# tblEUNIS2007

hname:
Mediterranean short [Juncus], [Carex], [Hordeum] and [Trifolium] saltmeadows

description:
Humid meadows of low vegetation dominated by [Juncus gerardi], [Carex divisa], [Carex extensa], [Schoenus nigricans], [Triglochin maritima], [Hordeum marinum] or [Trifolium] spp. and [Lotus] spp. of the edges of brackish lagoons of Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic coasts of Europe, western Asia and North Africa.


hname:
Mediterranean [Elymus] or [Artemisia] stands

description:
Formations of [Elymus] or [Artemisia] fringing Mediterranean and interior Iberian saline wetlands.


description:
Medium-tall [Juncus subulatus] beds, often forming facies within [Arthrocnemum] scrubs of Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic coasts.


description:
Low shrubby expanses of woody glassworts, seablites, sea purslanes or [Halocnemum], characteristic of temporarily inundated saltmarshes of Mediterranean coasts, southwestern Iberian and northwestern African Atlantic coasts and interior Iberian basins. They can be further subdivided according to dominant species, generally associated with patterns of inundation. [Cistanche lutea] characterises many southern formations.


description:
Low shrubby carpets of prostrate [Arthrocnemum perenne] of wettest areas of coastal marshes of Mediterranean, southwestern Iberian and northwestern African Atlantic coasts.


description:
Stands of robust [Arthrocnemum fruticosum], capable of forming extensive low, dense thickets in coastal marshes of Mediterranean, southwestern Iberian and northwestern African Atlantic coasts.


description:
Shrubby formations of [Arthrocnemum glaucum]. Along northern Mediterranean shores, they often occupy somewhat drier sites such as shell banks in saline lagoons; in the North African coastal marshes of Cyrenaica, Tripolitana, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco, they constitute the only [Arthrocnemum] formations.


description:
Shrubby formations of [Suaeda vera] occupying drier elevations of coastal saltmarshes of Mediterranean, southwestern Iberian and northwestern African Atlantic coasts.


description:
[Halimione portulacoides]-rich facies within [Arthrocnemum] communities of coastal saltmarshes of Mediterranean, southwestern Iberian and northwestern African Atlantic coasts.


description:
Salt scrubs of Mediterranean coastal saltmarshes dominated by [Halocnemum strobilaceum], characteristic of arid African coasts, with a few outposts on dry coasts of European peninsulas and islands.


description:
Sea purslane, glasswort and seablite scrubs of northern Atlantic and North Sea coasts.


description:
Shrubby [Halimione portulacoides] communities of middle levels of Atlantic schorres.


description:
[Arthrocnemum perenne]-dominated formations of the British Isles, the Atlantic coasts of France and of Iberia, except for the extreme southwest of the peninsula.


description:
[Suaeda vera]-dominated formations of the British Isles, where they are limited to the coast of Norfolk, and of the Atlantic coasts of France and of Iberia, except for the extreme southwest of the peninsula.


description:
[Arthrocnemum fruticosum]-dominated formations of the Atlantic coasts of France and of Iberia, except for the extreme southwest of the peninsula.


description:
Formations of often large, silver-glaucous shrubs of [Limoniastrum monopetalum] with showy pink flowers in late spring, of drier parts of Mediterranean and Iberian saltmarshes, distributed locally in North Africa, the Iberian peninsula, the southern Italian peninsula, western Sicily, Lampedusa, Sardinia and Crete.


description:
Low shrubby expanses of woody glassworts, seablites, sea purslanes or [Zygophyllum], characteristic of temporarily inundated saltmarshes of Canary Island coasts.


description:
Mediterranean humid grasslands dominated by [Juncus littoralis] and [J. maritimus] along the coast of the Black Sea, in particular in the Danube Delta.


hname:
Mid-upper saltmarshes and saline and brackish reed, rush and sedge beds

description:
Closed saltmarsh meadows, more species-rich than in low-mid saltmarsh, dominated by graminoids [Blysmus rufus], [Carex extensa], [Festuca rubra], [Juncus gerardi], [Puccinellia] spp.; also [Armeria maritima], [Artemisia maritima], [Frankenia laevis]. Marine saline or brackish beds of [Hippuris tetraphylla], [Juncus maritimus], [Phragmites australis].


description:
Often relatively species-rich, grassy, flowery formations characteristic of the upper levels of the salt meadows of the Atlantic and its connected seas, with [Armeria maritima], [Glaux maritima], [Plantago maritima], [Frankenia laevis], [Artemisia maritima], [Festuca rubra], [Agrostis stolonifera], [Juncus gerardi], [Carex extensa], [Blysmus rufus], [Eleocharis] spp. Similar communities occupying the lower levels of brackish meadows, in particular of the Baltic, are included, while formations restricted to brackish conditions are listed under unit A2.521. The dominance of various species induces distinctive facies, the most important of which are individualised in subunits.


description:
Often species-rich, closed, flowery, upper level salt meadows of the Atlantic and its connected seas, dominated by, or rich in, [Juncus gerardi]. [Glaux maritima] can dominate facies, forming thick carpets, in particular, in pioneer situations.


description:
Communities of upper saltmarshes of the Atlantic, the North Sea and the Baltic, dominated by [Plantago maritima] or [Plantago maritima] and [Bupleurum tenuissimum].


hname:
Atlantic [Festuca rubra]-[Agrostis stolonifera] swards

description:
Upper saltmarsh communities of the Atlantic and its connected seas dominated by, or rich in, [Festuca rubra] and [Agrostis stolonifera].


description:
Communities of salt meadows of the Atlantic and its connected seas dominated by, or rich in, [Armeria maritima].


description:
Communities of Atlantic salt meadows dominated by [Carex distans].


description:
Upper saltmarsh communities of the Atlantic and its connected seas dominated by, or rich in, [Carex extensa].


description:
Upper saltmarsh communities of the Atlantic and its connected seas dominated by, or rich in, [Limonium vulgare].


description:
Upper saltmarsh communities of the Atlantic and its connected seas dominated by, or rich in, [Blysmus rufus].


description:
Atlantic saltmarsh or brackish marsh communities dominated by [Eleocharis uniglumis] or [Eleocharis palustris], associated with [Agrostis stolonifera] or [Carex paleacea]. They constitute a common upper shore community in Scotland; they are also very prevalent on the lower levels of the brackish marshes of the Baltic, east and north of southeastern Sweden and Estonia; in western Scandinavia they are restricted to estuaries and fjord heads. They occur on saline littorals in Iceland.


description:
Saltmarsh communities of the Atlantic, the North Sea and the southern Baltic, dominated by, or rich in, [Juncus maritimus], with [Oenanthe lachenalii] and, locally, in Poland in particular, [Samolus valerandi], mostly characteristic of the upper shore, in moderately salty or brackish conditions, of the sandy-clayey transition to green beaches, also occurring, in the southern Baltic, on brackish lower shores.


description:
Atlantic saltmarsh communities dominated by, or rich in, [Artemisia maritima].


description:
Upper saltmarsh communities of the Atlantic and its connected seas dominated by, or rich in, [Potentilla anserina], including both [Potentilla anserina ssp. anserina], and, in Fennoscandia, Iceland and Greenland, [Potentilla anserina ssp. egedii].


description:
Atlantic upper saltmarsh communities of the English Channel and the Franco-Iberian coasts of the Atlantic, with an isolated station on Anglesey, dominated by, or rich in, [Frankenia laevis], associated with [Limonium] spp., in particular with [Limonium lychnidifolium] in France, or [Limonium vulgare] in southern England, characteristic of the sandy transition zone between saltmarshes and dunes.


description:
Atlantic upper schorre communities dominated by [Aster tripolium].


description:
Atlantic upper saltmarsh communities dominated by [Trifolium fragiferum].


description:
Atlantic upper saltmarsh communities dominated by [Carex nigra].


description:
Upper and middle saltmarsh communities of the Baltic and the northwest Atlantic, dominated by [Schoenus nigricans] or [Schoenus ferrugineus], with [Molinia caerulea] and [Campylium polygamum], developed on calcareous substrates.


description:
Upper shore swards of northern Norway, Iceland and the Faeroes dominated by [Agrostis stolonifera], [Festuca rubra], [Plantago maritima] and [Leontodon autumnalis].


description:
Upper saltmarsh tall graminoid communities of the Gulf of Bothnia and the northern Atlantic coasts of Scandinavia, south of Finnmark, dominated by [Calamagrostis stricta], [Carex aquatilis], [Carex juncella], [Eriophorum angustifolium], rich in arctic halophytes, transitional towards fens which form flood belts near fresh water. This unit is replaced northwards by the truly arctic formations of unit A2.533.


description:
Communities of the middle levels of exposed shores of the southern Baltic dominated by [Carex scandinavica] ([Carex serotina ssp. pulchella], "[Carex pulchellum]", [Carex oederi ssp. pulchella], [Carex viridula var. pulchella]), characteristic, in particular, of southeastern Sweden.


description:
Drier, dense formations of sandy soils at the foot of dunes, or between dunes and lagoons of the Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic coasts of Europe and North Africa, and of the endoreic (closed drainage) interior basins of Mediterranean Iberia, with [Plantago crassifolia], [Schoenus nigricans], [Juncus littoralis], [Spartina versicolor] ([Spartina patens], [Spartina juncea]), [Elymus elongatus], [Inula crithmoides], all of which may dominate and form physiognomically distinct, sometimes almost monospecific, facies.


description:
Coastal saltmarshes of the upper shores of arctic Eurasia and Greenland submitted to winter sea ice.


description:
Communities of the arctic coasts of Eurasia developed in brackish water on sulphurous gleys, in particular, [Hippuris tetraphylla] beds of brackish shores of Finnmark and northern Iceland.


