and establishment of a clam fishery within Poole Harbour, Dorset. Journal of the Marine Biological Association, 84(5), 1069-1073
Langston, WJ, Chesman, BS, Burt, GR, Hawkins, SJ, Readman, J & Worsfield, P (2003) Characterisation of the South West European Marine Sites: Poole Harbour Special Protection Area. Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, Plymouth (Occasional publication, No. 12) www.mba.ac.uk/nmbl/publications/occasionalpub12.htm
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Morrison, SJ (2004) Wader and waterfowl roost survey of Poole Harbour. Poole Harbour Study Group, Arne
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Pickering, H & others (1993) Poole Harbour aquatic management plan. Portsmouth University. Centre for Coastal Zone Management & Poole Harbour Management Core Group
Pickess, B & Underhill-Day, J (2003) Important birds of Poole Harbour. Poole Harbour Study Group, Arne
Poole Harbour Commissioners (1987) Poole Harbour Management Policies. (Revised 1991 and 1998)
Price, R & Pickess, B (1966) A preliminary survey of the reedbeds around Poole Harbour, Dorset. RSPB report
Radley, GP (1990) Sand dune survey of Great Britain. Site report No. 84. Studland.
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Saunders, C (1997) Navigate with nature: producer responsibility by another name. Journal UK CEED Bulletin, 49, 21-23
Sheader, M & Sheader, A (1990 Lagoon survey of the South Coast, Dorset Harbour to Eastbourne, 1989. Final report. Southampton University.
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Slack, C (1991) Breeding gull and tern survey, Poole Harbour, 1991) Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) report
Stewart, A, Pearman, DA & Preston, CD (eds.) (1994) Scarce plants in Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Volume 3: Site accounts. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Thomas NS, Caldow RWG, McGrorty S, Durell, SEA le V dit, West, AD & Stillman, RA (2004) Bird invertebrate prey availability in Poole Harbour. Poole Harbour Study Group, Arne
Wiggington, M (1999) British Red Data Books. 1. Vascular plants. 3rd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",,,
7000093,UK11055,Portsmouth Harbour,Classified/designatd,E,1248.77,,Hampshire,28/02/1995,50 49 41 N,01 07 32 W,461579.3,103595.9,SU616036,-1,1,0,"Portsmouth Harbour is a large industrialised estuary and includes one of the four largest expanses of mudflats and tidal creeks on the south coast of Britain. The mudflats support large beds of narrow-leaved and dwarf eelgrass, extensive green alga and sea lettuce. The harbour has only a narrow connection to the sea via the Solent, and receives comparatively little freshwater, thus giving it an unusual hydrology. The site supports internationally important numbers of wintering dark-bellied brent geese and nationally important numbers of grey plover, dunlin and black-tailed godwit.","Ramsar criterion 3
The intertidal mudflat areas possess extensive beds of eelgrass $Zostera angustifolia$ and $Zostera noltei$ which support the grazing dark-bellied brent geese populations. The mud-snail $Hydrobia ulvae$ is found at extremely high densities, which helps to support the wading bird interest of the site. Common cord-grass $Spartina anglica$ dominates large areas of the saltmarsh and there are also extensive areas of green algae $Enteromorpha$ spp. and sea lettuce $Ulva lactuca$. More locally the saltmarsh is dominated by sea purslane $Halimione portulacoides$ which gradates to more varied communities at the higher shore levels. The site also includes a number of saline lagoons hosting nationally important species.","Nearest town/city: Portsmouth
Portsmouth Harbour lies on the central south coast of mainland England, to the west of Portsmouth City.
","Portsmouth Harbour comprises a large, sheltered estuarine basins supporting extensive intertidal mudflats with $Zostera$ beds and significant areas of mainly $Spartina$ saltmarsh. The site also includes small, isolated shingle islands supporting scrub and broad-leaved woodland and two saline lagoon habitats. The site supports important overwintering populations of migratory waterfowl. A number of off-site areas of grassland are particularly important feeding sites for overwintering dark-bellied brent geese and as roosting areas for waders.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Zostera noltei, Zostera angustifolia, Zostera marina, Inula crithmoides$","Nationally important species occurring on the site:
Lagoon sand shrimp $Gammarus insensibilis$ (nationally scarce)
Starlet sea anemone $Nematostella vectensis$ (RDB vulnerable)","Contemporary.
Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Bird Ringing by Solent Shorebirds Study Group.
Environment.
Coastal Sediment (SCOPAC)
Various research and educational establishments carry out ongoing research into a number of different aspects of the environment.
Proposed:
Intertidal Habitat Monitoring (EN/EA project)I
Completed.
Fauna.
Benthic surveys of Haslar, Forton & Tipner Lakes
Lagoon survey - Cockle Pond, Alver Lake
Site-specific Environmental Assessments eg Priddys Hard, Cold Harbour, Tipner, Continental Ferry Port.","Little at present, however there is scope for interpretation through implementation of the Harbour Plan, and Gosport and Portsmouth Millennium projects.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Land-based recreation:
Walking including dog-walking - All year.
Bait-digging - All year - mainly winter
Birdwatching - Autumn-Spring.
Water-based recreation:
Sailing, power-boating, windsurfing, canoeing - Mainly Spring-Autumn","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1998) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 9 Southern England: Hayling Island to Lyme Regis. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1997) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 6. Southern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Clark, M & Gurnell, A (1987) The Solent estuary: environmental background. Southampton University, GeoData Unit, Southampton
Covey, R (1998) Chapter 7. Eastern Channel (Folkestone to Durlston Head) (MNCR Sector 7). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 199-218. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Fowler, SL (1995) Review of nature conservation features and information within the Solent & Isle of Wight Sensitive Marine Area. Report to the Solent Forum Strategic Guidance Subgroup [Includes extensive bibliography]
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Nicholas Pearson Associates (1996) Portsmouth Harbour Plan Review: draft for working group. July 1996. Centre for Coastal Zone Management, University of Portsmouth
Sneddon, P & Randall, RE (1994) Coastal vegetated shingle structures of Great Britain: Appendix 3. Shingle sites in England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Tubbs, C (1991) The Solent: a changing wildlife heritage. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Romsey",,,
7000017,UK13051,Rannoch Moor,Classified/designatd,S,1519.43,,Argyll and Bute; Highland; Perth and Kinross,05/01/1976,56 39 20 N,04 35 40 W,240997,754571,NN410545,288,359,315,"Rannoch Moor is an extensive previously glaciated plateau surrounded by uplands, and represents the most extensive complex of western blanket and soligenous/valley mire in Britain. It is of particular importance for its range of northern mire types. The site also contains part of the open water and shore of Loch Laidon, which runs along the site's north-east boundary. Rannoch Moor is the only remaining British locality for a nationally rare vascular plant species, and contains several other nationally and locally rare plants.","Ramsar criterion 1
This site is an excellent example of a complex system of oligotrophic mires, and for its range of northern mire types. It is a particularly good example of a western-type blanket bog and soligenous mire.
Ramsar criterion 2
This is the only British locality for a wetland vascular plant, the Rannoch rush $Scheuchzeria palustris$. It also supports several nationally rare beetles, flies and moths.","Nearest town/city: Perth
The site comprises gently undulating ground, at the western end of the Grampian mountains, in the north-central Highlands of Scotland.","Blanket bog - $Scirpus cespitosus-Eriophorum vaginatum$ and $Calluna vulgaris-E. vaginatum$ blanket mire.
Oligotrophic soligenous mire - with an abundance of sedges $Carex$ spp. and rushes $Juncus$ spp. Purple moor-grass $Molinia caerulea$ dominates in places.
Marginal swamps and fens around loch edges/open water communities - dominated by sedges $Carex$ spp., bogbean $Menyanthes trifoliata$ and common cottongrass $Eriophorum angustifolium$. Bladderworts $Utricularia$ spp. in open water and pools.
Dry heath - $Calluna vulgaris$-dominated, principally developed on thin peat/shallow podsols. Swamps usually pass into a shoreward zone of $Sphagnum$, often with well developed pool-hummock systems.","Assemblage.
The site is internationally important because it contains the following Habitats Directive Annex I features:
H3130 Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or of the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea
H3160 Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds
H4010 Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix
H4030 European dry heaths
H7130 Blanket bogs (active)
H7140 Transition mires and quaking bogs
H7150 Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Rannoch rush $Scheuchzeria palustris$
Dwarf birch $Betula nana$","Internationally important species occurring on the site (Habitats Directive Annex II)
S1029 Margaritifera margaritifera Freshwater pearl mussel.
S1355 Lutra lutra Otter.",None reported,Public information boards are provided to aid interpretation of the site.,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Birdwatching, deer stalking and sport fishing all occur within the Ramsar boundary, but have an insignificant impact on the interest of the site.
","Bridge, MC, Haggart, BA & Lowe, JJ (1990) The history and palaeoclimatic significance of sub fossil remains of Pinus sylvestris in blanket peats from Scotland. Journal of Ecology, 78, 77-99
Flower, RJ et al. (1987) Palaeocological evaluation of the recent acidification of Loch Laidon, Rannoch Moor, Scotland. Report to Department of the Environment
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Murray, J & Pullar, L (1903) Bathymetrical survey of the fresh-water lochs of Scotland. Part III – Lochs of the Tay Basin. Scottish Geographical Magazine, 19, 449-479
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Ward, RGW, Haggart, BA & Bridge, MC (1987) Dendrochronological studies of bog pine from the Rannoch Moor area, western Scotland. In: Applications of tree-ring studies: current research in dendrochronology and related subjects, ed. by RGW Ward, 215-225. British Archaeological Reports, Oxford (International Series, No. 333)",,,
7000052,UK11056,Redgrave and South Lopham Fens,Classified/designatd,E,127.09,,Norfolk; Suffolk,15/02/1991,52 22 34 N,01 00 42 E,604980.1,279656.6,TM050797,0,0,0,"The site is an extensive example of lowland base-rich valley, remarkable for its lack of fragmentation. The diversity of the site is due to the lateral and longitudinal zonation of the vegetation types characteristic of valley mires, such as dry birch woodland, scrub and carr, floristically-rich fen grassland, mixed fen, wet heath and areas of reed and saw sedge. The site supports many rare and scarce invertebrates, including a population of the fen raft spider $Dolomedes plantarius$.","Ramsar criterion 1
The site is an extensive example of spring-fed lowland base-rich valley, remarkable for its lack of fragmentation.
Ramsar criterion 2
The site supports many rare and scarce invertebrates, including a population of the fen raft spider $Dolomedes plantarius$.
Ramsar criterion 3
The site supports many rare and scarce invertebrates, including a population of the fen raft spider $Dolomedes plantarius$. The diversity of the site is due to the lateral and longitudinal zonation of the vegetation types characteristic of valley mires.","Nearest town/city: Bury St Edmunds
The site straddles the Norfolk /Suffolk border, west of Diss.","Part of the site exhibits a classic zonation of vegetation types, characteristic of valley mires. Dry marginal woodland is replaced by floristically-rich fen grassland, dominated by purple moor-grass $Molinia caerulea$. This grades into a mixed fen vegetation community and areas dominated by reed and sedge, notably saw sedge $Cladium mariscus$ in the valley bottom. Sandy ridges protrude into these zones and support damp, heathy vegetation. Most of the fen communities are prone to invasion by sallow and locally this has developed into dense scrub and carr.","Assemblage.
The site supports a diverse assemblage of plant species and is internationally important because it supports $Molinia caerulea$ meadows and $Cladium mariscus$-dominated chalk fen.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Dolomedes plantarius$ (Endangered (RDB 1); Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended)","Flora and Fauna.
Vegetation, bird and invertebrate surveys/monitoring carried out by SWT.
English Nature has been funding research into the ecology and monitoring of $Dolomedes plantarius$ through its Species Recovery Programme.
Work carried out to improve understanding of the fen and its hydrology.",Currently used by schools but mostly by naturalists and local inhabitants. A vistor centre has been constructed and is in regular use for educational activities and displays for groups and visitors. The restoration programme for the site has been designated as an EC demonstration project.,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Low level of usage by tourists, more in the summer months. The visitor centre is available and is holding regular events to encourage visitors to the site. The site is grazed by Konik ponies that have proved popular with visitors.","Aspinwall and Company (1992) Redgrave and stage II study; Data collection and analysis. Essex and Suffolk Water, Chelmsford.
ECUS (1995) Ecological studies towards the restoration of Redgrave and Lopham fen. Ecological Consultancy of the University of Sheffield, for Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Ashbocking
Humphries, H (1994) Redgrave and Lopham Fens Restoration Project: Hydrological and Environment Impact Assessment. National Rivers Authority, Peterborough
Jerram, R (1992) The Waveney–Little Ouse fens: A survey of fen vegetation communities. English Nature, Peterborough.
Jo Parmenter Ecological Associates (1997) Redgrave and Lopham Fen NNR Report on the fen vegetation monitoring programme, August 1997
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Smith, H (2001) Fen raft spider recovery project: a decade of monitoring. Part 1: Report for 1991–1999; Part 2: Report for 2000; Part 3: The status and conservation of the fen raft spider Dolomedes plantarius at Redgrave and Lopham Fen National Nature Reserve, England. English Nature Research Reports, No. 358
Stewart, NF (2004) Important stonewort areas. An assessment of the best areas for stoneworts in the United Kingdom. Plantlife International, Salisbury",,,
9000314,UK11057,Ribble and Alt Estuaries,Classified/designatd,E,13464.1,,Lancashire; Merseyside; Sefton,16/02/1995,53 42 41 N,02 58 44 W,335386.69,424366.27,sd353243,-2,19,1,"A large area including two estuaries which form part of the chain of west coast sites which fringe the Irish Sea. The site is formed by extensive sand and mudflats backed, in the north, by the saltmarsh of the Ribble Estuary and, to the south, the sand dunes of the Sefton Coast. The tidal flats and saltmarsh support internationally important populations of waterfowl in winter and the sand dunes support vegetation communities and amphibian populations of international importance.","Ramsar criterion 2
This site supports up to 40% of the Great Britain population of natterjack toads $Bufo calamita$.","Nearest town/city: Preston
The site occupies a stretch of coastline between Liverpool and Preston on the north-west coast of England. It lies between the Mersey estuary and Morecambe Bay.","The Ribble and Alt Estuaries contain extensive areas of intertidal sand and mudflats. These are backed by, on the Ribble, one of the most extensive areas of grazed saltmarsh in Britain and, along the Sefton Coast, the largest calcareous dune complex in north-western England.
The intertidal flats support internationally important populations of waterfowl which feed on a rich invertebrate fauna and $Enteromorpha$ beds.
The saltmarsh supports a range of vegetation communities typical of north-west England maintained by stable grazing regimes. However, the estuary is accreting in response to large-scale land-claim, with $Spartina anglica$ dominant in the pioneer stages with $Festuca rubra$ and $Puccinellia maritima$ dominating the grazed sward. Natural transitions are prevented by coastal defence structures. Small areas of saltmarsh also occur in discrete locations along the Sefton Coast.
The sand dunes display a full range of plant communities and habitat types from embryo to grey dunes with transitions to dune grassland and heath. Numerous species-rich slacks can be found throughout the dune transition but generally the extent of vegetation cover and species diversity increases with distance from the sea. $Elytrigia juncea$ and $Elymus arenarius$ dominate the embryo dunes (NVC SD5&7), being replaced by $Ammophila arenaria$ in the mobile yellow dunes (SD6); large areas of bare sand are still present. Two distinct types of vegetation dominate the extensive grey dunes, the first a $Festuca rubra/Rubus caesius$ dune pasture and a $Salix repens/R. caesius$/dwarf shrub (SD9 variants). These dunes also support two large coniferous plantations which support a distinctive flora. Elsewhere, and in the absence of management, smaller areas of secondary deciduous scrub/woodland remain including $Hippophae rhamnoides$ and various $Populus$ spp. Dune slacks are regularly found throughout the dune complex. Normally dominated by creeping willow, they also support a diverse flora including the nationally rare liverwort, $Petalophyllum ralfsii$ and dune helleborine $Epipactis dunensis$ (SD15&16). Dune grassland and heath occupy fragmented locations on the extreme eastern edge of the system with $Calluna vulgaris$ and $Carex arenaria$ both strong characteristics.
The dune system is a candidate Special Area of Conservation for the following Annex I habitats: dunes with creeping willow; shifting dunes; humid dune slacks; shifting dunes with marram; petalwort $Petalophyllum ralfsii$; great crested newt $Triturus cristatus$; coastal dune heathland; and dune grassland ('grey dunes'). The last two are priority habitat types under the EC Habitats Directive.","International importance
Lower plants
$Petalophyllum ralfsii$ Petalwort (Conservation status: European Red List: Vulnerable; Habitats Directive Annex II species (S1395))","Species occurring at levels of national importance:
Natterjack toad $Bufo calamita$ (Habitats Directive Annex IV species (S1202)) (c. 40% GB population)","Contemporary.
Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Annual natterjack toad monitoring programme: Leisure Services, Metropolitan Borough of Sefton and English Nature Ainsdale NNR.
Completed.
Flora.
National sand dune survey. Sefton coast NCC Report (Edmondson $et al$. 1989)
Bryophyte surveys (various) of Sefton Coast (M Newton).
Ribble and Alt NVC saltmarsh survey 2002 (The Environment Partnership 2003)
Fauna.
Invertebrate surveys (numerous)
Documents held by various authorities on the coast including English Nature & Metropolitan Borough of Sefton.
For a full account of reports, papers etc, reference should be made to:
$The sand dunes of the Sefton Coast$ (Atkinson & Houston 1993).","The Metropolitan Borough of Sefton, English Nature, National Trust and RSPB all lead guided walks onto suitable areas of the coast at all times of the year.
The entire site is reasonably well provided with fixed interpretation panels at many of the main public access points around the site.
The RSPB is developing educational/visitor facilities at its Reserve.
Southport Pier is developing into a major wildlife interpretation centre. English Nature, RSPB and Sefton Council are working on the project.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Infrastructure developments
There are caravan parks adjacent to the site at Formby and moorings in the Alt. No major expansion anticipated.
Land-based recreation
There is intensive recreational use of the northern beaches (Southport & Ainsdale) where traditional activities are concentrated. These include beach car parking, and, during the summer months several large-scale events. Elsewhere, recreation is more informal and less intensive - but all beach activities on the Sefton Coast are managed by the Beach Management Plan. The golf courses are heavily used; Royal Birkdale hosted the British Open Golf Championship in 1998.
Water-based recreation
Mainly a summer activity based on the beach at Southport. Becoming more common but has, in the past, included pleasure trips on hovercraft.
Airborne recreation
Some disturbance in winter months by micro-lights, particularly to pink-footed goose populations.
Wildfowling
Occurs on extensive areas of the Ribble including the NNR. Usually controlled by agreement.","Atkinson, D & Houston, J (eds.) (1993) The sand dunes of the Sefton coast. Proceedings of the Sefton Coast Research Seminar, Liverpool, 31st May 1991. National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside, Liverpool
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1996) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 13. Northern Irish Sea: Colwyn Bay to Stranraer, including the Isle of Man. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Batten, LA, Bibby, CJ, Clement, P, Elliot, GD & Porter, RF (1990) Red Data Birds in Britain. Action for rare, threatened and important species. Poyser, London, for Nature Conservancy Council and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 3. North-west Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Covey, R (1998) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 11. Liverpool Bay and the Solway Firth: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Davies, LM (1991) Littoral survey of the coast from Crosby to Fleetwood. Nature Conservancy Council. CSD Report, No. 1217. (Marine Nature Conservation Review Report, No. MNCR/SR/017)
Edmondson, SE, Gateley, PS & Nissenbaum, DA (1989). National sand dune vegetation survey. Sefton Coast, Merseyside. Nature Conservancy Council. CSD Report, No. 917
George, N (1999) Liverpool Bay coastal natural area. A nature conservation profile. English Nature, Peterborough
Gray, LC (1980) Environmental bibliography of north-west England (vice-counties 59, 60, 69 and 70) 1850–1979. University of Lancaster Library, Lancaster (Library Occasional Paper, No. 10)
Huddart, D & Glasser, NF (2002) Quaternary of northern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 25)
May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Mills, DJL (1998) Chapter 11. Liverpool Bay to the Solway (Rhôs-on-Sea to the Mull of Galloway) (MNCR Sector 11). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 315-338. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Radley, GP (1994) Sand dune vegetation survey of Great Britain: a national inventory. Part 1: England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Ribble Estuary Strategy Steering Group (1997) Ribble estuary strategy. Lancashire County Planning Department, Lancaster
Rose, PM & Scott, DA (1997) Waterfowl population estimates. 2nd edn. Wetlands International, Wageningen (Wetlands International Publication, No. 44) www.wetlands.org/IWC/wpe2/WPE2-toc.htm
Simpson, D (2002) The fall and rise of Ainsdales's natterjacks. British Wildlife, 13(3), 161-170
Smith, PH (1999) The sands of time. An introduction to the sand dunes of the Sefton coast. National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside, Liverpool
Smith, PH (2000) Classic wildlife sites – The Sefton Coast sand-dunes, Merseyside. British Wildlife, 12(1), 28-36
Stewart, NF (2004) Important stonewort areas. An assessment of the best areas for stoneworts in the United Kingdom. Plantlife International, Salisbury
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Taylor, PM & Parker, JG (eds.) (1993) The coast of north Wales & north west England. An environmental appraisal. Hamilton Oil Company Ltd., London
The Environment Partnership (2003) Ribble and Alt Estuaries NVC Survey 2002. The Environment Partnership, Warrington, for English Nature
Weighell, AJ, Donnelly, AP & Calder, K (eds.) (2000) Directory of the Celtic coasts and seas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",28/11/2002,,
7000106,UK13052,Rinns of Islay,Classified/designatd,S,3570.75,,Argyll and Bute,27/11/1995,55 50 36 N,06 23 15 W,122807,665727,NR254698,17,128,55,"The site is composed of a mosaic of natural and semi-natural habitats including bog, moorland, dune grassland, maritime grassland, marsh, and farmland. Much of the natural vegetation is utilised as rough grazing for sheep and cattle and is managed extensively. These habitats are used by an extremely rich assemblage of scarce bird species.","Ramsar criterion 1
The site contains peatlands and wetlands of outstanding scientific interest including blanket mires of extreme oceanic character. Cultoon Bog has a high potential for reconstructing Late Quaternary environmental conditions.
Ramsar criterion 3
The site supports a peatland flora of exceptional interest which includes several nationally-scarce wetland species. The site supports a diverse assemblage of breeding waders on wet grassland and peatland.","Nearest town/city: Bowmore
Occupies the western peninsula of the Inner Hebridean island of Islay, south-west of Oban on the west coast of Scotland","The main habitat types of this site are: blanket bog, moorland, dune grassland, maritime grassland, marsh.
Farmland including rough grazing.
Active blanket bog habitats predominate, supporting characteristic flora and fauna.
Dry and wet heath, on thin soils, are also prevalent.
Succession to scrub woodland is occurring in some areas.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Spiranthes romanzoffiana$",None reported,"Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Scottish Natural Heritage coordinate monthly monitoring of goose numbers.
Miscellaneous.
There is a field centre in Port Charlotte with hostel accommodation.",The field centre has a developing programme of conservation education. =Scottish Natural Heritage is also funding a programme of conservation education in local schools.,"Activities.
Casual tourism by naturalists and general interest visitors.
Facilities provided.
No official visitor facilities.
Seasonality.
Tourism is year-round, but mostly between April-November.","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1997) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 14 South-west Scotland: Ballantrae to Mull. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Bignal, E, Curtis, D & Matthews J (1988) Islay: Land types, bird habitats and nature conservation. Part 1. Land types and birds on Islay. NCC CSD Report, No. 809
Boyd, JM & Bowes, DR (eds.) (1983) The natural environment of the Inner Hebrides. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Series B: Biological Sciences, 83
Lindsay, R, Rigall, J & Bignal, E (1983) Ombrogenous mires in Islay and Mull. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, 83B, 341-371
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Ramsay, DL & Brampton, AH (2000) Coastal cells in Scotland: Cell 5 – Cape Wrath to the Mull of Kintyre. Scottish Natural Heritage Research Survey and Monitoring Report, No. 147
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",,,
7000121,UK13053,River Spey – Insh Marshes,Classified/designatd,S,1158.77,,Highland,02/02/1997,57 05 24 N,03 59 48 W,279942,802242,NH790016,224,238,227,"The Insh Marshes lie either side of the River Spey upstream of Loch Insh.
Partly due to seasonal flooding there is a very large area of swamp, fen and carr which together form the largest single unit of poor-fen floodplain mire in Britain.
The site includes Loch Insh and the River Spey between Newtonmore and Kingussie which support large numbers of wintering wildfowl, as well as a significant assemblage of rare breeding waterfowl. The Feshie-Spey confluence has extensive river shingles which support a large number of rare invertebrates.","Ramsar criterion 1
Holds outstanding examples within a UK context of a large, high-altitude slow-flowing river, a mesotrophic loch (a type that is uncommon in Britain and is also notable for its exceptionally high turnover rate), a floodplain mire and a gravel fan.
Ramsar criterion 2
Supports a large assemblage of nationally-rare and nationally-scarce aquatic plants and invertebrates (including species with a boreal pine distribution), and is one of the best freshwater sites in Britain for otter $Lutra lutra$.
Ramsar criterion 3
A nationally important genetic resource for floodplain mires.
Supports an assemblage of breeding birds indicative of high wetland value and diversity.","Nearest town/city: Aviemore
The site is adjacent to the town of Kingussie, west of the Cairngorm massif, and south of Inverness.","Within this site the main habitat types are: woodland, floodplain mire, bog, swamp, tall herb fen, wet heath, grassland, river shingles, dynamic alluvial fans.
The site supports a large diversity of plant communities, ranging from aquatic to woodland.
The floodplain mires are varied, but S9 $Carex rostrata$ swamp, S11 $Carex vesicaria$ swamp, S27 $Carex rostrata-Potentilla palustris$ tall herb fen and M5 $Carex rostrata-Sphagnum squarrosum$ mire are the most important communities.
There are also areas of M15 $Scirpus cespitosus-Erica tetralix$ wet heath; grasslands, particularly MG9 $Holcus lanatus-Deschampsia cespitosa$. Woodland includes carr W3 $Salix pentandra-Carex rostrata$ & W4 $Betula pubescens-Molinia caerulea$, riparian woodland W7 $Alnus glutinosa-Fraxinus excelsior-Lysimachia nemorum$, and small areas of birch $Betula$ woodland on better drained soils W11 $Quercus petraea-Betula pubescens-Dicranum majus$.","Assemblage.
The site is internationally important because it contains the following Habitats Directive Annex I features:
H3130 Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or of the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea
H7140 Transition mires and quaking bogs
H91E0 Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae)
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Calamagrostis purpurea, Carex chordorrhiza, Cicuta virosa, Equisetum pratense, Nuphar pumila$","Internationally important (Habitats Directive Annex II) species occurring on the site.
Mammals.
S1355 Lutra lutra Otter
Invertebrates.
$Hammerschmidtia ferruginea, Rhamphomyia trigemina, Tachydromia acklandi, Limonia omissinervis, Nephrotoma aculeata, Dorytomus affinis$","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Environment.
Research on site hydrology by Stirling University (e.g. Grieve $et al$. 1995; Willby $et al$. 1998).","The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) provides guided walks for visitors, and their birdwatching hides provide interpretative display.
The site is visited by university and school groups.
","Activities.
Birdwatching, angling, watersports, shooting.
Facilities provided.
Guided walks, birdwatching observation hides.
Seasonality.
All year.","Fojt, W (1989) A vegetation survey of the Insh Marshes SSSI, August 1988. Unpublished, Nature Conservancy Council
Gibbons, B (1993) Classic wildlife sites: Insh Marshes, Speyside. British Wildlife, 5(1), 41-43
Grieve, IC, Gilvear, DG & Bryant, RG (1995) Hydrochemical and water source variations across a floodplain mire, Insh Marshes, Scotland. Hydrological Processes. 9(1), 99-110
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Prescott, T (2000) RSPB Scotland's Insh Marshes Management Plan (April 2000 – March 2005). Unpublished, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Edinburgh
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Willby, N, Gilvear, DJ, Grieve, IC & Murphy, K (1998) Hydrological–ecological interactions on the Insh Marshes. In: Floodplain rivers: hydrological processes and ecological significance, ed. by A.R.G. Large, 40-52. British Hydrological Society, London (Occasional Paper No. 8)",,,
7000129,UK13054,Ronas Hill – North Roe and Tingon,Classified/designatd,S,5470.2,,Shetland Islands,11/08/1997,60 33 00 N,01 25 00 W,431900,1185100,HU320852,16,393,157,Ronas Hill - North Roe and Tingon Ramsar site comprises two adjacent headlands separated by Ronas Voe in the North Mainland of Shetland. Most of the site is composed of active blanket bog with numerous lochans and pools that support a typical peatland avifauna.,"Ramsar criterion 1
Supporting outstanding examples of blanket bog with extensive pool systems. The lower ground at North Roe and most of Tingon is covered by deep peat with some of the best preserved active blanket bog in Shetland. The peat layer has remained intact at Tingon with none of the erosion seen in other typical sites on Shetland. Further patches of wet heath and mire are found on the higher ground. The site also contains many oligotrophic lochs and dystrophic lochans and has an unusual formation of peat moulds.
Ramsar criterion 2
Supports a number of rare species of animal and plant. The mammal fauna includes common seal $Phoca vitulina$ and otter $Lutra lutra$ and the invertebrate fauna includes the arctic water flea $Eurycercus glacialis$ found at only one other site in Britain.
","Nearest town/city: Lerwick
The site lies in the north-west of Mainland Shetland.","The main habitat type on this site is active blanket bog, which is amongst the most intact in Shetland, showing characteristic features of peatland including permanent and temporary pools fringed with mosses, sedges and rushes. A notable feature of the site is the large number of peat mounds, similar in appearance to arctic palsas. The sub-alpine heaths of the upper slopes of Ronas Hill, Mid Field and Collafirth Hill and the summit of the Beorgs of Skelberry are also of international importance. A smaller area of coastal grassland and dry heath is also present on the north end of the Tingon peninsula.","Assemblage
The site is internationally important because it supports the following Habitats Directive Annex I wetland features:
H3130 Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or of the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea
H3160 Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds
H4010 Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix
H7130 Blanket bogs
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
Shetland endemic $Hieracia$","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Mammals.
$Phoca vitulina, Lutra lutra$ (Habitats Directive Annex II species)
Invertebrates.
$Eurycercus glacalis$.","Habitat.
Research proposed to encourage heather regeneration on the site
All management agreements are subject to compliance monitoring.
Fauna.
Annual ringing of red-throated divers, gives rough estimate for productivity.",None reported,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Sport angling: on the lochs for brown trout
Walking: walking on Ronas Hill in particular and at a low level elsewhere.","Anon. (1997) Ronas Hill–North Roe Site of Special Scientific Interest Management Statement. Scottish Natural Heritage, Shetland
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1997) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 1. Shetland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Berry, RJ & Johnston, JL (1980) The natural history of Shetland. Collins, London (New Naturalist No. 64)
Gordon, JE & Sutherland, DG (eds.) (1993) Quaternary of Scotland. Chapman & Hall, London, for Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 6)
Hulme, PD (1985) The peatland vegetation of the Isle of Lewis and Harris and the Shetland Islands, Scotland. Aquilo, Series Botanica, 21, 81-88
Johnston, R & Mudge, G (1996) North Roe & Tingon Proposed Special Protection Area/Ramsar Site (204A) Departmental brief. Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Swale, J & Osborn, K (1997) Tingon Site of Special Scientific Interest Management Statement. Scottish Natural Heritage, Shetland",,,
7000024,UK11060,Rostherne Mere,Classified/designatd,E,79.76,,Cheshire,24/07/1981,53 21 14 N,02 23 05 W,374391.4,384219.5,SJ744842,30,30,30,"Rostherne Mere is the deepest, one of the largest and the most northerly of the meres of the Cheshire Plain. It lies in a hollow surrounded by thick deposits of glacial drift overlying triassic marls and salt-beds.","Ramsar criterion 1
Rostherne Mere is one of the deepest and largest of the meres of the Shropshire-Cheshire Plain. Its shoreline is fringed with common reed $Phragmites australis$.","Nearest town/city: Warrington
Situated 16 km south-west of the centre of Manchester, close to the southern outskirts of Greater Manchester, 5 km north of Knutsford","The mere has little submerged vegetation but is fringed by a narrow band of $Phragmites$ reed swamp for over half its circumference. Around the mere the catchment slopes are primarily large blocks of woodland and moderately intensively farmed grassland. Remains of a former peat bog in the north and willow beds in the south are other notable habitats.
",None reported,None reported,"Environment.
Water Chemistry.
Limnology.
Fauna.
Phytoplankton.
Zooplankton.
Trophic status / Nutrient budgets.
Fish Benthic fauna.
Ornithology.","The National Nature Reserve has no general public access but is widely used by universities and others for site based research projects and dissertations.
","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
No general public access but observation hide overlooks mere and provides birdwatching facilities.
","Banks, JW (1970) Observations on the fish population of Rostherne Mere, Cheshire Field Studies 3(2), 357-379
Belcher, JA & Storey, JE (1968) The phytoplankton of Rostherne and Mere meres. Cheshire Naturalist, 905, 57-61.
Carvalho, LC (1993) Experimental limnology on four Cheshire meres. Unpublished PhD Thesis, University of Liverpool
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Krivtsov, V, Bellinger, E & Sigee, D (2002) Water and nutrient budgeting of Rostherne Mere, Cheshire, UK. Nordic Hydrology, 33, 391-414
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Reynolds, CS (1979) The limnology of the eutrophic meres of the Shropshire–Cheshire Plain. Field Studies, 5(1), 93-173
Sutherland, JP (1997) The hoverflies (Diptera, Syrphidae) of Rostherne Mere, Cheshire. Dipterists Digest, 4(1), 35-40
Walsh, B (1965) An investigation of the bottom fauna of Rostherne Mere, Cheshire. Unpublished PhD Thesis, University of Liverpool
Waltham, AC, Simms, MJ, Farrant, AR & Goldie, HS (1997) Karst and caves of Great Britain. Chapman & Hall, London, for Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 12)",,,
7000068,UK11061,Roydon Common,Classified/designatd,E,194.1,,Norfolk,05/03/1993,52 46 24 N,00 30 02 E,568672.2,322498,TF687225,10,19,14,"Roydon Common is an area of lowland mixed valley mire surrounded by heathland. It sits on the Cretaceous greensand of west Norfolk, within a broad south-west-facing valley basin. It has a classic sequence of vegetation types associated with valley mires of this type. The dry heath of the upper slopes is hydrologically linked with wetter lower slopes, which experience seasonal waterlogging and are colonised by wet heath. This grades into the valley bottom, which is permanently waterlogged, and comprises acid bog and nutrient-poor fen communities, blending into more base-rich fen and carr woodland in the valley bottom.","Ramsar criterion 1
The site is the most extensive example of valley mire-heathland biotope within East Anglia.– It is a mixed valley mire holding vegetation communities which reflect the influence of both base-poor and base-rich water.
Ramsar criterion 3
The vegetation communities have a restricted distribution within Britain. – It also supports a number of acidophilic invertebrates outside their normal geographic range and six British Red Data Book invertebrates.","Nearest town/city: King's Lynn
In west Norfolk, 4 km north-east of Kings Lynn and 9 km south-east of the eastern shore of the Wash.","The main habitats and vegetation communities of this site are base-rich fen, nutrient-poor fen, acid mire, wet humid heath, wet carr woodland and acid dry heath. The mire communities are present in a distinct zonation grading from the acid dry heath, through wet heath to nutrient poor mire and fen in the valley bottom. The main NVC mire and wet heath communities are M14, M25a, M21b, M16a and M16e. Within the mire there are other smaller areas of swamp, tall herb fen, rush pasture and bog pool communities present.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Nationally scarce: $Hammarbya paludosa$, $Crassula tillaea$, $Dactylorhiza traunsteineri$
Lower Plants.
$Thelypteris palustris$ (nationally scarce), $Lophozia capitata$ (nationally rare), $Kurzia sylvatica$ (nationally scarce).","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
Nationally rare (RDB).
$Buckleria paludum, Macrocera fascipennis, Allodia embla, Eutolmus rufibarbis, Podalonia affinis, Lasioglossum brevicorne$
Nationally scarce.
$Idaea muricata, Harpalus punctatulus, Marpissa radiate, Aphrophora alpine, Megamelodes lequesnei, Delphacodes capnodes, Exechia exigua, Exechiopsis ligulata, Epicypta limnophila, Tetanocera phyllophora, Crambus hamella, Sympetrum sanguineum, Adscita statices, Earias clorana, Hypnodes humidialis, Macrochilo cribumalis, Orthonevra geniculata, Pterostichus angustatus, Hydroporus neglectus, Ilybius guttiger, Helochares punctatus, Paradelphomyia nielseni, Limnophila puchella, Hyperaspis pseudopustulata, Crustulina sticta, Megachile leachella$.","Habitat.
English Nature/Norfolk Wildlife Trust site unit monitoring - condition assessments of individual compartments based mainly on vegetation.
Detailed NVC survey of mire communities carried out 1992-93.
Environment.
Hydrological monitoring of groundwater levels and abstraction licence impacts by the Environment Agency.
",None reported,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Quiet recreation - birdwatching, botanising and walking on nature trails mainly.
","English Nature (199*) Roydon Common SSSI site management statement. English Nature, Norfolk Team
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Norfolk Wildlife Trust (2003) Roydon Common National Nature Reserve management plan 2003–2008. Norfolk Wildlife Trust
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough",,,
7000053,UK11062,Rutland Water,Classified/designatd,E,1360.34,,Leicestershire; Rutland,04/10/1991,52 38 52 N,00 39 54 W,490294.8,306461.5,SK903064,80,85,83,"Rutland Water is a large eutrophic man-made pump storage reservoir created by the damming of the Gwash Valley in 1975. The reservoir is in a lowland setting receiving the majority of its water from the Nene (90%) and Welland (10%). In general the reservoir is drawn down in the summer and filled during the autumn and winter months when river levels are high.
The lagoons are one of the most important areas for wintering and breeding wildfowl. The reservoir regularly supports internationally important numbers of gadwall and shoveler and nationally important numbers of eight other species of wildfowl.",,"Nearest town/city: Peterborough
Rutland Water lies 30 km east of Leicester.","The main habitat is the open water of the main body of the reservoir. This is deep water with some macrophyte growth down to 3 metres (average depth 14 m, maximum depth 34 m).
The western end of the reservoir contains three bunded areas with their own water supply. These are managed by manipulating the water level to produce seasonal inundation and conditions for breeding wildfowl. They include several small artificial islands and a 2 ha reedbed. The rest of the site is made up of adjacent woodland and grazed grasslands that are used by wintering wigeon and swans and provide a buffer from activities adjacent to the site.",None reported,None reported,"Contemporary.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Constant effort bird ringing site.
Annual report on breeding birds including work on the important Trees Sparrow population.
Work on the ecology of Inland cormorant populations and their impact on commercial fisheries (sponsored by MAFF and EA) carried out by Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.
Osprey reintroduction programme for England is being carried out.
Environment.
Work being undertaken by English Nature, Environment Agency and Anglian Water services on the phosphate problems at the reservoir.","The site has three wardens and a dedicated education officer who works specifically with school groups. The Anglian Birdwatching Centre is used for training events in conservation management techniques, wildlife appreciation and related topics. A full range of courses and guided walks are provided and the visitor centre is staffed seven days a week while. A second centre is open daily in the summer and at weekends in the winter. Most of the reserve has full disabled access. Both of the visitor centres have a wide range of interpretation facilities including CCTV used for videoing the osprey work and watching birds nesting in nest boxes.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Land based Recreation:
Walking and cycling mainly in the summer but increasing in the winter. Bird watching within the reserve although this has little impact because of the way it is managed.
Visitor facilities such as visitor centres, car parks, Tropical house and others attract visitors to the land adjacent to the reservoir.
Water based recreation:
Fishing (April to November) both from the bank and from boat. Sailing (all year, but not as frequent in the winter), windsurfing (all year), canoeing (all year mainly summer).","**** (1996) Water, birds and recreation. Rutland Water, a case study: integrating conservation and recreation. British Ornithologists’ Union/ Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust conference
**** Rutland Water annual bird reports. ****
Andrews, J (1992) Birds of Anglian Water reservoirs. Anglian Water, Huntingdon
Anglian Water (n.d. [~1998]) The return of the osprey. The story of reintroducing a much missed bird of prey. Anglian Water Services, Environmental Affairs Team, [Huntingdon]
Appleton, TP (1992) Rutland Water Nature Reserve: concept, design and management. In: Harper, D ****
Appleton, TP (2003) Rutland Water Nature Reserve Management Plan revision. Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, Leicester
Appleton, TP, Bolt, SRL & Dixon, H (1996) Return of the osprey Pandion haliaetus: translocation of osprey chicks to Rutland Water, Leicestershire, England. In: Reintroduction of wild species. Proceedings of the 27th Eurosite European Workshop. Eurosite
Appleton, TP, Bolt, SRL & Dixon, H (1997) Translocation of osprey chicks to Rutland Water. The Raptor, 24, 12-15
Ford, A (1992) Perimeter forestry and landscape works at Rutland Water Hydrobiologia, 88(1/2), 211-224
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",,,
41,UK54005,Sea Lion Island,Classified/designatd,OT,1556,,Falkland Islands,24/09/2001,52 26 00 S,59 06 00 W,,,,0,30,,"Sea Lion Island is an isolated island, 17 km off the southern tip of East Falkland, noted as an important Falkland breeding site for southern sea lion (Thompson $et al$. 1995; Thompson 2003) and elephant seal (Galimberti & Boitani 1999). It is made up of two rocky plateaux, well vegetated with oceanic heath and mixed grassland on their higher points, joined by a broad sandy beach, and retains, for an inhabited and farmed island, unusually large stands of fenced tussac grass round the coastline. The former sheep-farming operations have now ceased. The main economic activity is wildlife tourism with a small number of sheep to provide meat for the lodge.","Sea Lion Island qualifies under Criterion 1 because it includes good representative examples of most of the natural wetland types characteristic of the Falklands, both marine/coastal and inland. Among coastal/marine types, it is a rocky offshore island (type D), set in shallow marine waters (type A) with kelp beds (type B), and has extensive sand and pebble beaches (type E) and a sizeable coastal brackish saline lagoon, Beaver Pond, (type J); for an island with a history of sheep ranching, the extent and condition of the stands of tussac grass $Paradiochloa flabellata$ are particularly good. Among inland wetland types, the higher parts of the island are made up of peatlands on oceanic heath (type U), with a few permanent freshwater pools (type Tp).
Sea Lion Island qualifies under Criterion 2 because it supports vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered assemblages of: Cobb’s wren $Troglodytes cobbi$, a species which favours tussac grass as a nesting habitat and listed as vulnerable by IUCN (1996); and of ruddy-headed goose $Chloephaga rubidiceps$ and striated caracara $Phlacoboenus australis$, both listed as ‘Lower Risk: near threatened’ by IUCN (1996).
The site qualifies under Criterion 3 because the island is of special value for maintaining the genetic and ecological diversity of the region. The site has extensive stands of tussac grass, provides an important Falkland breeding site for southern sea lion $Otaria byronia$, holds much the largest numbers of southern elephant seal $Mirounga leonina$ breeding in the Falklands, and supports a wide variety of Falkland breeding birds, especially on the beaches, rocky shores and in the tussac grass.
Sea Lion Island also qualifies under Criterion 3, since it supports breeding populations of one endemic species Falkland steamer duck $Tachyeres brachydactyla$, and two endemic subspecies of waterfowl, upland goose $Chloephaga picta leucoptera$, kelp goose $Chloephaga hybrida malvinarum$, imperial shag $Phalacrocorax atriceps albiventor$ and black-crowned night heron $Nycticorax n. falklandicus$. In addition it supports breeding populations of other endemic bird species and subspecies for which tussac grass is an important habitat, notably Cobb’s wren and tussacbird $Cincloides a. antarcticus$. The island is also free of introduced predators such as rats and cats and therefore represents an important refuge for endemic birds. Populations of endemic species and subspecies may be of international importance on this site. Three of the twelve Falkland endemic plant species (Moore 1973) occur: Falklands lilaeopsis $Lilaeopsis macloviana$, Falkland cudweed $Gnaphium affine$ and coastal nassauvia $Nassauvia gaudichaudii$.
Sea Lion Island also qualifies under Criterion 4, since it is of critical importance to a number of birds and animals during the breeding season, a critical stage in their biological cycle. Among birds, this is true of gentoo penguins $Pygoscelis papuam$, rockhopper penguin $Eudyptes chrysocome$, Magellanic penguin $Spheniscus magellanicus$ and southern giant petrel $Marconectes giganteus$. Woods & Woods (1997) note that the Falklands hold one of the world’s most important populations of gentoo penguins and probably the largest population of rockhopper penguin. For marine mammals, it is of importance, both as a breeding and moulting site, to southern sea lion and southern elephant seal. It has the largest breeding colony of elephant seal within the archipelago, with approximately 500 breeding females (Galimberti & Biotani 1999).","Sea Lion Island is situated 17 km south-east of Bull Point, the most southerly point of Lafonia, East Falkland, and 120 km south-west of Stanley (population 1600).","The wetland types are as follows, beginning from the sea and moving inland: permanent shallow marine waters
(Ramsar type A); marine sub-tidal aquatic beds (type B); rocky marine shores (type D) or sandy/pebble shores (type E); a coastal brackish lagoon (type J); most of the higher part of the island is covered with peatland (type U), with a few freshwater pools (type Tp).
Permanent shallow marine waters and aquatic beds. The substrate is universally flat along the southern shore, with red algal-encrusted bedrock, and extensive, subtidally well-spaced giant kelp $Macrosystis pyrifera$ (Tingley $et al$. 1996). Killer whales $Orcinus orca$ regularly feed in this area.
Rocky marine shores, in places backed by cliffs. The rocky shorelines support invertebrates such as mussels, limpets and marine algae. Rockpools trap fish and small marine creatures. These rocky shores provide rich feeding areas for black-crowned night heron, kelp goose, crested duck $Anas specularioides$, Magellanic oystercatcher $Haematopus leucopodus$, and blackish oystercatcher $H. ater$, and nesting areas for species such as kelp goose, Falkland steamer duck and crested duck. The rocky cliffs provide nesting sites for rock shag $Phalacrocorax magellanicus$, with colonies of imperial shag and rockhopper penguin on the cliff tops.
Sandy/pebble shores. Sandy beaches are found round most of the shores of the island and in the sand neck which cuts right across the island, to the east of the settlement; the latter provides the main hauling-out and breeding area for Southern Elephant Seal, with about 520 pups born each year from 1995 to 1997 (Galimberti & Boitani 1999; Galimberti, pers. comm.). Dolphin gull $Larus scoresbii$, kelp gull $L. dominicanus$ and South American tern $Sterna hirundinacea$ breed on the beach. In the centre of this beach is a large pond, extensively used for loafing in winter and spring by waterfowl, waders and seals, though it dries out in most summers. While much of this area is composed of bare sand, the principal vegetation associations are non-native marram–lyme grass $Ammophila–Elymus$, and sea cabbage $Senecio candidans$. The principal gentoo penguin colonies are located on the higher parts of this sandy area. Elsewhere, and in particular along the south coast, the pebble shores at the base of the low cliffs provide the main breeding areas for southern sea lion.
Tussac grass stands. Tussac grass does not fit easily into the Ramsar wetland classification though it is a major wetland habitat type in sub-Antarctic islands. It normally grows around the edge of islands, trapping an open wetter surface in the flatter centre of the island, and possibly plays an important role in conserving water in the soil and maintaining the hydrological and ecological balance of islands. “The similarity between tussock-grass and a small palm tree is due to the curious mode of growth of the former. Each plant forms a hillock of matted roots, rising straight out of the ground, and a few feet or more apart from the roots of the surrounding tussock plants. The hillocks are often six feet high, and four or five feet in diameter, and they throw out from the summit copious grassy foliage, with blades full six feet in length, drooping on all sides, those of the opposite plants meeting, so as to over-arch the spaces between them. Thus a tussock-bog (for so a tract of land covered with this grass is called) becomes a labyrinth” (Hooker 1847). “Tussock thrives where it may be subjected to considerable amounts of sea spray and a moisture-laden atmosphere with a high salt content. Whether the plant benefits nutritionally plays an important part in reducing competition from other plants…Although there are exceptions, tussock stands are generally restricted to coastal belts which rarely exceeds some 300 metres in width” (Strange $et al$. 1988). Tussac grass has in the past been used for grazing of sheep, cattle and horses, and as a result has decreased or disappeared from many of the settled islands. Only 65 ha remain on the two main islands of East and West Falkland (Strange $et al$. 1988). Tussac is an important habitat for birds of the Falklands (Woods 1970) and for seals (Strange 1992). On Sea Lion Island, the stands of tussac grass, though affected by overgrazing and erosion, are exceptionally good for an island with a history of settlement and sheep-raising. Stands of tussac grass are found around much of the coastline of Sea Lion Island, above the sandy or pebbly shores.
Coastal brackish lagoon. Beaver Pond, a sizeable brackish pool, is at the north-west corner of the island, separated from the sea by a pebble beach. It provides nesting areas for a number of water birds such as Kelp Goose and Falkland Steamer Duck, and supports nesting colonies of Dolphin Gull and Kelp Gull. In the eroded areas around the pool, where tussac grass formerly grew, colonies of Magellanic penguin make their burrows, and upland goose and ruddy-headed goose make their nest and graze.","Species occurring at levels of international importance:
Higher Plants
$Codonorchis lessonii$
Species occurring at levels of national importance:
Higher Plants
Tussac Grass
Cinnamon Grass $Hierochloe redolens
Lilaeopsis macloviana
Gnaphalium affine
Nassauvia gaudichaudii$
Feugian violet $Viola magellanica$, only recorded from this site in the entire archipelago and important for the Falklands fritillary as a food plant.","Species occurring at levels of national importance:
Southern Sea Lion
Gentoo Penguins
Killer Whales
Southern Elephant Seal
Rockhopper Penguins
The introduced-predator-free status of all the five islands in the group make them an important site for small passerines and potentially for burrowing petrels. They are also of importance for striated caracara, which breed on all five islands. Permanent ponds and boggy ground also provide important habitat for waterfowl and wading birds. The four smaller islands are worthy of further survey to ascertain numbers and distribution of qualifying species. The population of gentoo penguins on Sea Lion Island has increased from 3,000 in 1995, whilst the rockhopper population has remained relatively stable.
Gentoo penguin Near Threatened
> 1% global
c. 5,600 breeding adults (Clausen & Huin in press)
Rockhopper penguin Vulnerable 970 breeding adults (Clausen & Huin in press)
Macaroni penguin Vulnerable 1 or 2 pairs breed occasionally
Magellanic penguin Near Threatened Breeding confirmed on all five islands, numbers unknown.
White-tufted grebe (Range-restricted) subsp Need confirmation of presence
Southern giant petrel Vulnerable c40 breeding adults on Sea Lion Island.
Sooty shearwater > 10,000 pairs Breeding confirmed on Sea Lion Island, numbers unknown. Presence likely on other islands.
Grey-backed storm petrel > 1% global Presence probable but unconfirmed.
Common diving petrel (> 1% global) subsp Breeding confirmed on Sea Lion Island, Sea Lion easterly and Rum Island. Numbers unknown.
Rock shag > 1% global c500 breeding adults, mainly on Whisky Island
King shag > 1% global Breeding confirmed, more than a 1000 pairs.
Black-crowned night-heron (Range-restricted) subsp
Upland goose (Range-restricted) subsp
(> 1% popl) subsp
Kelp goose (Range-restricted) subsp
(> 1% popl) subsp
Ruddy-headed goose Data-deficient
Range-restricted
> 1% popl Breeding confirmed on Sea Lion Island. Small numbers, uncounted.
Falkland steamer duck Range-restricted
> 1% pop Widespread around all coasts, numbers unknown.
Striated caracara Near Threatened
Range-restricted
> 1% global c20 breeding adults breeding on all islands (Woods 1997).
Two-banded plover (Range-restricted) subsp ??
Magellanic snipe (Range-restricted) subsp ?? Widespread throughout Sealion island
Dolphin gull > 1% global
Short-eared owl (Range-restricted) subsp
Tussacbird Range-restricted Numerous on all five islands
Dark-faced ground-tyrant (Range-restricted) subsp
Falkland pipit (Range-restricted) subsp
Grass wren (Range-restricted) subsp
Cobb’s wren Vulnerable
Range-restricted Numerous on all five islands
Falkland thrush (Range-restricted) subsp
Black-throated finch Data-deficient
Range-restricted Presence confirmed, numbers unknown.
Sea Lion Island is of particular interest for the large colony of breeding elephant seal, which produce around 200 pups per year. These are the subjects of a long-term study by Italian researchers from the University of Rome. Southern sea lion also breed on the coasts, a breeding population producing 40 pups in 2003. The other small islands are used as haul out sites for both sea lion and elephant seals, although no breeding takes place there. Because of the steeply shelving coastline and diverse bird and mammal life, the island is also popular among tourists for being a good site to see killer whales, often feeding on penguins and seals just offshore. One striking feature of the bird community of Sea Lion group is the total absence of breeding or non-breeding long-tailed meadowlark, despite them been present at Bull Point only 15 km away.","Ongoing research – study of breeding biology and population dynamics of Southern Elephant Seal
Involves marking individuals in entire population (by Galimberti & Boitani, scientists from University of Rome)
Area covered in Breeding Bird Survey of the Falkland Islands (Woods & Woods 1997)
The islands’ penguin population is annually monitored as part of the Falklands Conservation Seabird Monitoring Programme.
Mentioned in a number of scientific papers on fauna and flora of the Falklands","There is a hide located to the north of the Lodge, which protects the breeding colony of Southern giant petrel. Literature for tourists is produced by the Lodge owners, and copies of the Countryside Code are widely distributed. All military personnel visiting the island receive a full wildlife briefing before they arrive and the site is also featured in $A visitors guide to the Falklands$, which seeks to raise awareness of the sensitivity of the site to cruise ship passengers.","This is the island’s principal current activity, but it is limited by the number of beds available in the Lodge for visitors (15). A small number of tourists arrive on day visits by boat and helicopter. It is likely that this will increase dramatically in the near future as tour operators are expanding to carry out civilian helicopter trips for Stanley and cruise-ship based tourists. Discussions are underway to ensure that this is carried out in a sustainable fashion.","Bennett, AG (1993) The penguin populations of the Falkland Islands in 1932–33. Falkland Island Government Archives
Bingham, M (1996) Pengsus 95 – Falkland Islands Penguin Census 1995/96. Falklands Conservation Report
BirdLife International (2004) State of the world's birds 2004: indicators for our changing world. BirdLife International, Cambridge. www.birdlife.net/action/science/sowb/pdf_contents.html
Clausen, A & Huin, N (2004) Falkland Islands Penguin Census 2000/01. Waterbirds. In press
Galimberti, F & Boitani, L (1999) Demography and breeding biology of a small, localized population of southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina). Marine Mammal Science, 15(1), 159–178
Greenway, ME (1972) Geology of the Falkland Islands. British Antarctic Survey (Scientific Report, No. 76)
Hamilton, JE (1934) The southern sea lion Otaria byronia (de Blainville). Discovery Reports, 19, 269–318
Hamilton, JE (1939) A second report on the southern sea lion Otaria byronia (de Blainville). Discovery Reports, 19(?), 121-164
Hepburn, I, Oldfield, S & Thompson, K (1992) UK Dependent Territories Ramsar study: Stage 1. Unpublished report to Department of the Environment, European and International Habitat Protection Branch, Bristol, from International Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Bureau/ NGO Forum for Nature Conservation in UK Dependent Territories, Slimbridge/ Sandy (Research contract, No. 7/2/126)
Hooker, JD (1847) The botany of the Antarctic voyage. Volume I. Flora Antarctica, part 1. Botany of Lord Auckland’s group and Campbell’s Island. Reeve, London
Hooker, JD (1847) The botany of the Antarctic voyage. Volume I. Flora Antarctica, part 2. Botany of Fuegia, The Falklands, Kerguelen’s land, etc.. Reeve, London
Ingham, R & Summers, D (2002) Falkland Islands cruise ship tourism: an overview of the 1999–2000 season and the way forward. Aquatic Conservation, 12, 145-152
International Union for the Conservation of Nature (1996) 1996 IUCN Red List of threatened animals. International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Gland/Cambridge. www.iucn.org/themes/ssc/96anrl/redlist.htm
Jones, AG (2004) A guide to the insects of the Falklands. Falklands Conservation, Stanley
Moore, DM (1968) The vascular flora of the Falkland Islands. British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge (Scientific Reports, No. 60)
Moore, DM (1973) Additions and amendments to the vascular flora of the Falkland Islands. British Antarctic Survey Bulletin, 85-88
Osborn, D (1992) Records of Falkland Island birds. A Royal Air Force Ornithological Society commemorative report. Royal Air Force Ornithological Society Newsletter, 55 (Special issue)
Pienkowski, MW (ed.) (2005) Review of existing and potential Ramsar sites in UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. (Contractor: UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough.) Final report on Contract CR0294 to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Bristol. www.ukotcf.org
Proctor, D & Fleming, LV (eds.) (1999) Biodiversity: the UK Overseas Territories. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Reijinders, P, Brasseur, S, van der Toorn, J, van der Wolf, P, Boyd, I, Harwood, J, Lavigne, D & Lowry, L (1993) Seals, fur seals, sea lions and walrus. IUCN/SSC Specialist Group, Gland
Robinson, GS (1984) Insects of the Falkland Islands: A checklist and bibliography. British Museum (Natural History), London
Scott, DA & Carbonell, M (eds.) (1986) A directory of neotropical wetlands. IUCN/IWRB, Cambridge/Slimbridge
Strange, IJ (1992) A field guide to the wildlife of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. HarperCollins, London
Strange, IJ, Parry, CJ, Parry, MC & Woods, RW (1988) Tussac grass in the Falklands. Falkland Island Foundation Project Report
Thompson, D & Duck, CD (1995) Southern sea lions Otaria flavescens in the Falkland Islands: population size, foraging behaviour and diet. Falklands Conservation Report
Thompson, D (2003) Southern sea lions of the Falkland Islands. Falklands Conservation report to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, London
Tingley, G, Saunders, G, Harries, D & King, J (1996): The first shallow marine survey around the Falkland Islands. Report to Falkland Islands Government, Port Stanley, from IC Consultants, London
Walter, KS & Gillett, HJ (eds) (1998) 1997 IUCN Red List of threatened plants. World Conservation Monitoring Centre, IUCN – The World Conservation Union, Gland/ Cambridge. www.unep-wcmc.org/species/plants/red_list.htm
Woods, RW (1970) The avian ecology of a tussock island in the Falkland Islands. Ibis, 112, 15-24
Woods, RW & Woods, A (1997) Atlas of the breeding birds of the Falkland Islands. Nelson, Oswestry
Woods, R, Stevenson, J, Ingham, R, Huin, N, Clausen, A & Brown, A (in press) Important Bird Areas in the Falkland Islands. Important Bird Areas in the UK Overseas Territories. RSPB, Sandy",,,
7000098,UK11081,Severn Estuary,Classified/designatd,EW,24662.98,,Bro Morgannwg/ Vale of Glamorgan; Caerdydd/ Cardiff; Casnewydd/ Newport; Avon; City of Bristol; Fynwy/ Monmouthshire; Gloucestershire; Gwent; North Somerset; Somerset; South Glamorgan; South Gloucestershire,13/07/1995,51 13 29 N,03 02 57 W,326737.23,147876.1,ST267478,-4,17,0,"The estuary's classic funnel shape, unique in Britain, is a factor causing the Severn to have the second-largest tidal range in the world (after the Bay of Fundy, Canada). This tidal regime results in plant and animal communities typical of the extreme physical conditions of liquid mud and tide swept sand and rock. The species-poor invertebrate community includes high densities of ragworms, lugworms and other invertebrates forming an important food source for passage and wintering waders.
A further consequence of the large tidal range is the extensive intertidal zone, one of the largest in the UK, comprising mudflats, sand banks, shingle, and rocky platforms.
Glassworts and annual sea-blite colonise the open mud, with beds of all three species of eelgrass $Zostera$ occurring on more sheltered mud and sandbanks. Large expanses of common cord-grass also occur on the outer marshes. Heavily grazed saltmarsh fringes the estuary with a range of saltmarsh types present. The middle marsh sward is dominated by common saltmarsh-grass with typical associated species. In the upper marsh, red fescue and saltmarsh rush become more prominent.","Ramsar criterion 1
Due to immense tidal range (second-largest in world), this affects both the physical environment and biological communities.
Habitats Directive Annex I features present on the pSAC include:
H1110 Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time
H1130 Estuaries
H1140 Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide
H1330 Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae)
Ramsar criterion 3
Due to unusual estuarine communities, reduced diversity and high productivity.
Ramsar criterion 4
This site is important for the run of migratory fish between sea and river via estuary. Species include Salmon $Salmo salar$, sea trout $S. trutta$, sea lamprey $Petromyzon marinus$, river lamprey $Lampetra fluviatilis$, allis shad $Alosa alosa$, twaite shad $A. fallax$, and eel $Anguilla anguilla$. It is also of particular importance for migratory birds during spring and autumn.
Ramsar criterion 8
The fish of the whole estuarine and river system is one of the most diverse in Britain, with over 110 species recorded. Salmon $Salmo salar$, sea trout $S. trutta$, sea lamprey $Petromyzon marinus$, river lamprey $Lampetra fluviatilis$, allis shad $Alosa alosa$, twaite shad $A. fallax$, and eel $Anguilla anguilla$ use the Severn Estuary as a key migration route to their spawning grounds in the many tributaries that flow into the estuary. The site is important as a feeding and nursery ground for many fish species particularly allis shad $Alosa alosa$ and twaite shad $A. fallax$ which feed on mysid shrimps in the salt wedge.","Nearest town/city: Bristol
In the south-west of the United Kingdom, between Wales and England","The large tidal range leads to strong tidal streams and high turbidity, producing communities characteristic of the extreme physical conditions of liquid mud and tide-swept sand and rock. Broad intertidal flats with areas of unstable sand and muddy flats support high densities of invertebrates. Intertidal rock platforms support a wide variety of invertebrate species. There are large areas of subtidal sand, rock and gravel with a variety of aquatic estuarine communities including $Sabellaria alveolata$ reef. Areas of saltmarsh fringe the estuary, mostly grazed with a range of vegetation communities. There are gradual and stepped transitions between bare mudflat to upper marsh and grassland. Main vegetation types are: upper saltmarsh with $Festuca rubra$ and $Juncus gerardii$; middle marsh dominated by $Puccinellia maritima$ with $Glaux maritima$ and $Triglochin maritima$; dense monocultures of $Spartina anglica$ at the edge of the mudflats-brackish pools and depressions with $Phragmites australis$ and $Bolboschoenus maritimus$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Aster linosyris$ (nationally rare),
$Alopecurus bulbosus$, $Althaea officinalis$, $Bupleurum tenuissimum$, $Hordeum marinum$, $Lepidium latifolium$, $Petroselinum segetum$, $Puccinellia rupestris$, $Trifolium squamosum$, $Zostera marina/angustifolia$, $Zostera noltei$ (all nationally scarce)","Species occurring at levels of international importance on the site.
Fish.
$Alosa alosa$ (IUCN Red data book – threatened; Habitats Directive Annex II, Annex V (S1102)),
$Alosa fallax$ (IUCN Red data book – threatened; Habitats Directive Annex II, Annex V (S1103))
$Lampetra fluviatilis$ (IUCN Red data book – threatened; Habitats Directive Annex II (S1099)),
$Petromyzon marinus$ (Habitats Directive Annex II (S1095))
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Tenellia adspersa$ (nationally rare); $Corophium lacustre$ (nationally scarce); $Gammarus insensibilis$ (nationally scarce)","Contemporary.
Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Wildfowl shooting monitoring. Returns received annually from Wildfowling Clubs.
Completed.
Flora and Fauna.
CCW/EN Marine Intertidal Phase 1 survey of the biotopes of the Severn Estuary in 2003/4
BTO Research report 335 for CCW/EN (November 2003). Low tide distribution of waterbirds of Severn Estuary SPA. Results of 2002/03 WeBS low tide counts and a historical analysis (Burton et al. 2003).
WWT Wetlands Advisory Service. Report for CCW (April 2003). Baseline bird monitoring of the River Severn.
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (1997) Subtidal biotope survey at mouth of the River Parrett.
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (1997) Upper estuary intertidal rocky shore survey.
Mettam, C (1997) Biotopes in the subtidal sandbanks of the Severn estuary. Report to English Nature","There are fixed interpretation panels and hides at Bridgwater Bay, Newport Wetlands Reserve, Flat Holm LNR and field centre. Interpretation boards at Black Rock.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Walking, dog walking, and birdwatching are concentrated along the sea walls all the year round and on the saltmarsh and sandy beaches.
Bathing, beach recreation, including sand yachting and wind surfing are practised on the sandy beaches, mainly in the summer.
There are boat clubs/marinas in the sub-estuaries with sailing, motor boats, and jet skiing.
Angling is carried out from the shore and small boats. There is a certain amount of bait digging.
Wildfowling is carried out from September to February all around the Estuary; consents and further management measures are being addressed. There are agreed refuge areas for the birds.","Association of Severn Estuary Relevant Authorities (2003) Severn Estuary European Marine Site. Foundation document for the management scheme. Association of Severn Estuary Relevant Authorities. www.severnestuary.net/asera/pubs/Final%20version.doc
Association of Severn Estuary Relevant Authorities (2003) Severn Estuary European Marine Site. Management scheme. Association of Severn Estuary Relevant Authorities. www.severnestuary.net/asera/pubs/Final%20version.doc
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1996) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 11. The Western Approaches: Falmouth Bay to Kenfig. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Bratton, JH (2002) Aquatic invertebrates recorded in the Gwent levels: introduction, checklist and bibliography. CCW Natural Science Report, No. 02/5/2
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 2. South-west Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Burton, NHK, Marchant, JH, Musgrove, AJ, Armitage, MJS, Holloway, SJ & Phillips, J (2003) Low-tide distributions of waterbirds on the Severn Estuary SPA: results of the 2002/03 WeBS Low Tide Counts and a historical analysis. British Trust for Ornithology, Thetford (BTO Research Report, No. 335)
Countryside Council for Wales (1993) Welsh estuaries review. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor
Countryside Council for Wales (2004) CCW Phase 1 Intertidal Survey dataset (unpublished data)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Crowther, PR (ed.) (1992) The coast of Avon. Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists' Society, 50 (Special issue, No. 3)
Dargie, T (1999) NVC survey of saltmarsh habitat in the Severn estuary 1998. Final report to the Countryside Council for Wales and English Nature. CCW Contract Science Report, No. 341
Dargie, T (1999) Scarce plants survey of saltmarsh on the Welsh side of the Severn estuary. CCW Contract Science Report, No. 367
Dargie, T (2000) Description of the Severn estuary survey sectors identified in the 1998 NVC survey. CCW Contract Science Report, No. 399
Davies, J (1998) Chapter 9. Bristol Channel and approaches (Cape Cornwall to Cwm yr Eglwys, Newport Bay) (MNCR Sector 9). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 255-295. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
English Nature (1996) The scientific interest of the Severn Estuary/Môr Hafren pSAC. English Nature, Peterborough
English Nature (1998) Bridgwater Bay National Nature Reserve Management Plan. English Nature, Somerset Team, Taunton
English Nature & Countryside Council for Wales (2003) English Nature & the Countryside Council for Wales' draft advice for the Severn Estuary Special Protection Area given under Regulation 33(2) of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994. Consultation draft. English Nature, Peterborough. www.english-nature.gov.uk/pubs/publication/PDF/SPAandmaps.pdf
Environment Agency (2004) Gwent Levels Foreshore Management Plan. Holistic analysis of foreshore evolution scheme and monitoring options, Phase 3 final report, AK4065.500/DGO8. Environment Agency Wales
Ferns, PN (n.d.[1978]) The Severn estuary. A heritage of wildlife. Severn Estuary Conservation Group
Ferns, PN (1984) Birds of the Bristol Channel and Severn estuary. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 15(2), 76-81
Ferns, PN (1994) The Severn estuary’s changing shorebird population during the last two decades. Biological Journal of the Linnaean Society, 51, 219-227
Ferns, PN, Green, GH & Round, PD (1979) Significance of the Somerset and Gwent Levels in Britain as feeding areas for migrant whimbrels Numenius phaeopus. Biological Conservation, 16(1), 17-22
Fowles, A (1994) Invertebrates of Wales: a review of important sites and species. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Gifford Associated Consultants (on behalf of the Severn Estuary Coastal Group) (2000) Severn Estuary Shoreline Management Plan. English Nature
Goodger, B (2005) Mapping locations of non-breeding birds on the Welsh section of the Severn estuary SSSI, Ramsar site, SPA and cSAC. (Contractor: Just Ecology, Berkeley). Unpublished report to Countryside Council for Wales
Halcrow (on behalf of the North Devon and Somerset Coastal Group) (1998) Bridgwater to Bideford Bay Shoreline Management Plan. English Nature
Holbrook, A (1992) The Severn Barrage: a bibliography 1909–1991. 2nd edn. Bath University Library
Jones, PS, Stevens, DP, Blackstock, TH, Burrows, CR & Howe, EA (eds.) (2003) Priority habitats of Wales: a technical guide. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor
Lacambra, C, Cutts, N, Allen, J, Burd, F & Elliott, M (2004) Spartina anglica: a review of its status, dynamics and management. English Nature Research Reports, No. 527. www.english-nature.org.uk/pubs/publication/PDF/527.pdf
Langston, WJ, Chesman, BS, Burt, GR, Hawkins, SJ, Readman, J & Worsfield, P (2003) Characterisation of the South West European Marine Sites: The Severn Estuary (possible) Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Area. Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, Plymouth (Occasional publication, No. 13) www.mba.ac.uk/nmbl/publications/occasionalpub13.htm
Little, C, Wilson, RS, Hinton, RG & Morritt, D (1985) Ecology of the upper Severn estuary. Nature Conservancy Council, CSD Reports, No. 604
Lovell, MA & Mettam, C (1991) Severn tidal power. Intertidal sediments and fauna: 1, Distribution of shore birds and their invertebrate prey; 2, Collated bibliography of macroinvertebrates from intertidal sediments. United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), Didcot
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Mettam, C (1997) Biotopes in the subtidal sandbanks of the Severn estuary. Report to English Nature
Milton, T & Dargie, T (2000) Severn estuary: evaluation of CASI and digital salt marsh survey information. (Contractor: University of Southampton, GeoData Institute). Unpublished report to English Nature.
Moore, J, Smith, J, Northen, KO & Little, M (1998) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 9. Inlets in the Bristol Channel and approaches: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Morley, JV (1992) The birds of Bridgwater Bay. Unpublished, English Nature
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Otto, S (1996) A scientific bibliography of the Bristol Channel and Severn estuary. Kimberley Services, Reading (Publication No. 96/2)
Palmer, M & Probert, K (1981) Natural environment of the Severn estuary and Bristol Channel area. Nature Conservancy Council, Information and Library Services, Banbury (Bibliography Series, No. 4)
Potts, GW & Swaby, SE (1993) Review of the status of estuarine fishes. English Nature Research Reports, No. 34
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Severn Estuary Partnership (2003) Severn Estuary Gateway site. www.severnestuary.net
Stewart, A, Pearman, DA & Preston, CD (eds.) (1994) Scarce plants in Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Ward, R, Marshall, P & Woodward, R (2003) Baseline bird monitoring of the River Severn. (Contractor: WWT Wetlands Advisory Service, Slimbridge.) CCW Contract Science Report, No. 582
Weighell, AJ, Donnelly, AP & Calder, K (eds.) (2000) Directory of the Celtic coasts and seas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",,,
7000021,UK13055,Silver Flowe,Classified/designatd,S,619.54,,Dumfries and Galloway,24/07/1981,55 07 03 N,04 24 08 W,246775,582996,NX468830,262,609,448,"This series of patterned blanket mires constitutes the least-disturbed and most varied extent of acid peatland in southern Scotland and is one of the most important systems of blanket mire in Great Britain. These mires, which have developed on the floor of a broad glacial valley in the Galloway Hills, exhibit a complete gradation from discrete mires along the valley bottom which, in their external features, have obvious affinities with raised mire topography to others at the head of the valley which are indisputably blanket mire.","Ramsar criterion 1
Contains one of the most outstanding examples of patterned mire and blanket bog in Great Britain.","Nearest town/city: Dumfries
Silver Flowe is situated in the Galloway Forest Park about 16 km north-north-east of Newton Stewart.","The principal habitat is $Sphagnum$-dominated mire, exhibiting a complete gradation from discrete valley mires with raised mire characteristics to blanket mire. Pools and hollows are occupied by $Sphagnum cuspidatum$, $S. [auriculatum]$, $Menyanthes trifoliata$ and $Eriophorum angustifolium$. On the flat carpets and low hummocks this community gives way to $Sphagnum papillosum, S. magellanicum, Rhynchospora alba, Narthecium ossifragum$ and $Drosera anglica, Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Eriophorum vaginatum$ and $Trichophorum cespitosum$. On higher mounds $S. rubellum$ is the usual bog moss. The frequency of $S. imbricatum$ and $S. fuscum$ on these bogs indicates, in this region, a high water table and relative freedom from disturbance. Unusually tall hummocks have a dry crown typified by $Empetrum nigrum, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Leucobryum glaucum$, hypnoid mosses and lichens.
The alluvial river banks carry a $Festuca-Agrostis$ community. The lagg channels receive drainage water from the adjacent bogs and hillsides and are usually flanked by oligotrophic fen or flush-bog communities, whilst the slow-moving open water supports a growth of aquatic plants. $Carex rostrata, Juncus acutiflorus, Potamogeton polygonifolius$ and $Sphagnum recurvum$ all occur in these areas.
The sloping rands are distinguished by a luxuriant, tussocky growth of $Molinia caerulea$. $Myrica gale$ is especially abundant around the margins of Snibe Bog and is spread over most of Craigeazle.","Assemblage.
The site is internationally important because it contains the following Habitats Directive Annex I features:
H7130 Blanket bogs
H7150 Depressions on peat substrates of the RhynchosporionBlanket bogs; Depressions on peat substrates of the $Rhynchosporion$","Mammals
Otter $Lutra lutra$ (Habitats Directive Annex II species (S1355))","Environment.
Yearly visit carried out to inspect and (if necessary) repair board walk.","Very occasional guided walks by Forest Enterprise or Scottish Natural Heritage staff.
",None reported,"Anderson, JGC (1939) The granites of Scotland. Memoirs of the Geological Survey of Scotland. HMSO, Edinburgh (Special Reports on the mineral resources of Great Britain, Vol. 32)
Armstrong, W & Boatman, DJ (1967) Some field observations relating the growth of bog plants to conditions of soil aeration. Journal of Ecology, 55, 101-110
Birks, HH (1972) Studies in the vegetational history of Scotland. Two pollen diagrams from the Galloway Hills, Kirkcudbrightshire. Journal of Ecology, 60, 183-217
Birse, EL & Robertson, JS (1976) Plant communities and soils of the lowland and Southern Upland regions of Scotland. Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Aberdeen
Boatman, DJ & Tomlinson, RW (1973) The Silver Flowe. Some structural and hydrological features of Brishnie Bog and their bearing on pool formations. Journal of Ecology, 61, 653-666
Boatman, DJ, Goode, DA & Hulme PD (1973) The Silver Flowe. Pattern development on Long Loch B and Craigeazle mires. Journal of Ecology, 61, 897-918
Boatman, DJ, Hulme, PD & Tomlinson, RW (1975) Monthly determinations of the concentrations of sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium in the rain and in pools of the Silver Flowe National Nature Reserve. Journal of Ecology, 63, 903-912
Boatman, DJ (1977) Observations on the growth of Sphagnum cuspidatum in a bog pool on the Silver Flowe NNR. Journal of Ecology, 65, 119-126
Gardiner, C & Reynolds, I (1932) The Loch Doon granite area, Galloway. Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society, 88(1), 1-34
Goode, DA (1970) Ecological studies on the Silver Flowe Nature Reserve. Unpublished PhD thesis, University of Hull
Hayward, PM (1980) Effects of environment on the growth of Sphagna. Unpublished PhD thesis, University of London
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Meteorological Office (1964) Rainfall over Solway system and Clyde River Purification Board areas. Meteorological Office, Edinburgh (Hydrological Memorandum, No. 26)
Nature Conservancy Council (1958) Management Plan for Silver Flowe NNR. Nature Conservancy Council
Nature Conservancy Council (1959 et seq.) Annual progress reports for Silver Flowe NNR. Nature Conservancy Council
Nature Conservancy Council (1982) Silver Flowe NNR. Second Management Plan. Nature Conservancy Council
Ratcliffe, DA (1964) Mires and bogs. In: The vegetation of Scotland, ed. by JH Burnett. Oliver & Boyd, Edinburgh
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Ratcliffe, DA & Walker, D (1958) The Silver Flowe, Galloway, Scotland. Journal of Ecology, 46, 407-445
Tomlinson, RW (1970) Studies on the development and morphology of a peat bog in Kirkcudbrightshire. Unpublished PhD thesis, University of Hull",,,
7000179,UK13056,Sléibhtean agus Cladach Thiriodh (Tiree Wetlands and Coast),Classified/designatd,S,1938.59,,Argyll and Bute,30/10/2001,56 30 00 N,06 52 00 W,101444,745392,NM014454,-1,11,6,"The site is comprised of two sectors, an intertidal sector comprising of rocky shore, sandy bays and shingle shore. A second, inland sector consists of machair plain, marsh, and wet moorland with several small lochs and numerous pools, and also one large freshwater loch. The inland areas provide roost sites for internationally important numbers of wintering geese from Greenland and breeding sites for a variety of wader species, while the intertidal sectors support internationally important numbers of wintering wader populations. Several of the lochs are of international importance for their rich aquatic plant communities which include a range of nationally scarce and nationally rare species, while the site provides excellent representation of dune and machair habitats, also of international importance.","Ramsar Criterion 1
The site supports substantial areas of freshwater loch, freshwater marsh, wet machair and maritime grassland all of which are in near-natural condition. One of the lochs is of international importance as an example of a eutrophic machair loch; this and several other lochs are of international importance for their rich aquatic plant communities which include the nationally rare Shetland pondweed $Potamogeton rutilus$ and a range of nationally scarce aquatic vascular plants and charophytes. The site provides one of the best examples in Britain of machair habitat (including the associated machair loch) which has a very restricted world distribution.",On the Island of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides,"The intertidal sector comprises rocky shore, shingle shore and sandy shore.