hname:
[Juncus maritimus] mid-upper saltmarshes with [Triglochin maritima]


hname:
Mid-upper saltmarshes: [Artemisia maritima] with [Festuca rubra], or open canopy of [Artemisia maritima] and [Halimione]


hname:
Mid-upper saltmarshes: sub-communities of [Festuca rubra] with [Agrostis stolonifera], [Juncus gerardi], [Puccinellia maritima], [Glaux maritima], [Triglochin maritima], [Armeria maritima] and [Plantago maritima]


hname:
Marine saline beds of [Phragmites australis]


description:
Beaches of the oceans, of their connected seas and of their associated coastal lagoons, covered by pebbles, or sometimes boulders, usually formed by wave action.


hname:
Middle European deergrass and bog asphodel acidic fens

description:
Communities of lowland and collinar middle European eu-Atlantic or sub-Atlantic acidic fens dominated by [Scirpus cespitosus] or [Narthecium ossifragum].


description:
[Scirpus cespitosus]-dominated formations of subalpine pozzines of Corsica, mostly confined to the edge of rivulets.


description:
[Eriophorum angustifolium]-dominated swards of usually very wet sites within acidic fens of nemoral Europe, generally with a sphagnum carpet, formed, in particular, by [Sphagnum cuspidatum]; they are closely similar to, and may merge into, [Eriophorum]-[Sphagnum] floating carpets of unit D2.38. Several [Carex] species may be present.


description:
Formations of [Carex nigra], [Carex trinervis], [Carex x timmiana], [Juncus anceps], [Juncus subnodulosus] and introduced [Vaccinium macrocarpum], restricted to wet, peaty, acidified dune slacks of the North Sea coast of France and the Netherlands and of the Dutch and German North Sea islands. This unit is related to B1.83.


description:
Acidic fen communities of the Illyrian region, the Dinarides, the Moeso-Macedonian and north eastern Greek mountains. Floristically relatively rich communities dominated by sedge [Carex nigra var. macedonica] (= [C. macedonica]). The Balkan tertiary-relict endemic species [Narthecium scardicum], [Calicocorsus stipitatus] (= [Willemetia stipitata]), [Pinguicula balcanica] and [Pseudorchis frivaldii] may also be present.


description:
Acidic fen communities of the mountains of the F.Y.R. of Macedonia and northern Greece dominated by sedges or bog asphodels ([Narthecium]).


description:
Acidic fen communities of the Sar-Planina and the Korab in the F.Y.R. of Macedonia with [Carex serotina], [Carex sempervirens], [Nardus stricta], [Parnassia palustris], [Pinguicula leptoceras].


description:
Acidic fen communities of the Jakupica and Bistra ranges of the F.Y.R. of Macedonia, and of the Varnous and Voras ranges of northern Greece, dominated by [Carex macedonica].


description:
Acidic fen communities of the Bjelasica in Montenegro with [Carex nigra], [Eriophorum angustifolium], [Willemetia stipitata f. balcanica], [Barbarea balcana].


description:
Acidic fen communities of the Illyrian region with [Carex nigra], [Carex echinata], [Carex flava], [Eriophorum angustifolium], [Agrostis canina], [Rhynchospora alba], similar to Central European black-white-star sedge fen communities with an enrichment in [Rhynchospora alba].


description:
Oligotrophic or oligo-mesotrophic acidic and acidocline fen communities of the boreal, boreonemoral and boreoalpine regions of the western Palaearctic dominated by [Eriophorum vaginatum], [Eriophorum angustifolium], [Scirpus cespitosus], [Molinia caerulea], or various sedges, in particular, [Carex bigelowii] ([Carex rigida]), [Carex rotundata], [Carex magellanica], [Carex rariflora], [Carex rostrata], [Carex limosa], [Carex pauciflora], [Carex lasiocarpa], associated with sphagnum carpets formed by, in particular, [Sphagnum papillosum], [Sphagnum angustifolium], [Sphagnum compactum], [Sphagnum magellanicum], [Sphagnum balticum], [Sphagnum lindbergii].


hname:
Boreal [Eriophorum vaginatum] sphagnum fens

description:
Species-poor poor fen lawn communities of the Palaearctic domaine, in particular, of northern and western Fennoscandia, dominated by [Eriophorum vaginatum], with a ground layer formed by sphagna, notably [Sphagnum magellanicum], [Sphagnum papillosum]. The very reduced species cortège may include [Andromeda polifolia], [Carex pauciflora], [Drosera rotundifolia], [Vaccinium oxycoccus].


hname:
[Eriophorum vaginatum-Carex pauciflora] sphagnum fens

description:
Species-poor poor fen lawn communities of the Palaearctic domaine, in particular, of most of Fennoscandia, dominated by [Eriophorum vaginatum] and [Carex pauciflora], with a ground layer dominated by [Sphagnum magellanicum], [Sphagnum angustifolium], accompanied by [Sphagnum papillosum], and sometimes hummocks of [Sphagnum fuscum]; [Andromeda polifolia], [Drosera rotundifolia], [Vaccinium oxycoccos] or [Carex pauciflora] may be present.


description:
Species-poor poor fen lawn communities of the Palaearctic domaine, in particular, of northern and western Fennoscandia, dominated by [Scirpus cespitosus] ([Trichophorum cespitosum]) and [Eriophorum vaginatum], with a ground layer dominated by [Sphagnum papillosum], [Sphagnum compactum] or [Sphagnum balticum], with [Sphagnum magellanicum], [Sphagnum rubellum], [Sphagnum tenellum]; the species cortège includes [Andromeda polifolia], [Drosera rotundifolia], [Menyanthes trifoliata], [Myrica gale], [Vaccinium oxycoccos], [Carex pauciflora].


description:
Species-poor poor fen lawn communities of boreal mountains of the Palaearctic domaine, in particular, of the lower alpine zone of western and northern boreal Fennoscandia, dominated by [Carex bigelowii], with a lawn formed of an often continuous sphagnum-dominated carpet of [Sphagnum compactum], [Sphagnum balticum] and [Calliergon sarmentosum]; the scanty species cortège includes [Salix herbacea], sometimes also [Betula nana], [Empetrum hermaphroditum], [Rubus chamaemorus], [Eriophorum angustifolium]. These communities usually cover small surfaces, notably of hollows, of nutrient deficient substrates, often encroaching on snow-patch communities.


description:
Fen lawn communities of the western Palaearctic dominated by [Molinia caerulea], [Scirpus cespitosus ssp. cespitosus] ([Trichophorum cespitosum]), with a continuous sphagnum-dominated ground layer.


description:
Fen lawn communities of the western Palaearctic, in particular, of the mountains of Fennoscandia, of central Finland, southern Sweden and Denmark, and of the Faeroe Islands, dominated by [Molinia caerulea], [Scirpus cespitosus ssp. cespitosus] ([Trichophorum cespitosum]), [Narthecium ossifragum] with [Myrica gale], with a sphagnum carpet mainly of [Sphagnum papillosum] and [Sphagnum compactum]; These communities occur on strings and, in mountainous areas, in mire margins and along soaks. The species cortège includes, among others, [Carex dioica], [Carex echinata], [Eriophorum vaginatum], [Selaginella selaginoides], [Viola palustris], [Calliergon stramineum], [Drepanocladus badius]. Communities of the Faeroe Islands lack [Sphagnum compactum] and [Myrica gale]; they may be dominated by [Eriophorum angustifolium].


hname:
[Modiolus modiolus] beds with [Chlamys varia], sponges, hydroids and bryozoans on slightly tide-swept very sheltered circalittoral mixed substrata

description:
Dense [Modiolus modiolus] beds, covered by hydroids and bryozoans, on soft gravelly, shelly mud with pebbles in areas of slight or moderate tidal currents. The variable scallop ([Chlamys varia]) is frequently found in large numbers amongst the [Modiolus] shells. Hydroids such as [Halecium] spp. and [Kirchenpaueria pinnata] and ascidians such as [Ascidiella aspersa], [Corella parallelogramma] and [Ciona intestinalis] may be found attached to pebbles or mussel shells. The echinoderms [Ophiothrix fragilis] and [Antedon bifida] are often frequent in this biotope as is the encrusting polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter]. Similar communities have been found on cobble and pebble plains in stable, undisturbed conditions in some sealochs, although not all these examples have [Modiolus] beds.


hname:
[Mytilus edulis] beds on sublittoral sediment

description:
Shallow sublittoral mixed sediment, in fully marine coastal habitats or sometimes in variable salinity conditions in the outer regions of estuaries, are characterised by beds of the common mussel [Mytilus edulis]. Other characterising infaunal species may include the amphipod [Gammarus salinus] and oligochaetes of the genus [Tubificoides]. The polychaetes [Harmothoe] spp., [Kefersteinia cirrata] and [Heteromastus filiformis] are also important. Epifaunal species in addition to the [M. edulis] include the whelks [Nucella lapillus] and [Buccinum undatum], the common starfish [Asterias rubens] the spider crab [Maja squinado] and the anemone [Urticina felina]. Relatively few records are available for this biotope and it is possible that as more data is accumulated separate estuarine and fully marine sub-biotopes may be described. Further clarification may also be required with regard to the overlap between littoral and sublittoral mussel beds and with regard to mussel beds biotopes on hard substratum.


hname:
Unstratified water column with reduced salinity

description:
A water column which is unmixed or only partially mixed because the depth of the water body is greater than the depth of mixing, and with short residence time, defined as changing diurnally. Salinity is reduced relative to the adjacent fully marine seawater. This habitat type is usually found in deeper coastal water situations and is the result of river inflow or ice melt. Note that some discretion should be used in the interpretation of “adjacent”, for example in the Baltic Sea, “adjacent” fully marine seawater is reached only in the Kattegat. Unstratified water columns have very weak or no horizontal or vertical gradients.


description:
Forests and woodland of [Quercus rotundifolia] developed in the meso- and supra-Mediterranean levels of Baetic mountains and foothills, and neighbouring interior plains. Well-preserved examples are extremely rare.


description:
Woodland dominated by [Quercus rotundifolia] with [Juniperus oxycedrus], [Daphne gnidium], [Ruscus aculeatus], [Asparagus acutifolius], [Crataegus monogyna], [Lonicera implexa], [Rubia peregrina], [Paeonia coriacea], [Paeonia broteroi], [Endymion hispanicus] that represents the potential, mature vegetation of a great part of Andalusia, in the Guadalquivir basin, coastal areas and Baetic ranges, on base-rich and often silt-laden soils, under meso-Mediterranean conditions. They have been largely replaced by cultivation and, where they subsist, are often very degraded.