The inland sector is largely moorland with frequent pools and lochans. The predominant vegetation is wet heathland with abundant $Calluna vulgaris$, $Erica tetralix$ and $Trichophorum cespitosum$; there are also areas of marsh and fen. The substrate is generally wet and locally boggy. There is also an area of machair plain grading from low dune into wet machair. There is one large eutrophic freshwater loch (Loch a’Phuill) with high pH levels, and several smaller lochs. Several of the lochs support diverse communities of aquatic plants including a variety of $Potamogeton$ species.","Assemblage
The site is internationally important because it contains the following Habitats Directive Annex I features:
H2110 Embryonic shifting dunes
H2120 Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (“white dunes”)
H2130 Fixed dunes with herbaceous vegetation (“grey dunes”)
H2190 Humid dune slacks
H21A0 Machairs
H3150 Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition-type vegetation
Nationally important species occurring on the site:
Higher Plants:
$Potamogeton rutilus
Potamogeton filiformis
Potamogeton coloratus
Dactylorhiza traunsteineri
Elatine hexandra
Isoetes echinospora
Juncus balticus
Deschampsia setacea$
Lower Plants:
$Chara aspera$ (a stonewort)
$Tolypella glomerata$ (a stonewort)",None reported,Monitoring of goose populations throughout the site and all bird populations at the Reef sector of the site is undertaken by RSPB.,None reported,"Parts of the site used for informal recreation (walking, wildlife watching, etc) by locals and visitors, particularly in summer. Wind-surfing takes place on several of the beaches, mainly in autumn. There is occasional freshwater angling on Loch a’Phuill. Wildfowling takes place in season..","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1997) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Regions 15 & 16. North-west Scotland: the Western Isles and west Highland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Boyd, JM & Bowes, DR (eds.) (1983) The natural environment of the Inner Hebrides. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Series B: Biological Sciences, 83
Connor, DW & Little, M (1998) Chapter 13. West Scotland (MNCR Sector 13). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 355-370. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Dargie, TCD (1993) Sand dune vegetation survey of Great Britain: a national inventory. Part II: Scotland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Dargie, TCD (2000) Sand dune vegetation survey of Scotland: national report. Scottish Natural Heritage, Commissioned Report, No. F97AA401. www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/strategy/commreports/F97AA401.pdf
Johnston, RD, Riley, HT & Shepherd, M (1994) A 1994 survey of the breeding wader populations on Tiree pSPA/proposed Ramsar site. Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh (Internal report)
Johnston, RD, Riley, HT & Shepherd, M (1995) A 1995 survey of breeding dunlin on Tiree pSPA/proposed Ramsar site. Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh (Internal report)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Scottish Natural Heritage (1998) Machair. Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh (Scotland’s Living Landscapes)
Shepherd, KB, Green, M, Knight, AC & Stroud, DA (1988) The breeding birds of Tiree and Coll in 1987/88 with special emphasis on breeding waders. Nature Conservancy Council, CSD Report, No. 827
Shepherd, KB & Stroud, DA (1991) Breeding waders and their conservation on the wetlands of Tiree and Coll, Inner Hebrides. Wildfowl, 42, 108-117
Stewart, NF (2004) Important stonewort areas. An assessment of the best areas for stoneworts in the United Kingdom. Plantlife International, Salisbury
Stroud, DA (ed.) (1989) The birds of Coll and Tiree: status, habitats and conservation. (Contractor: Scottish Ornithologists' Club, Edinburgh). Nature Conservancy Council, CSD Report, No. 927
Stroud, DA (1992) Crofting and bird conservation on Coll and Tiree. British Wildlife, 3(6), 340-349
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Weighell, AJ, Donnelly, AP & Calder, K (eds.) (2000) Directory of the Celtic coasts and seas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",,,
19,UK12020,Slieve Beagh,Classified/designatd,NI,1884.68,,Dungannon; Fermanagh; Tyrone,14/12/1999,54 20 53 N,07 11 38 W,62557.46774,507200.4669,H524447,0,380,290,"The peatland exhibits a number of notable structural features, which include occasional well-developed hummock and lawn complexes, a few small localised pool complexes, as well as soakways and flushes. The general vegetation is characterised by $Sphagnum$ mosses, ericoid dwarf-shrubs and sedges, with the composition and abundance of these components dependent on local edaphic conditions, in particular the water table and relief.
The peatland flora includes a number of rare and unusual species including cowberry $Vaccinium vitis-idaea$ and the mosses $Sphagnum fuscum$ and $S. imbricatum$.
Several upland, base-poor lakes occur within the complex. The most common type is characterised by the aquatic mosses $Sphagnum cuspidatum$, $S. denticulatum$, $Drepanocladus$ spp. and the liverwort $Jungermannia$ spp. The floating and marginal vegetation associated with these waterbodies tends to be sparse and restricted, and consists of a scattered swamp and poor acid fen fringe.
The area supports a breeding population of red grouse $Lagopus lagopus$. In addition, it is regularly used throughout the year by golden plover $Pluvialis apricaria$ and hen harrier $Circus cyaneus$.
Contemporary geomorphological processes include limited piping, sinks and collapsed hollows in the peat and a number of substantial bog-bursts.","Criterion 1
The site is a large and relatively intact example of a blanket bog and one of the best examples of this habitat in the UK. It also contains nationally important examples of transitional and alkaline fen and oligotrophic/mesotrophic lakes.","In Counties Tyrone and Fermanagh in the south-west of Northern Ireland, along the international border with the Republic of Ireland.","The area is of special scientific interest because of its geology, physiography and peatland flora and fauna. In geological terms, the area lies within an ancient depositional syncline, extending through much of the Upper Palaeozoic. Physiographical interest is related to contemporary geomorphological processes within the peat mass. Biological interest is associated with the presence of the third-largest intact expanse of upland peatland in Northern Ireland. The peatland complex includes a number of oligotrophic water bodies as well as a number of raised and soligenous bog units, all within an enveloping bog mantle. Together these support an array of associated plant and animal communities.
The stratigraphy includes a limited inlier of Upper Limestone - part of the Dartry Limestone Formation. These consist of D2, coral and brachiopod zone, series sediments, representing clear water marine shelf conditions. As the water became more shallow, a major phase of deltaic sedimentation resulted in the Slieve Beagh Formation of the Leitrim Group. These are mainly fine- to coarse-grained sandstones, notable at Shane Barnagh's Stables, with a high proportion of black shaly goniatite-bearing mudstones in the lower beds, outcropping south of Crockbane. These 580 m of Yoredale type rocks do not pre-date P1 or post-date P2 goniatite stages.
Contemporary geomorphological processes include limited piping, sinks and collapsed hollows in the peat and a number of substantial bog-bursts.
The peatland exhibits a number of notable structural features, which include occasional well-developed hummock and lawn complexes, a few small localised pool complexes, as well as soakways and flushes. The general vegetation is characterised by $Sphagnum$ mosses, ericoid dwarf-shrubs and sedges, with the composition and abundance of these components dependent on local edaphic conditions, in particular the water table and relief.
Flat, waterlogged ground is characterised by the presence of such species as cross-leaved heath $Erica tetralix$, cranberry $Vaccinium oxycoccos$, bog asphodel $Narthecium ossifragum$ and common cottongrass $Eriophorum angustifolium$, over a lush $Sphagnum$ moss mat of predominantly $S. papillosum$ with occasional $S. magellanicum$. On more freely-draining slopes, heather $Calluna vulgaris$, bilberry $Vaccinium myrtillus$ and hare's-tail cottongrass $Eriophorum vaginatum$ are more typical, over a more mixed bryophyte mat. The presence of weak flushing of acidic water through the surface peat layer is indicated by the occurrence of scattered purple moor-grass $Molinia caerulea$ or sharp-flowered rush $Juncus acutiflorus$. Where flushing is concentrated over thinner peats or on peaty gley soils, the vegetation is characterised by a small sedge community where yellow-sedge $Carex viridula$, carnation sedge $C. panicea$ and star sedge $C. echinata$ predominate, while the presence of more mesotrophic water is indicated by the presence of tawny sedge $C. hostiana$, dioecious sedge $C. dioica$ and flea sedge $C. pulicaris$.
The peatland flora includes a number of rare and unusual species including cowberry $Vaccinium vitis-idaea$ and the mosses $Sphagnum fuscum$ and $S. imbricatum$.
Several upland, base-poor lakes occur within the complex. The most common type is characterised by the bog-mosses $Sphagnum cuspidatum$, $S. denticulatum$, $Drepanocladus$ spp. and the liverwort $Jungermannia$ spp. The floating and marginal vegetation associated with these water bodies tends to be sparse and restricted, and consists of a scattered swamp and poor acid fen fringe.
The area supports a breeding population of red grouse $Lagopus lagopus$. In addition, it is regularly used throughout the year by golden plover $Pluvialis apricaria$ and hen harrier $Circus cyaneus$.
The upland lakes support a species-poor but notable upland insect fauna. The characteristic upland water beetle $Agabus arcticus$ and the water bug $Callicorixa wollastoni$ are common in the lakes and pools and the concentration of records of both species is the greatest recorded in Northern Ireland. Acidophile species and those typical of oligotrophic waters are also common, reflecting the prevailing conditions including $Hydroporus gyllenhali$, $H. obscurus$ and $Sigara scotti$. The most notable species are found in the highest lake, Lough Sallagh, where the rare upland beetle $Potamonectes griseostriatus$ and corixid $Glaenocorisa propinqua$ are found. The natural acid flushes and the shallow pools associated with the many bog-bursts support a different suite of species including the local water beetles $Agabus guttatus$, $Stictonectes lepidus$ and the corixid $Sigara nigrolineata$.","Internationally important species occurring on the site
Habitat:
Blanket bog",None reported,"· The site was subject to detailed habitat and species surveys prior to its designation as an ASSI
· The integrity of the site is regularly monitored.",None reported,None reported,"Corbett, P. McM & Seymour, GR (1997) The conservation of peatland in Northern Ireland. In: Conserving peatlands, ed by L Parkyn, RE Stoneman & HAP Ingram. CAB International, Wallingford, for Scottish Wildlife Trust
Crowe, O (2005) Ireland’s wetlands and their waterbirds: status and distribution. BirdWatch Ireland, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow
Frazer, JS, Cruickshank, MM & Tomlinson, RW (1988) Northern Ireland Peatland Survey. Unpublished report to Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), Countryside and Wildlife Branch, Belfast
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection",,,
7000144,UK11063,Solent and Southampton Water,Classified/designatd,E,5346.44,,City of Portsmouth; City of Southampton; Hampshire; Isle of Wight,01/10/1998,50 44 25 N,01 31 32 W,433454,93578,SZ335936,-1,9,1,"The area covered extends from Hurst Spit to Gilkicker Point along the south coast of Hampshire and along the north coast of the Isle of Wight. The site comprises of estuaries and adjacent coastal habitats including intertidal flats, saline lagoons, shingle beaches, saltmarsh, reedbeds, damp woodland, and grazing marsh. The diversity of habitats support internationally important numbers of wintering waterfowl, important breeding gull and tern populations and an important assemblage of rare invertebrates and plants.","Ramsar criterion 1
The site is one of the few major sheltered channels between a substantial island and mainland in European waters, exhibiting an unusual strong double tidal flow and has long periods of slack water at high and low tide. It includes many wetland habitats characteristic of the biogeographic region: saline lagoons, saltmarshes, estuaries, intertidal flats, shallow coastal waters, grazing marshes, reedbeds, coastal woodland and rocky boulder reefs.
Ramsar criterion 2
The site supports an important assemblage of rare plants and invertebrates. At least 33 British Red Data Book invertebrates and at least eight British Red Data Book plants are represented on site.","Nearest town/city: Southampton
Solent and Southampton Water lies on the central south coast of England.","The estuaries and harbours of the Solent are particularly sheltered and form the largest number and tightest cluster of small estuaries anywhere in Great Britain. The Solent and Isle of Wight system is notable for its large range and extent of different habitats.
The intertidal area is predominantly sedimentary in nature with extensive intertidal mud and sandflats within the sheltered harbours and areas of gravel and pebble sediments on more exposed beaches. These conditions combine to favour an abundant benthic fauna and green algae which support high densities of migrant and over-wintering wildfowl and waders. Eelgrass $Zostera$ beds occur discontinuously along the north shore of the Isle of Wight and in a few places along the northern shore of The Solent.
The Solent system supports a wide range of saltmarsh communities. Upper saltmarshes are dominated by sea purslane $Atriplex portulacoides$, sea plantain $Plantago maritima$, sea meadow grass $Puccinellia maritima$ and sea lavender $Limonium vulgare$; locally thrift $Armeria maritima$ and the nationally scarce golden samphire $Inula crithmoides$ are abundant. Lower saltmarsh vegetation tends to be dominated by sea purslane, cord grass $Spartina$ spp., glasswort $Salicornia$ spp. and sea-blite $Suaeda maritima$. Cord-grasses dominate much of the saltmarsh in Southampton Water and in parts of the Solent and it was the original location of the introduction of $Spartina alterniflora$ and subsequent hybridisation with the native species.
There are several shingle spits including Hurst spit, Needs Ore Point, Calshot spit and Newtown Harbour spits which support a characteristic shingle flora.
A range of grassland types lie inshore of the intertidal zone including unimproved species-rich neutral and calcareous grasslands, brackish grazing marsh systems and reed dominated freshwater marshes.
The brackish water lagoons associated with grazing marsh systems behind the seawalls, e.g. Keyhaven-Lymington, Gilkicker lagoon, and at Brading Marshes contain internationally important communities of rare and endangered invertebrates and plants.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Eleocharis parvula, Geranium purpureum forsteri, Lotus angustissimus, Ludwigia palustris, Orobanche purpurea, Lamprothamnium papulosum, Spartina maritima Zostera marina$","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Allomelita pellucida, Gammarus insensibilis, Nematostella vectensis, Arctosa fulvolineata, Aulonia albimana, Anisodactylus poeciloides, Anthonomus rufus, Baris analis, Berosus spinosus, Cantharis fusca, Drypta dentata, Leptura fulva, Meligethes bidentatus, Paracymus aeneus, Staphylinus caesareus, Aphrosylus mitis, Atylotus latistriatus, Dorycera graminum, Haematopoda grandis, Hippobosca equina, Linnaemya comta, Stratiomys longicornis, Syntormon mikii, Tetanocera freyi, Villa circumdata, Trachysphaera lobata, Paludinella littorina, Truncatellina cylindrica, Andrena alfkenella, Acleris lorquiniana, Elachista littoricola, Melissoblaptes zelleri, Platytes alpinella, Psamathrocrita argentella, Armandia cirrhosa$","Contemporary.
Numbers of migratory and wintering waterfowl are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Bird Ringing by Solent Shorebirds Study Group.
Environment.
Coastal Sediment (SCOPAC)
Water Quality (EA/Southern Water)
Various research and educational establishments carry out ongoing research into a number of different aspects of the environment.
Flora.
Saltmarsh Monitoring (EN project).
$Spartina$ survey (EN project).
Completed.
Flora.
Sand dune and saltmarsh NVC survey.
Habitats.
Habitat surveys (various local individual surveys).
Species surveys (various local individual surveys).","Various educational programmes exist within the voluntary conservation organisations, research institutes, education centres and also Local Authorities e.g. Newtown National Nature Reserve managed by National Trust, Medina Valley Centre, and Southampton Oceanography Centre.
There are a number of interpretation facilities present and proposed in the area e.g. National Nature Reserve & Local Nature Reserve and proposed centre of coastal management on Isle of Wight.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Almost all the estuaries in the Ramsar site are used extensively for a wide range of leisure and recreational activities, particularly water-based recreation.
Land based recreation:
Walking including dog-walking is popular along large stretches of the coast and estuaries. The presence of country parks, NNR and LNRs on the coast also attract large numbers of people to certain locations.
Bait-digging and collection of shellfish occurs in a number of locations. Birdwatching is also a popular activity with a number of favoured locations with easy access. Some golf courses are also present.
Water-based recreation:
The Solent is an internationally important centre for yachting, dinghy sailing and power-boating and national important for canoeing, and water-skiing. A small amount of hovercraft racing sometimes occurs.
Wildfowling and egg collection:
Private, syndicate and club wildfowling operate on the marshes. Small-scale egg-collecting also occurs. Bait-digging and angling also occur.
Air Recreation:
There is a proposed microlighting centre within the area.
The high degree of recreation in the Solent is accompanied by a high degree of supporting developments e.g. marinas, boatyards, clubs, holiday centres occur throughout the area.","Anon. (1995) Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report. Volume 2: Action plans. HMSO, London
Anon. (2003) The Solent Coastal Habitat Management Plan: Executive summary. English Nature, Peterborough (Living with the Sea LIFE Project) www.english-nature.org.uk/livingwiththesea/project_details/good_practice_guide/HabitatCRR/ENRestore/CHaMPs/Solent/SolentCHaMP.pdf
Aspinall, S & Tasker, ML (1990) Coastal birds of east Dorset. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Seabirds at Sea Team)
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1998) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 9 Southern England: Hayling Island to Lyme Regis. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Buck, AL (ed.) (1997) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 6. Southern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Council of the European Communities (1992) Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora. Official Journal of the European Communities, Series L, 206, 7-50 [The ‘Habitats Directive’] http://europa.eu.int/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexapi!prod!CELEXnumdoc
Clark, M & Gurnell, A (1987) The Solent estuary: environmental background. Southampton University, GeoData Unit, Southampton
Covey, R (1998) Chapter 7. Eastern Channel (Folkestone to Durlston Head) (MNCR Sector 7). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 199-218. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Davidson, NC, Laffoley, D d’A, Doody, JP, Way, LS, Gordon, J, Key, R, Pienkowski, MW, Mitchell, R & Duff, KL (1991) Nature conservation and estuaries in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Downie, AJ (1996) Saline lagoons and lagoon-like saline ponds in England. English Nature Science, No. 29
English Nature (1995) Departmental Brief: Solent and Southampton Water proposed Special Protection Area and Ramsar site, April 1995. English Nature, Peterborough
English Nature (1994) Important areas for marine wildlife around England. English Nature, Peterborough
Fowler, SL (1995) Review of nature conservation features and information within the Solent & Isle of Wight Sensitive Marine Area. Report to the Solent Forum Strategic Guidance Subgroup [Includes extensive bibliography]
Holme, NA & Bishop, GM (1980) Survey of the littoral zone of the coast of Great Britain. 5. Report of the sediment shores of Dorset, Hampshire & Isle of Wight. Nature Conservancy Council, CSD Report, No. 280
May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Nicholas Pearson Associates (1996) Portsmouth Harbour Plan Review: draft for working group. July 1996. Centre for Coastal Zone Management, University of Portsmouth
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Rodwell, JS (ed.) (2000) British plant communities. Volume 5. Maritime communities and vegetation of open habitats. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Smith, BP & Laffoley, D (1992) A directory of saline lagoons and lagoon-like habitats in England. English Nature Science, No. 6
Sneddon, P & Randall, RE (1994) Coastal vegetated shingle structures of Great Britain: Appendix 3. Shingle sites in England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Stewart, A, Pearman, DA & Preston, CD (eds.) (1994) Scarce plants in Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Tubbs, C (1991) The Solent: a changing wildlife heritage. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Romsey
Tubbs, CR (1991) The population history of grey plovers Pluvialis squatarola in the Solent, southern England. Wader Study Group Bulletin, 61, 15-21
Tubbs, CR (1995) Sea level change and estuaries. British Wildlife, 6(3), 168-176
Wiggington, M (1999) British Red Data Books. 1. Vascular plants. 3rd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",,,
7000128,UK11064,Somerset Levels and Moors,Classified/designatd,E,6388.49,,North Somerset; Somerset,26/06/1997,51 10 14 N,02 52 00 W,339397.3,141693.5,ST394417,2,9,4,"The Ramsar site consists of a series of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) within the largest area of lowland wet grassland and associated wetland habitat remaining in Britain. It covers about 35,000 ha in the flood plains of the Rivers Axe, Brue, Parrett, Tone and their tributaries. The majority of the site is only a few metres above mean sea level and drains through a large network of ditches, rhynes, drains and rivers. Flooding may affect large areas in winter depending on rainfall and tidal conditions. Parts of the site in the Brue Valley include areas of former raised peat bog which have now been substantially modified by agricultural improvement and peat extraction which has created areas of open water, fen and reedbed.
The site attracts internationally important numbers of wildfowl in winter and is one of the most important sites in southern Britain for breeding waders. The network of rhynes and ditches support an outstanding assemblage of aquatic invertebrates, particularly beetles.","Ramsar criterion 2
Supports 17 species of British Red Data Book invertebrates.","Nearest town/city: Weston-super-Mare
The Somerset Levels and Moors Ramsar site is bounded by Bridgwater Bay in the west and the higher ground of the Mendips, Dorset Hills, Blackdown Hills, Brendons and Quantocks","The majority of the site is dominated by open wet grassland and ditches with a range of plant communities: Species-poor grassland including the semi-improved grassland communities with perennial rye grass and naturally-occurring species-poor floodplain or inundation grassland communities (National Vegetation Classification communities (NVC) include MG13, MG6, MG7, MG10).
Species-rich fen meadows and flood pastures where agricultural improvement has been less intense with MG8 $Cynosurus cristatus- Caltha palustris$ grassland with $Cirsium dissectum$ and $Caltha palustris$ and mire communities such as M23, M24 and M25 with more $Juncus$ and $Carex$ species.
Smaller areas of drier species-rich hay meadows (MG5) with $Centaurea nigra, Orchis morio$ and $Briza media$.
In the rivers, rhynes and ditches the floristic diversity is largely dependent upon sympathetic cleaning practises. The field ditches support the greatest floristic diversity including the species; $Wolffia arrhiza, Hottonia palustris$ and $Hydrocharis morsus-ranae$.
Other habitats include - withy beds, orchards and pollarded willows.
The remaining habitats are largely restricted to the SSSIs within the Bure Valley where areas of former raised bog have been modified by peat extraction and agricultural improvement.
Small areas of tall herb fen (S24) with $Lathyrus palustris, Peucedanum palustre$ and $Thelypteris palustris$ and small remnants of raised bogs which are very degraded and support vegetation more akin to wet heath with $Erica tetralix$ and $Molinia caerulea$.
Open water, reed swamp and reedbed with a range of species from submerged plants to tall stands of $Phragmites australis$ and $Typha latifolia$ are found in the flooded peat workings.
Wet woodland where peat has been cut many years ago and dominated by $Salix$ spp., $Betula$ spp. and $Alnus glutinosa$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Althaea officinalis, Persicaria laxiflora, Lathyrus palustris, Peucedanum palustre, Potamogeton coloratus, Potamogeton trichoides, Sium latifollum, Wolffia arrhiza$","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Hydrochara caraboides, Bagous nodulosus, Odontomyia angulata, Oulema erichsoni, Valvata macrostoma, Odontomyia ornata, Stethophyma grossum, Pteromicra leucopeza, Lejops vittata, Cantharis fusca, Paederus caligatus, Hydaticus transversalis, Dytiscus dimidiatus, Hydrophilus piceus, Limnebus aluta, Laccornis oblongus$","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Separate surveys to assess bird populations in relation to the restoration of disused peat workings on Shapwick Heath SSSI.
Ditch fauna: repeat Levels and Moors wide surveys undertaken approximately every five years by EN.
Flora.
Ditch flora: repeat Levels and Moors wide surveys undertaken approximately every five years by EN.
Meadow flora: repeat surveys 4-5 year repeat surveys by EN.
Completed.
Fauna.
Analysis of most recent trends undertaken by RSPB 2002.
Breeding waders: Four most recent major collaborative surveys on Levels and Moors, 1992, 1995, 1997, 2004.","Existing programmes: Guided walks and school group visits are available to Shapwick National Nature Reserves. Somerset Wildlife Trust run their own programme of events on Westhay Moor SSSI and likewise the RSPB on West Sedgemoor SSSI. English Nature's team newsletter for farmers and landowners runs regular features about the site.
Interpretation facilities: Are available at the Peat Moors visitor centre adjacent to the Shapwick National Nature Reserve. Interpretation panels have been located around the Reserve where appropriate. SWT have provided interpretation boards on Westhay Moor SSSI.","Activities.
Controlled microlighting with few reported incidences of disturbance.
Wildfowling on a number of moors across the area although the affects of disturbance on the Ramsar is largely unknown and requires further work. Further work on disturbance to waterfowl has been undertaken for EN. Closer working between Wildflowing Clubs, BASC is ongoing.
Facilities provided.
Limited facilities for visitors to use the site except at NNRs in Brue Valley. General visitors and bird watchers at Shapwick National Nature Reserve, Westhay Moor and West Sedgemoor. Walking, including dog walking on droves, cycling, bird watching, coarse angling on the Main Drains may cause some limited disturbance to sites.
Seasonality.
All year.","Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Brookhouse, J, Mills, S & Self, M (1999) Reedbed creation at Ham Wall – interim report. A case study. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy
Campbell, S, Hunt, CO, Scourse, JD, Keen, DH & Stephens, N (1998) Quaternary of south-west England. Chapman & Hall, London, for Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 14)
Chown, D (2002) Assessment of the potential for disturbance to winter waterfowl at Moorlinch SSSI, with emphasis on the Raised Water Level Area. English Nature
Chown, D (2003) Night-time use of the Somerset Levels and Moors floodplain by waterfowl: final report, winters 2001/02 and 2002/03. English Nature
Dawes, A, Leece, J (2002) Somerset Levels and Moors breeding waders of wet meadows. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Evans, C, Street, L, Benstead, P, Cadbury, J Hirons, G, Self, M & Wallace, H (1995) Water and sward management for nature conservation: a case study of the RSPB’s West Sedgemoor Reserve. RSPB Conservation Review, 9, 60-72
Ferns, PN (n.d.[1978]) The Severn estuary. A heritage of wildlife. Severn Estuary Conservation Group
Ferns, PN, Green, GH & Round, PD (1979) Significance of the Somerset and Gwent Levels in Britain as feeding areas for migrant whimbrels Numenius phaeopus. Biological Conservation, 16(1), 17-22
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
O'Neil, P & Beebee, TJC (2005) The great silver water beetle in Britain: a cry for help British Wildlife, 16(4), 265-269
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Somerset Levels and Moors Partnership (2003) The Somerset Levels and Moors. Bibliography. Somerset County Council, Taunton, for Somerset Levels and Moors Partnership. www.somerset.gov.uk/levels/Bibliog/bibliogr.htm
Stewart, NF (2004) Important stonewort areas. An assessment of the best areas for stoneworts in the United Kingdom. Plantlife International, Salisbury
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Tallowin, JRB & Smith, REN (1994) The effects of inorganic fertilisers in flower-rich hay meadows on the Somerset Levels [and] Executive summary. English Nature Research Reports, No. 87
Taylor, ARD (1999) The Somerset Levels and Moors. An introduction to an internationally important wetland system. Somerset County Council, Taunton, for Somerset Levels and Moors Partnership. www.somerset.gov.uk/levels/SLMint.htm
Williams, R (1992) Classic British wildlife sites: The Somerset Levels. Their landscape and wildlife – still under threat. British Wildlife, 3(6), 350-365
Williams, R & Williams, R (1992) The Somerset Levels. Ex Libris Press, Bradford on Avon
Wolseley, PA, Palmer, MA & Williams R (1984) The aquatic flora of the Somerset Levels and Moors. Nature Conservancy Council, CSD Report, No. 545",,,
53,UK41006,Somerset Long Bay Pond,Classified/designatd,OT,1.1,,Bermuda,10/05/1999,32 17 50 N,64 51 50 W,,,not avai,0,2,0.5,"A former tidal swamp that was filled in as a garbage dump and then restored into a brackish to freshwater pond with mangrove islets, separated from the sea by a beach dune.","Although small, this is an unusually fine example of a fresh/brackish pond with islets behind a beach, in which American coot, moorhen and pied-billed grebe nest with regularity.","Nearest town/city: Hamilton
A back-beach pond on the edge of a shallow marine bay on Somerset Islands.",Open pond with beds of $Ruppia maritima$ and mangrove islets.,"Red mangrove $Rhizophora mangle$, black mangrove $Avicennia germinans$ and widgeon grass $Ruppia maritima$.","Top-minnows $Gambusia holbrookii$ are present in the pond. Moorhen $Gallinula chloropus$, American coot $Fulica americana$ and pied-billed grebe $Podilymbus podiceps$ breed in the pond.
Important stopover and wintering site for migrant ducks, herons and egrets.",Records of breeding/migratory waterfowl using the Pond have been kept since 1980s.,Neighbourhood schools use the site for environmental education on wetlands.,"The local population and tourists utilize the beach area while there are occasional ecotourist visits to the pond.
Regular use by local and visiting birdwatchers.","Bermuda Audubon Society newsletters. www.audubon.bm/Newsletters.htm
Hayward, SJ, Gomez, FH & Sterrer, W (eds.) (1981) Bermuda's delicate balance: people and environment. Bermuda National Trust, Paget
Pienkowski, M (ed.) (2003) A sense of direction: a conference on conservation in UK Overseas Territories and other small island communities, Bermuda 22nd–27th March 2003. UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough. www.ukotcf.org
Pienkowski, MW (ed.) (2005) Review of existing and potential Ramsar sites in UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. (Contractor: UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough.) Final report on Contract CR0294 to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Bristol. www.ukotcf.org
Proctor, D & Fleming, LV (eds.) (1999) Biodiversity: the UK Overseas Territories. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Wingate, DB (1984) Taking stock of Bermuda's wetland heritage. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hamilton",,,
7000198,UK23001,"South East Coast of Jersey, Channel Islands",Classified/designatd,OT,3210.5,12.75,Jersey,25/09/2000,049 09 00 N,002 02 00 W,,,not avai,-14.58,14.12,,"The site comprises various habitats; reefs, boulder fields, mud, sandy and shingle shores not covered by water at low tide, combined with shallow tidal lagoons, seagrass beds and a constellation of outlying reefs. Amongst the largest intertidal reef sites in Europe. A maximum spring tide range of 12 metres exposes in excess of 17.5 sq km of wave-cut rock platforms, extensive areas of reef at varying elevations, expansive rocky shores and a complex system of soft substrate gullies. The area also features a large, shallow, depositing, soft sediment bay, containing seagrass meadows, which provide important winter habitat for nationally important populations of waders and wildfowl. These factors, combined with Jersey's biogeographical position produce great biodiversity, a rich and diverse range of biotopes and some uncommon species assemblages. The flora and fauna is characterised by limit-of-range species at the northern and southern margins of their distributions that are not present on shores either to the north or south respectively. Fishing within the site, is of great cultural, social and traditional importance to the population of Jersey. To the north of the site lies Gorey Harbour, a small port used principally for recreational boating. To the west of the site lies St Helier, Jersey's capital and principal port with associated facilities and shoreline development.","Ramsar Criterion 1.
The site has the one of the largest tidal ranges in the world, that can exceed 12 metres, a shallow sloping shore profile, a wide range of substrata and wave exposure. Its shallow waters are relatively warm due to the influence of the Gulf Stream and surrounding oceanographic conditions. These factors combine to produce a site considered to have great ecological value due to the diverse range of habitats, communities and species found in a comparatively small area. Within the site, the Violet Bank is one of the largest igneous intertidal reef sites in Europe, comprising approximately 8 sq km of rocky shore exposed at low water on spring tides divided by an extensive network of gullies and separated in places by mud and sand flats. Grouville Bay is a large shallow bay containing mudflats and sandflats that are exposed at low water and contain $Zostera$ beds.
Ramsar Criterion 2.
The extensive rocky shores found within the site are identified as being of priority for conservation at an international level due to the rarity and perceived threat to this type of habitat and its associated faunal and floral communities. The extensive mudflats and sandflats found in the site are likewise considered of significant value at a European level. $Zostera$ beds found in the embayed shallow waters are of great importance to a wide range of vulnerable species in their early life stages and thus merit the highest level of protection available. Adjacent to the Baie de Mont St Michel (62,000 ha designated in 1994), the site represents the last vestiges of a former land bridge to continental Europe and plays a major role in the continued ecological functioning of the Golfe Normano-Breton with many species of wintering shorebirds visiting the area during annual migration passages. One of the largest breeding groups of bottlenose dolphins $Tursiops truncatus$ in the British Isles is regularly sited within the boundaries of the site.
Criterion 3.
Jersey is situated in Le Golfe Normano-Breton between England and France, on the convergence of Boreal (cold temperate) and Lusitanean (warm temperate) marine biogeographical regions. Overlap of these regions promotes increased species richness and allows species to exist at the northern and southern limits of their distributions. This enables the site to support some species which are rare or absent from British coasts as they are normally associated with the warmer waters of southern Europe, e.g. ormer $Haliotis tuberculata$, as well as species that are normally associated with the colder northern waters of the United Kingdom, e.g. beadlet anemone $Actinia equina$. The overlap of the Boreal and Lusitanean biogeographical regions, produces many limit-of-range populations. It has been hypothesised that such limit-of-range populations contain unique alleles or a combination of alleles arisen though adaptation to local, more extreme environmental conditions than core populations. Monitoring of these habitats for environmental change is crucial.
Ramsar Criterion 4.
The Baie de St Malo experiences huge movements of water diurnally with a relatively closed anti-clockwise current around Jersey. This factor, when combined with the warming influence of the Gulf Stream and the physical characteristics of the site assists in enhancing the local recruitment and subsequent offshore migration of many animals that have planktonic early life stages, especially commercially important Crustacea. The large areas of rocky shore are important to many species, providing shelter, protection and food for both larval and adult stages. Similarly the rich infaunal communities of the sand and mudflats are important for their range of mollusc and worm species. These areas are important nurseries for a wide variety of organisms. $Zostera$ beds and wide, shallow gullies dividing the rocky platforms also provide critical habitat for many other forms and stages of life, as do the extensive and diverse algal communities found within the site.
Ramsar Criterion 7.
The extensive areas of shallow water and huge number of intertidal pools found within the site provide habitat for many species of fish. To date 107 species of fish have been recorded from the site and adjacent waters. The enormous water exchanges and consequent strong tidal streams combined with high and low energy wave conditions and substrate variability mean a wide diversity of species and life history stages are present. The biogeographic location of the site allied with the surrounding oceanographic circulation and physical features serve to enhance species variety and abundance. The site contributes much to the continued viability of the Golfe Normano Breton ecosystem, which undoubtedly plays a major role in the functioning of English Channel fisheries and biodiversity.
Ramsar Criterion 8.
On the south coast, several headlands of varying elevation extend into the residual inshore anti-clockwise current, creating sheltered areas in their western lee. Here, recruitment of planktonic larvae onto extensive areas of rocky shore and water-filled soft sediment gullies occurs. Many species of fish take advantage of elevated summer water temperatures to feed and grow on the rich food supply in fertile, shallow waters before making an Autumn migration to spawn in offshore waters. Conversely, other species are absent in summer but present in winter for similar reasons. A range of small fish species spend their entire life within the site. Adjacent to the site is a sandbank known as the Banc du Chateau where large rafts of seabirds and the bottlenose dolphins $Tursiops truncatus$ often feed on a plentiful supply of sand-eels $Ammodytes$ sp. and other pelagic fish.","The site is adjacent to the capital of Jersey, St. Helier, which holds a population of 27,523 (1996 Census).
Located on the south and east coasts of the Channel Island of Jersey. Situated in Le Golfe Normano-Breton, 22.4 km west of Normandy (France), 48 km north of Brittany (France) and 136 km south of Weymouth (England).
The site extends from the port of St Helier on the south coast, to Gorey Harbour on the east coast, encompassing the south-east corner of the Island.
Bailiwick of Jersey","The site contains a diverse array of habitats and micro-habitats. Extensive mud sand flats and pools stretching into shallow waters support extensive beds of eelgrasses $Zostera noltei$ and $Zostera marina$. Intertidal rocky platforms bear luxuriant growth of fucoid species. Low tide levels reveal large stands of $Laminaria$ species. All of these communities also support rich epiphytic growth. The shallow water-filled gullies and intertidal rockpools contain dense colonies of the non-native alga $Sargassum muticum$, first recorded in Jersey in 1980. At times $Ulva lactuca$ is abundant.","Internationally important species occurring on the site:
Habitat Type
$Zostera$ beds
Higher Plants
$Zostera marina$$, $$Zostera noltei$
Nationally important species occurring on the site
Habitat Type
$Ascophyllum nodosum$ colonies
Lower plants
$Bifurcaria bifurcata$, $Codium fragile $subsp.$ tomentosoides$, $Codium tomentosum$, $Cystoseira baccata$, $Cystoseira foeniculaceus$, $Cystoseira nodicaulis$, $Cystoseira tamariskolia$, $Halopteris scoparia$, $Stilophora tenella$, $Calliblepharis jubata$, $Choreocolax polysiphoniae$, $Falkenbergia rufolansa$, $Gigartina teedei$, $Gracilaria bursa-pastoris$, $Grateloupia filicina $var.$ filicina$, $Griffithsia corallinoides$, $Halopithys incurvus$, $Halurus equisetifolius$, $Kallymenia reniformis$, $Lomentaria clavellosa$, $Mesophyllum lichenoides$, $Polysiphonia nigrescens$.","$Hippocampus hippocampus$, $Gobius cobitis$
Molluscs
$Modiolus modiolus$, $Ostrea edulis$, $Haliotis tuberculata$, $Gibbula pennanti$, $Mactra glauca$, $Ocinebrina aciculata$, $Rissoa guernei$
Crustaceans
$Pisa tetraodon$, $Thia scutellata$","DAILY
• Sea temperature is monitored from an automated station at St Helier Harbour and at another location east of the site.
• Tides from two gauges, recording date, time and height (m), to gather real time data to measure tidal surges for flood warnings.
MONTHLY
• The States of Jersey's Agriculture and Fisheries and Public Health Departments monitor fish farm concession areas, i.e., oysters and clams for $Escherichia coli$, presumptive coliforms and $Salmonella$.
• Société Jersiaise Ornithology Section conduct shorebird counts within specific sectors of the site. Undertaken at least once a month, with up to 3 counts per month during the winter (from December through to March).
QUARTERLY.
• Common limpet $Patella vulgata$ and serrated wrack $Fucus serratus$ are tested for Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Zn, As and Hg. Samples collected in January, April, July and October from La Collette/ Havre des Pas and Gorey since July 1996.
• Beach profiles taken Feb/May/Aug/Nov. 20 profiles taken at 20 metre intervals from MHW to MLW across the site.
BIANNUALLY.
• Slipper limpet $Crepidula fornicata$ tested since July 1996 for heavy metal content in January and July. Sites east of St Helier Harbour and in Grouville Bay.
• Pollack $Pollachius pollachius$ tested for radioactivity (Gross Beta and Gamma scan) spring and autumn.
ANNUALLY
• Seawater tested for radioactivity (Caesium 134 and 137, plus Tritium).
• Oyster $Crassostrea gigas$ tested for radioactivity - Total beta, Gamma spectrometry and transuranics: Pu-238, Pu-239+240, Am-241 + where detected Cm-242 and Cm-243 + 244.
• Sediment (inshore and fine 200 u sieve) tested for radioactivity - Total beta, Gamma spectrometry and transuranics: Pu-238, Pu-239+240, Am-241 + where detected Cm-242 and Cm-243 + 244.
SEASONAL.
• Société Jersiaise Ornithology Section conduct monthly brent goose $Branta bernicla$ counts during the winter from November through to April.
• Société Jersiaise Ornithology Section conduct fortnightly wader counts during the winter from November through to April.
• Bathing waters are monitored for a period of 20 weeks over the main tourist bathing season. Total coliform, faecal coliform and faecal $streptoccoci$, plus other physical and chemical parameters in compliance with EC Bathing Water Directive.
CONTINUOUS.
• Jersey's Department of Agriculture and Fisheries monitor usage of the site, commercial fisheries landings, recreational activity, farmed shellfish production, all imports and exports of farmed shellfish, occurrence and frequency of rare fish sightings and occurrence and frequency of fish kills.
• Sightings and mortalities of marine mammals recorded by the Zoology Section of the Société Jersiaise and the States of Jersey Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
• Société Jersiaise Ornithology Section bird ringing project ongoing.
CURRENT STUDIES BEING UNDERTAKEN
• 3 year study on the importance of $Zostera$ habitats to fisheries. Focussing on Jersey shores and funded by the States of Jersey Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
• 3 year study on sediment dynamics and physical oceanography of Jersey's coastal waters. Funded by the States of Jersey Environmental Services Unit.
• Monitoring of populations of the ormer $Haliotis tuberculata$ following significant mortality in 1999.
• Trials underway in an attempt to enhance populations of scallop $Pecten maximus$ within the site.
• Marine Conservation Society sublittoral biotope survey - Sea Search.
UNDERTAKEN AND COMPLETED: Pollution.
• University of Wales. Laser ablation study of a collection of historic to modern limpet shells for 11 elements, including Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb and As.
• Non-marine waters of south-east coast monitored monthly between January 1995 and November 1997. Outfalls at Le Hurel Slipway and La Rocque monitored since January 1994. Other sites - Le Bourg, Grouville Bay, Le Hurel and Gorey Harbour. Bacterial analysis occurred from January 1995 and full analysis for: NH3, NO3-, NO2-, Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, SO4, Cl, COD, BOD, suspended solids, total coliform, faecal coliform, faecal $streptoccoci$, from July 1995.
• CREH. (1995). Further Assessment of Non-outfall Sources of Bacterial Indicator Organisms to the Coastal Zone of the Island of Jersey.
UNDERTAKEN AND COMPLETED: Physical aspects -
• Various hydraulic studies have been carried out on the area surrounding St Helier. For example:
1. Coode & Partners (1980) $St Helier Harbour land reclamation west of Albert Pier. Report on tidal model studies$. Surrey, Harbours Office, Jersey.
2. Coode & Partners (1981) $St Helier harbour roll on roll off harbour and land reclamation. Report on wave model tests$. Surrey, Harbours Office, Jersey.
3. HR Wallingford (December 1989) St Helier Hydraulic Studies. 3 studies included sediment samples, beach profiles, waves, seasonal wave height exceedence, tidal flow measurements, suspended solids and bed sampling.
• Various reports describing Anneport Bay and Fauvic (Grouville Bay). (1991 – 1997). Examining wave regime, turbidity, pre and post recharge beach profiles, sediment transport patterns and an assessment of coastal protection options. For example:
4. HR Wallingford (December 1991) $Jersey Coastal Management Study$.
5. Bird, ECF (GeoStudies) (July 1995) $Report on survey of the Jersey Coast with reference to erosive problems$. (Includes studies on beach erosion problems at Fauvic and Anneport.)
• Various studies on coastal protection. For example:
6. Thorton, VA (September 1993) Coast protection study. (Baseline survey on the seawalls around the island.)
7. Young, J (March 1996) $Report on coastal protection and management$. Public Services Committee.
• Various inshore bathymetry studies have been carried out on the east of the Island.
8. Navy. UK Admiralty (November 1963) Report of Survey Jersey, St Helier.
9. Navy. UK Admiralty (April 1973) Survey of North and East Coast, Jersey.
10. HMS HECATE. BFPO Ships. UK Admiralty. (October 1983). Report of Survey - Jersey East Coast Grouville Bay Shoal Investigation.
11. Naval party 1016, MV $Proud Seahorse$. UK and French Admiralty. (December 1997). Passage De La Deroute.
• Le Hir, PBP $et al$. (October 1987) Golfe Normano-Breton, Etude Regionale Integree. IFREMER: 269. Studied hydrodynamics and sedimentology, deep water pelagic, sub-tidal biology, foreshore and wet zones, socio-economic aspects and a particular study of the Bay of Mont St Michel.
• HR Wallingford (December 1997 – June 1998). Wave buoy deployed off east coast to monitor height and period.
• Arup Economics and Planning (1998) Jersey Mineral Study. Investigated marine mineral resources.
• Turbidity monitored at 5 stations weekly during development of the St Helier Marina.
UNDERTAKEN AND COMPLETED: Flora and fauna.
A number of studies have been undertaken examining the biodiversity of Jerseys coastal zone. Some areas of the south-east coast have been studied in detail:
1. Thomas, NS & Culley, MB (1988) The macroinvertebrate fauna of the sandy shores adjacent to La Collette, Jersey. Portsmouth Polytechnic, Marine Laboratory, unpublished report to States of Jersey
2. Culley, MB & English, P (1992) A preliminary investigation into the macroinvertebrates of the soft sediments at La Rocque, Jersey, October 1990. University of Portsmouth, Marine Laboratory, unpublished report to the States of Jersey
3. Save our Shoreline (1994) A case for preserving the shoreline and Bay of Havre des Pas from any further development (landfill, reclamation schemes or marina) and a recommendation for making ‘La Carriere’ and associated causeway a Site of Special Interest. (Presentation to Members of the States of Jersey). Save our Shoreline, St Helier
4. Culley, M, Farnham, W & Thorp, C (1996) An assessment of the marine communities present on the south coast of Jersey from St Helier to La Rocque, July, 1994. University of Portsmouth, Marine Laboratory, unpublished report to States of Jersey
5. Culley, MB, Thorp, CH, Farnham, WF & Romeril, MG (1996) Proposal for the designation of the southern shore of Jersey from La Collette to La Rocque as a Site of Special Interest. University of Portsmouth, Marine Laboratory, unpublished report to States of Jersey
6. Culley, MB & Thorp, CH (1996) An Investigation of the macroinvertebrate communities inhabiting the sediments of the shore of Jersey from La Collette to La Rocque, April 1995. University of Portsmouth, Marine Laboratory, unpublished report to States of Jersey
7. Mercer, T (1998) Intertidal survey La Collette to Le Dicq, south-east coast of Jersey. Volume 1 – main report Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Wetlands Advisory Service, Slimbridge, report to States of Jersey
8. Bruce, J (1998) Assessment of wintering waterfowl populations, La Collette to Le Dicq, Jersey, Channel Islands. Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Wetlands Advisory Service, Slimbridge, report to States of Jersey
• Kindleysides, D (1995) Conserving the intertidal biodiversity of Jersey: a strategy. Unpublished MSc dissertation, University College London.
• Crutchley, S (1997) Designation of a Marine Protected Area in Jersey: Recommendations with special reference to molluscs. Unpublished MSc dissertation, University College London
• Jewell, S (1995) An identification and analysis of key criteria for the sustainable development of Jersey’s coastal zone. Unpublished MSc dissertation, Heriot-Watt University, Institute of Offshore Engineering, Edinburgh
• Southampton University study on radionucleides in molluscs and algae. Samples taken from St Helier and La Rocque.
• Short report completed following significant mortality of razor shells $Ensis arcuatus$ within site in 1998","A small range of published material is available on Jersey's wider marine environments. Several information panels are situated within the site. The States of Jersey and various NGO's organise regular guided walks across the site for all ages and abilities from infant to postgraduate level. Visiting groups of students regularly use the site for field studies. Fisheries regulations are explained in several information leaflets. A publication focused on the site, its value and future management is planned.","Non-exploitive recreational activity is very important within the site. A wide range of activities take place, including for example: Walking (also with dogs), bird watching, horse-riding, sunbathing and beach games. Exploitive recreational activities centre on low water fishing for crustaceans, molluscs and fish, recreational angling, bait collection, spear-fishing and algae collection. Watersports are important within the site with water skiing, jet-skiing, windsurfing, canoeing, sailing, rowing, swimming all popular. Facilities within the site include non-marina boat moorings, a tidal swimming pool, beach kiosks, cafes and associated retail outlets. Piers, jetties and slipways are also found spread along the entire landward boundary of the site. On the whole there is currently little conflict within user groups; bar overfishing and threats from coastal development, the site suffers relatively little activity of major environmental consequence. Most activities run throughout the year depending on weather and tides, but activity tends to peak in the summer months. The main tourist season is April to October. The estimated number of visitors to Jersey from 1994-1997 was 663,250. Some directed fisheries are subject to seasonal closures: $Maja squinado$ and $Haliotis tuberculata$. There is a strong cultural attachment to the site within a significant proportion of Island residents - the continued ecological health of the site is held as sacrosanct by many.","Anon. (1995) Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report. Volume 2: Action plans. HMSO, London
Anon. (1997) Anthropogenic radionucleides in the region of Jersey. Southampton Oceanography Centre, Geosciences Division, unpublished report to States of Jersey
British Geological Survey (1982) Jersey (Channel Islands Sheet 2) Solid and Drift 1:25000 Series. Ordnance Survey, Southampton
Bruce, J (1998) Assessment of wintering waterfowl populations, La Collette to Le Dicq, Jersey, Channel Islands. Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Wetlands Advisory Service, Slimbridge, report to States of Jersey
Christensen, J (1996?) Report on the Census for 1996. States of Jersey
Cordrey, L (ed.) (1996) The biodiversity of the south-west: an audit of the south-west biological resource. RSPB/ County Wildlife Trusts / South West Regional Planning Conference
Critchley, AT, Farnham, WF & Morrell, SL (1983) A chronology of new European sites of attachment for the invasive brown alga, Sargassum muticum, 1973–1981. Journal of the Marine Biological Association, 63, 799-811
Crutchley, S (1997) Designation of a Marine Protected Area in Jersey: Recommendations with special reference to molluscs. Unpublished MSc dissertation, University College London
Culley, M, Farnham, W & Thorp, C (1996) An assessment of the marine communities present on the south coast of Jersey from St Helier to La Rocque, July, 1994. University of Portsmouth, Marine Laboratory, unpublished report to States of Jersey
Culley, MB & English, P (1992) A preliminary investigation into the macroinvertebrates of the soft sediments at La Rocque, Jersey, October 1990. University of Portsmouth, Marine Laboratory, unpublished report to the States of Jersey
Culley, MB, Thorp, CH, Farnham, WF & Romeril, MG (1996) Proposal for the designation of the southern shore of Jersey from La Collette to La Rocque as a Site of Special Interest. University of Portsmouth, Marine Laboratory, unpublished report to States of Jersey
Culley, MB & Thorp, CH (1996) An investigation of the macroinvertebrate communities inhabiting the sediments of the shore of Jersey from La Collette to La Rocque, April 1995. University of Portsmouth, Marine Laboratory, unpublished report to States of Jersey
Garrick-Maidment, N & Daly, S (1997) British Seahorse Survey report. Seahorse Trust, Torbay
Hayward, PJ & Ryland, JS (eds.) (1990) The marine fauna of the British Isles and north-west Europe. Volume 2: Molluscs to chordates. Clarendon Press, Oxford
Jewell, S (1995) An identification and analysis of key criteria for the sustainable development of Jersey’s coastal zone. Unpublished MSc dissertation, Heriot-Watt University, Institute of Offshore Engineering, Edinburgh
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (1995) Non-native marine species in British waters. 1st edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Marine Information Notes, No. 7)
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (1996) Guidelines for selection of biological SSSIs: intertidal marine habitats and saline lagoons. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/Publications/sssi/sssi_content.htm
Kindleysides, D (1995) Conserving the intertidal biodiversity of Jersey: a strategy. Unpublished MSc dissertation, University College London
La Société Jersiaise, Zoology Section (****) Records of marine mammals sightings. La Société Jersiaise, St Helier
Le Sueur, RF (1967) The marine fishes of Jersey. La Société Jersiaise, St Helier
Mercer, T (1998) Intertidal survey La Collette to Le Dicq, south-east coast of Jersey. Volume 1 – main report Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Wetlands Advisory Service, Slimbridge, report to States of Jersey
Mitchell, R, Bennett, T, Copley, V & Laffoley, D (1993) Jersey Coastwatch Survey 1990. Roger Mitchell Maresearch Associates, Huntingdon
Orbi, A & Salomon, J-C (1988) Dynamique de maree dans le Golfe Normand-Breton. Oceanologica Acta, 11(1), 55-64
Pienkowski, MW (ed.) (2005) Review of existing and potential Ramsar sites in UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. (Contractor: UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough.) Final report on Contract CR0294 to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Bristol. www.ukotcf.org
Pritchard, DE, Housden, SD, Mudge, GP, Galbraith, CA & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy
Save our Shoreline (1994) A case for preserving the shoreline and Bay of Havre des Pas from any further development (landfill, reclamation schemes or marina) and a recommendation for making ‘La Carriere’ and associated causeway a Site of Special Interest. (Presentation to Members of the States of Jersey). Save our Shoreline, St Helier
States of Jersey, Environmental Services Unit (1997) Environmental monitoring carried out by States’ Departments 1997. States of Jersey
States of Jersey, Office of the Chief Adviser (1997) An introduction to Jersey. Jersey & Channel Islands in relation to England & France. States Greffe
States of Jersey, Office of the Chief Adviser (1997) Statistical review, Jersey. States of Jersey
States of Jersey, Office of the Chief Adviser (1997) Statistical review, Jersey 1997 – 1998 (Table updates). States of Jersey
States of Jersey, Planning and Environment Committee (1995) Project 12: Marine Protection Zone. States Greffe
States of Jersey, Policy & Resources Committee (1995) 2000 & beyond – States of Jersey Strategic Plan – Part 1. States Greffe
Thomas, NS & Culley, MB (1988) The macroinvertebrate fauna of the sandy shores adjacent to La Collette, Jersey. Portsmouth Polytechnic, Marine Laboratory, unpublished report to States of Jersey
Tucker, GM & Heath, MF (1994) Birds in Europe: their conservation status. BirdLife International, Cambridge (BirdLife Conservation Series, No. 3)
Vernon, PK (ed.) (1997) Important sites for birds in the Channel Islands. La Société Guernesiaise, St Helier
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Wetlands Advisory Service (****) Channel Islands. Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Wetlands Advisory Service, Slimbridge, report to States of Jersey",25/09/2000,,
7000070,UK13057,South Tayside Goose Roosts,Classified/designatd,S,331.01,,Perth and Kinross,22/04/1993,056 15 54 N,003 50 00 W,286421,708044,NN865096,106,126,119,"The South Tayside Goose Roosts Ramsar site comprises seven lochs (including Carsebreck and Rhynd Lochs, Drummond Lochs, Dupplin Loch and Pitcarnie Loch), a number of smaller waterbodies and other wetland habitats. The site is internationally important as a roost for greylag geese $Anser anser$ and pink-footed geese $Anser brachyrhyncus$.","
","Nearest town/city: Stirling
The South Tayside Goose Roost Ramsar site comprises seven lochs, a number of smaller water bodies and other wetland habitats in Strathearn and Strathallan to the west of Perth in east-central Scotland. The site overlaps with three SSSIs: Carsebreck and Rhynd Lochs, Drummond Lochs, and Dupplin Lakes.","Carsebreck and Rhynd lochs include three lochs and a range of wetland habitats including base-rich flush, fen and aquatic communities, as well as one of the largest raised mires in Tayside.
Drummond Lochs includes two lochs and surrounding wetland vegetation.
Dupplin Lakes include two shallow eutrophic lochs surrounded by trees.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Lower Plants.
$Bacidia incompta, Biatoridium monasteriense, Catillaria globulosa, Wadeana minuta$",None reported,"Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.","Perth and Kinross Council have erected signage to inform visitors about responsible access to the site.
","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Dupplin Lakes: Occasional small-scale sport angling for brown trout within the site, of a very minor nature. Shooting occurs on adjacent land which could potentially be disturbing to the birds. The landowner liaises with SNH about this activity.
Drummond Lochs: a local angling club fish at the site for brown trout, but this is not thought to be causing significant disturbance to the birds. Sport shooting on site is limited to five shoots per year, to minimise disturbance, especially during bird roosting periods. SNH liaise with the landowner over access and shooting etc.
Carsebreck and Rhynd Lochs: there is occasional small-scale sport angling at the site, and rearing and shooting of pheasants in woods surrounding the lochs. The water is also occasionally stocked with fish for small-scale angling. Public access and dog-walking has caused disturbance to birds in the past, and the local council has provided signage to inform visitors about responsible access. SNH are monitoring the situation, and liaise with the landowner over the management of access and angling.","Murray, J & Pullar, L (1904) Bathymetrical survey of the fresh-water lochs of Scotland. Part III – Lochs of the Tay Basin. Scottish Geographical Magazine, 20(1), 1-47
Pritchard, DE, Housden, SD, Mudge, GP, Galbraith, CA & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",,,
7000132,UK13058,South Uist Machair and Lochs,Classified/designatd,S,5019.05,,Western Isles / Na h-Eileanan an Iar,01/12/1997,57 18 50 N,07 20 00 W,73029,830505,NF790374,-1,38,6,"South Uist Machair and Lochs Ramsar site is a complex site along the west coast of South Uist. This area is of outstanding importance for its transition of habitats from acidic moorland to the calcareous coastal plain, and for the transition from freshwater habitats to saltwater habitats. This complex includes outstanding examples of, moving seawards, relict woodland, moorland and blanket bog, large oligotrophic lochs, acidic blacklands, wet and dry machair with eutrophic machair lochs, freshwater marsh, saltmarsh, coastal dunes and sandy rocky shores. These areas are of outstanding importance for their populations of wintering and breeding waterfowl.","Ramsar criterion 1
The site contains some of the finest examples of a continual gradient from marine to freshwater habitats and is of outstanding biological and geomorphological significance through containing the largest machair system in Britain.
Ramsar criterion 2
The site supports an assemblage of rare wetland plants and animals. The flora includes at least four Nationally Scarce vascular plants, slender naiad $Najas flexilis$, cowbane $Cicuta virosa$, slender-leaved pondweed $Potamogeton filiformis$ and Baltic rush $Juncus balticus$. The fauna includes otter $Lutra lutra$ and salmon $Salmo salar$.","Nearest town/city: Benbecula
South Uist Machair and Lochs, which includes Lochs Druidibeg, a' Machair and Stilligarry, lies on the west coast of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides.
","South Uist Machair & Lochs is a complex site along the west coast of South Uist, which is of outstanding importance for its transition of wetland habitats from blanket bog to calcareous coastal plain, and for the transition through freshwater to saltwater habitats. The site has outstanding examples of blanket bog, large oligotrophic lochs, acidic blacklands, wet and dry machair with machair lochs, freshwater marsh, saltmarsh, coastal dunes and sandy and rocky shores.
The machair areas include wet and dry machair, some of which is uncultivated. Together with the associated marsh, fen and eutrophic machair lochs the coastal plain supports a rich and diverse range of plant communities, including some locally or nationally scarce plants. The estuarine and brackish water habitats of the Howmore River, Loch Roag and the freshwater Loch Fada show one of the best examples of gradation from estuarine to freshwater habitats, along with associated gradation of flora and fauna, in Great Britain. Loch Bee is the largest brackish loch in the Western Isles and exhibits a gradation in salinity from freshwater to seawater. The coast, machair, lochs and blackland are of considerable ornithological importance for wintering and breeding birds.","Assemblage.
The site is internationally important because it supports the following Habitats Directive Annex I features:
H1150 Coastal lagoons
H1210 Annual vegetation of drift lines
H2120 Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (“white dunes”)
H2130 Fixed dunes with herbaceous vegetation (“grey dunes”)
H2190 Humid dune slacks
H21A0 Machairs
H3110 Oligotrophic waters containing very few minerals of sandy plains (Littorelletalia uniflorae)
H3130 Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or of the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea
H3140 Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp.
H3150 Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition-type vegetation
Internationally important species occurring on the site:
S1833 Najas flexilis Slender naiad (Habitats Directive Annex II species)
Nationally important species occurring on the site:
Higher Plants.
$Potamogeton filiformis, Cicuta virosa, Juncus baltica$
Lower Plants.
$Chara$ spp.","Internationally important species occurring on the site.
S1355 Lutra lutra Otter (Habitats Directive Annex II species)
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Bombus distinguendus, Lycia zonaria, Colletes floralis, Thanatophilus dispar$","Fauna.
Research on effects of hedgehogs on breeding waders. Corncrake surveys (RSPB) annual.
Greylag goose breeding monitoring on Loch Druidibeg NNR.
Invertebrates: Survey of $Bombus distinguendus$ in 1997 and ongoing.
Birds: Breeding wader surveys in 1983, 1993 and 2000, wintering wader survey 1994-95 and 2004. Various national British Trust for Ornithology surveys.
Flora.
Trial rabbit exclusion zones to gauge effects of grazing and burrowing on machair.
Freshwater vegetation surveyed in 1995. Machair vegetation surveyed 1995, 1988. Machair site condition monitoring (SCM) 2004. Lagoon SCM 2002.","There are interpretive panels, a reserve leaflet, and a limited number of guided walks for visitors and organised parties on the Loch Druidibeg NNR section of the site.
","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Land-based recreation:
Walking, including dog-walking, birdwatching and mammal watching occur, at a fairly low level, over much of the site, all year. The south-western corner of Loch Druidibeg has restricted access during the spring and summer, to reduce disturbance to breeding birds.
South Uist Estates shoot wildfowl over the part of the site they own. The season is from 1 September to 12 February inclusive.
Water-based recreation:
Shooting season 12 August-20 February.
Angling occurs from both shore and boat. Again this mainly occurs from April to September. It is restricted on Loch Druidibeg and no boats are allowed there.","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1997) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Regions 15 & 16. North-west Scotland: the Western Isles and west Highland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Booth, AB & Milne, F (1999) Western Isles corncrake habitat survey. (Contactor: Central Environmental Surveys.) Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report, No. F99LC03
Boyd, JM (ed.) (1979) The natural environment of the Outer Hebrides. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Series B: Biological Sciences, 77
Boyd, JM & Boyd, IL (1990) The Hebrides. A natural history. Collins, London (New Naturalist No. 76)
Bryan, A (1994) The Minch review. Scottish Natural Heritage, Stornoway
Connor, DW & Little, M (1998) Chapter 14. Outer Hebrides (MNCR Sector 14). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 371-383. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Dargie, TCD (1993) Sand dune vegetation survey of Great Britain: a national inventory. Part II: Scotland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Dargie, TCD (2000) Sand dune vegetation survey of Scotland: national report. Scottish Natural Heritage, Commissioned Report, No. F97AA401. www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/strategy/commreports/F97AA401.pdf
Ecology UK Ltd. (2005) North Uist Machair and Islands SPA and South Uist Machair and Lochs SPA: winter wader survey 2004. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report, No. 097 (ROAME No. F03LC05)
Johnston, R & Mudge, G (1996) South Uist Machair & Lochs – Proposed SPA/RAMSAR Site (108A), Departmental brief. Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh (International Sites Series)
Johnston, R, Boyle, J & Quick, R (1995) A survey of wintering waders on the west coast of the Uists in winter 1994–95. Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh (unpublished report)
Johnston, R, Murray, J & Shepherd, MA (1995) Survey of breeding waders on Uist SSSIs. Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh
May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Ramsay, DL & Brampton, AH (2000) Coastal cells in Scotland: Cells 8 & 9 – The Western Isles. Scottish Natural Heritage Research Survey and Monitoring Report, No. 150
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Ritchie, W (1966) The physiography of the machair of South Uist. Unpublished PhD thesis, University of Glasgow
Ritchie, W (1969) The coastal geomorphology of North Uist. University of Aberdeen, Department of Geography (O'Dell Memorial Monographs, No. 1)
Ritchie, W (1971) The beaches of Barra and the Uists. A survey of the beach, dune and machair areas of Barra, South Uist, North Uist and Berneray. University of Aberdeen, Department of Geography, for Countryside Commission for Scotland, Perth. [Reprinted 2004 as Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report, No. 047]
Scottish Natural Heritage (199*) Loch Druidibeg NNR Management Plan 1995-2000. Scottish Natural Heritage South Uist Office, Stilligarry
Scottish Natural Heritage (1998) Machair. Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh (Scotland’s Living Landscapes)
Scottish Natural Heritage (2004) Uist Wader Project webpages. Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh. www.snh.org.uk/index/i-frame.htm
Sullivan, C (1995) The carrion beetle Thanatophilus dispar at Loch Druidibeg NNR. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report, No. NW593 (unpublished report)
Stewart, NF (2004) Important stonewort areas. An assessment of the best areas for stoneworts in the United Kingdom. Plantlife International, Salisbury
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Thorpe, K, Dalkin, MJ, Fortune, F & Nichols, DM (1998) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 14. Lagoons in the Outer Hebrides: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Weighell, AJ, Donnelly, AP & Calder, K (eds.) (2000) Directory of the Celtic coasts and seas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",,,
8,UK11065,South West London Waterbodies,Classified/designatd,E,828.14,,Berkshire; Greater London; Surrey; Windsor and Maidenhead,22/09/2000,51 23 59 N,00 23 26 E,502500,174600,TQ663695,12,21,18,"The South West London Waterbodies site comprises a series of reservoirs and former gravel pits that support internationally important numbers of wintering $Anas strepera$ and $Anas clypeata$.
","6. Supports nationally important populations of the following species:
Great cormorant $Phalacrocorax carbo$, great crested grebe $Podiceps cristatus$, common pochard $Aythya ferina$, tufted duck $Aythya fuligula$, common coot $Fulica atra$.","Nearest town/city: London
The site is comprised of a series of discrete waterbodies in the Thames Valley between Windsor and Hampton Court.","Open water, plus associated wetland habitats including grassland and woodland supporting a number of wetland plant and animal species including internationally important numbers of wintering wildfowl.",None reported,None reported,"Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.",None reported,"Angling :fishing season only.
Sailing: all year round on gravel pits - club areas and slipways.
Birdwatching: all year round - no facilities.
","Batten, LA, Bibby, CJ, Clement, P, Elliot, GD & Porter, RF (1990) Red Data Birds in Britain. Action for rare, threatened and important species. Poyser, London, for Nature Conservancy Council and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Fox, AD (1988) Breeding status of the gadwall in Britain and Ireland. British Birds, 81(1), 51-66
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (1994) Draft SPA list revision as at 22 December 1994. Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Peterborough.
Lack, P (ed.) (1986) The atlas of wintering birds in Britain and Ireland. Poyser, Calton.
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Rose, PM & Scott, DA (1997) Waterfowl population estimates. 2nd edn. Wetlands International, Wageningen (Wetlands International Publication, No. 44) www.wetlands.org/IWC/wpe2/WPE2-toc.htm
Stone, BH, Sears, J, Cranswick, PA, Gregory, RD, Gibbons, DW, Rehfisch, MM, Aebischer, NJ & Reid, JB (1997) Population estimates of birds in Britain and in the United Kingdom. British Birds, 90(1), 1-22
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Stroud, DA, Mudge, GP & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1990) Protecting internationally important bird sites: a review of the EEC Special Protection Area Network in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough",22/09/2000,,
48,UK41007,Spittal Pond,Classified/designatd,OT,9.53,,Bermuda,10/05/1999,32 18 00 N,64 43 00 W,,,not avai,0.1,4,,The only Bermudan example of a non-tidal permanent shallow brackish lagoon with fringing mudflats and saltmarshes. The site is subject to periodic sea flooding and the mudflats are exposed at low water levels. The most important Bermudan wetland for wintering waterfowl.,"Criterion 1
This is Bermuda's only example of a non-tidal permanent brackish lagoon. It is the most important wetland for wintering waterfowl and transient shorebirds. It includes also mangrove and wet grassland ecosystems.
Criterion 3
It is the most important wetland for wintering waterfowl and transient shorebirds.
Criterion 4
The site is important for common eels $Anguilla anguilla$.","Nearest town/city: Hamilton
Located on South Shore, Smith's Parish.","The only Bermudan example of a non-tidal permanent shallow brackish lagoon with fringing mudflats and salt marshes. The land area comprises a natural valley containing a brackish pond of 36.4 ha and some 1.4 km of rugged coastline. The site is subject to periodic sea flooding with mudflats exposed at low water levels. The water level fluctuates by about 75 cm with rainfall and periodic flooding. Two freshwater ponds were excavated in 1966.
The Pond holds an extremely nutrient-rich but unstable community with wide fluctuations in salinity. There is low species diversity in the pond but very high productivity in boom-and-bust cycles.
The most important Bermudan wetland for wintering waterfowl and migrant shorebirds.
Spittal Pond features some of the best representation of geological formations in Bermuda.","Higher Plants.
Submerged beds of $Ruppia maritima$ and fringing $Paspalum vaginatum$.
Adjacent woodland and pasture.","Birds.
The pond is a major refuge for passage shorebirds, notably species of $Tringa$, $Limnodromus$ and $Calidris$. It is of principal importance as a wintering area for many species of North American heron, egrets, ducks, coot and moorhen. Pied-billed grebe $Podilymbus podiceps$, little blue heron $Egretta caerulea$, Louisiana (tri-colored) heron, $E. tricolor$, snowy egret$ E. thula$, great egret, $Casmerodius albus$, American black duck $Anas rubripes$, common teal $A. crecca$, American widgeon $A. americana$, blue-winged teal $A. discors$, ring-necked duck $Aythya collaris$, lesser scaup $A. affinis$ and American coot $Fulica americana$. The eel $Anguilla anguilla$ is common; $Mugil$ sp. occasionally become established. $Gambusia holbrooki$ is abundant, serving both as mosquito control and food for herons.
The coastal cliffs support a nesting population of white-tailed tropicbirds $Lepturus catesbyi$.","No facilities. There has been a limnological study of the pond. Migrating and wintering birds have been monitored and recorded since 1950.
Studies of tropicbird population/breeding success in 2001-2003.",There are regular field trips by conservation groups and schools.,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
The site is used for bird watching and walking by locals and tourists.","Becker, CJ, Shosa, JD & Rueger, BF (2001) A geochemical comparison of Spittal Pond and Warwick Pond, Bermuda. In: Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program, 33(6):A181
Hayward, SJ, Gomez, FH & Sterrer, W (eds.) (1981) Bermuda's delicate balance: people and environment. Bermuda National Trust, Paget
Hepburn, I, Oldfield, S & Thompson, K (1992) UK Dependent Territories Ramsar study: Stage 1. Unpublished report to Department of the Environment, European and International Habitat Protection Branch, Bristol, from International Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Bureau/ NGO Forum for Nature Conservation in UK Dependent Territories, Slimbridge/ Sandy (Research contract, No. 7/2/126)
Pienkowski, M (ed.) (2003) A sense of direction: a conference on conservation in UK Overseas Territories and other small island communities, Bermuda 22nd–27th March 2003. UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough. www.ukotcf.org
Pienkowski, MW (ed.) (2005) Review of existing and potential Ramsar sites in UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. (Contractor: UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough.) Final report on Contract CR0294 to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Bristol. www.ukotcf.org
Proctor, D & Fleming, LV (eds.) (1999) Biodiversity: the UK Overseas Territories. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Sanders, S, Dobson, A & Stroud, D (2003) Spittal Pond. In: A sense of direction: a conference on conservation in UK Overseas Territories and other small island communities, ed. by M. Pienkowski, 217-222. UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough. www.ukotcf.org
Scott, DA & Carbonell, M (eds.) (1986) A directory of neotropical wetlands. IUCN/IWRB, Cambridge/Slimbridge
Wingate, DB (1984) Taking stock of Bermuda's wetland heritage. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hamilton",,,
7000077,UK11066,Stodmarsh,Classified/designatd,E,481.33,,Kent,16/12/1993,51 18 18 N,01 10 19 E,621081.7,161072.6,TR211610,1,2,1,"Stodmarsh is a wetland site resulting in part from subsidence under the valley of the Great Stour in Kent and aggregate extraction but lies within the natural floodplain of the river. There are a range of wetland habitats including open water, reedbeds, grazing marsh and alder $Alnus glutinosa$ carr. The site supports a number of uncommon wetland invertebrates and plants, and provides breeding and wintering habitats for important assemblages of wetland bird species, particularly waterfowl.","Ramsar criterion 2
Six British Red Data Book wetland invertebrates. Two nationally rare plants, and five nationally scarce species. A diverse assemblage of rare wetland birds.","Nearest town/city: Canterbury
The site lies along the flood plain of the Great Stour just to the east of Canterbury.
","Woodland: The most mature areas of woodland are patches of alder $Alnus glutinosa$ carr growing over nettles $Urtica dioica$. There are also patches of osier $Salix viminalis$ growing over nettles, yellow flag $Iris pseudacorus$ ladies smock $Cardamine pratensis$ and marsh marigold $Caltha palustris$. There are also patches of goat willow $Salix caprea$ and crack willows $Salix fragilis$ invading the reedbed. Overall these habitats are not the main reason for declaration of the site, although they add to the diversity, but in larger quantities would damage the interest of the site.
Reedbed: Extensive areas of reed occur, with varying quantities of scrub. When the reed is cut other species thrive including bogbean $Menyanthes trifoliata$, greater spearwort $Ranunculus lingua$, and in the ditches that cross the reedbed greater bladderwort $Utricularia vulgaris$. Where the reedbeds are relatively dry the marsh sow thistle $Sonchus palustris$ can be found. There are also stands of other emergent plants such as the great pond sedge $Carex riparia$ and lesser pond sedge $Carex acutiformis$.
Grazing marsh: Small blocks of grazing marsh with a diverse flora that includes the rare sharp leaved pondweed $Potamogeton acutifolius$, flat-stalked pondweed $Potamogeton friesii$, frogbit $Hydrocharis morsus-ranae$, the nationally scarce whorled water-milfoil $Myriophyllum verticillatum$, and rootless duckweed $Wolffia arrhiza$.
Tidal river and adjacent lakes: The tidal habitats support a much less diverse flora with species such as the pondweed $Potamogeton pectinatus$ in the tidal lake. The banks of the river support the nationally scarce plant dittander $Lepidium latifolium$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.– nationally scarce unless otherwise stated.
$Potamogeton acutifolius$ (Vulnerable), $Taraxacum hygrophilum, Myriophyllum verticillatum, Wolffia arrhiza, Carex divisa, Lepidium latifolium, Sonchus palustris$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
Eight British Red Data Book species of wetland invertebrates have been recorded on the site:
$Segmentina nitida, Grammotaulius nitidus, Deltote banksianna, Polistichus connexus, Cercyon granarius, Haliplus mucronatus, Hydrophilus piceus$ and $Vertigo moulinsiana$ (RDB3).","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Other wintering birds: Numbers of wintering hen harrier and bearded tit are recorded each year by EN.
Bird ringing: A BTO constant effort site is maintained by volunteers at the Westbere reedbed with additional ringing activities undertaken elsewhere within the site.
Breeding birds: These are monitored by English Nature as a CBC recent surveys have been undertaken as part of national schemes for water rail and nightingale. Key species such as Cetti’s warbler are monitored.
The site is surveyed regularly for otter and water vole.
Molluscs: The site has been surveyed for molluscs under English Nature's recovery programme for the rare snail $Segmentina nitida$. Survey work has recently been carried out for $Vertigo moulinsiana$.
Lepidoptera: Some monitoring is undertaken by volunteers.
Flora.
Aquatic plants have been surveyed by English Nature to establish a baseline for future monitoring of the site.","English Nature provides regular guided walks. There are interpretation boards on the National Nature Reserve, and reserve leaflets available. There is a small amount of use by schools and universities.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Shooting: part of the site is used for wildfowling.
Fishing: A number of lakes within the site are used for coarse fishing.
Bird watching: a very popular activity on the National Nature Reserve with nature trails and facilities for the disabled.","Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
English Nature (1993) Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve management plan. English Nature
Hodge, PJ (1996) A survey of the insects of the turf fields at Stodmarsh NNR. Unpublished report
Killeen, IJ (2000) A survey of the east Kent grazing marshes for the freshwater snail Segmentina nitida. English Nature Research Reports, No. 356
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Watson, AM & Ormerod, SJ (2004) The distribution of three uncommon freshwater gastropods in the drainage ditches of British grazing marshes. Biological Conservation, 118(4), 455–466
Wiggington, M (1999) British Red Data Books. 1. Vascular plants. 3rd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Williams, P (1996) A survey of the ditch flora at Stodmarsh SSSI/NNR 1996. English Nature, unpublished report",,,
7000084,UK11067,Stour and Orwell Estuaries,Classified/designatd,E,3676.92,,Essex; Suffolk,13/07/1994,051 57 16 N,001 09 38 E,617267.67,233183.85,TM172331,-1,3,0,"The Stour and Orwell Estuaries is a wetland of international importance, comprising extensive mudflats, low cliffs, saltmarsh and small areas of vegetated shingle on the lower reaches. It provides habitats for an important assemblage of wetland birds in the non-breeding season and supports internationally important numbers of wintering and passage wildfowl and waders. The site also holds several nationally scarce plants and British Red Data Book invertebrates.","Ramsar criterion 2
Contains seven nationally scarce plants: stiff saltmarsh-grass $Puccinellia rupestris$; small cord-grass $Spartina maritima$; perennial glasswort $Sarcocornia perennis$; lax-flowered sea lavender $Limonium humile$; and the eelgrasses $Zostera angustifolia$, $Z. marina$ and $Z. noltei$.