description:
Woodland dominated by [Quercus rotundifolia], with [Quercus faginea], [Acer monspessulanum], [Sorbus aria], [Sorbus aucuparia], [Taxus baccata], [Berberis hispanica], [Crataegus monogyna], [Lonicera arborea], [Daphne laureola], [Rosa] spp., [Polygala boissieri], [Helleborus foetidus] and many orchids, of the supra-Mediterranean level (1400-1900 m) of calcareous Baetic ranges.


description:
[Quercus rotundifolia]-dominated woodland characteristic of the meso- and supra-Mediterranean levels of the Sierra Nevada and of a few siliceous mountain ranges of the arid Iberian southeast. Totally destroyed in the Sierra Nevada, this community is still represented by well-preserved examples in the sierras de Carrascoy and Alhamilla, and to a lesser extent, in the Sierra de Cabrera.


description:
Forests and woodland of [Quercus rotundifolia] developed in the thermo-Mediterranean zone of Andalusia and neighbouring areas. Well-preserved examples are extremely rare.


description:
[Quercus rotundifolia] formations of thermo-Mediterranean calcareous slopes of the Quadalquivir basin and the coastal foothills of Baetic and arid southeastern ranges, with [Olea europaea var. sylvestris], [Chamaerops humilis], [Pistacia lentiscus], [Smilax aspera], [Asparagus albus], [Rhamnus oleoides], [Quercus coccifera], [Clematis cirrhosa], [Aristolochia baetica], [Bupleurum gibraltarium] and, locally, [Maytenus senegalensis] or [Buxus balearica]. They have almost disappeared in forest form except in a few ranges of the arid Iberian Southeast.


description:
Formations of [Quercus rotundifolia] with [Myrtus communis], [Pulicaria odora], [Pistacia lentiscus], [Phillyrea angustifolia] and [Arbutus unedo] occupying the siliceous soil of the thermo-Mediterranean levels of eastern Andalusia between the Sea of Alboran and the coastal Tejeda, Almijara, Alpujarra and Gador ranges, a few granitic outcroppings of the Sierra Morena and limited enclaves of the Badajos region. They have almost entirely disappeared.


description:
Thermo-Mediterranean, basophilous forests and woodland of [Quercus rotundifolia] characteristic of the southeastern maritime façade of the Iberian peninsula in Valencia and Levante, rich in shrubs and lianas, with [Rubia peregrina ssp. longifolia], [Osyris quadripartita], [Chamaerops humilis], [Phillyrea angustifolia], [Clematis flammula]. Well-preserved examples survived until recently in, among others, the Sierra del Ave y Cortes de Pallas, in the Pobla Tornesa, in Millares, in Montduver. This community now appears extinct in its full forest form.


description:
Forests or woodland of [Quercus rotundifolia] occupying deep soils in the dry thermo-Mediterranean areas of the Balearic islands. Reasonably preserved examples are extremely rare.


description:
Forest or woodland formations dominated by arborescent [Quercus coccifera] ([Quercus calliprinos], [Quercus pseudococcifera]) or [Quercus alnifolia].


description:
Arborescent [Quercus coccifera]-dominated formations of peninsular Greece, of the Ionian and Aegean archipelagoes and of Crete. Extensive, fully-developed stands exist in several areas of Crete. The most representative forests occupy valleys in the 700-800 m range of the southern slopes of the Psiloriti mountains; [Acer orientale], [Cephalanthera cucullata] and [Epipactis cretica] are associated. Other forests are found in the Lefka and Lassithi mountains; [Pyrus amygdaliformis], [Prunus webbii], [Pistacia terebinthus], [Phillyrea latifolia], [Styrax officinalis] are characteristic of various Cretan stands. Outside of Crete, forest stands are found sporadically, in particular on Ikaria, Samothrace and Mount Athos, where [Quercus coccifera] is associated with [Quercus ilex], and at high elevations of Rhodes, where [Quercus coccifera] forms woodland fragments with arborescent [Phillyrea media]. In many areas remnant tall [Quercus coccifera] may form arborescent matorral, as for instance on Ossa; coppice-like formations of young trees also occur.


description:
Very local [Quercus coccifera] formations of Puglia and southern Sicily.


description:
Extremely isolated [Quercus coccifera]-dominated forest of Nazare, Monte de S. Bartolomeu, with [Phillyrea media], [Pistacia lentiscus], [Phillyrea angustifolia], [Arbutus unedo], [Viburnum tinus], [Smilax aspera], [Asplenium onopteris].


description:
Arborescent [Quercus coccifera] ([Quercus calliprinos])-dominated formations of calcareous or ultra basic substrates of Cyprus.


description:
Arborescent [Quercus coccifera] ([Quercus calliprinos])-dominated forests or steppe-forests of Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean Anatolia, with [Quercus brachyphylla], [Quercus infectoria], [Arbutus andrachne], [Acer syriacum], [Fontanesia philliraeoides], [Aristolochia altissima], [Cyclamen persicum], [Eryngium falcatum].


description:
Arborescent [Quercus alnifolia]-dominated formations of Cyprus, installed on basic eruptive substrates of the Troodos range, with [Acer sempervirens], [Teucrium kotschyanum], [Salvia cypria], [Crepis fraasii], [Sedum cyprium].


description:
Lauriphyllous and mixed lauriphyllous-xerophyllous evergreen forests of the Warm-Temperate Humid zones of the Eurasian continent and continental shelf islands and of humid enclaves within the Mediterranean zones. Lauriphyllous forests of the oceanic Macaronesian archipelagoes are listed separately under G2.3.


hname:
Mediterraneo-Atlantic laurel - oak woodland

description:
[Laurus nobilis]-dominated facies of evergreen oak forests characteristic of areas of warm-temperate humid conditions of the southern Atlantic coasts of the European continent and of humid microclimatic enclaves in the Mediterranean region, in particular, of coastal Asturias (cf. G2.1211), of Andalusia, of Istria and the Dalmatian coast.


description:
Sub-Mediterranean xeric grasslands of the submontane and montane levels of the Adriatic façade of the Balkan peninsula, within the upper levels of the [Ostryo-Carpinion adriaticum] zone, reaching locally to the beech level, of more medio-European physiognomy than the formations of unit E1.551, and somewhat reminiscent of [Bromion erecti] grasslands.


description:
Submontane and montane sub-Mediterranean xeric grasslands of the Adriatic façade of the Balkan peninsula with [Carex humilis], [Bromus erectus], [Centaurea rupestris], [Leucanthemum liburnicum], [Plantago argentea], [Jurinea mollis], [Iris cengialti], [Pulsatilla vulgaris ssp. grandis] and, in warmer stations, [Filipendula vulgaris], [Lotus corniculatus], [Leontodon hispidus], [Briza media], on exposed slopes, [Sesleria juncifolia], [Gentiana lutea], [Gentiana clusii], [Trinia glauca], in the most montane situations [Arctostaphylos uva-ursi]. They occur from Trieste to Montenegro, and in the Velebit, Dinara, Kamesnika, Prenj und Biokovo ranges, and are used as pastures or sometimes hay meadows.


description:
Low, mat-forming submontane and montane sub-Mediterranean xeric grasslands of the Adriatic façade of the Balkan peninsula, occupying windswept hilltops, with [Satureja subspicata] with [Edraianthus tenuifolius], [Helianthemum oelandicum ssp. italicum], [Genista holopetala], [Crepis chondrilloides], distributed from the Orjen to the Obruc range.


description:
Submontane and montane sub-Mediterranean xeric grasslands of the Adriatic façade of the Balkan peninsula, replacing the grasslands of unit E1.5522 in the Obruc range and Gorsky Kotar on extremely wind-exposed domes with shallow dolomitic rendzinas, at an altitude of 800-1100 m, with [Carex mucronata], [Genista holopetala], [Euphorbia saxatilis], [Gentiana clusii], [Minuartia laricifolia], [Sesleria juncifolia].


description:
Lacunar, cespitose steppic grasslands of the northeastern Adriatic dominated by the tall andropogonid grasses [Chrysopogon gryllus] and [Dichanthium ischaemum], associated with [Cleistogenes serotina], and with [Carex humilis], [Anthyllis adriadica], [Asperula purpurea], the endemic [Centaurea cristata], [Artemisia alba], [Bupleurum veronense], [Petrorhagia saxifraga], [Argyrolobium zanonii], [Onosma javorkae], [Carlina corymbosa], [Gentiana tergestina]. They are characteristic of the Triestine karst, with uncommon occurrence in karstic Slovenia. These tall-grass steppic grasslands are intermediate between the more mediterranean andropogonid grass steppes of unit E1.4344 and the peri-Alpine [Chrysopogon] grasslands of unit E1.267. Related [Chrysopogon] grasslands also exist in units E1.551 and E1.553.


description:
Rock grasslands of steep slopes of the Triestine and Slovenian karst dominated by [Sesleria juncifolia], with [Carex humilis], [Allium ochroleucum], [Sempervivum tectorum], [Scorzonera austriaca var. platyphylla], [Athamanta turbith] and species of the [Sedo-Scleranthetea] and [Potentilletalia caulescentis] rock-debris and cliff cortèges.


description:
Sub-Mediterranean xeric grasslands of the Adriatic façade of the Balkan peninsula, within the [Ostryo-Carpinion adriaticum] zone, developed on deeper more acidified soils than the formations of units E1.551 and E1.552, over flysch or schists, or over loam or clay covered limestones.


description:
Deep soil, acidocline sub-Mediterranean xeric grasslands of the Adriatic façade of the Balkan peninsula, distributed in Istria, northern coastal Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, with [Danthonia provincialis], [Chrysopogon gryllus], [Bromus erectus], [Schoenus nigricans], [Dianthus ferrugineus ssp. liburnicus], [Ferulago campestris], [Scorzonera villosa].