Contains five British Red Data Book invertebrates: the muscid fly $Phaonia fusca$; the horsefly $Haematopota grandis$; two spiders, $Arctosa fulvolineata$ and $Baryphema duffeyi$; and the Endangered swollen spire snail $Mercuria confusa$.","Nearest town/city: Felixstowe
The Stour Estuary forms the south-eastern part of Essex/Suffolk boundary.
The Orwell Estuary is a relatively long and narrow estuary with extensive mudflats and some saltmarsh, running from Ipswich in the north, southwards towards Felixstowe.","Orwell is a relatively long and narrow estuary with extensive mudflats bordering the channel that support large patches of eelgrass $Zostera$ sp. The saltmarsh tends to be sandy and fairly calcareous with a wide range of communities. There are small areas of vegetated shingle on the foreshore of the lower reaches. Grazing marshes adjoin the estuary at Shotley. The Stour estuary is a relatively simply structured estuary with a sandy outer area and a muddier inner section. The mud is rich in invertebrates and there are areas of higher saltmarsh. The shoreline vegetation varies from oak-dominated wooded cliffs, through scrub-covered banks to coarse grasses over seawalls, with reed-filled borrow dykes behind.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Puccinellia rupestris$ (nationally scarce); $Spartina maritima$ (nationally scarce); $Sarcocornia perennis$ (nationally scarce); $Limonium humile$ (nationally scarce); $Zostera angustifolia$ (nationally scarce); $Zostera marina$ (nationally scarce); $Zostera noltei$ (nationally scarce).","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Phaonia fusca$; $Haematopota grandis$ (Meigen) (RDB3); $Arctosa fulvolineata$ (RDB3); $Baryphyma duffeyi$ (RDB3); $Mercuria $(=$Pseudamnicola$) $confusa$ (RDB1).","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
High tide bird counts.
Environment, Flora and Fauna.
Vegetation, bird and invertebrate surveys/monitoring carried out on NGO reserves.",None reported,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
A popular area for tourists as it is within an AONB. There are more visitors in the summer. However it is well used throughout the year by walkers, bird watches and for sailing.
","Anon. (2002) Suffolk Coast and Estuaries Coastal Habitat Management Plan: Executive summary. English Nature, Peterborough (Living with the Sea LIFE Project) www.english-nature.org.uk/livingwiththesea/project_details/good_practice_guide/HabitatCRR/ENRestore/CHaMPs/SuffolkCoast/SuffolkCHaMP.pdf
Armitage, MJS, Burton, NHK, Atkinson, PW, Austin, GE, Clark, NA, Mellan, HJ & Rehfisch, MM (2002) Reviewing the impact of Agency permissions and activities on bird populations in Special Protection Areas: Level 1 interpretation. British Trust for Ornithology, Thetford (BTO Research Report, No. 296)
Ashelby, CW, Worsfold, TM & Fransen, CHJM (2004) First records of the oriental prawn Palaemon macrodactylus (Decapoda: Caridea), an alien species in European waters, with a revised key to British Palaemonidae. Journal of the Marine Biological Association, 84(5), 1041-1050
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1998) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 7 South-east England: Lowestoft to Dungeness. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Beardall, CH, Dryden, RC & Holzer, TJ (1988) The Suffolk estuaries: a report on the wildlife and conservation of the Suffolk estuaries. Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Saxmundham [accompanied by separate volume, Suffolk estuaries bibliography]
Beardall, CH, Gooch, SM & Pilcher, R (1990) The intertidal invertebrate fauna of the Orwell estuary. Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists' Society, 26, 33-45
Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 5. Eastern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Cadbury, CJ & Olney, PJS (1978) Avocet population dynamics in England. British Birds, 71, 102-121
Cayford, JT & Waters, RJ (1996) Population estimates for waders Charadrii wintering in Great Britain, 1987/88 – 1991/92. Biological Conservation, 77, 7-17
Covey, R (1998) Chapter 6. Eastern England (Bridlington to Folkestone) (MNCR Sector 6). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 179-198. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Crewe, MD (1993) Suffolk birds 1992 Volume 42. Suffolk Naturalists’ Society, Ipswich
Crewe, MD (1994) Suffolk birds 1993 Volume 43. Suffolk Naturalists’ Society, Ipswich
Crewe, MD (1996) Suffolk birds 1995 Volume 45. Suffolk Naturalists’ Society, Ipswich
Crewe, MD (1997) Suffolk birds 1996 Volume 46. Suffolk Naturalists’ Society, Ipswich
Davidson, NC, Laffoley, D d’A, Doody, JP, Way, LS, Gordon, J, Key, R, Pienkowski, MW, Mitchell, R & Duff, KL (1991) Nature conservation and estuaries in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Delany, S & Scott, D (2002) Waterbird population estimates. 3rd edn. Wetlands International, Wageningen (Global Series, No. 12) www.wetlands.org/pubs&/WPE.htm
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Dyer, MF (2000) Stour and Orwell benthic survey 1997. (Contractor: Unicomarine, Letchworth) Unpublished eport to Harwich Haven Authority, Harwich (StrOrw97)
French, JR, Watson, CJ, Moller, I, Spencer, T, Dixon, M & Allen, R (2001) Beneficial use of cohesive dredgings for foreshore recharge. In: Proceedings of 35th MAFF Conference of River and Coastal Engineers, 5–7July 2000, Keele, 11.10, 1-4. www.geog.ucl.ac.uk/ceru/projects_FR.stm
Gibbons, DW, Reid, JB & Chapman, RA (1993) The new atlas of breeding birds in Britain and Ireland: 1988–1991. Poyser, London
Hagemeijer, EJM & Blair, MJ (eds.) (1997) The EBCC atlas of European breeding birds: their distribution and abundance. Poyser, London
Hill, TO, Emblow, CS & Northen, KO (1996) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 6. Inlets in eastern England: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Hoyo, J del, Elliot, A & Sargatal, J (eds.) (1996) Handbook of the birds of the world. Volume 3: Hoatzin to auks. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (1999) The Birds Directive – selection guidelines for Special Protection Areas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Lack, P (1986) The atlas of wintering birds in Britain and Ireland. Poyser, Calton
Lowe, G (1998) Suffolk birds 1997 Volume 47. Suffolk Naturalists’ Society, Ipswich
Lowe, G (1999) Suffolk birds 1998 Volume 48. Suffolk Naturalists’ Society, Ipswich
Lowe, G (2000) Suffolk birds 1999 Volume 49. Suffolk Naturalists’ Society, Ipswich
Lowe, G (2002) Suffolk birds 2000 Volume 50. Suffolk Naturalists’ Society, Ipswich
Moser, M (1988) Limits to the numbers of grey plovers Pluvialis squatarola wintering on British estuaries: an analysis of long-term population trends. Journal of Applied Ecology, 25, 473-485
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Ogilvie, MA & the Rare Breeding Birds Panel (1996) Rare breeding birds in the United Kingdom in 1993. British Birds, 89, 61-91
Owen, M, Atkinson-Willes, GL & Salmon, DG (1986) Wildfowl in Great Britain. 2nd edn. Cambridge University Press Cambridge
Piersma, T (1994) Close to the edge: energetic bottlenecks and the evolution of migratory pathways in knots. Unpublished PhD thesis, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Netherlands
Prater, AJ (1981) Estuary birds of Britain and Ireland. Poyser, London
Rafe, RW (1995) Suffolk birds 1994 Volume 44. Suffolk Naturalists’ Society, Ipswich
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Ridgill, SC & Fox, AD (1990) Cold weather movements of waterfowl in western Europe . International Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Bureau, Slimbridge (Special Publication, No 13)
Rose, PM & Scott, DA (1997) Waterfowl population estimates. 2nd edn. Wetlands International, Wageningen (Wetlands International Publication, No. 44) www.wetlands.org/IWC/wpe2/WPE2-toc.htm
Scott, DA & Rose, DA (1996) Atlas of Anatidae populations in Africa and western Eurasia. Wetlands International, Wageningen (Publication, No. 41)
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Sneddon, P & Randall, RE (1994) Coastal vegetated shingle structures of Great Britain: Appendix 3. Shingle sites in England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Snow, DW & Perrins, CM (1998) The birds of the western Palearctic. Volume 1: Non-passerines. Concise edn. Oxford University Press, Oxford
Stone, BH, Sears, J, Cranswick, PA, Gregory, RD, Gibbons, DW, Rehfisch, MM, Aebischer, NJ & Reid, JB (1997) Population estimates of birds in Britain and in the United Kingdom. British Birds, 90(1), 1-22
Stour and Orwell Estuaries Group (1996) Stour and Orwell Estuaries management plan. Suffolk Coast and Heaths Project, Woodbridge
Stour and Orwell Estuaries Management Group (2004) Stour and Orwell Estuaries management plan Stour and Orwell Estuaries Management Group, Woodbridge
Stour and Orwell Estuaries Management Group (2004) Stour and Orwell Estuaries website Stour and Orwell Estuaries Management Group, Woodbridge. www.stourandorwell.org
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Tubbs, CR (1991) The population history of grey plovers Pluvialis squatarola in the Solent, southern England. Wader Study Group Bulletin, 61, 15-21
Worsfold, TM (2002) Combined intertidal and subtidal biotope report and maps for the Stour and Orwell estuaries. (Contractor: Unicomarine, Letchworth) Unpublished report to Harwich Haven Authority, Harwich (HHAComBiotope02)
Wright, M (2000) Orwell estuary: systematic review of waterbirds incorporating a report on the effects of the Felixstowe Dock expansion on key wading species at Fagbury. English Nature Research Reports, No. 381",19/05/2005,,
7000131,UK12021,Strangford Lough,Classified/designatd,NI,15581.3,,Ards; Down,09/03/1998,54 26 40 N,05 35 40 W,166945.6202,511439.7729,J560578,0,10,0,"A shallow sea lough with an indented shoreline and a wide variety of marine and intertidal habitats. The west shore has numerous islands typical of flooded drumlin topography. The Lough contains extensive areas of mudflat, saltmarsh and rocky coastline.
","Ramsar criterion 1
This site supports a variety of important wetland features. Areas of fringing saltmarsh and freshwater habitats support a diversity of wetland plant species. Strangford Lough supports one of the most extensive saltmarsh areas in Northern Ireland.
Ramsar criterion 2
This site supports an important assemblage of vulnerable and endangered wetland plants and animal species. These include a number of marine sponges, marine hydroids, marine mollusc and sea urchins which are restricted to Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland or, in some cases unknown or very rare elsewhere in the British Isles. The mudflats support luxuriant beds of eelgrass; $Zostera noltei$, $Zostera angustifolia$, $Zostera marina$ and $Ruppia maritima$ are all present, with the latter widespread but quite local in its distribution. Such extensive 'beds' are rare in the British Isles.","Nearest town/city: Belfast
Strangford Lough is a large marine inlet on the east coast of County Down. Its northern end lies some 15 km east of Central Belfast (6 km from the outskirts). Downpatrick lies 5 km west of the south-west corner. Strangford, Killyleagh, Whiterock, Comber, Newtownards, Greyabbey, Kircubbin and Portaferry are situated on the edge of the Lough.","The main ecological feature of the Ramsar site is the sea inlet of Strangford Lough itself. This sea inlet emerged from under the melting ice-sheets of the Ice Age and is for the most part less than 10 m in depth. There is a deeper Y-shaped channel (possibly an old river-valley or geological fault-line) which is up to 66 m deep which extends from the Narrows up the central portion of the Lough. The underlying rock is largely Silurian. The surface of the bed and shore of the Lough ranges from bedrock in areas with strong currents to fine mud in sheltered waters. The narrow entrance channel is an important feature with extremely strong tidal streams of up to 8 knots (4 m/sec).
The water is virtually fully saline except at the mouths of two moderate-sized rivers and where several streams drain into it from the catchment of about 900 km2 where it may be somewhat brackish. The area enjoys an equable climate with low rainfall, infrequent frosts and prevailing westerly to south-westerly winds. The primarily freshwater Quoile Pondage Basin Nature Reserve is included in the Ramsar site.
The site supports an impressive range of marine habitats and communities with over 2,000 recorded species. It is important for marine invertebrates, algae and saltmarsh plants, for wintering and breeding wetland birds, and for marine mammals.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Zostera noltei, Zostera angustifolia, Zostera marina, Ruppia maritima$","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Mammals.
$Lutra lutra$","Miscellaneous.
For its size, Strangford Lough contains a remarkably wide range of habitats and species, many of which are representative of types not found elsewhere in Northern Ireland. The importance of the Lough as a natural laboratory for carrying out marine biological and oceanographic research is unsurpassed in Northern Ireland.
Much is known as to the species present in the Lough and their distribution.
Flora and Fauna.
In addition to invertebrate studies, research has been carried out on many other topics including plankton, mullet, seals, eelgrass $Zostera$, common cord-grass $Spartina anglica$, seabirds, wildfowl, waders, currents, sediment transfer, wave power, geomorphology and human impact to name but a few.
The acquisition of further scientific information about Strangford Lough is, however, a high priority. This information will be essential as a basis for understanding the Lough's ecology, drawing up management proposals and determining their effectiveness. Information is needed on numbers necessary for populations to be sustained and on the effects of man's activities, including harvesting, on wildlife.
Benthic surveys of the Lough have been conducted in 1990 and 1993. Much of the technology (Roxann/side-scan sonar etc) is now available in NI.
A number of CAST studentships have looked at brent/wigeon interactions, bird disturbance, $Spartina$ control. A detailed examination of the northern mudflats: sedimentology/flora/fauna has been completed ahead of some major sea-defence works scheduled for the area. It is hoped that this work will progress to include 'construction' and 'post-construction' monitoring.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.","Strangford Lough is much used for field studies at all levels of education, with many school groups visiting interpretive centres which have been established around the Lough. In addition residential centres use the Lough for study and recreational training by Primary and Secondary school parties.
The Queen's University of Belfast Marine Biology Station at Portaferry was established in 1945 and has been used in the training in marine biology of generations of students from several higher education establishments.
Interpretive Centres: 6 interpret aspects of Strangford Lough
Residential Centres: 5 use the Lough for fieldwork","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Strangford Lough has long attracted people who enjoy outdoor recreation, in particular water sports and more recently wildlife-watching.
Boating: Strangford Lough has a number of natural assets making it particularly suitable for boat-based activities. It is sheltered from open sea waves but not from winds, allowing a prolonged sailing season. Sailing for recreation has a history of about 150 years in Strangford Lough. Yachting instruction takes place at three centres and clubs have their own cadet classes. Windsurfing (sail-boarding) has become increasingly popular over recent years. Jet-skiing has only recently appeared as a water-based recreational pursuit on the Lough. The shelter afforded by the islands and the variety of scene they afford make the western side of the Lough popular for sea canoeing.
Bathing and Diving: Bathing itself is harmless but efforts by local authorities to keep beaches pleasant for recreation often include the removal of drift seaweed along with litter here may also be a wish to provide amenities such as promenades and sandy beaches. Diving, principally scuba-diving, has greatly increased in popularity. About 10 diving clubs from the Greater Belfast area regularly use Strangford Lough, with participation by a core of about 100 divers.
Sea angling: This sport was popular in the 1970s when specimen weight Common Skate and Tope were regularly taken from the deep trenches. With the demise of the large skate and decline in Tope, the popularity of the Lough for sea angling declined, but has recently begun to revive mainly for local recreational anglers rather than serious enthusiasts, with pollack, coalfish and mackerel being targeted in the Lough with the addition of cod in the outer triangle.
Wildlife Watching: Many people enjoy watching the wildlife most from dry land above high water mark. The Lough's international reputation for waterfowl is underlined by the number of bird-watchers who are attracted to the area, many from Britain or overseas.
The National Trust has provided public hides from which the birds may be observed. Interpretive information concerning the wildlife of Strangford is provided at many of the facilities around the Lough. More and more people are enjoying not just the birds, but the wide variety of wildlife to be seen. Many are well equipped with binoculars, telescopes, cameras and field-guides.
Seal-watching from the car park at Cloghy Rocks is popular. Interpretive centres, in particular Exploris (formerly the Northern Ireland Aquarium), help the visitor both to appreciate the wildlife they see on the Lough and its shore and that which only divers are privileged to see in its waters.
Wildfowling: There is a very long tradition of wildfowling on Strangford Lough.
Currently about 250 permit-holders may shoot on areas of foreshore in accordance with a strict code of practice.
Horse-riding: Firm beaches have long been used as uninterrupted gallops for exercising horses where the sand is fairly level and not too hard. The seawater is also said to be good for the horses' hooves.
Walking: Some people use the shore for walking or exercising their dogs. However, few areas of shore within the Lough are particularly well suited for this activity, much being muddy, cobble-covered or difficult of access.
Flying: Ards Airfield lies adjacent to the Reserve. Light aircraft, gliders and small helicopters use it. Some flights are commercial, but most are for recreation.
Tourism: All of the above activities contribute to Strangford Lough's appeal as a venue for tourism. Many visitors come to take part in recreational or interpretive activities. Others come to see historic sites, wildlife and to enjoy the scenic quality and tranquility of the area. The attractions of the Strangford Lough area are beginning to be widely recognised and promoted throughout Britain and Ireland. The trend for activity-based holidays is increasing.","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1997) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 17. Northern Ireland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Boaden, PJS & Dring, MT (1980) A quantitative evaluation of the effect of Ascophyllum harvesting on the littoral ecosystem. Helgoländer Meeresuntersuchungen 22, 700-710
Brown, RA (1989) Bottom trawling in Strangford Lough: problems and policies. In: Proceedings of the Third North Sea Seminar, Rotterdam
Brown, RA (1990) Strangford Lough – The wildlife of an Irish sea lough. Queen’s University of Belfast, Institute of Irish Studies, Belfast.
Buck, AL & Donaghy, A (eds.) (1996) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 7. Northern Ireland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Cooper, EA, Crawford, I, Malloch, AJC & Rodwell, JS (1992) Coastal vegetation survey of Northern Ireland. (Contractor: University of Lancaster, Unit of Vegetation Science). Unpublished report to Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), Belfast
Corbett, SL (1980) Strangford Lough: Some aspects of conservation. Unpublished MSc dissertation, Queens University of Belfast
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Crowe, O (2005) Ireland’s wetlands and their waterbirds: status and distribution. BirdWatch Ireland, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow
Davison AJ & Boaden PJS (1990) The management of Strangford Lough: a study of the marine environment, its conservation and its exploitation. Queen’s University, Belfast
Davison, DM (1996) Sargassum muticum in Strangford Lough, 1995 – 1998; a review of the introduction and colonisation of Strangford Lough MNR and cSAC by the invasive brown algae Sargassum muticum. (Contractor: Dee Davison Associates, Dunbar.) Report to the Environment & Heritage Service, DoE (NI), Belfast. www.ehsni.gov.uk/pubs/publications/sargassum.pdf
Environment and Heritage Service (nd) Strangford Lough Management Scheme. Public information booklet. Environment and Heritage Service, Belfast. www.ehsni.gov.uk/pubs/publications/StrangfordLoughPubInfoBooklet_web.pdf
Environment and Heritage Service (nd) Strangford Lough SAC/SPA Management Scheme. Environment and Heritage Service, Belfast. www.ehsni.gov.uk/pubs/publications/StrangfordManagementScheme.pdf
Erwin, DG, Picton, BE, Connor DW, Hawson CM, Gilleece, P & Bogues, MJ (1986) The Northern Ireland Sublittoral Survey. Ulster Museum, Belfast
Fox, AD, Bell, MC, Brown, RA, Mackie, P & Madsen, J (1994) An analysis of the abundance and distribution of brent geese and wigeon at Strangford Lough, 1965/6–1988/9. Irish Birds, 5, 139-150
Industrial Science Division (1990) The impact of commercial trawling on the benthos of Strangford Lough. Department of Economic Development, Co. Antrim (Interim report, No. TI/3160/90)
Irish Sea Study Group (1990) The Irish Sea: an environmental review. Part 1 – nature conservation. Liverpool University Press
Jepsen, PU (1990) A review of the Strangford Lough Wildlife Scheme. International Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Bureau, Slimbridge 1990
Kirby, R (1989) Tidal flat instability and fine-grained sediment transport at Ardmillan Bay, Strangford Lough, in relation to Spartina eradication and oyster trestle burial. Ravensrodd Consultants Ltd.
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Portig, AA (1997) Strangford Lough: overwintering birds and variation in eelgrass (Zostera spp.) productivity and distribution. Unpublished PhD thesis, Queens University of Belfast
Roberts, D, Davies, C, Mitchell, A, Moore, H, Picton, B, Portig, A, Preston, J, Service, M, Smyth, D, Strong, D & Vize, S (2004) Strangford Lough Ecological Change Investigation (SLECI). Report to Environment and Heritage Service by the Queen’s University, Belfast. www.ehsni.gov.uk/pubs/publications/0ExecSum.pdf
Portig, AA, Mathers, RG, Montgomery, RN & Govier, RN (1994) The distribution and utilisation of Zostera species in Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland. Aquatic Botany, 47, 317-328
Strangford Lough Information Network (2004) Strangford Lough online. Strangford Lough Information Network. www.strangfordlough.org
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Way, LS, Grice, P, MacKay, A, Galbraith, CA, Stroud, DA & Pienkowski, MW (1993) Ireland’s Internationally Important Bird Sites: a review of sites for the EC Special Protection Area network. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough for Department of the Environment (NI), Belfast, and Irish Wildlife Service, Dublin
Weighell, AJ, Donnelly, AP & Calder, K (eds.) (2000) Directory of the Celtic coasts and seas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Whatmough, J (1995) Classic wildlife sites – Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland. British Wildlife, 7(2), 98-109
Wilkinson, M, Fuller, IWA, Telfer, TC, Moore, CG & Kingston, PF (1988) Northern Ireland Littoral Survey: A conservation-orientated survey of the intertidal seashore of Northern Ireland. Institute of Offshore Engineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh",,,
7000101,UK11068,Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast,Classified/designatd,E,1247.31,,Cleveland; Durham; Hartlepool; Redcar and Cleveland; Stockton-on-Tees,15/08/1995,54 37 50 N,01 07 07 W,456883.9,526532.8,NZ569265,-1,4,1,"Medium-large site encompassing a range of habitats (sand and mudflats, rocky shore, saltmarsh, freshwater marsh and sand dunes) on and around an estuary which has been much-modified by human activities. Together these habitats support internationally important numbers of waterbirds.",,"Nearest town/city: Middlesborough
Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast lies 48 km south-east of the city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne on the north-east coast of England.","Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast comprises intertidal sand and mudflats, rocky shore, saltmarsh, freshwater marsh and sand dunes. The Tees Estuary has been much-modified by such activities as land-claim, construction of breakwaters and training walls, and deep dredging. The remaining intertidal areas within the estuary are composed of mud and sand, with some $Enteromorpha$ beds in sheltered areas. Outside the estuary mouth, sandflats predominate, but with significant rocky foreshores and reefs at both Redcar and Hartlepool and anthropogenic boulder beds at South Gare. Moderately extensive sand dune systems flank the estuary mouth, while a smaller dune system lies north of Hartlepool; foredunes are dominated by $Ammophila$, $Elytrigia juncea$ and $Leymus$ communities, fixed dunes by $Festuca rubra$ communities. Surviving saltmarsh is very limited in extent, and is largely typified by $Puccinellia$. Behind the dunes and sea-defences a number of significant areas of grazing marsh are found, where $Festuca rubra$ saltmarsh persists alongside inundation grassland, a range of swamp communities and several shallow water bodies.","Nationally important species occurring on the site
Higher Plants:
$Festuca arenaria, Puccinellia rupestris, Ranunculus baudotii$ (all Nationally Scarce)","Nationally important species occurring on the site
Invertebrates:
$Pherbellia grisescens, Thereva valida, Longitarsus nigerrimus, Dryops nitidulus, Macroplea mutica, Philonthus dimidiatipennis, Trichohydnobius suturalis$ (all RDB)","Fauna:
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Waterfowl monitoring: Durham University Dept of Biological Sciences as part of the above contract
Ringing programmes: Tees Ringing Group.
Habitat:
Monitoring of the effects of Northumbrian Water sewage inputs (NWL, EA, EN).
Breeding bird surveys of Teesmouth NNR (EN) and Cowpen Marsh SSSI (Industry Nature Conservation Association).
Annual monitoring of breeding Little Terns (INCA).
Monitoring of seal usage of site and breeding success (INCA).","The Teesmouth Field Centre approximately 3000 schoolchildren annually on a variety of study programmes. There are three public hides and several interpretive panels. English Nature, Hartlepool Countryside Wardens and Tees Valley Wildlife Trust undertake regular guided walks and events. British Energy and Huntsman Tioxide have provided hides which are available during guided visits.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality
Land based recreation:
The main activities are walking (especially dog walking), beach recreation, golf, and birdwatching, which take place year-round (though with a pronounced summer peak). The South Gare area has beach huts, car parks and a caravan site. Car parks are also located at North Gare and Seaton Carew. Seaton Carew and Cleveland Golf Clubs have courses adjacent to and impinging slightly on the site. Use is mainly April to September, but golf is played year-round.
Illegal use of motorcycles, quad-bikes and 4WD vehicles is particularly prevalent at South Gare, but is also increasing at Seaton Sands.
Wildfowling is confined to small areas of Cowpen Marsh and Saltholme Pools(1 September to 31 January).
Water based recreation:
In summer, power-boating, jet-skiing, dinghy-sailing and windsurfing all occur but at a low intensity (apart from Coatham Sands, where 'extreme sports' such as kite-surfing are increasing), and primarily on the open coast. Angling is largely confined to breakwaters (year-round), while bait-gathering in intertidal areas can be locally intensive, especially on Bran Sands (adjacent to the South Gare Breakwater).","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1995) Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. Region 5 North-east England: Berwick-upon-Tweed to Filey Bay. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coastal Directories Series)
Batten, LA, Bibby, CJ, Clement, P, Elliot, GD & Porter, RF (1990) Red Data Birds in Britain. Action for rare, threatened and important species. Poyser, London, for Nature Conservancy Council and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Bennett, TL & Foster-Smith, JL (1998) Chapter 5. South-east Scotland and north-east England (Dunbar to Bridlington) (MNCR Sector 4). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 123-154. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Brazier, DP, Davies, J, Holt, RHF & Murray, E (1998) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 5. South-east Scotland and north-east England: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1997) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 5. Eastern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Davidson, NC, Laffoley, D d’A, Doody, JP, Way, LS, Gordon, J, Key, R, Pienkowski, MW, Mitchell, R & Duff, KL (1991) Nature conservation and estuaries in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Huddart, D & Glasser, NF (2002) Quaternary of northern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 25)
Lacey et al. (1997) Tees estuary management plan. INCA, Billingham
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Volume 3: Site accounts. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",31/03/2000,,
7000145,UK11069,Thames Estuary and Marshes,Classified/designatd,E,5588.59,,Essex; Kent; Medway; Thurrock,31/03/2000,51 29 08 N,00 35 47 E,573629.466,177206.724,TQ802795,-2,20,1,"A complex of brackish, floodplain grazing marsh ditches, saline lagoons and intertidal saltmarsh and mudflat. These habitats together support internationally important numbers of wintering waterfowl. The saltmarsh and grazing marsh are of international importance for their diverse assemblages of wetland plants and invertebrates.","Ramsar criterion 2
The site supports one endangered plant species and at least 14 nationally scarce plants of wetland habitats. The site also supports more than 20 British Red Data Book invertebrates.","Nearest town/city: Gravesend
Contains part of the north coast of Kent and part of the southern coast of Essex, straddling the Thames estuary.","The intertidal flats are mostly fine, silty sediment, though in parts they are sandy. The saltmarsh shows a transition from pioneer communities containing $Zostera$ to saltmarsh dominated by, for example, $Atriplex portulacoides$. The grazing marsh grassland is mesotrophic and generally species-poor. It does, however, contain scattered rarities, mostly annuals characteristic of bare ground. Where the grassland is seasonally inundated and the marshes are brackish the plant communities are intermediate between those of mesotrophic grassland and those of saltmarsh. The grazing marsh ditches contain a range of flora of brackish and fresh water. The aquatic flora is a mosaic of successional stages resulting from periodic clearance of drainage channels. The dominant emergent plants are $Phragmites communis$ and $Bolboschoenus maritimus$. The saline lagoons have a diverse molluscan and crustacean fauna. Dominant plants in the lagoons include $Ulva$ and $Chaetomorpha$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site:
Higher plants:
The site supports a population of the endangered least lettuce $Lactuca saligna$, and also supports several nationally scarce plants, including bulbous foxtail $Alopecurus bulbosus$, slender hare’s-ear $Bupleurum tenuissimum$, divided sedge $Carex divisa$, saltmarsh goosefoot $Chenopodium chenopodioides$, sea barley $Hordeum marinum$, golden samphire $Inula crithmoides$, annual beard grass $Polypogon monspeliensis$, Borrer’s saltmarsh-grass $Puccinellia fasciculata$, stiff saltmarsh-grass $P. rupestris$, one-flowered glasswort $Salicornia pusilla$, clustered clover $Trifolium glomeratum$, sea clover $T. squamosum$, narrow-leaved eelgrass $Zostera angustifolia$ and dwarf eelgrass $Z. noltei$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site:
Invertebrates:
The endangered species $Bagous longitarsis$ occurs on the site.
The following vulnerable species occur on the site: a groundbug $Henestaris halophilus$, a weevil $Bagous cylindrus$, a ground beetle $Polystichus connexus$, a cranefly $Erioptera bivittata$, a cranefly $Limnophila pictipennis$, a horse fly $Hybomitra expollicata$, a hoverfly $Lejops vittata$, a dancefly $Poecilobothrus ducalis$, a snail-killing fly $Pteromicra leucopeza$, a solitary wasp $Philanthus triangulum$ and a damselfly $Lestes dryas$.
The following rare species occur on the site: a ground beetle $Anisodactylus poeciloides$, the water beetles $Aulacochthebius exaratus, Berosus fulvus, Cercyon bifenestratus, Hydrochus elongatus, H. ignicollis, Ochthebius exaratus$ and $Hydrophilus piceus$, a beetle $Malachius vulneratus$, a rove beetle $Philonthus punctus$, a fungus beetle $Telmatophilus brevicollis$, a fly $Campsicnemus magius$, a horsefly $Haematopota bigoti$, a soldier fly $Stratiomys longicornis$ and a spider $Baryphyma duffeyi$.","Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Numbers of breeding waders have been monitored through the BTO/RSPB/English Nature/Defra survey Breeding Waders of Wet Meadows (2002).
Botanical surveys of vegetation of sea wall embankments and grazing marsh ditches have been carried out.
The distribution and extent of saltmarsh habitat has been mapped - North Kent Marshes Saltmarsh Survey (2002) (Blair-Myres 2003)
The RSPB monitors various species groups on its reserves within the site","The RSPB manages a network of reserves within and adjacent to the site, which are promoted locally through existing community initiatives, and more widely through publications and via the internet. The site forms part of proposals for a north Kent ‘Regional Park’, being promoted to balance development in Kent Thameside (part of the Thames Gateway growth area). The Management Guidance for the Thames Estuary aims to increase awareness of conservation and is promoted by the Thames Estuary Partnership. The Thames Estuary Partnership has also produced the Tidal Thames Habitat Action Plan to raise awareness of and address biodiversity issues.","Yachting, angling, wildfowling, jet-skiing, water-skiing and birdwatching. Bird watching occurs throughout the year and wildfowling is restricted to the period September to February. The remaining activities occur year-round but are more prevalent in the summer months. Disturbance from these activities is a current issue but is being addressed through further research, negotiation and information dissemination.","Anon. (2002) North Kent Coastal Habitat Management Plan: Executive summary. English Nature, Peterborough (Living with the Sea LIFE Project) www.english-nature.org.uk/livingwiththesea/project_details/good_practice_guide/HabitatCRR/ENRestore/CHaMPs/NorthKent/NorthKentCHaMP.pdf
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1998) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 7 South-east England: Lowestoft to Dungeness. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Blair-Myers, CN (2003) North Kent Marshes Saltmarsh Survey 2002. Kent County Council, Maidstone
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 5. Eastern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Carter Ecological Ltd. (2003) Sea walls, North Kent Marshes 2002: Factors affecting the occurrence of nationally scarce plant species on sea walls in three North Kent SSSIs. English Nature, Wye
Covey, R (1998) Chapter 6. Eastern England (Bridlington to Folkestone) (MNCR Sector 6). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 179-198. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Dean, BJ, Webb, A, McSorley, CA & Reid, JB (2003) Aerial surveys of UK inshore areas for wintering seaduck, divers and grebes: 2000/01 and 2001/02. JNCC Report, No. 333. www.jncc.gov.uk/page-2346
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Kent County Council (1992) North Kent Marshes study. Kent County Council, Maidstone
English Nature (2001) Thames Estuary European marine site: English Nature’s advice given under Regulation 33(2) of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations 1994. English Nature, Wye
Godfrey, A (2003) Grazing Marsh Invertebrate Project: Site-Specific Report. Final Report to the Environment Agency/English Nature. Environment Agency, West Malling / English Nature, Wye
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Stewart, A, Pearman, DA & Preston, CD (eds.) (1994) Scarce plants in Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Thames Estuary Partnership (1999) Management Guidance for the Thames Estuary. Thames Estuary Partnership, London
Thames Estuary Partnership (2003) Tidal Thames Habitat Action Plan. Thames Estuary Partnership, London. http://212.67.202.196/~teprep/dev/documents/uploaded/document/TTHAP.pdf
Wiggington, M (1999) British Red Data Books. 1. Vascular plants. 3rd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Williams, P (1996) A survey of ditch flora in the North Kent Marshes SSSIs, 1995. English Nature Research Reports, No. 167
Williams, P & Ware, C [1997] Ditch communities on the North Kent Marshes SSSIs. English Nature Research Reports, No. 289
Worsfold, TM, Grist, NC & Hunter, P (2004) Review of intertidal invertebrate data available for the Medway, Swale and North Kent Marshes estuary systems, with recommendations for future work. Medway Swale Estuary Partnership, Faversham",21/03/2000,,
7000086,UK11070,Thanet Coast and Sandwich Bay,Classified/designatd,E,2169.23,,Kent,28/07/1994,51 18 18 N,01 22 47 E,635561.4,161712.6,TR355617,-1,6,0,"A coastal site, consisting of a long stretch of rocky shore, adjoining areas of estuary, sand dune, maritime grassland, saltmarsh and grazing marsh. The wetland habitats support 15 British Red Data Book invertebrates, as well as a large number of nationally scarce species. The site attracts internationally important numbers of turnstone $Arenaria interpres$, and nationally important numbers of nationally important wintering populations of four wader species: ringed plover, golden plover, grey plover and sanderling, as well as Lapland bunting. The site is used by large numbers of migratory birds.","Ramsar criterion 2
Supports 15 British Red Data Book wetland invertebrates.","Nearest town/city: Margate and Ramsgate
The site lies on the east Kent coast, between Deal to the south-east and Whitestable to the north-west.","Chalk cliffs and rocky shore: Much of the Thanet coastline consists of chalk cliffs, approx. 75% of which has been subjected to the building of sea defences. Where the cliffs are undefended they contain a large number of sea caves which are are rich in marine algae. The chalk shore platform is the most extensive such area in the UK and supports a range of characteristic biotopes.
Sand/mud flats: There are extensive areas of intertidal mud and sand flat that are attractive to waders.
Saltmarsh: The relatively small areas of saltmarsh integrate in some areas with the sand dune communities. Common species include $Puccinellia maritima$, $Atriplex portulacoides$, and $Limonium vulgare$. Scarce plants include $Inulia crithmoides$.
Shingle beach: The coastline around Sandwich and Reculver is fringed by shingle beach, mostly unvegetated. There are small areas of vegetated shingle with species such as $Glaucium flavum$, and $Crambe maritima$.
Sand dune: Part of the site includes a part of a larger area of dune grassland. Here there are small areas of young $Ammophila arenaria$ dune, with large areas of fixed dune, dominated by $Festuca rubra$, $Galium verum$ communities. The scarce rush $Juncus acutus$ occurs here. Lizard orchid $Himantoglossum hircinum$ and bedstraw broomrape $Orobanche caryophyllacea$ both occur on the dune grassland.
There are extensive areas of grazing marsh located in some areas on alluvial deposits, and in other areas on thick beds of peat. The peat-dominated areas have the greatest interest, supporting the nationally scarce $Potamogeton coloratus$ and $Sparganium minimum$ at its only locality in south-east England; the ditches support a wide diversity of aquatic plants typical of south-eastern grazing marsh, other scarce species include $Myriophyllum verticillatum$ and $Althaea officinalis$. Much of the grazing marsh has been subject to agricultural improvement. A few fields remain, however, with an unimproved turf and a relatively diverse flora.
Arable: Some areas of grazing marsh have been ploughed and drained. The ditches retain some water, but with an impoverished flora, dominated by emergents such as $Typha latifolia$, $T. angustifolia$ and $Phragmites australis$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Juncus acutus, Potamogeton coloratus, Ceratophyllum submersum, Myriophyllum verticillatum, Carex divisia, Althaea officinalis, Frankenia laevis, Inula crithmoides$
Non-wetland higher plants of importance:
Plants of sand dunes: $Himantoglossum hircinum$ (90% UK population on dunes at Sandwich Bay); $Orobanche caryophyllacea$.
Plants of chalk cliffs: $Brassica oleracea$ var. $oleracea$; $Matthiola incana$; $Matthiola sinuata$; $Limonium binervosum$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Sand lizards $Lacerta agilis$ are being reintroduced to the site on the Sandwich & Pegwell Bay NNR, September 2004, as part of a national programme of reintroduction to seven sites across England.
Invertebrates.
$Lixus vilis, Stigmella repentiella, Bagous nodulosus, Deltote bankiana, Poecilobothrus ducalis, Emblethis verbasci, Pionosomus varius, Nabis brevis, Euheptauclacus sus, Melanotus punctolineatus, Eluma purpurescens, Ectemnius ruficornis, Alysson lunicornis, Orthotylus rubidus$
Non-wetland invertebrates of importance recorded during 2004 survey:
Bees & wasps: $Cerceris quadricincta$ (RDB 1; largest UK colony discovered on site in Pegwell area); $Philanthus triangulum$ (RDB2, pRDB4); $Hedychrum niemelai$ (RDB3); $Smicromyrme rufipes$ (Notable b species); $Andrena minutuloides$ (Notable a species); $Andrena pilipes$ (Notable b species); $Melitta leporine$ (Notable b species); $Nomada fucata$ (Notable a species).