description:
Deep soil, acidocline sub-Mediterranean xeric grasslands of the Adriatic façade of the Balkan peninsula, characteristic of the northern Quarnero-Istrian coastal area, with [Euphorbia nicaeensis], [Potentilla pedata], [Potentilla cinerea], [Dianthus carthusianorum].


description:
Deep soil, acidocline sub-Mediterranean xeric grasslands of the Adriatic façade of the Balkan peninsula, distributed the Quarnero Islands, in particular Rab, Pag and Muc, and in central and northern Dalmatia, with [Ononis spinosa ssp. antiquorum], [Astragalus monspessulanus ssp. illyricus], [Inula oculus-christi], [Onobrychis arenaria], [Scorpiurus subvillosus], [Leucanthemum croaticum], [Inula ensifolia].


description:
Deep soil, acidocline sub-Mediterranean xeric grasslands of the Adriatic façade of the Balkan peninsula, limited to moutain slopes of Istria, up to the beech level, transitional to medio-European [Bromion erecti] grasslands, with [Bromus erectus], [Brachypodium pinnatum], [Festuca valesiaca], [Thalictrum aquilegifolium], [Lilium bulbiferum], [Gentianella germanica], [Primula veris], [Scorzonera villosa], [Hypochoeris maculata].


description:
Deep soil, acidocline sub-Mediterranean xeric grasslands of the Adriatic façade of the Balkan peninsula, characteristic of clearings of the submontane hop-hornbeam beech woods with [Hypochoeris maculata], [Pedicularis acaulis], [Linum narbonense], [Carex montana], and a number of acidophilous species, such as [Calluna vulgaris].


description:
Open acidocline sub-Mediterranean xeric grasslands of the Adriatic façade of the Balkan peninsula, characteristic of fallow, superficially eroded fields of the Croatian coastal region, with [Poa bulbosa], [Seseli montanum ssp. tommasinii], [Trifolium incarnatum ssp. molinerii], [Ophrys bertolonii], [Salvia bertolonii], [Thymus longicaulis], [Sanguisorba minor ssp. muricata], [Silene vulgaris], [Festuca pseudovina], [Bromus erectus].


description:
Postcultural acidocline sub-Mediterranean xeric grasslands of the Adriatic façade of the Balkan peninsula dominated by [Cleistogenes serotina] ([Diplachne serotina], [Leptochloa serotina]).


description:
Sub-Mediterranean xeric grasslands of dolomitic rendzinas of Bosnia-Herzegovina, with [Peucedanum arenarium ssp. neumayerii], [Euphorbia barrelieri], [Reichardia macrophylla], [Silene reichenbachii], [Saponaria bellidifolia], [Haplophyllum patavium].


description:
Land dominated by annual grasses and herbs, on soils slightly enriched in nitrates, in the meso- and thermo-Mediterranean zones. Characteristic are [Bromus], [Aegilops], [Avena], [Vulpia], crucifers and leguminous plants. These annuals occur as pioneers of bare soils slightly nitrified by aeration or organic addition, along roads, on land-fills and in interstitial spaces of cultivation. They also replace the oligotrophic annual vegetation of Mediterranean xeric grasslands (E1.3) under the influence of pastoral activities. Subnitrophilous annual grassland is widespread as a successional stage after cultivation. Woody recolonisation may lead to maquis (F5) or garrigues (F6).


description:
Graminoid formations with [Bromus fasciculatus], [Bromus madritensis], [Bromus intermedius], [Bromus alopecuros], [Bromus rubens], [Bromus hordeaceus], [Bromus tectorum], [Aegilops neglecta], [Aegilops geniculata], [Aegilops triuncialis], [Aegilops ventricosa], [Taeniatherum caput-medusae], [Avena sterilis], [Avena barbata], [Lagurus ovatus], [Lolium rigidum], [Vulpia ciliata], [Vulpia bromoides], [Vulpia geniculata], [Lamarckia aurea], [Trisetum paniceum], [Cynosurus echinatus], [Stipa capensis], and with [Scandix australis], [Astragalus scorpioides], [Trifolium cherleri], [Trifolium hirtum], [Trifolium striatum], [Trifolium campestre], [Trifolium arvense], [Trifolium glomeratum], [Vicia lutea], [Medicago rigidula], [Medicago sativa], [Medicago littoralis], [Melilotus sulcata], [Coronilla scorpioides], [Filago minima], [Paronychia argentea], particularly widespread in Iberia, southern Italy, the mediterranean Balkans and Greece where they may cover vast expanses of post-cultural or extensive pasture lands, also locally represented in southern France and coastal northern Italy.


hname:
Burnt areas with very sparse or no vegetation

description:
Burnt ground that has not yet developed cover of vascular plants. Excludes recently burnt woodland (G5.8).


description:
Bog hummocks formed by the swollen-leaved, brownish or greenish-red [Sphagnum magellanicum], characteristic of suboceanic bogs, notably of bogs of the Danish archipelago, of sub-Atlantic Scandinavia in southeastern Norway and western Sweden, of northern Central Europe, of the southeastern Baltic lowlands, of the middle European Hercynian ranges, from the Ardennes, the Central Massif, the Vosges, the Black Forest east to the Bohemian Quadrangle, of the northern pre-Alpine plateaux and the Alps south to the southern Alps, of Amurland, also reported from the subalpine level of the Altai.


description:
Shiny brown [Sphagnum fuscum] hummocks, dense, usually low and wide, characteristic of bogs of subcontinental boreal Europe from southeastern Norway, central and eastern Sweden eastwards, of continental boreal Europe and western Siberia, of Kamchatka, of Sakhalin, of nemoral Central Europe and of boreonemoral Eastern Europe, of the Alps and the Carpathians, occasionally prominent in more western, more Atlantic, bogs, in particular, in the British Isles, also occurring as ombrotrophic bog hummocks within acidic or neutrocline mires of the same regions.


description:
Dark red [Sphagnum rubellum] ([Sphagnum capillifolium var. rubellum]) communities often encircling the bases of [Sphagnum magellanicum] or [Sphagnum fuscum] hummocks of nemoral European bogs.


description:
Hummocks of western Palaearctic bogs, mostly characteristic of Atlantic to sub-Atlantic nemoral bogs, recorded, in particular, from Jutland and southwestern Norway, the British Isles, the eastern Netherlands, eastern and southeastern Belgium, France, Germany and the Alps, dominated by [Sphagnum rubellum] ([Sphagnum capillifolium var. rubellum]).


description:
Often tall, large, dense hummocks of European bogs formed by the large, orange-gold [Sphagnum imbricatum], limited to undisturbed bogs in areas of strong maritime influence, in particular, in the British Isles, southwestern Sweden, Hercynian Belgium, northwestern Germany, formerly common, today rare and increasingly so.


description:
Low hummocks of olive-brown or ocre [Sphagnum papillosum], formed mostly in bogs of western and northern Europe, in particular, of the British Isles, Denmark, northwestern Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium. Outside of bogs, [Sphagnum papillosum] hummocks may form in a variety of mires, particularly in Atlantic regions.


description:
Hummocks of Palaearctic bogs formed by the reddish [Sphagnum capillifolium] ([Sphagnum capillifolium var. capillifolium]), known, in particular, from the southeastern Baltic coastal regions, from higher levels of the western and central European Hercynian ranges, from the Alps and from the Pyrenees.


description:
Hummocks of Palaearctic bogs formed by [Sphagnum angustifolium], recorded, in particular, from northeastern Europe and France.


hname:
Bog cottonsedge-sphagnum lawns and green hummock bases

description:
Communities dominated by [Eriophorum vaginatum] and sphagna, in particular, green or yellow [Sphagnum cuspidatum], [Sphagnum recurvum] ([Sphagnum apiculatum], [Sphagnum fallax]), [Sphagnum pulchrum], [Sphagnum papillosum], [Sphagnum balticum], [Sphagnum tenellum], also [Sphagnum magellanicum], [Sphagnum rubellum], [Sphagnum fuscum] and others, constituting extensive carpets or lawns, or, sometimes with a lesser prominence of [Eriophorum vaginatum], forming in the transition zone between hollows and hummocks of Palaearctic bogs; [Drosera rotundifolia], [Andromeda polifolia], [Vaccinium oxycoccos] are often common.


description:
Communities of bog lawns and of areas intermediate between hollows and hummocks in which often small loose cushions of [Sphagnum tenellum] dominate the ground layer, usually in association with [Sphagnum balticum], [Sphagnum rubellum], [Sphagnum papillosum], [Sphagnum subnitens], and with an emergent layer of [Eriophorum vaginatum], characteristic, in particular, of Finland, the southeastern Baltic coastlands, also recorded from Scandinavia, Britain and Ireland.


description:
Hollow-side and lawn communities of Palaearctic bogs dominated by the bright orange [Sphagnum pulchrum] associated with [Eriophorum vaginatum], recorded, in particular, from northwestern Central Europe, Ireland and western Britain.


description:
Lawns and hummock-to-hollow transition communities of Palaearctic bogs dominated by [Sphagnum papillosum] associated with [Eriophorum vaginatum], most characteristic of maritime and submaritime regions of the western and eastern Palaearctic, often constituting the dominant lawn community in Atlantic and sub-Atlantic bogs of nemoral Europe. [Erica tetralix] is a usual member of the community in western regions; when its cover exceeds that of [Eriophorum vaginatum] the stands should be listed under unit D1.1115. In boreal Europe [Sphagnum papillosum] carpets are more characteristic of minerotrophic acidic fens than of bogs.


description:
Lawns of Palaearctic bogs dominated by [Eriophorum vaginatum] associated with [Sphagnum capillifolium] ([Sphagnum capillifolium var. capillifolium]).


hname:
Beak-sedge ([Rhynchospora alba]) quaking bogs

description:
[Rhynchospora alba]-rich formations of transition mires of the Palaearctic domaine, with [Drosera anglica], [Drosera intermedia], [Drosera rotundifolia], [Vaccinium oxycoccos], [Carex limosa], [Carex rostrata], [Sphagnum recurvum] and sometimes with [Eleocharis quinqueflora], [Eriophorum latifolium], [Andromeda polifolia] or [Scheuchzeria palustris].