Moths found on sand dunes at Sandwich: $Idaea ochrata$ (BAP priority species); $Aplasta ononaria$ (RDB3); $Phibalapteryx virgata$ (Nationally Scarce),","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
A littoral and sublittoral marine life survey of the chalk cliffs, caves and reefs was undertaken by the Natural History Museum in 1997 (Tittley $et al$. 1998); the littoral element was repeated in 2001 (Tittley $et al$. 2004).
A sublittoral diving survey of the chalk reefs took place in Summer 2004.
A survey of the numbers and distribution of the golden plover population was undertaken in 2002-03. Turnstone research was undertaken from 2001-03.
A sand dune NVC survey was undertaken in 2002 and a ditch flora survey in 2003.
Reintroduction of sand lizards $Lacerta agilis$ to Sandwich & Pegwell Bay NNR, September 2004.","The Thanet Coast Project was set up in 2001 and operates over most of the site. The Project implements aspects of the North East Kent European marine sites Management Scheme and works with local people, providing a wide range of coastal educational activities for adults and children as well as leaflets and other information.
Sandwich and Pegwell Bay NNR and LNR is managed by Kent Wildlife Trust. Guided walks and events are held on site throughout the year and information leaflets and interpretive boards are provided.
Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory is situated close to the site and provides information and leaflets on birds, as well as guided walks and events. It has conference and laboratory facilities as well as accommodation for visiting groups.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
There are a number of beach resorts around this Ramsar site, and the whole coastline is heavily used for recreation. Although there is more use in summer, there are a number of recreational activities that take place year-round on the coast, such as dog walking, and it is these that have most effect on wintering birds.
The inland parts of this Ramsar Site are the only areas that are not heavily used for recreation.
Water-based recreation includes jet-skiing, power-boat use, sailing, water-skiing and kite-surfing at a number of locations around the site. These activities happen mostly in spring, summer and autumn, but there is some year-round use.
Kite-boarding has been noted at two locations and has caused bird disturbance problems. This activity happens intermittently but more often in summer.","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1998) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 7 South-east England: Lowestoft to Dungeness. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Buck, AL (ed.) (1997) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 6. Southern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Covey, R (1998) Chapter 6. Eastern England (Bridlington to Folkestone) (MNCR Sector 6). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 179-198. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Doarks, C, Hedley, SM, Radley, GP & Woolven, SC (1990) Sand dune survey of Great Britain. Site report No. 76. Sandwich Bay, Kent, 1990. Nature Conservancy Council, CSD Report, No. 1126
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Fowler, SL & Tittley, I (1993) The marine nature conservation importance of British coastal chalk cliff habitats. English Nature Research Reports, No. 32
Griffiths, M (2004) Numbers and distribution of the wintering golden plover population in and around the Thanet Coast & Sandwich Bay SPA 2002/2003. English Nature Research Reports, No. 569. www.english-nature.org.uk/pubs/publication/PDF/569R.pdf
Griffiths, ME (1992) Thanet coast wintering wader survey 1991/92. Unpublished, Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory
Henderson, ACB (1982) Biological survey of the pastures and dykes of the Sandwich Deal area, 1982. Unpublished, Nature Conservancy Council
Henderson, ACB (1986) Historical review of land use changes on Sandwich Bay dunes, Kent. Unpublished, Nature Conservancy Council
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Radley, GP (1994) Sand dune vegetation survey of Great Britain: a national inventory. Part 1: England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Stewart, A, Pearman, DA & Preston, CD (eds.) (1994) Scarce plants in Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Tittley, I & Peckham, S (eds.) (2004) Proceedings of the North East Kent Coastal Research Workshop, 22 October 2002, Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory. English Nature Research Reports, No. 570
Tittley, I, Spurrier, CJH & Chimonides, PJ (2004) Thanet intertidal survey: Assessment of favourable condition of reef and sea-cave features in the Thanet Coast cSAC. English Nature Research Reports, No. 568 www.english-nature.org.uk/pubs/publication/PDF/568.pdf
Tittley, I, Spurrier, CJH, Chimonides, PJ, George, JD, Moore, JA, Evans, NJ & Muir, AI (1998) Survey of chalk cave, cliff, intertidal and subtidal reef biotopes in the Thanet Coast cSAC. English Nature Research Reports, No. 325
Wiggington, M (1999) British Red Data Books. 1. Vascular plants. 3rd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",,,
7000025,UK11082,The Dee Estuary,Classified/designatd,EW,14302.02,,Cheshire West and Chester; Sir y Fflint/ Flintshire; Sir Ddinbich/Denbighshire;Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council,17/07/1985,053 18 08 N,003 12 56 W,321146,379996,SJ211800,-17,15,0,"The Dee is a large funnel-shaped sheltered estuary and is one of the top ten estuaries in the UK for wintering and passage waterfowl populations. The estuary supports internationally important numbers of waterfowl and waders. The estuary is an accreting system and the extent of saltmarsh continues to expand as the estuary seeks to achieve a new equilibrium situation following large-scale historical land-claim at the head of the estuary which commenced in the 1730s. Nevertheless, the estuary still supports extensive areas of intertidal sand and mudflats as well as saltmarsh. Where land-claim has not occurred, the saltmarshes grade into transitional brackish and freshwater swamp vegetation, on the upper shore. The site includes the three sandstone islands of Hilbre with their important cliff vegetation and maritime heathland/grassland, the sand dune system between the Point of Ayr and Prestatyn in Wales and Red Rocks in England, various Welsh coastal fields historically reclaimed from the estuary but used by the Dee Estuary wintering waterfowl populations, freshwater lagoons and reedbeds at Shotton supporting the largest common tern breeding colony in Wales and freshwater lagoons at Inner Marsh Farm used by waterfowl throughout the year but particularly in winter. The two shorelines of the estuary show a marked contrast between the industrialised usage of the coastal belt in Wales and residential and recreational usage in England.","Ramsar criterion 1
Extensive intertidal mud and sand flats (20 km by 9 km) with large expanses of saltmarsh towards the head of the estuary. Habitats Directive Annex I features present on the pSAC include:
H1130 Estuaries
H1140 Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide
H1210 Annual vegetation of drift lines
H1230 Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts
H1310 Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand
H1330 Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae)
H2110 Embryonic shifting dunes
H2120 Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (“white dunes”)
H2130 Fixed dunes with herbaceous vegetation (“grey dunes”)
H2190 Humid dune slacks
Criterion 2, it supports breeding colonies of the vulnerable Natterjack Toad, Epidalea calamita","Nearest town/city: Birkenhead
The Dee Estuary lies between the Wirral peninsula, in England and the Flintshire estuarine coastline of north-east Wales. The site also includes the open coast westwards in Wales from the Point of Ayr in Flintshire to Prestatyn in Denbighshire","The Dee estuary contains extensive areas of intertidal sand and mudflats with large areas of saltmarsh at its head and along part of its north-eastern shore. The saltmarsh vegetation exhibits a complete succession from early pioneer vegetation colonising intertidal flats through lower, middle and upper saltmarsh types to brackish and freshwater transitions at the top of the shore. Although land-claim has led to a loss of many of these natural transitions, there are still a number of areas, particularly on the English shoreline, where transition to swamp vegetation still occurs. These are dominated usually by common reed Phragmites australis and sea club-rush Bolboschoenus maritimus. Uncommon saltmarsh species include saltmarsh flat-sedge, Blysmus rufus, a species close to its southern limit in North Wales together with the nationally scarce species, slender hare’s-ear, Bupleurum tenuissimum, at its northern British limit of occurrence at the head of the estuary in Wales.
The extensive intertidal mudflats and sandflats of the Dee Estuary form the fifth-largest area within an estuary in the UK and contain many invertebrates, including worms, bivalves (e.g. cockles Cerastoderma sp.) and amphipods. Much of the upper part of the estuary consists of muddy fine sand dominated by Hediste diversicolor and Macoma balthica. The sediment flats in the outer estuary also have fine muddy sands but here they are dominated by Cerastoderma edule and Arenicola marina. Where water movement is greater the sediments tend to be coarser and sandier, with Nephtys sp. and Bathyporeia sp. It also supports some nationally scarce biotopes including honeycomb worm reefs, Sabellaria alveolata around Hilbre Island and piddock beds (Barnea candida) on Holocene clay banks within the estuary. These invertebrates provide an abundant food source for fish and are of particular importance for waterbirds, with over 120,000 birds overwintering on the estuary.
The saltmarshes themselves support a variety of vegetation communities characteristic of estuaries in northern and western Britain. Part of the estuary is dominated by the non-native common cordgrass Spartina anglica although its extent is much less than formerly. Its current extent reflects the fact that the estuary continues to accrete following historical land-claim. Species such as glasswort Salicornia sp. and annual seablite Suaeda maritima are also present in large amounts. Much of the saltmarsh remains ungrazed and this has allowed extensive stands of species intolerant of grazing, such as sea purslane Atriplex portulacoides, to develop.
The subtidal zone of the Dee is believed to provide an important breeding, sheltering and
nursery area for coastal fish species. The Dee Estuary also supports a number of migratory fish species including river lamprey, Lampetra fluviatilis; sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus; Atlantic salmon, Salmo salmar; sea trout, S. trutta; twaite shad, Alosa fallax; smelt, Osmerus eperlanus and eels, Anguilla anguilla.
The three sandstone islands which comprise the Hilbre complex, represent the only natural hard rock coast within the estuary. The coastal cliffs and maritime heathland and grassland on the plateau areas above the cliffs represent the only regional examples of these vegetative types. The sheltered eastern cliffs of Hilbre support common scurvygrass Cochlearia officinalis and sea campion Silene uniflora. The nationally scarce rock sea-lavender Limonium britannicum occurs, together with the regionally scarce sea spleenwort fern Asplenium marinum.
The sand dune system between the Point of Ayr and Prestatyn supports a range of dune habitats and typical flora and faunal species. This system is the largest remaining areas of a once extensive dune system to be found along the north east coast of Wales. A number of rare species occur including Portland spurge Euphorbia portlandica; dune fescue, Vulpia membranacea; white horehound, Marrubium vulgare and seaside centaury, Centaurium littorale. Within the dune slacks the rare liverwort, petalwort, Petalophyllum ralfsii occurs . Many nationally scarce invertebrates including a number of Red Data Book species such as the sandhill rustic moth, Luperina nickerlii gueneei, the sand wasp, Podalonia affinis, and the mining bee, Colletes cunicularis also occur. The natterjack toad, Epidalea calamita and sand lizard, Lacerta agilis have been successfully reintroduced to this system, where they historically occurred. Natterjack toads have also been successfully reintroduced to the smaller dune system at Red Rocks, where they became extinct in the early 1990’s.
The Dee Estuary forms part of the complex of estuaries, which provide habitats for migratory waterbirds along the shores of Liverpool Bay, which in turn form part of the chain of such sites along the western coast of the UK. The relatively mild winter weather conditions found here compared to continental Europe can be of additional importance to the survival of wintering waterbirds during periods of severe weather. The Dee Estuary ranks amongst the top ten British estuaries for the size of its wintering waterbird population (Musgrove et. al., 2001). Outside of this period, the Dee Estuary is also of particular importance as a staging area for migratory waterbirds/seabirds on autumn and spring passages. It lies on the East Atlantic Flyway route. The Dee Estuary also supports populations of the breeding seabirds, little tern, Sterna albifrons and common tern, Sterna hirundo and is used by a number of different tern species on passage. Sandwich tern , Sterna sandvicensis occurs in important numbers at this time","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
Limonium britannicum subspecies celticum (endemic)
Euphorbia portlandica
Vulpia membranacea
Centaurium littorale
Equisetum variegatum
Bupleurum tenuissimum
Marrubium vulgare
b. Lower Plants
Petalophyllum ralfsii
Other species (invasive and/or non-native species)
Spartina anglica (invasive non-native species)
Hippophae rhamnoides
Rosa rugosa
Clematis vitalba","Species Information
Birds
Birds Directive Annex 1 species which occur in less than 1% of the GB population include-
Leach’s petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa; Little egret Egretta garzetta; Bewick’s swan Cygnus columbianus bewickii; Whooper swan Cygnus cygnus; Smew Mergellus albellus; Hen harrier Circus cyaneus; Merlin Falco columbarius; Peregrine Falco peregrinus; Golden plover Pluvialis apricaria; Ruff Philomachus pugnax; Wood sandpiper Tringa glareola; Short-eared owl Asio flammeus and Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
Other faunal information
1. Invertebrates including-
(a) terrestrial- the following Red Data Book species occur-
sandhill rustic moth Luperina nickerlii gueneei; sand wasp, Podalonia affinis and the mining bee, Colletes cunicularis
(b) marine- thumbnail crab,Thia scutellata; honeycomb worm, Sabellaria alveolata; white piddocks, Barnea candida
2. Fish including River lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis; Sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus (Habitats Directive Annex I species)
3. Mammals including Grey seal Halichoerus grypus (Habitats Directive Annex II, Annex IV species (S1364))
4. Reptiles including sand lizard Lacerta agilis (Habitats Directive Annex IV species)
Other species (invasive and/or non-native species)
Mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored at high tide monthly throughout the year and the results are reported as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Low-tide counts of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are also undertaken periodically.
Bird ringing: On site on Hilbre Island; common terns are ringed within the Shotton Lagoons and Reedbeds SSSI at Shotton Steelworks; the little terns are ringed at Gronant Dunes
Survey work carried out by a group of regulators including CCW, EAW and the Port of Mostyn on the impacts of dredging around the port and environs are ongoing. They include regular bathymetric surveys of the sandbanks around the dredged area, infaunal transect surveys and a survey of a nationally important marine community (Piddocks (boring bivalves) in Clay) on the outer Salisbury bank.
The EAW are carrying out intertidal surveys to fulfil the requirements of the Water Framework Directive.
As part of their Cockle Regulation Order, EAW undertake cockle stock assessments on at least an annual basis to determine whether the beds should be opened to the fishermen who have permits under the Cockle Regulation Order. The stock assessment takes account of the recommendations made following previous work on 'Modelling Oystercatchers and their Food on the Dee Estuary'
A biotope mapping survey of the Dee Estuary has been carried out by CCW (2002) on the Welsh side and NE (2005) on the English side.
Regular surveys of a number important species occur including natterjack toad; sand lizard; sandhill rustic moth; mining bees;
Other animals
The populations of natterjack toad and sand lizard are monitored annually by the local rangers, the local amphibian and reptile group and other vounteers.
Flora.
Regular surveys of scarce species occur including petalwort",Both public sector and non-governmental organisations are involved in interpretation and education. An educational CD-ROM has been prepared for use of primary schools around the Dee estuary both in England and Wales (approximately 200 schools). This has been a joint/partnership initiative led by the Dee Estuary Strategy (Estuarine Initiative). A booklet titled 'The Dee Estuary' provides a general introduction to the site's ecological processes. This booklet was distributed to all primary and secondary schools around the estuary both in England and Wales.,"The Dee Estuary is used extensively for both tourism and recreation, e.g. windsurfing, kitesurfing*, sand-yachting*, sailing.
(* restricted to outside the overwintering bird season)
General public access
Coastal cycle route on Welsh side likely to be linked up to Wirral side in future.
Jet-skiing
Water-skiing
Wildfowling (restricted to parts of the estuary)","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1996) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 13. Northern Irish Sea: Colwyn Bay to Stranraer, including the Isle of Man. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 3. North-west Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Buxton, NE (1978) The Dee estuary water storage scheme feasiblity study. Vol. 4. A bibliography of ecological work on the Dee estuary. Central Water Planning Unit, Reading
Countryside Council for Wales (1993) Welsh estuaries review. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor
Countryside Council for Wales (2004) CCW Phase I Intertidal Survey dataset (unpublished)
Countryside Council for Wales and Natural England (2010). The Dee Estuary European Marine Site
Covey, R (1998) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 11. Liverpool Bay and the Solway Firth: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Craggs, JD (ed.) (1982) Hilbre, the Cheshire island: its history and natural history. Liverpool University Press, Liverpool
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Dargie, T (2001) NVC survey of saltmarsh and other habitats in the Dee and Clwyd estuaries 2000. CCW Contract Science Report, No. 450
Dee Estuary Conservation Group (1976) The Dee estuary: a surviving wilderness. Dee Estuary Conservation Group
Dee Estuary Conservation Group (1996) The Dee estuary. Dee Estuary Conservation Group
George, N (1999) Liverpool Bay coastal natural area. A nature conservation profile. English Nature, Peterborough
Gouldstone, A (1994) Survey of coastal fields adjacent to the Welsh shore of the Dee estuary winter 1993/4. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Henderson Ecological Consultants (1998) Winter and autumn passage bird population at Point of Ayr, Flintshire: annual report 1996/97. Henderson Ecological Consultants, H-100-BR-186
Henderson Ecological Consultants (1999) Winter and autumn passage bird population at Point of Ayr, Flintshire: annual report 1997/98. Henderson Ecological Consultants, H-100-BR-189
Henderson Ecological Consultants, (2000) Winter and autumn passage bird population at Point of Ayr, Flintshire: annual report 1998/99. Henderson Ecological Consultants, H-100-BR-203
Huddart, D & Glasser, NF (2002) Quaternary of northern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 25)
Jemmett, A (1996) The Dee Estuary Strategy final report: January 1996: a management strategy to safeguard the future of the Dee estuary. Metropolitan Borough of Wirral, Birkenhead
Jones, PS, Stevens, DP, Blackstock, TH, Burrows, CR & Howe, EA (eds.) (2003) Priority habitats of Wales: a technical guide. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor
Liverpool Bay Coastal Group (1999a) Liverpool Bay Shoreline Management Plan Sub-Cell 11a: Great Ormes Head to Formby Point. Data Collation Report.
Liverpool Bay Coastal Group (1999b) Liverpool Bay Shoreline Management Plan Sub-Cell 11a: Great Ormes Head to Formby Point. Plan Document.
Liverpool Bay Coastal Group (1999c) Liverpool Bay Shoreline Management Plan Sub-Cell 11a: Great Ormes Head to Formby Point. Context Report.
McFarland, V, Barnacal, B & Craggs, J (1983) Hilbre, the island in a wilderness. Birds, wildlife and history. Deeside Publications, Heswall
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. Www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Mills, DJL (1998) Chapter 11. Liverpool Bay to the Solway (Rhôs-on-Sea to the Mull of Galloway) (MNCR Sector 11). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. By K. Hiscock, 315-338. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. Www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Nature Conservancy Council (1978) Dee estuary research review. Nature Conservancy Council (Internal Report, No. NC.157.D)
Nicholas Pearson Associates (1992) Use of inland field by waders in the non-breeding season at Point of Ayr, Clwyd. Nicholas Pearson Associates, H-100-BR-108
Nicholas Pearson Associates (1993) Baseline ecological studies, ornithology: winter and autumn passage bird populations at Point of Ayr, Clwyd in the context of the Dee estuary. Nicholas Pearson Associates, H-100-BR-159
Nicholas Pearson Associates (1994) Autumn and winter passage bird population at Point of Ayr, Clwyd: annual report, terminal construction Phase 1993/94. Nicholas Pearson Associates, H-100-BR-167
Nicholas Pearson Associates (1995) Autumn and winter passage bird population at Point of Ayr, Clwyd: annual report, terminal construction Phase 1994/95. Nicholas Pearson Associates, H-100-BR-179
Nicholas Pearson Associates (1996) Autumn and winter passage bird population at Point of Ayr, Clwyd: annual report, terminal construction Phase 1995/96. Nicholas Pearson Associates, H-100-BR-185
Ramsar Convention Bureau (1994) Ramsar Advisory Missions: Report No. 34, Dee Estuary, United Kingdom (1994). Ramsar Convention Bureau, Gland. Www.ramsar.org/ram/ram_rpt_34e.htm
Ramsar Convention Bureau (1995) Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar, 1971): monitoring procedure, Dee estuary, United Kingdom: final report June 1995. Ramsar Convention Bureau, Gland
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Rice, KA & Putwain, PD (1987) The Dee and Mersey estuaries. Environmental background. (Contractor: University of Liverpool, Environmental Advisory Unit.) Shell UK Ltd.
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Smith, R (2004) Dee Estuary Birding website. Www.deeestuary.co.uk [includes incorporated websites of other bodies]
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Taylor, PM & Parker, JG (eds.) (1993) The coast of north Wales & north west England. An environmental appraisal. Hamilton Oil Company Ltd., London
Tucker, GM & Heath, MF (1994) Birds in Europe: their conservation status. BirdLife International, Cambridge (BirdLife Conservation Series, No. 3)
Weighell, AJ, Donnelly, AP & Calder, K (eds.) (2000) Directory of the Celtic coasts and seas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
West, AD & McGrorty, S (2003) Modelling oystercatchers and their food on the Dee estuary, Traeth Lafan and Burry Inlet SPA to inform target setting and site management – Phase 1. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor (Marine Monitoring Project, No. 3)",10/12/2009,,
7000074,UK11047,The New Forest,Classified/designatd,E,28002.81,,Hampshire; Wiltshire,22/09/1993,50 49 32 N,01 39 22 W,424205.8,103038,SU242030,9,125,54,"The New Forest is an area of semi-natural vegetation including valley mires, fens and wet heath within catchments whose uncultivated and undeveloped state buffer the mires against adverse ecological change. The habitats present are of high ecological quality and diversity with undisturbed transition zones.
The suite of mires is regarded as the $locus classicus$ of this type of mire in Britain. Other wetland habitats include numerous ponds of varying size and water chemistry including several ephemeral ponds and a network of small streams mainly acidic in character which have no lowland equivalent in the UK. The plant communities in the numerous valleys and seepage step mires show considerable variation, being affected especially by the nutrient content of groundwater. In the most nutrient-poor zones, $Sphagnum$ bog-mosses, cross-leaved heath, bog asphodel, common cottongrass and similar species predominate. In more enriched conditions the communities are more fen-like.","Ramsar criterion 1
Valley mires and wet heaths are found throughout the site and are of outstanding scientific interest. The mires and heaths are within catchments whose uncultivated and undeveloped state buffer the mires against adverse ecological change. This is the largest concentration of intact valley mires of their type in Britain.
Ramsar criterion 2
The site supports a diverse assemblage of wetland plants and animals including several nationally rare species. Seven species of nationally rare plant are found on the site, as are at least 65 British Red Data Book species of invertebrate.
Ramsar criterion 3
The mire habitats are of high ecological quality and diversity and have undisturbed transition zones. The invertebrate fauna of the site is important due to the concentration of rare and scare wetland species. The whole site complex, with its examples of semi-natural habitats is essential to the genetic and ecological diversity of southern England.","Nearest town/city: Southampton
Central southern England
","The New Forest valley mires and fens include the following community types:
M21a $Narthecium ossifragum–Sphagnum papillosum$ mire, $Sphagnum auriculatum–Rhynchospora$ sub-community; M6di $Carex echinata–Sphagnum recurvum$ mire, $Juncus acutiflorus$ sub-community; M29 $Hypericum elodes–Potamogeton polygonifolius$ soakway; M1 $Sphagnum auriculatum$ bog pool; M14 $Schoenus nigricans–Narthecium ossifragum$ mire, and other marl bogs.
Alder carr: W4 $Betula pubescens–Molinia caerulea$ and W5 $Alnus glutinosa–Carex paniculata$.
Wet heath: M16a $Erica tetralix–Sphagnum compactum$ wet heath, $Succisa pratensis–Carex panicea$ sub-community, and M16c $Erica tetralix–Sphagnum compactum$ wet heath, $Rhynchospora alba–Drosera intermedia$ sub-community.
Other inundation communities of note are: MG8; MG11; MG13; M22 and M23.
Bog woodland – rich in relict lichen communities.
Residual floodplain woodland.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Pulicaria vulgaris, Eriophorum gracile, Mentha pulegium, Ludwigia palustris, Pilularia globulifera, Elatine hexandra, Eleocharis acicularis, Gentiana pneumonanthe, Illecebrum verticillatum, Lycopodium inundatum, Carex montana, Cicendia filiformis, Deschampsia setacea, Thelypteris palustris, Hammarbya paludosa, Eleocharis parvula, Galium debile, Gentiana pneumonanthe, Impatiens noli-tangere, Myosurus minimus, Oenanthe pimpinelloides, Parentucellia viscose, Polypogon monspeliensis, Polygonum minus, Ranunculus tripartitus, Rhynchospora fusca, Thelypteris palustris, Utricularia intermedia.$","Species occurring at levels of international importance.
Invertebrates.
$Coenagrion mercuriale, Lucanus cervus$
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Amphibians.
$Triturus cristatus$
Fish.
$Lampetra planeri, Cottus gobio$
Invertebrates.
Scientific Name Common Name GB Status
$Amara famelica$ A ground beetle pRDB3
$Bagous frit$ A weevil pRDB3
$Buckleria paladum$ A plum moth pRDB3
$Caloptilia falconipennel$ A micro moth pRDB3
$Cantharis fusca$ A soldier beetle pRDB3
$Coniocleonus nebulosus$ A weevil pRDB3
$Crambus silvella$ A pyralid moth pRDB3
$Dieckmaniellus gracilis$ A seed weevil pRDB3
$Euplectus punctatus$ A short-winged mould pRDB3
$Lampronia fuscatella$ A longhorn moth pRDB3
$Leptura fulva$ A longhorn beetle pRDB3
$Miscroscydmus minimus$ A small ant-like beetle pRDB3
$Paraphotistus nigricorni$ A click beetle pRDB3
$Procraerus tibialis$ A click beetle pRDB3
$Telmatophilus brevicolli$ A silken fungus beetle pRDB3
$Tenthredopsis friesei$ A sawfly pRDB3
$Acritus homoeopathicus$ A carrion beetle RDB3
$Ampedus cinnabarinus$ A click beetle RDB3
$Aradus corticalis$ a flat bark bug RDB3
$Arctosa fulvolineata$ A wolf spider RDB3
$Brachyopa bicolor$ A hoverfly RDB3
$Callicera aurata$ A hoverfly RDB3
$Catocala promissa$ Light Crimson Underwing RDB3
$Chorthippus vagans$ Heath Grasshopper RDB3
$Coenagrion mercuriale$ Southern Damselfly RDB3
$ Colydium elongatum$ A narrow timber beet RDB3
$Corticeus unicolour$ A darkling beetle RDB3
$Diodontus insidiosus$ A solitary wasp RDB3
$Enochrus isotae$ A scavenger water beetle RDB3
$Grammoptera ustulata$ A longhorn beetle RDB3
$Haematopota grandis$ A horse fly RDB3
$Haliplus variegatus$ A crawling water beetle RDB3
$Halpodrassus umbratilis$ A ground spider RDB3
$Heliothis maritima$ Shoulder-striped Clover RDB3
$Heterogenea asella$ Triangle RDB3
$Hirudo medicinalis$ Medicinal Leech RDB3
$Hydrothassa hannoveriana$ A leaf beetle RDB3
$Leptothorax interruptus$ An ant RDB3
$Leptura sexguttata$ 6 spotted longhorn RDB3
$Malachius aeneus$ A malachine beetle RDB3
$Mesosa nebulosa$ A longhorn beetle RDB3
$Microrhagus pygmaeus$ A false click beetle RDB3
$Moma alpium$ Scarce merveille du jour RDB3
$Nysius helveticus$ A ground bug RDB3
$Ortholomus punctipennis$ A ground bug RDB3
$Orthoperus brunnipes$ A minute fungus beetle RDB3
$Pachybrachius luridus$ A ground bug RDB3
$Paederus caligatus$ A rove beetle RDB3
$Pelecocera tricincta$ A hoverfly RDB3
$Psen spooneri$ A solitary wasp RDB3
$Thyridanthrax fenestratu$ A bee fly RDB3
$Tipula (Yamatipula) marginata$ A cranefly RDB3
$Triplax lacordairii$ A shiny fungus beetle RDB3
$ Aderus brevicornis$ An aderid beetle pRDB2
$Donacia bicolora$ A leaf beetle pRDB2
$Gnorimus nobilis$ A dung beetle or chafer pRDB2
$Limonia (Mewtalimnobia)$ A cranefly pRDB2
$Neompheria bimaculata$ A fungus gnat pRDB2
$Trachys minuta$ A jewel beetlep pRDB2
$Xyletinus longitarsis$ A wood boring beetle pRDB2
$Zeugophora flavicollis$ A leaf beetle pRDB2
$Agabus brunneus$ A water beetle RDB2
$Argynnis adippe$ High Brown Fritillary RDB2
$Brachypeza armata$ A fungus gnat RDB2
$Catocala sponsa$ Dark Crimson Underwing RDB2
$Diaperis boleti$ A darkling beetle RDB2
$Graptodytes flavipes$ A water beetle RDB2
$Helophorus laticollis$ A scavenger water beetle RDB2
$Lymexylon navale$ A timber beetle RDB2
$Pachythelia villosella$ A bagworm moth RDB2
$Pocota personata$ A hoverfly RDB2
$Solva maculata$ A fly RDB2
$Stenoptilia graphodactyl$ A plume moth RDB2
$Stethophyma grossum$ Large Marsh Grasshopper RDB2
$Thanatus formicinus$ A running crab spider RDB2
$Anthicus tristis$ An antlike beetle pRDB1
$Chrysops sepulchralis$ A horse fly pRDB1
$Cicadette montana$ New Forest Cicada pRDB1
$Endophloeus markovichian$ A narrow timber beetle pRDB1
$Euheptaulacus sus$ a dung beetle pRDB1
$Gasterophilus nasalis$ A bot fly pRDB1
$ Heptaulacus testudinariu$ A dung beetle or chafer pRDB1
$Lagria atripes$ A darkling beetle pRDB1
$Lebia cyanocephala$ A ground beetle pRDB1
$Manda mandibularis$ A rove beetle pRDB1
$Platydema violaceum$ A darkling beetle pRDB1
$Pseudopomyza atrimana$ A fly pRDB1
$Pterostichus kugelanni$ A gorund beetle pRDB1
$Silvanoprus fagi$ A beetle pRDB1
$Strangalia revestita$ A longhorn beetle pRDB1
$Tachinus bipustulatus$ A rove beetle pRDB1
$Tachys edmondsi$ A ground beetle pRDB1
$Tachys walkerianus$ A ground beetle pRDB1
$Acylophorus glaberrimus$ A rove beetle RDB1
$Andrena ferox$ A solitary bee RDB1
$Anthaxa nitidula$ A jewel beetle RDB1
$Apalus muralis$ An oil beetle RDB1
$Aphodius niger$ A dung beetle or chafer RDB1
$Bagous brevis$ A weevil RDB1
$Bagous czwalinai$ A weevil RDB1
$Bagous longitarsis$ A weevil RDB1
$Batrisodes delaporti$ A short-winged mould RDB1
$Caliprobola speciosa$ A hoverfly RDB1
$Chrysomela tremula$ A leaf beetle RDB1
$Cryptocephalus nitidulus$ A leaf beetle RDB1
$Emus hirtus$ Hairy Rove-beetle RDB1
$Eucnemis capucina$ A false click beetle RDB1
$Eutheia linearis$ A small antlike beetle RDB1
$Formica transkaucasica$ The Bog Ant RDB1
$ Gryllus campestris$ Field Cricket RDB1
$Homonotus sanguinolentus$ A spider-hunting wasp RDB1
$Longitarsus nigerrimus$ A leaf beetle RDB1
$Megapenthes lugens$ A click beetle RDB1
$Melandyra barbata$ A false darkling beetle RDB1
$Paromalus parallelepiped$ A carrion beetle RDB1
$Potamia setifemur$ A muscid fly RDB1
$Pterostichus aterrimus$ A ground beetle RDB1
$Triops cancriformsi$ Apus RDB1
$Velleius dilatatus$ Hornet Rove-beetle RDB1
$Anergates atratulus$ Dark Guest Ant RDB K
$Atomaria lohsei$ A silken fungus beetle RDB K
$Ptenidium turgidum$ A featherwing beetle RDB K
$Aleochara fumata$ A rove beetle pRDBK
$Atheta nannion$ A rove beetle pRDBK
$Atheta puberula$ A rove beetle pRDBK
$Bibloplectus tenebrosus$ A short-winged mould pRDBK
$Cryptophagus micaceus$ A silken fungus beetle pRDBK
$Eutheia plicata$ A small antlike beetle pRDBK
$Gyrophaena poweri$ A rove beetle pRDBK
$Hister quadrimaculatus$ A carrion beetle pRDBK
$Leiodes macropus$ A round fungus beetle pRDBK
$Leiodes nigrita$ A round fungus beetle pRDBK
$Leiodes triepkii$ A round fungus beetle pRDBK
$Limotettix atricapillus$ A leafhopper pRDBK
$Mordellistena humeralis$ A tumbling flower beetle pRDBK
$Onthophagus fracticornis$ A dung beetle or chafer pRDBK
$Phyllodrepa salicis$ A rove beetle pRDBK
$ Ptinella limbata$ A featherwing beetle pRDBK
$Scydomoraphes sparshalli$ A small antlike beetle pRDBK
$Sitona puberulus$ A weevil pRDBK
$Stenichnus poweri$ A small antlike beetle pRDBK
$Stenus morio$ A rove beetle pRDBK
$Tabanus miki$ A horse fly pRDBK
$Zyras cognatus$ A rove beetle pRDBK
$Agathidium confusum$ A round fungus beetle RDB I
$Amarochara bonnairei$ A rove beetle RDB I
$Atomaria sahlbergi$ A silken fungus beetle RDB I
$Cassida nebulosa$ A leaf beetle RDB I
$Euconnus denticornis$ A small antlike beetle RDB I
$Euplectus decipiens$ A short-winged mould RDB I
$Euryusa optabilis$ A rove beetle RDB I
$Ityocara rubens$ A rove beetle RDB I
$Lithocharis obsoleta$ A rove beetle RDB I
$Medon castaneus$ A rove beetle RDB I
$Planeustomus flavicollis$ A rove beetle RDB I
$Stenus asphaltinus$ A rove beetle RDB I
$Stichoglossa semirufa$ A rove beetle RDB I
$Tachnnus scapularis$ A rove beetle RDB I
$Tychobythinus glabratus$ A short-winged mould RDB I
$Bidessus unistriatus
Formica candida
Longitarsus ferrugineus
Lymnaea glabra
Biblioplectus tenebrosus
Helophorus laticollis
Hydroporus rufifrons
Phaonia jaroschewskii
Eristalis cryptarum
Chirocephalus diaphanous
Eyndyas nigripes
Helophorus longitarsus
Hydrochus elongates
Hygropora cunctans
Aleochara discipennis
Athetis palustris
Pelosia muscerda
Dolichopus andalusiacus
Tetanocera freyi
Bagous collignesis
Telmaturgus tumidulus
Tabanus bovines$","Contemporary.
Environment.
SSSI monitoring.
Flora and Fauna.
Research into the effects of disturbance of ground-nesting birds has been discussed and once methodologies have been agreed resources will be sought.
Completed.
Flora and Fauna.
Vegetation and Invertebrate Surveys of selected sites.","Facilities include Minstead Study Centre and the Countryside Education Trust which is available for local schools and institutions. A ranger/recreation Service is provided by the Forestry Commission.
","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Camping, informal walking, horse-riding, cycling, bird-watching, shooting, etc - all year.
No evidence that current levels of recreational activities threaten site. Recreational facilities are now under review.
","Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Cooper, G (2004) The New Forest. Hampshire County Council HantsWeb. www.hants.gov.uk/newforest
Tubbs, CR (1986) The New Forest. Collins, London (New Naturalist No. 73)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Sanderson, N (2006) Restoration of transition mires in the New Forest. British Wildlife, 17(3), 173-175
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Stewart, NF (2004) Important stonewort areas. An assessment of the best areas for stoneworts in the United Kingdom. Plantlife International, Salisbury
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Wiggington, M (1999) British Red Data Books. 1. Vascular plants. 3rd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",,,
7000028,UK11071,The Swale,Classified/designatd,E,6514.71,,Kent,31/08/1982,51 21 39 N,00 50 21 E,597649.4,166303.8,TQ976663,-1,5,2,"A complex of brackish and freshwater, floodplain grazing marsh with ditches, and intertidal saltmarsh and mudflat. These habitats together support internationally important numbers of wintering waterfowl. Rare wetland birds breed in important numbers. The saltmarsh and grazing marsh are of international importance for their diverse assemblages of wetland plants and invertebrates.
","Ramsar criterion 2
The site supports nationally scarce plants and at least seven British Red data book invertebrates.","Nearest town/city: Faversham
On the north Kent of coast within the greater Thames estuary.","The intertidal flats are of fine, silty sediment. The saltmarsh is species rich, for example containing all southern species of $Puccinellia$ and most $Salicornia$ species. The grazing marsh grassland is mesotrophic and generally species-poor. It does, however, contain scattered rarities, mostly annuals characteristic of bare ground. Where the grassland is seasonally inundated and the marshes are brackish the plant communities are intermediate between those of mesotrophic grassland and those of saltmarsh. The grazing marsh ditches contain a range of flora of brackish and fresh water. The aquatic flora is a mosaic of successional stages resulting from periodic clearance of drainage channels. The dominant emergent plants are $Phragmites australis$ and $Bolboschoenus maritimus$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
The site holds several nationally scarce plants, including: $Chenopodium chenopodioides, Peucedanum officinale, Bupleurum tenuissimum, Spartina maritima, Inula crithmoides, Carex divisa, Trifolium squamosum, Hordeum marinum$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Invertebrates.
$Bagous cylindrus, Erioptera bivittata, Lejops vittata, Peocilobothris ducalis, Philonthus punctus, Micronecta minutissima, Malchius vulneratus, Campsicnemus majus, Elachiptera rufifrons, Myopites eximia$.","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Habitat.
ENSIS monitoring.
Hydrological monitoring of the grazing marsh.