description:
Transition mire communities formed by floating, sometimes drifting, carpets of sphagna, in particular, [Sphagnum cuspidatum], [Sphagnum recurvum], [Sphagnum auriculatum] ([Sphagnum obesum]) or of sphagna and [Eriophorum angustifolium]. They may constitute fairly large transition mire communities in permanent heath pools, periglacial palsas, large raised bog and blanket bog pools and in former peat extraction holes. They often succeed the communities of unit D2.39 in the colonization process. They have an appearance that ranges from low, barely emerging sphagnum mats to fairly dense cottonsedge beds. [Drosera rotundifolia] is often abundant. The sphagnum and common cottongrass communities are an important habitat for the threatened bog orchid [Hammarbya paludosa].


description:
Transition mire communities of the Palaearctic domaine constituted by the association of forbs, in particular [Menyanthes trifoliata], [Potentilla palustris] ([Comarum palustre]), [Hydrocotyle vulgaris], [Cicuta virosa], and sphagna or brown mosses, often in floating carpets, occupying wet areas in mire systems or the terrestrialisation zone at the edge of watercourses and waterbodies. The community is clearly structured into three layers. [Potentilla palustris] ([Comarum palustre]) dominates in the highest one, the second layer is dominated by [Carex rostrata] and [Menyanthes trifoliata], and the third layer is composed of [Sphagnum] spp.


hname:
Boreo-nemoral bog bean and marsh cinquefoil rafts

description:
Pioneering floating carpets of the boreal Palaearctic and of the nemoral Atlantic, sub-Atlantic and sub-Continental Palaearctic, constituted by [Menyanthes trifoliata], [Potentilla palustris] ([Comarum palustre]), [Hydrocotyle vulgaris], often with [Equisetum fluviatile], [Carex rostrata], [Cicuta virosa], sphagna such as [Sphagnum fallax], [Sphagnum majus], [Sphagnum riparium], [Sphagnum squarrosum], or brown mosses, in particular, [Drepanocladus exannulatus], forming, in mire systems and the terrestrialisation zone at the edge of watercourses and waterbodies, a transition between aquatic or amphibious communities and mire communites. Initial stages have [Potamogeton polygonifolius] or [Potamogeton coloratus], late stages, [Carex nigra], [Juncus acutiflorus], [Molinia caerulea].


description:
Oligotrophic transition mire communities of the subalpine level of the boreoalpine and arctoalpine mountains of Fennoscandia formed by [Menyanthes trifoliata], [Sphagnum lindbergii], [Sphagnum majus], with [Carex] spp., [Eriophorum angustifolium], [Eriophorum russeolum].


description:
Open perennial grasslands and pastures colonizing siliceous, usually poorly developed soils of the supra-Mediterranean levels of the southern Balkan peninsula and northern Greece.


description:
Fossil dunes of the Camargue, built up by silty alluvial sands of the Rhone.


description:
Fossil dunes of the Coto Doñana and other areas of southwestern Iberia. They support very specialised scrub (F5.5A) and open grasslands belonging to the [Malcomietalia] (unit E1.A1, see also unit B1.48).


description:
Inland dunes of the Anatolian Plateau, of Transcaucasia, of the Iranian Plateau and of northern Mesopotamia, in the Irano-Anatolian zone of transition between the continental Eurasian steppes and the Mediterranean and southern Palaearctic desert zones, of the eastern cis-Caucasian hills of Daghestan and the Terek basin, the Kopet Dagh, the Pamir-Alai, the extreme western Tien-Shan.


description:
Dry, short grasslands, often rich in lichens and mosses, colonizing western and central European soils with a high content in heavy metals such as zinc and lead, and comprising uniquely adapted species, ecotypes or populations mostly related to, or derived from, otherwise montane, boreomontane or steppic species; heavy metal grasslands of distinctly alpine affinities, though spanning an altitudinal range that extends from the montane level and lowland dealpine stations to the subalpine and alpine levels, are included. Vegetation of alliance [Violetalia calaminariae].


description:
Heavy metal grasslands of the British Isles, with [Armeria maritima].


description:
Formations, in particular of Wales and the Pennines, developed in the vicinity of former mining operations or on river gravels, with [Minuartia verna], [Thlaspi caerulescens], [Armeria maritima], [Viola lutea], [Festuca ovina] s.l., [Festuca rubra] s.l., [Agrostis capillaris] ([Agrostis tenuis]).


description:
Grasslands on copper-rich soils of Killarney, with [Armeria maritima] and [Silene maritima].


description:
Open formations colonizing heavy metal soils, either natural or resulting from past mining operations, in rapid regression and limited to a few stations in eastern Belgium, western Rhineland, Westphalia and Lower Saxony, and to one station in the southern Netherlands, with outposts in northern France, comprised of a highly specialised flora with the endemics [Viola calaminaria], [Viola guestphalica], [Thlaspi caerulescens] ([Thlaspi alpestre ssp. calaminare]) and [Festuca aquisgranensis] ([Festuca ophioliticola ssp. calaminaria]), with [Minuartia verna var. hercynica], [Silene vulgaris ssp. humilis] and [Armeria halleri], limited to this formation and the next, and with the steppic, central European [Festuca valesiaca].


description:
Formations of eastern Belgium, the extreme southern Netherlands and the Aachen area, with the yellow-flowered [Viola calaminaria].


description:
Formations of northern Westfalia and of southern Lower Saxony, with the purple-flowered [Viola guestphalica].


description:
Western European calaminarian communities comprising [Armeria halleri] s.l. in the absence of [Viola lutea] or [Viola guestphalica], known from very isolated stations, in particular, in the Eifel, southwestern Belgium and northern France. [Cardaminopsis halleri] is characteristic.


description:
Fragmentary heavy metal grasslands of the Osnabrück region of Lower Saxony and of Sauerland, with [Thlaspi caerulescens] ([Thlaspi alpestre ssp. calaminare]), but without violets or thrift.


description:
Heavy metal grasslands of Saxony, of the Harz and of Upper Silesia, with the endemic or near endemic [Armeria halleri], [Armeria bottendorfensis], [Armeria hornburgensis] and with [Minuartia verna var. hercynica], [Silene vulgaris ssp. humilis].


description:
Fragmentary heavy metal grasslands of which the distinctive cortège is essentially reduced to [Silene vulgaris ssp. humilis], characteristic, in particular, of cupreous shists of the Niedersmarsberg of Westfalia, of outlying heavy metal stations of southern Germany in the Wiesloch-Baiertal of northern Baden-Württemberg and the southern Black Forest, as well as of peripheral sites within the range of other heavy metal lowland and hill communities.


description:
Formations of heavy metal soils of the alpine and subalpine levels of the Alps and the Pyrenees, with, among others, [Dianthus sylvestris], [Galium anisophyllon], [Poa alpina], [Armeria arenaria], [Thlaspi caerulescens], and the very restricted southern Alpine endemic [Viola dubyana]; they descend to the montane level and occur in some dealpine stations.


hname:
Dry mediterranean lands with unpalatable non-vernal herbaceous vegetation

description:
Dry lands with shrub cover < 10%, and with a large component of non-vernal unpalatable plants, including geophytes ([Asphodelus], [Urginea]), thistles ([Carthamus], [Carlina], [Centaurea], [Onopordum]), [Ferula] and [Phlomis], especially characteristic of the drier parts of the Mediterranean basin. These habitats usually result from over-grazing of garrigue, which eliminates the shrubs.


description:
Communities of degraded terrains of the Mediterranean basin overwhelmingly dominated by facies-forming Liliaceae of genus [Asphodelus].


description:
Communities of degraded terrains of the Mediterranean basin overwhelmingly dominated by facies-forming thistles, notably of genera [Carthamus], [Carlina], [Centaurea], [Onopordum], [Notobasis], [Galactites].


description:
[Arthrocnemum perenne] formations of Iberian interior salt basins.


hname:
Spiny Mediterranean heaths (phrygana, hedgehog-heaths and related coastal cliff vegetation)

description:
Shrublands with dominant low spiny shrubs, widespread in Mediterranean and Anatolian regions with a summer-dry climate, occurring from sea level to high altitudes on dry mountains.


description:
Spiny shrublands, mainly on coastal cliffs, of the western Mediterranean region.


hname:
West Mediterranean mainland clifftop phrygana

description:
Rare, extremely local and isolated associations of clifftops and adjacent areas dispersed along the coasts of Provence, Cap Corse, the Straits of Bonifacio, Catalonia (Cabo de Creus) and extreme southwestern Portugal, characterized by the presence of [Astragalus massiliensis] or [Anthyllis hermanniae], variously accompanied by [Thymelaea hirsuta], [Helichrysum italicum], [Plantago subulata], [Armeria ruscinonensis].


description:
Very rare clifftop cushion formations of the calcareous Marseilles coast of Provence (les Goudes), with [Astragalus massiliensis], [Thymelaea tartonraira] and [Plantago subulata].


description:
Cliff-top communities of the cristalline maritime façade of the Maures and the Esterel (southern France), with [Anthyllis barba-jovis], [Thymelaea hirsuta], [Limonium minutum], [Euphorbia pithyusa], and of Catalonia and Roussillon, with [Thymelaea hirsuta], [Polycarpon polycarpoides], [Plantago subulata].


description:
Clifftop cushion formations of the western Mediterranean basin dominated by [Anthyllis hermanniae], distributed in particular on Cap Corse and the Maltese Islands.


description:
Formations of the southern tip of Corsica and the extreme northern coast of Sardinia, with [Astragalus massiliensis], accompanied by [Teucrium polium], [Asteriscus maritimus], [Plantago coronopus ssp. humulis], [Artemisia arborescens].


description:
Isolated formation of the Cabo de Creus promontory in Catalonia, with [Astragalus massiliensis], [Pistacia lentiscus], [Cistus albidus], [Cistus salvifolius], [Phillyrea angustifolia], [Juniperus oxycedrus].