MNCR Littoral and Sublittoral survey.",Swale NNR and Elmley NNR (both RSPB and Elmley Conservation Trust) all provide viewing facilities.,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Yachting, jet-skiing and water-skiing mostly in the summer, bird watching throughout the year and angling and wildfowling during their legally permitted seasons. Disturbance from these activities is a current issue but it is addressed through negotiation relating to activities consented within the SSSI and information dissemination. There is no clear evidence of damage from any of these activities.","Anon. (2002) North Kent Coastal Habitat Management Plan: Executive summary. English Nature, Peterborough (Living with the Sea LIFE Project) www.english-nature.org.uk/livingwiththesea/project_details/good_practice_guide/HabitatCRR/ENRestore/CHaMPs/NorthKent/NorthKentCHaMP.pdf
Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP, Davidson, NC & Buck, AL (eds.) (1998) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 7 South-east England: Lowestoft to Dungeness. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 5. Eastern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Covey, R (1998) Chapter 6. Eastern England (Bridlington to Folkestone) (MNCR Sector 6). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 179-198. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Everett, MJ (1987) The Elmley experiment. RSPB Conservation Review, 1, 31-33
Hill, TO, Emblow, CS & Northen, KO (1996) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 6. Inlets in eastern England: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Kent County Council (1992) North Kent Marshes study. Kent County Council, Maidstone
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
North Kent Marshes Initiative (1997) Medway Estuary and Swale Management Plan, Consultation draft. North Kent Marshes Initiative
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Stewart, A, Pearman, DA & Preston, CD (eds.) (1994) Scarce plants in Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Thames Estuary Conservation Group (n.d.) The Thames estuary. Thames Estuary Conservation Group
Wiggington, M (1999) British Red Data Books. 1. Vascular plants. 3rd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Williams, P (1996) A survey of ditch flora in the North Kent Marshes SSSIs, 1995. English Nature Research Reports, No. 167
Williams, P & Ware, C [1997] Ditch communities on the North Kent Marshes SSSIs. English Nature Research Reports, No. 289",15/12/1993,,
7000041,UK11072,The Wash,Classified/designatd,E,62211.66,,Lincolnshire; Norfolk,30/03/1988,52 56 16 N,00 17 12 E,553661,340320.8,TF537403,-3,4,0,"The Wash is the largest estuarine system in Britain. It is fed by the rivers Witham, Welland, Nene and Great Ouse. There are extensive saltmarshes, intertidal banks of sand and mud, shallow waters and deep channels. It is the most important staging post and over-wintering site for migrant wildfowl and wading birds in eastern England. It supports a valuable commercial fishery for shellfish and also an important nursery area for flatfish. It holds one of the North Sea's largest breeding populations of common seal $Phoca vitulina$ and some grey seals $Halichoerus grypus$. The sublittoral area supports a number of different marine communities including colonies of the reef-building polychaete worm $Sabellaria spinulosa$.","Ramsar criterion 1
The Wash is a large shallow bay comprising very extensive saltmarshes, major intertidal banks of sand and mud, shallow water and deep channels.
Ramsar criterion 3
Qualifies because of the inter-relationship between its various components including saltmarshes, intertidal sand and mud flats and the estuarine waters. The saltmarshes and the plankton in the estuarine water provide a primary source of organic material which, together with other organic matter, forms the basis for the high productivity of the estuary.","Nearest town/city: King's Lynn
The Wash is located on the east coast of England between the coastal towns of Hunstanton in north Norfolk and Skegness in Lincolnshire.
","The intertidal flats of the Wash form one of the largest intertidal areas in Britain and these are predominantly sandy. The flats support high concentrations of marine worms and shellfish. There is an abundant growth of algae and high concentrations of marine invertebrates which provides a food source for over 300,000 wintering wildfowl and supports an important fishery and seal colony. Extensive saltmarshes fringe the bay but much of the older and botanically more diverse saltmarsh has been lost due to a long history of land-claim. Higher level marshes are characterised by $Elytrigia atherica$, $Atriplex portulacoides$, $Suaeda maritima$ and $Limonium vulgare$. Where the saltmarsh has been grazed by cattle and wildfowl, there may be extensive lawns of $Puccinellia$ spp. Abundant $Aster tripolium$ occurs at lower levels whilst $Salicornia$ spp. and $Spartina anglica$ are the principal colonising species.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher plants.
$Salicornia$ spp.","Species occurring at levels of international importance.
Mammals.
$Phoca vitulina$","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Bird Studies by the Wash Wader Ringing Group.
Waterfowl and invertebrate ecology studies by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.
Seal population studies by the Sea Mammal Research Unit.
Annual monitoring of shellfish stocks by Eastern Sea Fisheries Joint Committee.
Environment.
Sediment types and distribution, processes, erosion, tides and currents have been studied by a variety of institutions and are expected to continue.
The shoreline and water quality is routinely monitored by the Environment Agency.
Land-Ocean Interaction Study by the Natural Environment Research Council (1992-98).",There are two field centres. Lincolnshire County Council run the Freiston field centre and Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust run the Gibraltar Point Field Station.,"Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Land based recreation is chiefly limited to wildfowling, bird watching and walking along the sea banks around two-thirds of the site. The Peter Scott Walk between the outlets of the Rivers Nene and Great Ouse, has been promoted by the local authorities. Some access points to the shore have also been improved by local authorities. Snettisham Bird Reserve provides facilities for bird watching. Traditional beach recreational activities occur between Hunstanton and Snettisham.
Facilities for pleasure craft are limited to some mud berths and stage moorings on the tidal rivers and at the ports of Kings Lynn and Boston. The principal locations for sailing boats are found at the Skegness Yacht Club at Wainfleet and Snettisham Beach Sailing Club and Hunstanton.
Other water sports including windsurfing, water-skiing and power boats occur mainly at Hunstanton and Heacham on the Norfolk shore. Zoning of watercraft is managed by the local authority. Recreational activities are subject to the Wash Estuary Management Plan but are not generally seen as detrimental to the site.","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1995) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 6 Eastern England: Flamborough Head to Great Yarmouth. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Brown, AF, Grice, PV, Radley, GP, Leafe, RN & Lambley, P (1994) Towards a strategy for the conservation of coastal habitats in north Norfolk. A discussion paper. English Nature Research Reports, No. 74
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 5. Eastern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Covey, R (1998) Chapter 6. Eastern England (Bridlington to Folkestone) (MNCR Sector 6). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 179-198. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Davidson, NC, Laffoley, D d’A, Doody, JP, Way, LS, Gordon, J, Key, R, Pienkowski, MW, Mitchell, R & Duff, KL (1991) Nature conservation and estuaries in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Dipper, F (2003) The Lincolnshire and North Norfolk maritime area: a review of the past and present status of its species and habitats. English Nature Research Reports, No. 542. www.english-nature.org.uk/pubs/publication/PDF/542.pdf
Doody, P & Barnett, B (eds.) (1987) The Wash and its environment. Report of a conference held on 8–10 April 1987. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research and survey in nature conservation, No. 7)
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Foster-Smith, RL & Sotheran, I (1999) Broad scale remote survey and mapping of sublittoral habitats and biota of the Wash and the Lincolnshire and the north Norfolk coasts. English Nature Research Reports, No. 336
Foster-Smith, RL, Sotheran, I & Walton, R (1997) Broadscale mapping of habitats and biota of the sublittoral seabed of the Wash: final report of the 1996 Broadscale Mapping Project (BMP) survey. English Nature Research Reports, No. 238
Foster-Smith, RL & White, WH (2004); Foster-Smith, RL (2004); Foster-Smith, RL & Hendrick, VJ (2004) Sabellaria spinulosa in the Wash and North Norfolk Coast cSAC and its approaches: Parts I–III. English Nature Research Reports, Nos. 543, 544, 545
Gibbons, B (1996) Reserve focus. Gibraltar Point NNR, Lincolnshire. British Wildlife, 7(3), 177-179
Goss-Custard, JD, Jones, RE & Newbury, PE (1977) The ecology of the Wash I. Distribution and diet of wading birds (Charadii). Journal of Applied Ecology. 14, 681-687
Hill, M (1988) Saltmarsh vegetation of the Wash. An assessment of change from 1971 to 1985. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research and survey in nature conservation, No. 13)
May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Mortimer, D (n.d. [2002]) Wash and North Norfolk Coast European Marine Site management scheme. [English Nature, Peterborough]
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Palmer, DW (2004) Growth of the razor clam Ensis directus, an alien species in the Wash on the east coast of England. Journal of the Marine Biological Association, 84(5), 1075-1076
Pye, K (1995) Controls on long-term saltmarsh accretion and erosion in the Wash, eastern England. Journal of Coastal Research, 11, 337-356
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Yates, M, Garbutt, A, Rispin, E & Brown, N (2004) Low tide survey of The Wash Special Protection Area. Final report of the winter 2002–2003 shorebird survey. English Nature Research Reports, No. 589. www.english-nature.org.uk/pubs/publication/PDF/589.pdf
Yates, MG, Garbutt, RA, Barratt, DR, Turk, A, Brown, NJ, Rispin, WE, McGrorty, S, Vdit Durell, SEA le, Goss-Custard, JD, Murray, E & Russell, D (2002) Littoral sediments of the Wash and North Norfolk Coast SAC: the 1998 and 1999 surveys of intertidal sediment and invertebrates. English Nature Research Reports, No. 470
Yates, MG & Goss-Custard, JD (1991) A comparison between high and low water ****",,,
7000078,UK11074,Thursley and Ockley Bog,Classified/designatd,E,265.24,,Surrey,14/02/1994,51 09 52 N,00 42 01 W,490865.4,141458,SU909414,57,62,61,"Thursley and Ockley Bogs is a valley mire complex and lies within Thursley, Hankley & Frensham Commons SSSI. The mire occurs within a matrix of heathland, where drainage is impeded, and a deep layer of peat has built up from the remains of bog-moss $Sphagnum$ spp. which forms much of the vegetation. Several areas of open water also contribute significantly to the overall diversity of the site, ranging from acidic boggy pools and ditches to large ponds.","Ramsar criterion 2
Supports a community of rare wetland invertebrate species including notable numbers of breeding dragonflies.
Ramsar criterion 3
It is one of few sites in Britain to support all six native reptile species. The site also supports nationally important breeding populations of European nightjar $Caprimulgus europaeus$ and woodlark $Lullula arborea$.","Nearest town/city: Guildford
Thursley and Ockley Bogs is located in south-west Surrey, approximately 8 km south of Godalming.","A valley-mire complex dominated by bog-moss $Sphagnum$ spp. (NVC M21) surrounded by wet heath (NVC M16). The site supports assemblages of rare wetland invertebrate species, including notable numbers of breeding dragonflies. A significant number of non-wetland British Red Data Book invertebrates also occur on Thursley and Ockley Bogs. All six native reptile species and nationally important breeding populations of European nightjar and woodlark are also present on site.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Rhynchospora fusca$, $Calluna vulgaris, $Erica tetralix$
Lower Plants.
$Sphagnum$ spp., $Lycopodiella inundata$","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Reptiles.
$Lacerta agilis$, $Lacerta vivipara$, $Anguis fragilis$, $Natrix natrix$, $Coronella austriaca$, $Vipera berus$","Environment.
Water temperature monitoring of pools and ditches.
Annual pH and conductivity recording from pools and ditches.
Fixed point photography.
Research into suspected nutrient influenced sphagnum die back (NESCOT + other). Now resolved.
EA monitored boreholes and water flow measurements + series of dipwells
Fauna.
Annual count of key bird species.
Flora.
Vegetation quadrats along transect of dry heath through to mire.
$Lycopodiella$ trial management - Plantlife International","Information is provided through National Nature Reserve interpretation panels, a reserve leaflet and a dragonfly interpretation board. Through prior arrangement the site is used by educational groups from primary schools through to postgraduate students.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Walking, dog walking, horse riding, bird watching – all year.
Fox hunt – winter (part of site)
Orienteering – winter (part of site).","Bannister, P (1964) The water relationships of certain heath plants with reference to their ecological amplitude. Journal of Ecology, 52, 477
Barclay-Estrup, P & Gimingham, CH (1969) The description and interpretation of cyclical processes in a heath community. Journal of Ecology, 57
Berry, R & Bibby, CJ (1981) A breeding study of nightjars. British Birds, 74, 161-169
Berry, R (1979) Nightjar habitats and breeding in East Anglia. British Birds, 72, 207-218
Bibby, CJ (1979) Breeding biology of the Dartford warbler, Sylvia undata, in England. Ibis, 121, 41-52
Bibby, CJ (1979) Conservation of the Dartford warbler on English lowland heaths: a review
Bibby, CJ (1979) Foods of the Dartford warbler, Sylvia undata, on southern English heathland. Journal of Ecology, 188, 557-576
Bibby, CJ (1979) Mortality and movements of Dartford warblers in England. British Birds, 72(1), 10-22
Birks, HJB & Ratcliffe, DA (1976) Distribution maps of bryophytes. Journal of Bryology, 9, 107-123
Boelter, DH (1972) Water table drawdown around an open ditch in organic soils. Journal of Hydrology, 15, 329-40
Corbett, KF & Tamarind, DL (1979) Conservation of the sand lizard, Lacerta agilis, by habitat management. British Journal of Herpetology, 5, 799-823
Gibbons, B (1994) Reserve focus: Thursley National Nature Reserve, Surrey British Wildlife, 5(3), 164-166
Gimingham, CH (1972) The ecology of heathlands. Chapman & Hall, London
Goodman, GT & Perkins, DF (1968) The role of mineral nutrients in Eriophorum communities. Journal of Ecology, 56, 685
Harrison, CM (1981) Recovery of lowland grassland and heathland in southern England from disturbance by seasonal trampling. Biological conservation, 19, 119-130; 198-***
Harrison, CM (1970) The phytosociology of certain England heathland communities. Journal of Ecology, 58(3), 573-89
Harrison, CM (1976) Heathland management in Surrey, England. Biological conservation, 10, 211-219
Hobbs, RJ & Gimmingham, CH (1987) Vegetation, fire and herbivore interactions in heathland. Advances in Ecological Research, 16, 87-173
Ingram, HAP (1967) Problems of hydrology and plant distribution in mires
Jones, HE (1971) Comparative studies of plant growth and distribution in relation to waterlogging. Journal of Ecology, 59, 167
Kottman, HJ et al. (1985) Heath conservation by sheep grazing: a cost benefit analysis. Biological conservation, 31, 67-74
Mark, D et al. (1986) The effect of agricultural and residential development on aquatic macrophytes in the New Jersey pine barrens. Biological conservation, 35, 143-158
Marrs, RH (1985) Techniques for reducing soil fertility for nature conservation purposes. Biological conservation, 34, 307-322
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Miles, J (1975) The growth of Narthecium ossifragum in some southern English rivers
Moore, PD & Wilmott, A (1976) New recognitions of peatlands and peat V. International Peat Conference. Poland
Moore, PD (1985) The ecology of diversity. New Scientist. 28 Feb., 17-19
Morgan, RK (1980) Post-fire plant communities on a lowland heath. Rogate field paper
Nature Conservancy Council (1983) A handbook for the preparation of management plans. Nature Conservancy Council
Nature Conservancy Council (1983) Heathlands Focus, No. 2
Nature Conservancy Council (1983) Status of commoner amphibians and reptiles in Britain. Focus, No. 3
Nature Conservancy Council (1983) The ecology and conservation of amphibian and reptile species endangered in Britain
Nature Conservancy Council (1985) Decline and present status of English lowland heaths and their vertebrates. Focus, No. 11
Nature Conservancy Council (1986) Use of herbicides on nature reserves. Focus, No. 14
Peevey, FA (1982) Injection treatment for killing bottom-land hardwoods. Weed Science, 20, 566-68
Prus-Chakinski (1962) Shrinkage of peatlands due to drainage operations. J. Inst. of Water Engineers, 16, 436-447
Rackham, 0 (1986) A history of the countryside. Dent, London
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Robins, M & Bibby, CJ (1985) Dartford warblers in 1984 in Britain. British Birds, 78(6)
Rose, F (1953) A survey of the ecology of the British lowland bogs. Proc. Lin. Soc. 164, 186-211
Rose, F (1976) The vegetation of heaths. Surrey Heathland Symposium
Rutter, AJ & Fourt, DF (1965) Studies in the water relations of Pinus sylvestris. Journal of Applied Ecology, 2
Rutter, AJ (1955) Composition of wet heath vegetation in relation to the water table. Journal of Ecology, 43, 507
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough",,,
9000332,UK12023,Turmennan Lough,Classified/designatd,NI,14.83,,Down,24/03/2002,54 22 46 N,05 42 51 W,158834.5866,504605.0842,J485503,0,0,0,"The valley mire, transitional between fen and bog, is characterised by a broad range of surface conditions, ranging from slightly base-rich to markedly acidic, influenced by the position of the groundwater table in the surface peat layer, which is partly related to the extent of past peat-cutting over the site. The main plant community of the mire surface is an extensive mixed sedge sward dominated by bottle sedge $Carex rostrata$, growing over a carpet of brown mosses that are replaced by $Sphagnum$ bog-mosses where the water is more acidic. The central area at Turmennan consists of swamp dominated by common reed $Phragmites australis$, with other associated fen species. Other, more localised fen communities within the area include a mixed sedge sward dominated by lesser tussock-sedge $Carex diandra$, floating mats of bogbean $Menyanthes trifoliata$ and ‘soakways’ with the notable marsh St John's-wort $Hypericum elodes$ prominent. Additional diversity is provided by a range of other habitats, including wet heath associated with areas of more acidic peat, scattered pockets of species-rich wet grassland, areas of species-rich dry grassland on thinner soils over rocky outcrops and small pockets of woodland and scrub. Turmennan contains a number of rare plants, including floating club-rush $Eleogiton fluitans$ and least bur-reed $Sparganium natans$. The diversity of wetland habitats also supports a rich invertebrate community that includes notable water beetles and several locally distributed species of Odonata. Thirty-nine species of aquatic Coleoptera have been recorded, including many of the uncommon and rare fen species characteristic of the best fen sites in Down and Armagh.","Ramsar Criterion 1
Turmennan is a lowland valley mire with a range of edaphic conditions.","Turmennan is situated some 5 km north of Downpatrick within the drumlin belt of County Down, in the south-east of Northern Ireland.","The main plant community of the mire surface is formed by an extensive mixed sedge sward dominated by bottle sedge $Carex rostrata$ and includes species such as common sedge $Carex nigra$, star sedge $Carex echinata$, ragged-robin $Lychnis flos-cuculi$, marsh pennywort $Hydrocotyle vulgaris$ and water horsetail $Equisetum fluviatile$. These species grow over a carpet of brown mosses dominated by $Calliergon cuspidatum$ and $C. cordifolium$. Where the water is more acidic, $Sphagnum$ bog-mosses such as $S. squarrosum$ and $S. subnitens$ replace the brown mosses. The central area at Turmennan consists of swamp dominated by common reed $Phragmites australis$, with associated plants such as water mint $Mentha aquatica$, common marsh-bedstraw $Galium palustre$, marsh cinquefoil $Potentilla palustris$, lesser spearwort $Ranunculus flammula$, meadowsweet $Filipendula ulmaria$, bulrush $Typha latifolia$ and creeping bent $Agrostis stolonifera$. Other, more localised fen communities within the area include a mixed sedge sward dominated by lesser tussock-sedge $Carex diandra$, floating mats of bogbean $Menyanthes trifoliata$ and ‘soakways’ with the notable marsh St John's-wort $Hypericum elodes$ prominent. Turmennan also includes a range of other habitats providing additional diversity. Wet heath is associated with areas of more acidic peat and is dominated by cross-leaved Heath $Erica tetralix$ and heather $Calluna vulgaris$, with purple moor-grass $Molinia caerulea$, common cottongrass $Eriophorum angustifolium$ and bog asphodel $Narthecium ossifragum$ also present. Scattered pockets of species-rich wet grassland are dominated by sharp-flowered rush $Juncus acutiflorus$ and soft-rush $Juncus effusus$. On thinner soils over rocky outcrops, there are areas of species-rich dry grassland, dominated by grasses with frequent herbs including cat’s-ear $Hypochaeris radicata$, common bird’s-foot trefoil $Lotus corniculatus$ and lesser stitchwort $Stellaria graminea$, growing over a moss layer dominated by $Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus$. Small pockets of woodland and scrub are also present. Turmennan contains a number of rare plants, including floating club-rush $Eleogiton fluitans$ and least bur-reed $Sparganium natans$. The diversity of wetland habitats supports a rich invertebrate community, including 39 aquatic Coleoptera species, many of which are uncommon and rare fen species that have been found to be characteristic of the best fen sites in Down and Armagh. Turmennan also supports a number of locally distributed species of Odonata, characterised by the four-spotted chaser $Libellula quadrimaculata$, large red damselfly $Pyrrhosoma nymphula$, azure damselfly $Coenagrion puella$ and variable damselfly $C. pulchellum$. Notable water beetles include $Acilius canaliculatus$, $Gyrinus natator$, $Rhantus suturellus$, $R. grapii$, $Hydaticus seminiger$ and $Cymbiodyta marginellus$. An uncommon species of pond-skater, $Gerris lateralis$ has also been recorded.","Nationally important habitats occurring at this site
Transition mire
Nationally important species occurring at this site
Higher Plants
Floating Club-rush $Eleogiton fluitans$
Least Bur-reed $Sparganium natans$","Assemblages of national importance
Aquatic Coleoptera",Monitoring by EHS staff.,Site is a National Nature Reserve with ad hoc usage for conservation education,Site not utilised for recreation or tourism activities,"McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Nelson, B (1998) A survey of the invertebrates of fens in Counties Armagh and Down. (Contractor: Ulster Museum, Department of Zoology). Report to Environment and Heritage Service, Belfast. www.ehsni.gov.uk/pubs/publications/Fenrpt.doc",,,
7000125,UK12024,Upper Lough Erne,Classified/designatd,NI,5818.07,,Fermanagh,04/03/1997,54 12 00 N,07 29 40 W,41786.10555,492193.6742,H330280,40,75,46,"Upper Lough Erne is a very large and complex freshwater system. A series of flooded drumlins in the course of the River Erne give rise to a complex of islands, bays and many lakes bordered by damp pastures, fens, reedswamp and alder/willow carr and oak woodland.
","Ramsar criterion 1
The site is a particularly good representative example of a eutrophic lake and associated swamp, fen and wet grassland.
The site is a particularly good representative example of a wetland which plays a substantial hydrological, biological and ecological system role in the natural functioning of a major river basin which is located in a trans-border position with the Republic of Ireland.
Ramsar criterion 2
The site supports an appreciable assemblage of rare, vulnerable or endangered species or subspecies of plant and animal. Plant species in published or draft Irish Red Data Books include: fen violet $Viola stagnalis$, Irish lady’s tresses $Spiranthes romanzoffiana$, pointed stonewort $Nitella mucronata$ and the moss $Fissidens monguillonii$. Vertebrate species in the Irish Vertebrate Red Data Book include whiskered bat $Myotis mystacinus$, shoveler $Anas clypeata$, pochard $Aythya farina$ and brook lamprey $Lampetra planeri$. Rare or vulnerable invertebrate species include white-clawed crayfish $Austropotabius pallipes$, lunar hornet moth, $Sesia bembeciformis$, a pondskater $Limnoporus rufoscutellatus$, the water beetles, $Donacia aquatica, D. bicolora, Gyrinus distinctus, G. natator$ and $Hydroporus glabriusculus$ and the carabid $Lebia cruxminor$.
Ramsar criterion 3
The site is of special value for maintaining the genetic and ecological diversity of Northern Ireland because of the quality and peculiarities of its flora and fauna. Furthermore, a large number of plant and animal species are confined or almost confined to this area within Northern Ireland including most of the rare species listed in Criterion 2.
The site regularly supports substantial numbers of individuals from particular groups of waterfowl which are indicative of wetland values, productivity and diversity. Wintering wildfowl species which occur in at least nationally important numbers include great crested grebe $Podiceps cristatus$, cormorant $Phalacrocorax carbo$, whooper swan $Cygnus cygnus$, mute swan $Anser olor$, tufted duck $Aythya fuligula$, wigeon $Anas penelope$, teal $Anas crecca$, goldeneye $Bucephala clangula$, coot $Fulica atra$ and mallard $Anas platyrhynchos$.
Ramsar criterion 6
The site regular supports internationally important numbers of wintering Whopper Swan $Cygnus cygnus$. The birds using the site form the core of a population of birds which use both the site and the extensive improved agricultural grassland surrounding the areas.","Nearest town/city: Enniskillen
Upper Lough Erne is situated in Co. Fermanagh, in the west of Northern Ireland.
","The extensive nature of the open water and shoreline of this site has resulted in the site containing exceptionally extensive swamp and fen transitions and associated Magnopotamion and Hydrocharition vegetation. The site contains important associated habitats, most notably wet grassland and woodland.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Viola stagnalis, Spiranthes romanzoffiana$.
Lower Plants.
$Nitella mucronata, Fissidens monguillonii$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Mammals.
$Lutra lutra, Myotis mystacinus$",None reported,None reported,None reported,"Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Crowe, O (2005) Ireland’s wetlands and their waterbirds: status and distribution. BirdWatch Ireland, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow
Gibbons, B (1993) Reserve focus – Crom Estate, Ulster. British Wildlife, 4(3), 177-179
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Patrick, S (1986) Influence of sanitary and other social change on the eutrophication of Lough Erne, Ireland. Unpublished PhD thesis, University College, London
Rosell, RS (1997) The status of pollan Coregonus autumnalis Thompson in Lough Erne, Northern Ireland. In: Biology and the Environment: Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, 97B(2), 163-171
Stewart, NF (2004) Important stonewort areas. An assessment of the best areas for stoneworts in the United Kingdom. Plantlife International, Salisbury
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Way, LS, Grice, P, MacKay, A, Galbraith, CA, Stroud, DA & Pienkowski, MW (1993) Ireland’s Internationally Important Bird Sites: a review of sites for the EC Special Protection Area network. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough, for Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), Belfast, and Irish Wildlife Service, Dublin
Wolfe-Murphy, SA, Lawrie, EW, Smith, SJ & Gibson, CE (1993) Northern Ireland Lakes Survey. Unpublished report to Northern Ireland Department of Environment, Countryside and Wildlife, Belfast",,,
9000398,UK11083,Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits,Classified/designatd,E,1357.67,,Northamptonshire,07/04/2011,052 20 04 N,000 34 56 W,0,0,SP966717,24,59,37.77,"This chain of both active and disused sand and gravel pits form an extensive series of shallow and deep open waters which occur in association with a wide range of marginal features, such as sparsely-vegetated islands, gravel bars and shorelines and habitats including reedswamp, marsh, wet ditches, rush pasture, rough grassland and scattered scrub.
This range of habitats and the varied topography of the lagoons provide valuable resting and feeding conditions for concentrations of wintering waterbirds, especially ducks and waders. Species such as golden plover $Pluvialis apricaria$ and lapwing $Vanellus vanellus$ also spend time feeding and roosting on surrounding agricultural land outside the Ramsar site.",,"Nearest town / city: Wellingborough and Northampton
The Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits are located in the Easy Midlands region which is situated towards the centre of England in the county of Northamptonshire. The site extends for approximately 35 kilometres along the alluvial deposits of the River Nene floodplain on the southern outskirts of Northampton, downstream to Thorpe Waterville, north of Thrapston.","Open water, with associated wetland habitats including reedbeds, fen grassland and woodland which support a number of wetland plant and animal species including internationally important numbers of wintering and breeding wildfowl.","Invasive plants present on site:
• Floating pennywort $Hydrocotyle ranunculoides$
• New Zealand Pigmy Weed $Crassula helmsii$
• Nuttall’s Pondweed $Elodea nuttallii$",,"• Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) Counts
• Ongoing SSSI unit monitoring
• Various local Wildlife Trust monitoring and research projects","The Wildlife Trust for Northamptonshire and Rockingham Forest Trust make use of the site for environmental educational purposes, both formal and informal. The Wildlife Trust have also established an Ecology Group within the Nene Valley aimed at increasing the number of local people with wildlife monitoring skills and involvement with local reserves.
Within the wider Ramsar site, bird hides exist at Summer Leys Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and Titchmarsh LNR, both managed by the Wildlife Trust and at Stanwick Lakes, managed by Rockingham Forest Trust. There is a visitor centre at Stanwick Lakes, managed by Rockingham Forest Trust which has interpretation facilities and an events programme relating to Stanwick Lakes; there is no wider Nene Valley focussed visitor centre.","Recreational activities: bird-watching, walking, fishing, sailing, canoeing, water-skiing, cycling
Facilities provided: visitor centre, interpretation, bird hides, cafe
These activities / facilities are spread across the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits","Brayshaw, S. 2004. Biodiversity and conservation assessment of the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits in relation to possible SPA, Ramsar site and SSSI designation. RSPB, unpublished report.
Cayford, J.T. & Waters, R.J. 1996. Population estimates for waders Charadrii wintering in Great Britain, 1987/88 – 1991/92. Biological Conservation 77: 7-17.
Denton Wood Associates. 2004. Wintering waterbirds in the Upper Nene Valley – additional data analysis in relation to possible SSSI, SPA and Ramsar site designation. Unpublished report to English Nature.
Denton Wood Associates. 2005. Wintering waterbirds in the Upper Nene Valley – supplementary data analysis in relation to possible SSSI, SPA and Ramsar site designation. Unpublished report to English Nature.
JNCC. 1999. The Birds Directive – selection guidelines for Special Protection Areas. JNCC Peterborough.
Horsfall, J.A. 1986. Coot Fulica atra. In: The Atlas of Wintering Birds in Britain and Ireland, ed. by P. Lack. Calton, T. & A.D. Poyser. pp. 176-177.
Hoyo, J. del, Elliot A. & Sargatal, J. eds. 1996. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 3: Hoatzin to Auks. Barcelona, Lynx Edicions.
Kershaw, M. & Cranswick, P.A. 2003. Numbers of Wintering Waterbirds in Great Britain and the Isle of Man, 1994/1995 – 1998/1999): I. Wildfowl and selected waterbirds. Biological Conservation 111: 91 – 104.
Lack, P. 1986. The Atlas of Wintering Birds in Britain and Ireland. T & A D Poyser, Calton.
Olney, P.J.S. 1963. The food and feeding habits of the Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula. Ibis 105: 55-62.
Owen, M., Atkinson-Willes, G.L. & Salmon, D.G. 1986. Wildfowl in Great Britain; second edition. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.
Pollitt, M., Cranswick, P., Musgrove, A., Hall, C., Hearn, R., Robinson, J. & Holloway, S. 2000. The Wetland Bird Survey 1998-99: Wildfowl and Wader Counts. Slimbridge: BTO, WWT, RSPB & JNCC.
Scott, D.A. & Rose, D.A. 1996. Atlas of Anatidae populations in Africa and western Eurasia. Wetlands International Publication No. 41. Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Stone, B.H., Sears, J., Cranswick, P.A., Gregory, R.D., Gibbons, D.W., Rehfisch, M.M., Aebischer, N.J. & Reid, J.B. 1997. Population estimates of birds in Britain and in the United Kingdom. British Birds 90: 1-22.
Stroud, D.A., Chambers, D., Cook, S., Buxton, N., Fraser, B., Clement, P., Lewis, P., McLean, I., Baker, H. & Whitehead, S. 2001. The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Volumes 1-3. JNCC, Peterborough.
Taylor, B. & van Perlo, B. 1998. Rails: A Guide to the Rails, Crakes, Gallinules and Coots of the World. East Sussex, Pica Press.
Wetlands International. 2002. Waterbird Population Estimates – Third Edition. Wetlands International Global Series No. 12. Wageningen, The Netherlands.",,,
7000065,UK11079,Upper Solway Flats and Marshes,Classified/designatd,ES,43636.73,,Cumbria,30/11/1992,54 54 20 N,03 25 27 W,308669,557723,NY087577,-3,7,0,"The flats and marshes of the Upper Solway Firth form one of the largest continuous areas of intertidal habitat in Britain. The whole estuarine complex is a site of national and international importance for wintering wildfowl and wading birds and is a vital link in a chain of west coast estuaries used by migrating birds. The site is also noted for its populations of breeding birds, natterjack toad $Bufo calamita$ and invertebrates. The geomorphology and vegetation of the estuarine saltmarshes or merses is also of international importance with broad transitions to mature 'upper-marsh' being particularly well represented. A number of rare plant species and geological exposures also occur within the site.","Ramsar criterion 2
Supports over 10% of the British population of natterjack toad $Bufo calamita$ (Habitats Directive Annex IV species (S1202))","Nearest town/city: Dumfries
The Firth divides north-west England from south-west Scotland.","The most extensive areas of saltmarsh in the Solway are Rockcliffe and Burgh marshes towards the head of the estuary, the Caerlaverock and Kirkonnell Merse on the Scottish side and the marshes of Moricambe Bay in England. The saltmarsh vegetation reflects the age, substrate type and management of the marshes and shows a well represented sequence of communities from the shore moving inland.
The seaward edge is usually typified by pioneer species, notably $Pucinellia maritima$ and some $Salicornia europaea$. Other pioneering plants include $Glaux maritima$. Above this there is a transition to a grassy saltmarsh dominated by $Festuca rubra$, $Armeria maritima$ and $Juncus gerardii$. In places $Agrostis stolonifera$, $Plantago maritima$, $Triglochin maritima$, $Oenanthe lachenalii$ and various sedges are prominent in this central marsh zone. A number of other salt-tolerant plants such as $Glaux maritima$ and $Limonium vulgare$ are more local in their distribution.
Towards the landward edge of the marshes the proportion of halophytes gradually decreases leaving a sward dominated by $Agrostis$ and $Festuca$ grasses with species such as $Leontodon autumnalis$, $Juncus effusus$, $Holcus lanatus$ and $Trifolium repens$. Brackish water areas to the inland edge of the marshes support some extensive stands of $Phragmites australis$ or pools with aquatic plants such as $Catabrosa aquatica$ and $Butomus umbellatus$.
In other areas there are transitions to species-rich freshwater fen, in which $Filipendula ulmaria$ and $Iris pseudacorus$ are typical components, or to wind-pruned cliff-side oak woodland. In places there is development of scrub to the inland margins of the marshes; this mostly comprises of $Ulex europaeus$, often with $Ononis repens$, $O. spinosa$ and $Rosa pimpinellifolia$.
The shingle and sand dune areas of Grune Point and Preston Merse support a typical range of plant species including $Eryngium maritimum$, $Geranium sanguineum$ and $Coincya monensis$ ssp. $monensis$.
The intertidal muds and sands support large numbers of invertebrates, vitally important for the wading birds of the estuary. The main species present include $Hediste diversicolor$, $Arenicola marina$, various bivalves such as $Macoma balthica$, snails e.g. $Hydrobia ulvae$, and the amphipod $Corophium volutator$. There are mussel scars in places.","Assemblage.
The site is internationally important because it contains the following Habitats Directive Annex I features:
H1130 Estuaries
H1140 Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide
H1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks
H1310 Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand
H1330 Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae)
H2130 Fixed dunes with herbaceous vegetation (“grey dunes”)
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher plants.
$Lychnis viscaria$, $Hierochloe odorata$, $Centaurium littorale$, $Limonium humile$, $Zostera$ sp.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Amphibians.
$Bufo calamita$ (Habitats Directive Annex IV species (S1202))
$Triturus cristatus$.(Habitats Directive Annex II species (S1166))
Fish.
$Petromyzon marinus$ (Habitats Directive Annex IV species (S1095)),
$Lampetra fluviatilus$ (Habitats Directive Annex IV species (S1099))","Contemporary.
Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Bird ringing: Long-term ringing studies are carried out by the Cumbria Bird Club
Breeding Birds: Numbers and success of breeding birds monitored annually on some of the voluntary conservation body reserves
Invertebrates (terrestrial): The statutory country nature conservation agencies English Nature and Scottish Natural Heritage hold national databases of invertebrate records, information used to produce the Invertebrate Site Registers. Additional information is held by Biological Records Centre at Tullie House Museum, Carlisle.
Monitoring of breeding colonies of natterjack toad is undertaken on an annual basis by SNH, English Nature, the British Herpetological Society and volunteers.
National otter surveys have been undertaken on both sides of the border and data is collected by the Vincent Wildlife Trust.
Defra and SEERAD have a responsibility for the collection of statistical data for fishing activity in their respective waters.
Environment.
Water quality and pollution of freshwater and coastal waters within the Solway Firth catchment is regulated by national and international regulations.
Completed.
Miscellaneous.
The following key reference includes a section on 'research and information sources' at the end of each chapter: Solway Firth Partnership (1996) $Solway Firth Review$.","RSPB, WWT, NTS, the Hoddom & Kinmount Ranger Service and Solway Rural Initiative wardens lead guided walks, bird watching and other education events. SNH also leads guided walks and events at Caerlaverock NNR.
There are interpretation facilities at each of the non-governmental body reserves and at Caerlaverock NNR. The non-governmental organisation nature reserves on the Solway Firth are listed in the $Solway Firth Review$, June 1996.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
A review of the recreation and tourism facilities on the Solway Firth is included in the $Solway Firth Review$ (June 1996), which lists the following activities: visiting castles, monuments and churches; hiking/hillwalking; fishing; swimming; visiting museums and galleries; golf; field and nature study; and other.
Visitor access and facilities are provided at Caerlaverock NNR; Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, East Park Reserve, Caerlaverock; RSPB Mersehead; RSPB Campfield Marsh. There is also access to Scottish Wildlife Trust Reserves at Southwick Coast and Drummains Reedbeds.
Land-based recreation.
Walking including dog walking, bathing and beach recreation is concentrated on the open coastal routes. In England this occurs to the south of Silloth and on some of the saltmarshes particularly Burgh Marsh. The Cumbria Coastal Way and Hadrian's Wall long distance footpaths follow the coast. Birdwatchers tend to go where there is easy public access, particularly along the coastal roads, and to the RSPB and WWT reserves. There is a golf course adjacent to the site at Silloth, and there are four courses on the Scottish sections of coast. All summer the site is used for general recreation, and bird watching is also ongoing during the winter.
Water based recreation.
Power-boating, water-skiing, jet-skiing, windsurfing and canoeing are still uncommon on the estuary, however there is much windsurfing immediately to the south of the site boundary (mainly April to September).
There is some fishing, including traditional haaf netting.
Wildfowling and hunting.