description:
Very isolated formations of the Cabo de Sao Vicente and the Ponta de Sagres (Portugal), with [Astragalus massiliensis] and [Crithmum maritimum].


description:
Formations of the coasts of Mallorca and Minorca dominated by the cushion-forming Balearic endemics [Launaea cervicornis], [Astragalus balearicus], [Centaurea balearica], [Anthyllis fulgurans], [Anthyllis hermanniae ssp. hystrix], [Teucrium subspinosum].


description:
Spiny shrublands, mainly coastal, of the central Mediterranean region.


description:
Highly threatened formations of the promontories of northern Sardinia, limited to the peninsulas of Stintino and Capo Caccia and the islands of Asinara and Tavola, dominated by the large, silvery-blue, hemispherical cushions of the endemic Tertiary relict [Centaurea horrida], associated with many other endemic or restricted relict species including [Astragalus massiliensis], [Erodium corsicum], [Limonium acutifolium], [Nananthea perpusilla], [Evax rotundata], [Armeria pungens].


description:
Very local [Genista acanthoclada ssp. sardoa]-dominated communities of northwestern Sardinia.


description:
Thermo-Mediterranean formations of headlands and peninsulas of Corsica and Sardinia dominated by cushion-forming spiny [Genista corsica] or [Genista morisii]. These endemic species participate in the constitution of hedgehog-heaths (unit F7.45) as well as in that of the coastal formations listed here, which assume an evident phrygana appearance; they may also enter in the composition of midelevation formations of less distinctive appearance which can be listed under unit F6.18.


description:
Coastal formation of hemispherical shrubs with the Pantelleria endemics [Helichrysum saxatile ssp. errerae] and [Matthiola pulchella], vicariant of the west Mediterranean, Balearic and Sardinian clifftop phryganas.


hname:
Central Mediterranean thorny burnet ([Sarcopoterium]) phrygana

description:
Very local, impoverished [Sarcopoterium spinosum] formations of Capo St. Elia (southern Sardinian coast), of the Gulf of Taranto (Puglia, Calabria) and of the Maltese Islands.


description:
Extremely rare, local colonies of hemispherical shrubs of [Hypericum aegyptiacum] forming open phryganas on calcareous rocks by the sea in the Ionian islands, western Crete, Sardinia and Lampedusa.


description:
Spiny shrublands, widespread at low and middle altitudes in the eastern Mediterranean and Anatolian regions. [Sarcopoterium spinosum] is a common dominant in the Aegean region.


description:
Subclimax birch woods occupying soils intoxicated by heavy metals, with an herb layer that may include metallophytes and habitually calciphile species.


description:
Birch woods formed by [Betula pubescens], [Betula pendula] and [Populus canescens] with [Viola hirta], [Ligustrum vulgare], [Polygonatum odoratum], in calcareous North Sea and Baltic dunes.


description:
[Betula pendula]-dominated woods of the basins of the Drava and Sava in Slovenia, Croatia, northern Bosnia-Herzegovina and of neighbouring regions, in part birch facies of the acidophilous [Betula pendula]-[Quercus petraea] forests of unit G1.8734, in part pioneer formations in forest clearings and other recolonisation areas.


description:
Birch woods, often extensive and pure, formed by [Betula pubescens] ([Betula odorata], [Betula carpatica]) or [Betula pendula], beyond and above the present range of oak woods in Scotland and northern England.


description:
Birch stands of the montane and subalpine levels of the Alps, the Carpathians, the Apennines, the Pyrenees, the Jura, the Hercynian ranges and the mountains of the Balkan peninsula, mostly subclimax formations of stations with anomalous edaphic and microclimatic conditions.


description:
Tree-limit birch stands, of local distribution in the Alps.


description:
Birch stands, mostly of [Betula pubescens] ([Betula carpatica], [Betula tortuosa]), occupying, in the Alps, the Jura and the Hercynian ranges, cold stations on cliff-base rocky screes and boulder-falls through which cold air flows.


description:
Birch-dominated formations of the Pyrenees, locally frequent in all vegetation levels.


description:
Isolated birch stations of the Apennines, in the Abruzzi, bosco di Manziana (Latium), monti Alburni, monti Picentini.


description:
[Betula pendula] stands of the montane and subalpine levels of mountains of the Balkan Peninsula, including the Balkan Range, the Rhodope Mountains, the Dinarides and the northwestern Hellenides.


description:
[Betula pendula] stands of the montane and subalpine levels of the Balkan Range and the Rhodope Mountains.


description:
[Betula pendula] stands of the montane and subalpine levels of mountains of the western Balkan Peninsula.


description:
[Betula pendula] woods of montane level of the eastern Carpathian system forming as pioneer stands in felled areas of spruce, beech and mixed beech-fir and beech-fir-spruce forests.


description:
[Betula pendula]-dominated woods of the upper montane level of the Southern Carpathians and the Eastern Carpathians, on superficial brown acid soils of steep slopes in the zone of mixed spruce forests, rich in [Sorbus aucuparia] and accompanied by [Picea abies], [Oxalis acetosella], [Vaccinium myrtillus], [Vaccinium vitis-idaea], [Pulmonaria rubra], [Salix silesiaca], [Calamagrostis arundinacea] and some [Fagetalia] species.


description:
[Betula pendula]-dominated woods situated on sandy brown weathered soils of steep slopes and hilltops of the lower montane level of the Apuseni mountains, in particular of the Plopis and Gilau mountains, with [Populus tremula] and representatives of the [Epilobion angustifolii], and of the [Fagetalia].


description:
Woods dominated by [Betula pendula] accompanied by [Quercus robur] with psammophyllous species in the herb layer, characteristic of the inland dunes of the eastern rim of the eastern intra-Carpathian basin of Romania, in the region of St. Gheorghe, at Reci in the Kovasna district.


description:
[Betula pendula] formations of the upper montane level of Corsica, forming extensive subclimax belts on rocky, rapidly eroding soils at the upper forest limit, as well as transition communities in the evolution of laricio pine or beech forests.


description:
Formations of the upper montane and supra-Mediterranean levels of Iberia dominated by the endemic [Betula celtiberica].


description:
[Quercus ilex]-dominated forests and woods of the Adriatic coast of the Balkan peninsula, restricted to the Dalmatian archipelago and to a narrow coastal belt of the mainland extending from the gulf of Sarand‰ to Istria, with [Pistacia terebinthus], [Fraxinus ornus], [Coronilla emerus], [Ostrya carpinifolia], [Carpinus orientalis], [Laurus nobilis], [Viburnum tinus], [Rhamnus alaternus], [Rosa sempervirens], [Lonicera etrusca], [Clematis flammula], [Rubia peregrina], [Smilax aspera], [Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris], [Cyclamen purpurascens], [Prunus mahaleb], and, in the most thermic stands, [Myrtus communis] and [Juniperus phoenicea]. They are mostly degraded to arborescent matorral or coppice; fully developed forests are recorded very locally in the Dalmatian archipelago, in particular on Rab, Lokrum, Mljet and Brioni.


description:
Mostly upper meso-Mediterranean [Quercus ilex]-dominated formations of Calabria and Sicily with [Viola alba ssp. dehnhardtii], [Teucrium siculum], [Carex distachya], [Cyclamen repandum], [Pyrus amygdaliformis], [Ruscus aculeatus], [Cytisus villosus], [Asparagus acutifolius], [Rubia peregrina], [Asplenium onopteris], [Luzula forsteri], [Lonicera etrusca], [Smilax aspera], [Rosa sempervirens] and, in some facies, [Chamaerops humilis], [Pistacia lentiscus], [Phillyrea media], [Arbutus unedo]; like the preceding formations, they are usually degraded to arborescent matorral or coppice, but fine stands survive locally, particularly in Sicily, Puglia (e.g. Bosco delle Pianelle) and Calabria (e.g. Boschi di Badolato).


hname:
Pantellerian and Maltese holm-oak woodland

description:
Relictual pockets of [Quercus ilex] woodland of Pantelleria and the Maltese Islands.


description:
[Quercus ilex]-dominated formations of peninsular Greece and the Ionian and Aegean archipelagoes, with the exception of those of Crete; associated with [Quercus ilex] are [Quercus coccifera], [Arbutus andrachne], [Arbutus unedo], [Phillyrea latifolia], [Pistacia terebinthus], [Pistacia lentiscus], [Olea europaea], [Juniperus oxycedrus]; arborescent matorrals (unit F5.1) occur throughout the area, though much less commonly than in the western Mediterranean; reasonably extensive, fully developed, mature forest stands do not appear to remain.


description:
Uncommon [Quercus ilex] formations of Crete; small stands of arborescent matorral (unit 32.1), in which [Quercus ilex] may be associated with [Quercus coccifera] or [Quercus brachyphylla], occur sporadically, particularly on rocky slopes; orchard-like groves of old [Quercus ilex], [Quercus brachyphylla] and cultivated [Olea europaea] exist in the extreme west of the island; heavily grazed, they may be more akin to dehesa (unit E7.3) than to forest.


description:
[Quercus ilex] forests of the supra-mediterranean levels of northwestern Mediterranean and Adriatic hills and mountains, often mixed with deciduous oaks, [Acer] spp. or [Ostrya carpinifolia].


description:
Isolated [Quercus ilex]-dominated stands occurring as a facies of dunal pine-holm oak forests.


description:
Iberian forest communities formed by [Quercus rotundifolia]. Generally, even in mature state, less tall, less luxuriant and drier than the fully developed forests that can be constituted by the closely related [Quercus ilex], they are, moreover, most often degraded into open woodland or even arborescent matorral. Species characteristic of the undergrowth are [Arbutus unedo], [Phillyrea angustifolia], [Rhamnus alaternus], [Pistacia terebinthus], [Rubia peregrina], [Jasminum fruticans], [Smilax aspera], [Lonicera etrusca], [Lonicera implexa].


description:
Forests and woodland of [Quercus rotundifolia] occupying mostly base-rich soils of the meso- and supra-Mediterranean areas of the central and eastern Meseta, the edges of the Ebro basin and of their bordering northern and eastern mountain ranges, under fairly continental, dry climates.


description:
[Quercus rotundifolia] formations distributed over a large potential range on the Meseta and its margins, from the upper Ebro to the Valencian hinterland and the cold, dry plateaux of northeastern Andalusia. Well-preserved examples are rare, most of the forests on good soils having been replaced by cultivation.


description:
Basophilous, dry to subhumid woodland widespread in the supra-Mediterranean levels of the Castilian Duero basin, and of the northeastern mountains and plateaux associated with the Iberian Range. They are often rich in [Juniperus thurifera] and associate or alternate with juniper woodland and [Quercus faginea] or [Quercus pyrenaica] deciduous woodland.


description:
[Quercus rotundifolia] woods of superficial calcareous soils of crests, spurs and upper sunny slopes of the upper Ebro basin and southern slopes of the Cordillera Cantabrica, locally entering also Euro-Siberian Cantabrian areas, with [Amelanchier ovalis], [Rosa agrestis], [Lonicera etrusca], [Spiraea hypericifolia ssp. obovata], [Juniperus communis], [Juniperus oxycedrus], [Juniperus phoenicea].


description:
Relict, xerophile collinar-montane [Quercus rotundifolia] and [Quercus rotundifolia] x [Quercus ilex] forests developed on mostly calcareous, well-drained shallow soils of steep slopes and gorges in the Cordillera Cantabrica and a very few areas of Galicia, rich in [Cephalanthera] and [Epipactis] orchids.


description:
Forests and woodland of [Quercus rotundifolia] occupying mostly siliceous soils of the meso- and supra-Mediterranean areas of the western Meseta and neighbouring regions under more Atlantic, though generally dry, climates. Well-preserved examples are rare, most of the remaining wooded areas being under dehesa (84.5) regime.


description:
Meso-Mediterranean [Quercus rotundifolia] formations widespread on the plains and plateaux of Extremadura, Alentejo and neighbouring regions, and in the Sierra Morena and the Montes de Toledo. It is almost entirely transformed into dehesa.


description:
More northern, upper meso-Mediterranean and lower supra-Mediterranean [Quercus rotundifolia] formations, poorer in Mediterranean species, of the western plateaux of Old Castile and adjacent southern Leon and Galicia; [Genista hystrix] is a physiognomically striking element. Also essentially eliminated as forest formations, these woodlands constitute, together with the preceding unit, the basis for the western Iberian dehesa, one of the most characteristic landscapes of the peninsula and an importand habitat of larger fauna.


description:
[Quercus rotundifolia] formations of the Cordillera Central, characteristic of cool meso-Mediterranean and sunny supra-Mediterranean slopes of the sierras de Guadarrama, de Gredos, de Bejar, de Ayllon and neighbouring areas; they extend east to siliceous enclaves of the Iberian Range. Adapted to a more continental climate than the two previous units, they are poorer in shrubs and lianas. They often constitute low, open woodland.


description:
Summital [Quercus rotundifolia] elfin forests of the high elevations of the Montes de Toledo.


hname:
Eastern Adriatic supra-Mediterranean hop-hornbeam woods

description:
[Ostrya carpinifolia]-dominated woods of the supra-Mediterranean [Ostryo-Carpinion orientalis] zone of the Adriatic region of the western Balkan peninsula and of Greece.


description:
[Ostrya carpinifolia]-dominated woods of the supra-Mediterranean zone of the northern and central Apennines.


description:
[Ostrya carpinifolia]-dominated woods of the supra-Mediterranean zone of Corsica, limited to the northeastern part of the island.


hname:
Southern Tyrrhenian supra-Mediterranean hop-hornbeam woods

description:
[Ostrya carpinifolia]-dominated woods of the supra-Mediterranean zone of the southern Appenines, Sardinia and Sicily.


description:
[Ostrya carpinifolia]-dominated woods of the montane [Fagion medio-europaeum], [Fagion illyricum], [Fagion moesiacum], [Fagion dacicum], [Fagion hellenicum], developed at the upper limit of the altitudinal range of the forests of units G1.7C12 or G1.7C14, with an accompanying flora usually formed by a combination of beech forest and thermophilous oak forest species.


description:
[Ostrya carpinifolia]-dominated woods of the [Carpinion illyricum] zone of the Sava and Drava basin, with irradiations into the southeastern Alps, in particular, in the Karawanken and in the eastern Dinarides, extending from southern Austria to Bosnia-Herzegovina.


description:
Mostly low woods of sunny, shallow-soil limestone and dolomite slopes of the [Carpinion illyricum] zone of northern Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia, dominated by [Ostrya carpinifolia], facies of the [Querco-Ostryetum carpinifoliae] hop-hornbeam oak woods of unit G1.73751.


hname:
Illyrian spring heath hop-hornbeam woods

description:
[Ostrya carpinifolia] woods of generally steep dolomite or limestone slopes and screes of the [Carpinion illyricum] region of Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, extending north to Austria in the Drava basin, the Karawanken and, very locally, the middle Inn Valley, with [Fraxinus ornus], [Sorbus aria], [Acer obtusatum], a rich shrub layer formed by [Viburnum lantana], [Juniperus communis], [Berberis vulgaris], [Rosa] spp., [Amelanchier ovalis], [Clematis vitalba] and an herb layer dominated by [Sesleria albicans] and [Carex humilis] on rocky slopes, by [Erica herbacea] ([Erica carnea]) on scree slopes; [Helleborus niger ssp. macranthus] is often abundant and [Daphne blagayana] is notable in some stands.


description:
Uncommon [Ostrya carpinifolia]-dominated facies of thermophilous woods of the Taurus, the Amanus.


description:
[Carpinus orientalis]-dominated facies of the thermophilous woods of units G1.73, G1.74, G1.76, particularly abundant in Greece, the middle Balkan peninsula, Anatolia and the Caucasus. Often of secondary nature, they replace oak forests on eroded soil after deforestation, especially on calcareous soils.


description:
Thermophilous [Carpinus orientalis]-dominated woods of the [Carpinion betuli illyricum] and [Fagion illyricum] regions of northern and central Bosnia-Herzegovina, where they occupy sunny calcareous slopes, and of the Sava-Drava interfluve hills, between the Papuk Range and the Fruska Gora.


description:
[Carpinus orientalis]-dominated facies of thermophilous woods of the Balkan peninsula, south to Greece.


description:
Low woods of northern Greece, Albania, the F.Y.R. of Macedonia and southwestern Bulgaria, including the northern and eastern foothills of the Rhodopes, dominated by [Carpinus orientalis].


description:
Low woods of Serbia and central Bulgaria, in particular, the foothills of the Balkan Range, dominated by [Carpinus orientalis].


description:
Low woods of eastern Serbia, western Bulgaria and the Banat, Oltenia and Muntenia in southwestern Romania, dominated by [Carpinus orientalis], rich in [Syringa vulgaris].


description:
Low woods of northern Bulgaria, the Banat and Oltenia, dominated by [Carpinus orientalis], with [Fraxinus ornus], [Cotinus coggygria], [Oryzopsis holciformis], [Oxytropis virescens], [Stachys leucoglossa], [Paeonia peregrina], [Salvia ringens], [Cornus mas], [Quercus pubescens].


hname:
Eastern Adriatic oriental hornbeam woods

description:
Woods of the [Ostryo-Carpinion orientalis] region of the western Balkan peninsula, developed in the supra-Mediterranean level of the Triestine Riviera, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, northern Albania, dominated by [Carpinus orientalis].


description:
This habitat type contains two biotopes which, although have different physical habitat characteristics, share the fact that they colonise new areas of artificial substrata relatively quickly. The [Ascidiella aspersa] fouling biotope (A4.722) is found on wave-sheltered artificial substrata such as discarded fishing nets/mooring lines. A separate fouling biotope (A4.721) is described for open coast wrecks. This biotope has a characteristic faunal community of [Alcyonium digitatum] and the anemone [Metridium senile]. Other species recorded in this complex (primarily under subunit A4.721) include the hydroid [Nemertesia antennina], the anemones [Actinothoe sphyrodeta] and [Sagartia elegans], the cup coral [Caryophyllia smithii], the bryozoans [Flustra foliacea] and [Bugula plumosa], the crabs [Necora puber], [Cancer pagurus] and [Maja squinado] and the lobster [Homarus gammarus].


hname:
[Alcyonium digitatum] and [Metridium senile] on moderately wave-exposed circalittoral steel wrecks

description:
This biotope is found on moderately wave-exposed circalittoral steel wrecks that are subject to moderately strong to weak tidal streams. The vertical and upward facing sides of the wreck stand proud of the seabed, and may be colonised by dense aggregations of [Alcyonium digitatum], [Metridium senile] and [Actinothoe sphyrodeta]. [Caryophyllia smithii] and [Corynactis viridis] are also recorded with varying abundance. A mixed faunal turf may also be present on the vertical sides, with [Nemertesia antennina], [Flustra foliacea] and [Bugula plumosa]. Where tidal stream strength is elevated, for example if the wreck is situated in a straight or sound, the hydroid [Tubularia indivisa] may prevail. Crustaceans such as the crabs [Necora puber], [Maja squinado] and [Cancer pagurus], the lobster [Homarus gammarus] and barnacles are all recorded. The top shell [Calliostoma zizyphinum] is also recorded.


hname:
[Ascidiella aspersa] on circalittoral artificial substrata

description:
Sheltered artificial substrata (such as discarded fishing nets or scrap metal on muddy sediment plains), sometimes subject to variable salinity, with high numbers of the ascidian [Ascidiella aspersa] which is capable of rapidly colonising hard substrata. Other species that are quickly able to take advantage of such substrata include the dahlia anemone [Urticina felina] and the plumose anemone [Metridium senile]. The edible crab [Cancer pagurus], the velvet swimming crab [Necora puber] and the shore crab [Carcinus maenas] may occasionally be found hiding under the discarded nets, lobster pots or anchor chains.
Situation: As a fouling community, this biotope may be found throughout the circalittoral zone in coastal waters. It may be more prevalent around harbours, moorings, and fishing grounds where suitable substratum is available. In situations where wave exposure or tidal stream increase, biotopes dominated by bryozoans and/or robust hydroids (unit A4.21) may arise.
Temporal variation: A gradual development of more long-lived species is expected, where the artificial substrata are of a more permanent nature (e.g. wooden or concrete pier pilings).