In England wildfowling is mainly controlled by the estates and private land owners by private agreement with the South Solway Wildfowlers' Association.","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1996) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 13. Northern Irish Sea: Colwyn Bay to Stranraer, including the Isle of Man. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 3. North-west Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17) Countryside Council for Wales (1993) Welsh estuaries review. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor
Covey, R (1998) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 11. Liverpool Bay and the Solway Firth: area summaries. Peterborough, Joint Nature Conservation Committee (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Cumbria Wildlife Trust. Annual monitoring reports of breeding birds. Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Kendal
Dean, BJ, Webb, A, McSorley, CA & Reid, JB (2003) Aerial surveys of UK inshore areas for wintering seaduck, divers and grebes: 2000/01 and 2001/02. JNCC Report, No. 333. www.jncc.gov.uk/page-2346
DH Ecological Consultancy (2005) The distribution of barnacle geese around the north Solway shore. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report, No. 117 (ROAME No. F04LK09)
Firth, CR, Collins, PEF & Smith, DE (2000) Focus on Firths: coastal landforms, processes and management options. V. The Solway Firth. Scottish Natural Heritage Review, No. 128
Gray, LC (1980) Environmental bibliography of north-west England (vice-counties 59, 60, 69 and 70) 1850–1979. University of Lancaster Library, Lancaster (Library Occasional Paper, No. 10)
Jones, PD & Chambers, RG (eds.) (1997) The Solway and Cumbrian coasts. A volume based on a local meeting of the Estuarine and Coastal Sciences Association, Penrith, UK, April 1993. Coastal Zone Topics: Process, Ecology & Management, 2
May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Mills, DJL (1998) Chapter 11. Liverpool Bay to the Solway (Rhôs-on-Sea to the Mull of Galloway) (MNCR Sector 11). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 315-338. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Ramsay, DL & Brampton, AH (2000) Coastal cells in Scotland: Cell 6 – Mull of Galloway to the inner Solway Firth. Scottish Natural Heritage Research Survey and Monitoring Report, No. 149
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Solway Firth Partnership (1996) Solway Firth review. Solway Firth Partnership, Dumfries [includes extensive bibliography]
Solway Firth Partnership (1998) Solway Firth Strategy. Solway Firth Partnership, Dumfries. www.abdn.ac.uk/sfp/strategy.htm
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Weighell, AJ, Donnelly, AP & Calder, K (eds.) (2000) Directory of the Celtic coasts and seas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",,,
7000057,UK11076,Walmore Common,Classified/designatd,E,52.85,,Gloucestershire,05/12/1991,51 49 58 N,02 22 14 W,374460.8,215045,SO745150,8,9,8,"Walmore Common occupies a low-lying area in the Severn Vale, which is subject to winter flooding. The site is a wetland overlying peat providing a variety of habitats including improved neutral grassland, unimproved marshy grassland and open water ditches. The common is part of a series of sites within the Severn Vale which, in winter, form an important refuge and feeding area for wildfowl. The highest bird numbers are seen during the harshest winters, when Walmore Common provides an essential feeding and roosting area.",,"Nearest town/city: Gloucester
Walmore Common lies in the flood plain of the River Severn, approximately 10 km west of the city of Gloucester.","Walmore Common is a seasonally-flooded wetland drained by a network of open ditches. Approximately 60% of the neutral grassland has been reseeded with rye grass. The eastern area, however, is still unimproved with a tussocky structure and a wider range of plants dominated by grasses and rushes. The ditches have a fairly rich flora including species such as yellow iris $Iris pseudacorus$, purple loosestrife $Lythrum salicaria$ and flowering rush $Butomus umbellatus$.",None reported,None reported,"Contemporary.
Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Environment.
Hydrological monitoring data have been collected since 1993 (two dipwells automated in 2003) and the analysis used to advise the water level management plan (WLMP). Additional soil surveys undertaken in 2002 to further inform the WLMP.
Completed.
Flora.
Vegetation: The unimproved grassland has been surveyed to NVC standard (Doe 1996).",None reported,None at present but the site is Common Land and therefore included in the UK Government’s proposals to promote access to open land under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 – likely implementation in 2005.,"Batten, LA, Bibby, CJ, Clement, P, Elliot, GD & Porter, RF (1990) Red Data Birds in Britain. Action for rare, threatened and important species. Poyser, London, for Nature Conservancy Council and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Doe, J (1996) Walmore Common NVC survey data. English Nature, unpublished
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (1996) Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat UK National Report to the Sixth Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties. Department of the Environment, London
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",,,
54,UK41010,Warwick Pond,Classified/designatd,OT,2.3,,Bermuda,10/05/1999,32 16 00 N,64 48 00 W,,,not avai,,,0.5,"Bermuda`s largest freshwater pond with mudflats at the north end and a broad fringing marsh. Important for the only freshwater adapted population of endemic killifish. The most important mudflat for passage of transient shorebirds on Bermuda. Pond also important for resident and migratory waterfowl, e.g. herons, egrets, ducks and rails.","Criterion 1
This is the largest freshwater pond in Bermuda and is a good representative example of a natural small island wetland.
Criterion 3
The seasonal mudflats regularly support 16 species of passage shorebirds. It also supports the only freshwater-adapted population of the endemic killifish $Fundulus bermudae$.
Criterion 7
It supports the only freshwater-adapted population of the endemic killifish $Fundulus bermudae$.","Nearest town/city: Hamilton.
Located adjacent to Middle Road, Warwick Parish, 3 km south-west of Hamilton, bordered by arable land and woodland to the north and east.","Open water, some mudflats and $Paspalum/Fimbristylis$ marsh. The largest shallow freshwater pond in Bermuda.",Mainly $Paspalum vaginatum$ with some $Scirpus americanus$ and $Fimbristylis castanea$.,"The endemic killifish $Fundulus bermudae$ occurs. This is the only freshwater location where is does so, and it is likely that the form occurring here is unique to the pond.
The mudflats at the north end of the pond are an important feeding area for passage shorebirds, notably: semipalmated plover $Charadrius semipalmatus$, greater yellowlegs $Tringa melanoleuca$, lesser yellowlegs $T. flavipes$, semipalmated sandpiper $Calidris pusilla$, least sandpiper $C. minutilla$, white-rumped sandpiper $C. fuscicollis$, pectoral sandpiper $C. melanotos$ and stilt sandpiper $C. himantopus$.
Wintering birds include pied-billed grebe $Podilymbus podiceps$, various herons (Ardeidae), blue-winged teal $Anas discors$, sora rail $Porzana carolina$ and American coot $Fulica americana$.
The common moorhen $Gallinula chloropus$ breeds on the pond.","A detailed limnological study of the pond was conducted by Dr Martin Thomas.
Migrant bird usage has been monitored and recorded since 1950.","Some field trips by local schools.
",The Bermuda National Trust maintains a nature trail around the pond. An observation hide is proposed.,"Becker, CJ, Shosa, JD & Rueger, BF (2001) A geochemical comparison of Spittal Pond and Warwick Pond, Bermuda. In: Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program, 33(6):A181
Hayward, SJ, Gomez, FH & Sterrer, W (eds.) (1981) Bermuda's delicate balance: people and environment. Bermuda National Trust, Paget
Hepburn, I, Oldfield, S & Thompson, K (1992) UK Dependent Territories Ramsar study: Stage 1. Unpublished report to Department of the Environment, European and International Habitat Protection Branch, Bristol, from International Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Bureau/ NGO Forum for Nature Conservation in UK Dependent Territories, Slimbridge/ Sandy (Research contract, No. 7/2/126)
Pienkowski, M (ed.) (2003) A sense of direction: a conference on conservation in UK Overseas Territories and other small island communities, Bermuda 22nd–27th March 2003. UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough. www.ukotcf.org
Pienkowski, MW (ed.) (2005) Review of existing and potential Ramsar sites in UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. (Contractor: UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough.) Final report on Contract CR0294 to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Bristol. www.ukotcf.org
Proctor, D & Fleming, LV (eds.) (1999) Biodiversity: the UK Overseas Territories. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Scott, DA & Carbonell, M (eds.) (1986) A directory of neotropical wetlands. IUCN/IWRB, Cambridge/Slimbridge
Wingate, DB (1984) Taking stock of Bermuda's wetland heritage. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hamilton",,,
10,UK44003,Western Salt Ponds of Anegada,Classified/designatd,OT,1071,,British Virgin Islands,10/05/1999,018 42 07 N,064 17 01 W,,,not avai,0,8,,"The wetland is comprised of brackish saline lagoons amongst shrub-dominated vegetation.The ponds are partially-filled depressions in the lower part of a limestone ridge and are predominantly isolated from the sea by multiple ridges and dunes. There is one small channel connecting the ponds with the sea. Most of the ponds rise and fall with the highest tides, although many dry-out during the dry periods.
Anegada contains four major vegetation habitats: salt ponds, dry woodlands, cactus scrub, and mangroves. The wetland is the largest in the territory and provides a habitat for six endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna.
The shallow lagoons also support a fishery based on mullet fish.","Ramsar criterion 1
The Western Salt ponds of Anegada are a particularly good example of salt pond wetlands within the Greater Antilles.
Ramsar criterion 2
The site supports a number of endangered fauna and flora. The site provides a habitat for six species of global significance; the most notable are the critically endangered endemic Anegada rock iguana $Cyclura pinguis$ about 2 m long, and $Cordia rupicola$ (Boraginaceae), a Puerto Rican bank endemic that is recorded only for Puerto Rico and Anegada, and its widespread occurrence on Anegada makes this the most globally important site.
Ramsar criterion 3
The site is a very important habitat and nesting site for both sea and shore birds, with many species present that are not found elsewhere in the British Virgin Islands or other islands on the Puerto Rico shelf, and provides an important stopover site for migratory birds from North America.
Five species of flora of global significance exist within the Western Ponds on Anegada, including: $Acacia anegadensis$ (Leguminosae) an Anegada endemic, $Metastelma anegadensis$ (Ascepiadaceae) a BVI endemic, $Cordia rupicola$ (Boraginaceae) a Puerto Rican bank endemic, $Leptocereus quadricostatus$ (Cactaceae) a Puerto Rican bank endemic, and $Malpighia woodburyana$ (Malpighiaceae) a Puerto Rican bank endemic.
Ramsar criterion 8
The ponds provide a spawning area for the Curry-mole mullet fish $Mugil cephalus$, which enter the ponds each year from November to February through a channel connected to the sea to spawn.","Nearest town/city: The Settlement, Anegada.
The site is at the western end of Anegada, at an approximate distance of 2.8 km on a bearing of 282° from the Settlement, the largest village and partial administrative centre on Anegada. Anegada lies approximately 19 km north of Virgin Gorda, separated by a shallow passage. It is the northernmost of the British Virgin Islands.","There are five main habitat types at the Western Salt Ponds. These are:
1) Tidal mudflats - areas of silty sand and mud that are periodically covered by tide waters. The often sparse vegetation is typified by $Sarcocornia perennis, Salicornia bigloveii, Distichlis spicata$ and stunted mangroves.
2) Mangrove/Tidal Forest - areas that are more or less enclosed except for some interplay with lagoon habitats. Conditions are generally brackish. Vegetation is patchy with clumps of red $Rhizophora mangle$, black $Avicennia germinans$ and buttonwood $Conocarpus erectus$ mangroves, interspersed with ponds and mudflats. Drier areas support $Borrichia arborescens, Sesuvium portulacstrum$ and $Distichilis spicata$
Many organisms aggregate in the mangrove maze of roots where organic matter is abundant. The fish, shellfish and algae depend on mangroves as a source of food and shelter. Various avian species reside in the ponds, mudflats and the canopy of the mangroves. During the winter (October to May), migratory birds stop over in the wetland to rest and feed.
3) Coastal brackish/saline lagoons - protected inlets which are tidal and open to the sea at least at very high tides. Typified by a thick border of Red mangrove. The water contains marine elements and supports a productive system with a thick soft mud layer inhabited by a high invertebrate biomass.
4) Salina - an inland pond which is generally hypersaline, the shallow open water area often dries out and salt crystallizes along the pond edges. It is the habitat of brine shrimp $Artemia$ spp. and is bordered by buttonwood mangrove.
5) Salt pond - an area periodically connected to the sea. The pond supports limited submerged vegetation and is bordered by a narrow zone of mangrove species.","Internationally important species occurring on the site.
Five species of flora of global significance exist within the Western Ponds on Anegada, including: $Acacia anegadensis$ (Leguminosae) an Anegada endemic, $Metastelma anegadensis$ (Ascepiadaceae) a BVI endemic, $Cordia rupicola$ (Boraginaceae) a Puerto Rican bank endemic, $Leptocereus quadricostatus$ (Cactaceae) a Puerto Rican bank endemic, and $Malpighia woodburyana$ (Malpighiaceae) a Puerto Rican bank endemic.
Higher Plants.
$Fishlockia anagadensis, Cynanchum anagadense, Sabal causiarum$ and $Thurinax mossisii$
Assemblage.
The site supports a diverse assemblage of plant species including:
$Rhizophora mangle, Avicennia germinans, Laguncularia racemosa, Conocarpus erectus, Sarcocornia perennis, Salicornia bigloveii, Distichlis spicata, Borrichia arborescens$ and $Sesuvium portulacstrum$.","Species ocurring at levels of international importance.
Reptiles.
$Cyclura pinguis$ (Iguanidae) a critically endangered Anegada endemic inhabits within the Western Ponds Ramsar site. The total remaining population is estimated at less than 200 individuals. Furthermore, the habitat of $C. pinguis$, comprised of stunted scrub and dry woodland combined with a substrate of sandy-porous limestone, is threatened by human development within and outside the Ramsar site.
Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Birds.
The avifauna of the Western Ponds, Anegada is comprised of a small core of resident breeding species including the successfully reintroduced greater flamingo $Phoenicopterus ruber$ (Phoenicopteridae), which is augmented by numerous migrants from North America during the winter months, including the $Phalacrocoracidae$ family, notably the Double-crested and Olivaceous Cormorants and the $Charadriidae$ family, including the Black-bellied and Lesser Golden Plover.
Reptiles.
Anegada Worm Snake ($Typlops richardi catapontus$), Anegada Ground Snake ($Dromicus portoricensis anegadae / Alsophis portoricensis anegadae$). White-lipped Frog ($Leptodactylus albilabris$).
Fish.
$Mugil cephalus$.","Research has been undertaken by the H. Lavity Stoutt Community School of Tortola about the salt ponds of Anegada.
A two-year collaborative project, 2003-2005 entitled the ‘Darwin Initiative Assessment of the Coastal Biodiversity of Anegada, BVI’ is in progress with a main objective to carry out a detailed assessment of the coastal biodiversity of Anegada, including the network of ponds, leading to a Biodiversity Action Plan and the creation of the capacity for its future monitoring. Partners include the BVI National Parks Trust, the BVI Conservation and Fisheries Department, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College BVI, Royal Botanical Gardens Kew, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and the UK Marine Turtle Research Institute.
A Darwin Initiative project entitled ‘Integrating National Parks, Education and Community Development (BVI)’ was conducted from 1998- 2001 at two sites in the BVI, including the Anegada Western Ponds Ramsar site by the BVI National Parks Trust. The main objectives were capacity building and staff training in monitoring techniques and management planning, whilst adding to the biodiversity inventory for Anegada and Virgin Gorda.
The Anegada Rock Iguana ($Cyclura pinguis$) Rehabilitation Project began in 1997 by the BVI National Parks Trust to protect the rapidly declining population of endemic Anegada Rock Iguanas $C. pinguis$ on Anegada. A Headstart Facility was constructed with assistance from scientists from the IUCN World Conservation Union - Iguana Specialist Group (ISG) and technical input from members of the Centre for Reproduction of Endangered Species of the San Diego Zoo, the Dallas Zoo and the Fort Worth Zoo. The facility houses approximately 90 captive juvenile iguanas. A number of captive iguanas were outfitted with radio transmitters and released into the wild in 2003 and 2004 within the Anegada Western Ponds Ramsar site.
The BVI National Parks Trust (BVINPT) participated in the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew (RBG Kew) Millennium Seed Bank Project through the provision of seeds from Anegada and the Trust has an ongoing relationship with RBG Kew to collect herbarium samples for storage until the BVI has herbarium facilities.","As part of all of the aforementioned projects listed in Section 27, conservation education has been a priority with school visits and guided tours conducted by project scientists and the BVI NPT. Brochures, posters, newsletters and web pages have also been created for the ‘Darwin Initiative Assessment of the Coastal Biodiversity of Anegada, BVI’ and the Iguana Recovery Programme. Public lectures pertaining to the flora and fauna of Anegada are presented throughout the year by project scientists at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) on Tortola and special lectures have also been presented as part of the HLSCC course ‘Environments of the BVI’. Finally, the Conservation & Fisheries Department and the National Park Trust host a summer programme for children every year and information relating to Anegada has been incorporated in the past.","Presently visiting to Anegada is much lower than the other British Virgin Islands due to its remote location. The majority of visitors sail to Anegada and spend one or two nights and then leave. Visiting to the wetland areas is mainly by persons interested in viewing the Anegada Rock Iguana, flamingos and other birdlife. Most tourists, however, visit Anegada for its pristine white sandy beaches, which stretch for miles.
As part of the proposed park, the National Parks Trust has built a captive breeding facility for the Anegada Rock Iguana. Tourism to this area has not been promoted as protection to the area has been deemed advisable before uncontrolled visiting takes place.","Clubbe, C, Gillman, M, Acevedo-Rodríguez, P & Walker, R (2004) Abundance, distribution and conservation significance of regionally endemic plant species on Anegada, British Virgin Islands. Oryx, 38(3), 342-346
Jennison, M (1991) Inclusion of the British Virgin Islands into the Ramsar Convention. Unpublished M.Sc. dissertation, Heriot-Watt University, Institute of Offshore Engineering, Edinburgh
National Parks Trust of the British Virgin Islands (1986) A parks and protected area system plan for the British Virgin Islands. National Parks Trust of the British Virgin Islands, Tortola
Pienkowski, MW (ed.) (2005) Review of existing and potential Ramsar sites in UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. (Contractor: UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, Peterborough.) Final report on Contract CR0294 to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Bristol. www.ukotcf.org
Proctor, D & Fleming, LV (eds.) (1999) Biodiversity: the UK Overseas Territories. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",,,
7000107,UK13060,Westwater,Classified/designatd,S,49.77,,Scottish Borders,27/11/1995,55 45 30 N,03 24 30 W,311615,652454,NT116526,310,329,323,Westwater reservoir is located 320 m above sea level in the Pentland Hills. It is an artificial reservoir forming part of the Lothian region water supply. Westwater regularly provides a winter roost for large numbers of wildfowl. In winter it also supports in winter large numbers pink-footed geese $Anser brachyrhynchus$.,"
","Nearest town/city: Edinburgh
Westwater is 3 km west of West Linton in the Pentland Hills, 26 km south-west of Edinburgh.","Most of the site is open water which can be affected by seasonal algal blooms. The surrounding land is largely species-poor unimproved rough grazing of varying wetness, dominated by $Juncus effusus$, $Deschampsia flexuosa$, $Molinia caerulea$ and $Nardus stricta$. Some ground is also dominated by $Calluna vulgaris$ and $Pteridium aquilinum$.",None reported,None reported,"Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
The Scottish Ornothological Club carry out regular bird counts.
Flora.
ESW are looking at the algal problems at this and other sites.","East of Scotland Water and Scottish Ornithological Club arrange one or two geese watch events a year at the site, during October and November.
","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
ESW and SOC arrange one or two geese watch events a year at the site, during October and November.
","Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Lothian Regional Council (1994) West Water Reservoir Management Plan. Lothian Regional Council Department of Planning, Edinburgh
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
Scottish Natural Heritage (1997) West Water Reservoir SSSI Management Plan. Scottish Natural Heritage, Galashiels
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm",,,
7000103,UK11077,Wicken Fen,Classified/designatd,E,254.39,,Cambridgeshire,12/09/1995,52 18 27 N,00 16 42 E,555310,270227.3,TL553702,0,1,1,"This site is a marginal remnant of the original peat fenland of the East Anglian basin. It has been preserved as a flood catchment area and its water level is controlled by sluice gates. The vegetation has a strongly mosaic character due to extensive peat-cutting and different systems of crop exploitation. Areas of the site subjected to frequent cutting have a greater species diversity including many sedges, rushes, spike rushes and marsh orchids with corresponding insect associations. Vegetation invasion by bushes resulting in closed $Frangula$ carr, has occurred in the absence of mowing. The dykes, abandoned clay pits and the main lode support many aquatic angiosperms. Wildfowl interests include, mallard, teal, wigeon, shoveler, pochards and tufted duck.","Ramsar criterion 1
One of the most outstanding remnants of the East Anglian peat fens. The area is one of the few which has not been drained. Traditional management has created a mosaic of habitats from open water to sedge and litter fields.
Ramsar criterion 2
The site supports one species of British Red Data Book plant, fen violet $Viola persicifolia$, which survives at only two other sites in Britain. It also contains eight nationally scarce plants and 121 British Red Data Book invertebrates.","Nearest town/city: Newmarket
The site lies 10 km north-east of Cambridge, east of the River Cam.","To the north of Wicken Lodge is the original peat fen. Here the site supports fen communities of carr and sedge. The carr scrub is largely of alder buckthorn $Frangula alnus$, buckthorn $Rhamnus cathartica$ and sallow over a sparse vegetation of fen plants including the marsh fen $Thelypteris palustris$. The more open areas of sedge fen are typically of tall grasses, saw sedge $Cladium mariscus$, purple moor-grass $Molinia caerulea$, sedges $Carex$ spp. and rushes $Juncus$ spp. A large number of herbs are associated with this community such as milk parsley $Peucedanum palustre$ and yellow loosestrife $Lysimachia vulgaris$. To the south of Wicken Lodge, the area is of rough pastureland, reedbed and pools subject to winter flooding. The dykes, abandoned clay-pits and other watercourses are rich in aquatic plants.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Viola persicifolia, Carex appropinquata, Lathyrus palustris, Myriophyllum verticillatum, Oenanthe fluviatilis, Peucedanum palustre, Potamogeton coloratus, Potamogeton friesii, Potamogeton praelongus$",None reported,"Flora.
Fen Violet $Viola persicifolia$ species recovery programme.
Fen Ragwort $Senecio paludosus$ species recovery programme.
Fauna.
Swallowtail $Papilio machaon$ species recovery programme.
Long ongoing history of research and monitoring – refer to draft Management Plan 1998–2003 and Friday (1997).","School visits by arrangement are led by The National Trust education and interpretation officer. Visiting University and College groups may visit independently. Individuals engaged in research on the Fen must hold a permit.
","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
National Trust visitor centre and shop, nature trails, three hides and 16 km of walking routes. Entry by ticket by permit only (this was adopted in 1980 to help control visitor numbers). Visitors are also managed by 'zoning' parts of the Fen near the entrance, leaving the more remote parts of the site relatively undisturbed. The Fen is open throughout the year from dawn to dusk.","Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Colston, A (2004) Wicken Fen – realising the vision. Ecos, 25(3/4), 42-45
Environment Agency (1997) Wicken Fen water level management plan. Environment Agency
Friday, L (ed.) (1997) Wicken Fen – the making of a nature reserve. Harley Books, Colchester
Friday, L & Colston, A (1999) Wicken Fen – the restoration of a wetland nature reserve. British Wildlife, 11(1), 37-46
National Trust (1997) Wicken Fen NNR – draft management plan. National Trust
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Stewart, NF (2004) Important stonewort areas. An assessment of the best areas for stoneworts in the United Kingdom. Plantlife International, Salisbury
Walters, M (1994) Classic wildlife sites: Wicken Fen Nature Reserve. British Wildlife, 6(1), 5-13
Wiggington, M (1999) British Red Data Books. 1. Vascular plants. 3rd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",,,
7000104,UK11078,Woodwalton Fen,Classified/designatd,E,208.13,,Cambridgeshire,12/09/1995,52 26 36 N,00 11 25 W,522989.9,284418,TL230844,-1,0,0,"The site consists of a range of wetland communities, once characteristic of large areas of the East Anglian fens but now restricted to a number of isolated sites. Due to past management the site now has several types of open fen and swamp communities. There is also a relict area of acid peat, some mixed fen and an important network of ditches. The site supports an appreciable assemblage of wetland plants and invertebrates.","Ramsar criterion 1
The site is within an area that is one of the remaining parts of East Anglia which has not been drained. The fen is near natural and has developed where peat-digging took place in the 19th century. The site has several types of open fen and swamp communities.
Ramsar criterion 2
The site supports two species of British Red Data Book plants, fen violet, $Viola persicifolia$ and fen wood-rush $Luzula pallidula$. Woodwalton also supports a large number of wetland invertebrates including 20 British Red Data Book species. Aquatic beetles, flies and moths are particularly well represented.","Nearest town/city: Peterborough
The site lies 12 km due south of Peterborough.","The site was once a raised bog and was dug for peat which removed most of the acidic peat, exposing the underlying fen peat. The open fen and swamp communities present today are, therefore, of several types. A relict area of acid peat holds stands of $Molinia caerulea$ with $Calluna vulgaris$, $Myrica gale$, $Potentilla erecta$ and $Cladium mariscus$. A further swamp community is dominated by $Calamagrostis epigejos$. Mixed fen covers a significant part of the site. This vegetation community is floristically rich and contains species such as $Thalictrum flavum$, $Iris pseudacorus$, $Poa palustris$, $Luzula pallidula$ and $Viola persicifolia$. The network of ditches on the site hold many uncommon British plant species and two meres have been dug which are also valuable for aquatic plants. Further habitats of significance include marshy grassland, birch and alder woodland and fen carr. The carr is varied in composition and contains $Salix$ spp., $Prunus spinosa$, $Betula$ spp. and $Viburnum opulus$.","Nationally important species occurring on the site.
Higher Plants.
$Viola persicifolia$
$Luzula pallidula$","Assemblage.
The site supports a diverse assemblage of invertebrates including $Perizoma sagittata$ and $Chortodes extrema$.","Flora.
Fen violet $Viola persicifolia$ species recovery programme.
Fen ragwort $Senecio paludosus$ species recovery programme.
Fauna.
Long, and ongoing, history of research and monitoring, e.g. plant and butterfly transects, breeding bird surveys, monitoring of water levels, dyke flora surveys.","There is an interpretation board on site where leaflets can be obtained. A traditional thatched bungalow is used for meetings, reserve events and visiting school parties. It houses displays illustrating the history and wildlife of the fen.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
There are no public rights of way across the reserve but visitors are allowed access after obtaining a permit from English Nature.
","Bratton, JH (ed.) (1991) British Red Data Books: 3. Invertebrates other than insects. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Duffey, E (1971) The management of Woodwalton Fen: a multidisciplinary approach. In: The scientific management of animal and plant communities for conservation. The 11th symposium of the British Ecological Society, University of East Anglia, Norwich, 7–9 July, 1970, ed. by E. Duffey & AS Watt, 581-597. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford
English Nature (2004) Woodwalton Fen NNR site management plan. English Nature
Great Fen Project (2003) Great Fen Project. Great Fen Project, Sawston. www.greatfen.org.uk
Middle Level Commissioners (1997) Woodwalton Fen water level management plan. Middle Level Commissioners
Poore, MED (1953) The principles of vegetational classification and the ecology of Woodwalton Fen. Unpublished PhD thesis, University of Cambridge
Poore, MED (1954) The ecology of Woodwalton Fen, Part II. Unpublished PhD thesis, University of Cambridge
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
Sheail, J (1976) The land-use history of the Huntingdonshire Fenland, with special reference to the Holme Fen and Woodwalton Fen National Nature Reserves. (Contractor: Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Huntingdon) Nature Conservancy Council, CSD Report, No. 81
Stewart, NF (2004) Important stonewort areas. An assessment of the best areas for stoneworts in the United Kingdom. Plantlife International, Salisbury
Webb, M & Pullin, A (1997) The orange argus – a history of the large copper butterfly in Britain. British Wildlife, 9(1), 29-37
Wiggington, M (1999) British Red Data Books. 1. Vascular plants. 3rd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough",,,
7000127,UK13061,Ythan Estuary and Meikle Loch,Classified/designatd,S,314.17,,Aberdeenshire,30/03/1998,57 20 30 N,01 57 30 W,402960,827049,NK025279,-1,44,6,"This site comprises the long, narrow estuary of the River Ythan and the eutrophic Meikle Loch. Extensive mudflats in the upper reaches of the estuary are replaced by coarser gravels with mussel beds closer to the sea. The margins of the estuary are varied, with areas of saltmarsh, reedbeds and poor-fen. Meikle Loch is an important roost site for geese which feed on surrounding farmland in winter. It is a eutrophic loch supporting limited aquatic vegetation. It is joined by a burn to the smaller Little Loch.","
","Nearest town/city: Aberdeen
20 km north of Aberdeen on the north-east coast of Scotland","The Ythan estuary has a varied substrate, including clay, sands and gravels, with a highly mobile river channel. As well as extensive areas of bare mud, there are small areas of saltmarsh, with a representative northern saltmarsh flora. Small areas of club-rush swamp are associated with the saltmarsh. In the upper parts of the estuary, there is a reedbed. Near the mouth of the estuary there are also shifting sand dunes, with areas of bare shingle (part of the Sands of Forvie). To the west of the estuary there is a large area of improved grassland.
Meikle Loch is a small eutrophic loch with little aquatic vegetation.",None reported,"Assemblage.
The site has an interesting estuarine invertebrate fauna which includes the uncommon worm $Lumbriculus variegatus$, the very local mollusc $Hydrobia ventrosa$ and the very rare marine midge $Halocladius braunsi$.","Fauna.
Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
There is a university research facility at Culterty.
SNH monitors the eiders, terns, wader and wildfowl at the site. Geese numbers are also monitored.","There is a visitor centre in the adjacent part of the NNR with a comprehensive environmental education programme targeting all ages - from early stages to adults, and specialist to general interest groups.","Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality.
Walking, Bird watching (hide provided), Angling, Wildfowling. Watersports.
","Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1996) Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. Region 3. North-east Scotland: Cape Wrath to St Cyrus. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coastal Directories Series)
Bennett, TL & McLeod, CR (1998) Chapter 4. East Scotland (Duncansby Head to Dunbar) (MNCR Sector 4). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 123-154. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)
Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 4. North and east Scotland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Buckland, ST, Bell, MV & Picozzi, N (eds.) (1990) The birds of north-east Scotland. North-East Scotland Bird Club, Aberdeen
Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)
Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge
Dargie, T (2001) Sand dune vegetation survey of Scotland: East coast. Volume 2: Site reports. Scottish Natural Heritage Research, Survey and Monitoring Report, No. 179
Dargie, TCD (1993) Sand dune vegetation survey of Great Britain: a national inventory. Part II: Scotland. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Dargie, TCD (1994) Sand dune survey of Great Britain. Site report No. 137. Sands of Forvie, Gordon, Scotland. 1991. JNCC Report, No. 44
Dargie, TCD (2000) Sand dune vegetation survey of Scotland: national report. Scottish Natural Heritage, Commissioned Report, No. F97AA401. www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/strategy/commreports/F97AA401.pdf
Dean, BJ, Webb, A, McSorley, CA, Schofield, RA & Reid, JB (2004) Surveillance of wintering seaducks, divers and grebes in UK inshore areas: aerial surveys and shore-based counts 2003/04. JNCC Report, No. 357
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (2002) National Report submitted to the 8th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties, Valencia, Spain, 2002. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/idt/ramsar/cop8/Default.htm
Doody, JP, Johnston, C & Smith, B (1993) Directory of the North Sea coastal margin. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough
Gorman, M & Raffaelli, D (1993) The Ythan estuary. Biologist, 40(1), 10-13
Gorman, ML (ed.) (1998) The natural history of the Ythan. University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen
Institute of Terrestrial Ecology (1979) Report to the Nature Conservancy Council on the invertebrate fauna of dune and machair sites in Scotland. Vol. II Part (4). The east coast. Site dossiers. Natural Environment Research Council, Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Huntingdon
Lee, KM (1987) Sands of Forvie SSSI. Written description to accompany the habitat map. Nature Conservancy Council, Aberdeen (Unpublished internal report)
May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)
McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection
Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)
Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14
North, S (1981) Sands of Forvie and Ythan Estuary National Nature Reserve. Unpublished, Nature Conservancy Council, North-east (Scotland) Region. (Internal report, No. NC 219 C)
Pritchard, DE, Housden, SD, Mudge, GP, Galbraith, CA & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy
Pritchard, S (1990) Freshwater macrophyte survey of Loch of Strathbeg, Meikle, Sand and Cotehill Lochs. Nature Conservancy Council
Raffaelli, D & Passoni L (1992) Distribution of weed mats on the Ythan estuary. University of Aberdeen, Department of Zoology
Raffaelli, D & Pont, S (1990) Effects of eutrophication on the amphipod Corophium on the Ythan estuary. University of Aberdeen, Department of Zoology
Ramsay, DL & Brampton, AH (2000) Coastal cells in Scotland: Cell 2 – Fife Ness to Cairnbulg Point, Scottish Natural Heritage Research Survey and Monitoring Report, No. 144
Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)
Raven, P (1978) Preliminary bibliography of Sands of Forvie and Ythan estuary. Unpublished, Nature Conservancy Council, North-east (Scotland) Region, Aberdeen. (Internal report, No. NC 182 A)
Raven, P (1979) Sands of Forvie and Ythan estuary. An analysis of research relevant to nature conservation management. Unpublished, Nature Conservancy Council, North-east (Scotland) Region, Aberdeen. (Internal report, No. NC 182 G.)
Rose, PM & Scott, DA (1997) Waterfowl population estimates. 2nd edn. Wetlands International, Wageningen (Wetlands International Publication, No. 44) www.wetlands.org/IWC/wpe2/WPE2-toc.htm
Scottish Environment Protection Agency (199*) The Ythan catchment and estuary – Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC). Scottish Environment Protection Agency report
Scottish Natural Heritage (2003) Forvie National Nature Reserve. 'Thystl, bente and sande'. Scottish Natural Heritage, Collieston (leaflet). www.nnr-scotland.org.uk/publications_detail.asp?pubID=8
Steers, JA (1973) The coastline of Scotland. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Volume 3: Site accounts. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm
Stroud, DA, Mudge, GP & Pienkowski, MW (eds.) (1990) Protecting internationally important bird sites: a review of the EEC Special Protection Area Network in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough
University of Aberdeen Department of Zoology [1992] Culterty publications and theses relating to the Ythan estuary, 1957 to 1991. Unpublished, University of Aberdeen, Department of Zoology (Culterty Field Station)
Urquhart, UN (1985) Saltmarsh survey of NE Scotland. Nature Conservancy Council
White, I (1983) Review of invertebrate sites in Scotland. Review of North Grampian Region. Nature Conservancy Council, CSD Report, No. 418 (Invertebrate Site Register Report, No. **)",,,
,UK11042,Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore,Classified/designatd,E,"2,078.41",,Merseyside; Wirral; Sefton,05/07/2013,053 24 56 N,003 10 54 W,325718,391706,SJ315949,-17,15,0,"The site comprises intertidal habitats at Egremont foreshore on the south bank of the Mersey, man-made saline and freshwater lagoons at Seaforth on the north bank and the extensive intertidal flats at North Wirral Foreshore. Egremont is most important as a feeding habitat for waders at low tide whilst Seaforth is primarily a high tide roost site. The two areas are separated by approximately 2km and have a constant exchange of bird populations. North Wirral Foreshore supports large numbers of feeding waders at low tide and also includes important high tide roost sites, it is an area of intertidal sands and mudflats with embryonic saltmarsh.","The site qualifies under Criterion 4 because it regularly supports plant and/or animal species at a critical stage in their life cycles, or provides refuge during adverse conditions. During 2004/05 - 2008/09 the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore Ramsar site supported important numbers of non-breeding little gulls and common terns.The site qualifies under Criterion 5 because it regularly supports 20,000 or more waterbirds. During the winters 2004/05 - 2008/09, the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore Ramsar site supported an average peak of 32,402 individual waterbirds. The site qualifies under Criterion 6 because it regularly supports 1% of the individuals in the populations of the following species or subspecies of waterbird in any season:During the winters 2004/05 - 2008/09, the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore Ramsar site supported 2.4% of the islandica subspecies, W Europe/Waddensea/Britain/Ireland (non-breeding) population of knot and 2.8% of the lapponica subspecies W Europe/NW Africa (non-breeding) population of bar-tailed godwits.
","Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore is located on the Irish Sea Coast of northwest England at the mouths of the Mersey and Dee estuaries. The site surrounds the top of the Wirral Peninsula, with North Wirral Foreshore running along the northern edge and Mersey Narrows to the east, spanning both sides of the Mersey.","The site comprises intertidal habitats at Egremont foreshore, man-made lagoons at Seaforth and the extensive intertidal flats at North Wirral Foreshore. Egremont is most important as a feeding habitat for waders at low tide whilst Seaforth is primarily a high tide roost site. North Wirral Foreshore supports internationally important numbers of feeding waders at low tide and also includes important high tide roost sites.",None reported,,See Ramsar Information Sheet,See Ramsar Information Sheet,"Recreational Activities include: bird watching, walking, dog walking, fishing, sailing, canoeing, cycling, sand yachting, kite surfing, all carried out at intensive levels.",See Ramsar Information Sheet,,,
,UK22003,"Herm, Jethou and The Humps",Classified/designatd,OT,1802.92,,"Guernsey, Channel Isles",17/10/2015,49 30 00 N,20 28 00 W,,,,,,,,"Criterion 1: Representative, rare or unique natural or near-natural wetland types
In the context of Criterion 1.1, the site is both representative of the Marine Ecoregion and a rare example, due to the
confluence of warm and cold currents and the particularly large tidal range.
Criterion 2 : Rare species and threatened ecological communities
Criterion 3 : Biological diversity
As apparent from the wide range of species present and listed.
Criterion 4 : Support during critical life cycle stage or in adverse conditions
Criterion 7 : Significant and representative fish
As apparent from the wide range of species present and listed.
Criterion 8 : Fish spawning grounds, etc.
Dwarf eelgrass (Zostera noltii) beds, Maerl beds, sunken shipwreck reefs and Golden Kelp (Laminaria ochroleuca) provide important fish spawning habitats. The bivalve reefs contained within the site are particular significant.
","5 kilometres east of the main island of Guernsey, Channel Islands, English Channel","Key ecological characteristics: Two small islands (Herm and Jethou), nine rocky islets -, Grande Fauconniere Crevichonand Brehon Tower, the Humps (six) and surrounding shallow tidal waters (c.80% less than 16 metres below Chart Datum.Guernsey’s geographic location and its large tidal differences create and support a diverse range of habitats. Theconvergence of cold (boreal) and warm currents (Lusitanian) biogeographic regions support an array of species whichinclude rich plankton currents, which flow eastward from the Atlantic to the North Sea. The site has an exceptionally largetidal range – at up to 10 metres, it is among the largest in the world and the intertidal zone is particularly large andbiodiverse, Several important habitats are present, including Eelgrass (Zostera) beds, Maerl beds, shallow reef systems andsunken shipwreck reefs (7), which provide spawning grounds for fish such as Sea Bass and Black Sea Bream, withsignificant tidal races. The Ramsar site is contiguous with benthic and pelagic habitats, respectively supporting flatfish,shellfish; seabirds, Basking Shark, Sun Fish, Atlantic Grey Seal and four species of cetacean. The coastlines providebreeding sites for nine species of seabird and Atlantic Grey Seal.","Plant species whose presence relates to the international importance of the site
Zostera marina
Zostera noltii
PLANT SPECIES NOT IN CATALOGUE OF LIFE BUT PRESENT IN SITE RELATES TO INTERNATIONAL IMPORTANCE
Laminaria ochroleuca; Golden Kelp; Criterion 3; Other status: UK Biodiversity Action Plan Species; Justification: Northern
position with its Lusitanian range: Iberian peninsula, Mediterranean & SW UK
Other noteworthy (NOT qualifying) plant species
Fulgensia fulgens; Scrambled Egg Lichen; Justification: Rare in Channel Islands
Rosa lubiginosa; Sweet Briar; Justification: Rare in Channel Islands",Numerous species as recorded on the Ramsar Information Sheet.,,,,"Guernsey Biological Records Centre.
Henney, J. 2010. Habitat Survey of Guernsey, Herm and Associated islands. States of Guernsey, Environment Department.
Veron, P.K. 1997. The Important Sites for Birds in the Channel Islands.
Cataroche, J. 2012. The History and Archaeology of Jethou",,,
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