hname:
Pontic large Hydrozoa and [Molgula manhattensis] on circalittoral steel wrecks


hname:
Pontic sulphide vents in infralittoral and circalittoral rock


hname:
Pontic methane seeps in infralittoral an circalittoral rock


description:
[Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. macrocarpa] thickets and low woods of the outer belt of the juniper woods of fixed Mediterranean and Mediterraneo-Atlantic dunes. Well-developed woods and forests are placed in unit B1.7, with the habitat specified by unit G3.99 (B1.7 x G3.99).


description:
[Juniperus phoenicea ssp. lycia] thickets of the inner belt of the juniper woods of fixed Mediterranean and Mediterraneo-Atlantic dunes. Well-developed woods and forests are placed in unit B1.7, with the habitat specified by unit G3.9A (B1.7 x G3.9A).


description:
[Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. transtagana] scrub of the dunes of southwestern Portugal.


description:
[Juniperus communis] scrubs of the calcareous dunes of northwest Jutland.


description:
Sclerophyllous, lauriphyllous or drought-deciduous scrub and thickets  established on dunes of mediterranean or warm-temperate humid regions. They are partially represented by classes of [Ononido-Rosmarinetea], [Quercetea ilicis], [Cisto-Lavanduletea], [Retametea raetami], [Cisto-Micromerietea] and [Ammophiletea].


description:
Naturalized planted [Rosa rugosa] thickets planted for stabilization of shifting sandy soils. Shrubs low (0.3–0.8 m height) and dense. Sparser thickets include species of the [Ammophiletea] class.


description:
Coastal dunes colonised by woodland which are directly influenced by proximity to the sea.


hname:
[Ulothrix flacca] and [Urospora] spp. on freshwater-influenced vertical littoral fringe soft rock

description:
An assemblage of the small un-branched filamentous green seaweeds [Ulothrix flacca], [Urospora penicilliformis] and [Urospora wormskioldii] at High Water Spring Tide level on steep and vertical rock often influenced by freshwater. The community is also present in areas with freshwater seepage. It is visually recognised as a closely adherent, often shiny, green mat of filamentous growth. Associated species include the green seaweeds [Blidingia minima] and [Enteromorpha prolifera], the barnacle [Semibalanus balanoides] and the limpet [Patella vulgata], but these species are not common. Although this biotope does occur on rock other than chalk, this description has been derived from chalk coast sites. More information is needed to improve this description.
Situation: On chalk coasts this community can include [Enteromorpha] spp. and the transition from B3.115 to A1.451 is often indistinct and a mixed zone of B3.115 and A1.451 can occur.
Temporal variation: This biotope is more easily identifiable from autumn to spring as both [Urospora] spp. and [Bangia atropurpurea] may dry out and disappear during the summer. In late winter the red seaweed [B. atropurpurea] may be predominant and the community then appears as shiny blackish mats of filamentous growth.


hname:
Association with [Entophysalis deusta] and [Verrucaria amphibia]


hname:
Rock stacks and islets above high tide level in splash zone


hname:
Unvegetated rock cliffs, ledges, shores and islets

description:
Hard-rock sea-cliffs, their faces, ledges and associated caves, rocky shores and isolated seaside rocks, their associated seabird, sea mammal, wader and, in a few cases, terrestrial passerine, communities. Vascular plant cover is by definition very low or absent, but lichens are normally present.


description:
Sea-cliffs and their associated features, rocky shores and isolated seaside rocks of the High Arctic seas bordering middle and northern Greenland, Spitzbergen, Franz Josef Land, Novaya Zemlya, Severnaya Zemlya, the New Siberian Islands, Wrangel Island and the northern Siberian mainland from the north coast of the Yamal peninsula eastwards. Together with floating ice (unit A8.1), they constitute the main hauling-out places for [Odobenus rosmarus]. [Fulmarus glacialis], [Larus glaucoides], [Larus hyperboreus], [Cepphus grylle], [Plautus alle], [Uria lomvia], [Branta bernicla] are among characteristic bird species.


hname:
Atlantic low Arctic sea-cliffs and rocky shores

description:
Sea-cliffs, cliff-faces, ledges and caves, rocky shores and isolated seaside rocks of the Low Arctic region of the North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean, in southern Greenland, Iceland, Jan Mayen, Bear Island, northern Scandinavia, northwestern mainland Russia, southern and middle Novaya Zemlya. They constitute the principal breeding, resting or feeding areas of multitudes of seabirds and sea-mammals during at least part of the year.


hname:
Temperate Atlantic sea-cliffs and rocky shores

description:
Sea-cliffs, their faces, ledges and associated caves, rocky shores and isolated seaside rocks of the Atlantic temperate region, including the North Sea, the English Channel, the Irish Sea and the Bay of Biscay, along the coasts of Scandinavia south of the Arctic Circle, of the Faeroes, of the British Isles and their outlying archipelagoes, of mainland Europe south to Galicia. They are the breeding, resting or feeding places of great numbers of seabirds and sea-mammals, of which [Halichoerus grypus], [Sula bassana], [Uria aalge], [Alca torda], [Rissa tridactyla], [Phalacrocorax aristotelis aristotelis] are characteristic.


hname:
Unvegetated Baltic rocky shores and cliffs

description:
Sea-cliffs, their faces and ledges, rocky shores and isolated seaside rocks of the Baltic Sea.


hname:
Baltic unvegetated gently sloping limestone rocky shores


hname:
Baltic unvegetated gently sloping sandstone rocky shores


hname:
Baltic unvegetated gently sloping crystalline bedrock shores


hname:
Baltic unvegetated coastal limestone cliffs and caves


hname:
Baltic unvegetated coastal sandstone cliffs and caves


hname:
Baltic unvegetated coastal crystalline bedrock cliffs and caves


hname:
Subtropical Atlantic sea-cliffs and rocky shores

description:
Sea-cliffs, their faces, ledges and associated caves, rocky shores and isolated seaside rocks of the subtropical zone of the Atlantic, including the Canary Islands, Madeira, the Azores, the Mediterraneo-Atlantic coasts of Iberia, the Mediterraneo-Atlantic and Saharo-Atlantic coasts of Africa, south to Cap Blanc. A major zone of upwelling developed along the north African coast and the Canary Islands enhances their value as important breeding and resting places for marine birds and mammals. Their caves harbour the two remaining Atlantic subpopulations of the gravely endangered Monk Seal [Monachus monachus], endemic to this region and the next, those of Madeira and of the Cap Blanc coasts. [Calonectris diomedea borealis], [Larus cachinnans atlantis], [Phalacrocorax carbo maroccanus], [Phalacrocorax aristotelis riggenbachi] are seabirds endemic to the region for which cliffs and rocky shores provide an important breeding habitat.


hname:
Eastern Ponto-Sarmatic steppe willow galleries

description:
Riverine woods dominated by [Salix alba], [Salix fragilis] and [Populus nigra], of floodplains of the lower Dniestr, the lower Dniepr basin, the lower and middle Don and Donetz system, the lower Volga basin, the Kouma and Terek basins, reaching a width of three kilometres on the lower Dniepr.


description:
Riverside, lakeside and seaside alder, birch or pine galleries and cordons of the boreal, boreonemoral and boreosteppic zones, of the high mountains of the nemoral zone and of their piedmont influence region, dominated by [Alnus incana] along the montane and submontane rivers of the Alps, the Carpathians, the northern Apennines, the Dinarides, the Balkan Range, the Rhodope Mountains and neighbouring regions, by [Alnus incana] or [Alnus glutinosa] in boreal Fennoscandia and northeastern Europe, by [Betula pendula] or [Pinus sylvestris] in western Siberia. In the herb layer, nitrophilous and hygrophilous species dominate: [Aegopodium podagraria], [Chaerophyllum hirsutum], [Petasites hybridus], [Crepis paludosa] and [Caltha palustris ssp. laeta].


description:
[Alnus incana]-dominated formations lining watercourses in mountainous regions of the Alps, the Carpathians, the Dinarides, the Balkan Range, the Rhodope Mountains, the Apennines and the Bohemian Quadrangle.


description:
[Alnus incana] formations of the upper reaches of Alpine, particularly inner Alpine, valleys, with outposts in the Dinarides, replacing, colonizing or fringing the pioneer willow scrubs of the [Salicion eleagni] (unit F9.11).


description:
Relictual formations of [Alnus incana] of the northern Apennines.


description:
[Alnus incana] galleries of the montane rivers of the western and northern Carpathians and of the Hercynian ranges of the Bohemian Quadrangle, best developed in the 400 to 600 metre altitudinal range, ascending to 900 metres.


hname:
Hercynio-Carpathian sage grey alder galleries

description:
[Alnus incana] riverine galleries of the western and northern Carpathians and of the Bohemian Quadrangle, developed on well drained substrates, in particular on gravel flats and the lower parts of valley slopes, with [Salvia glutinosa], [Thalictrum aquilegifolium], [Matteuccia struthiopteris].


hname:
Hercynio-Carpathian caltha grey alder galleries

description:
[Alnus incana] galleries of the western and northern Carpathians and of the Bohemian Quadrangle, developed on damper substrates, with [Caltha palustris] ([Caltha laeta]), [Valeriana simplicifolia].


description:
[Alnus incana] galleries along the upper reaches of Eastern Carpathian valleys, with regional species [Telekia speciosa], [Petasites kablikianus], [Symphytum cordatum], [Pulmonaria rubra], [Leucanthemum waldsteinii], which replace the pioneer willow scrubs of the [Salici purpureae-Myricarietum].


description:
[Alnus incana] galleries of the montane Tara and Lim rivers of Montenegro, with [Aconitum toxicum], [Doronicum austriacum], [Oxalis acetosella] and many species shared with Alpine grey alder galleries.


description:
[Alnus incana] galleries lining watercourses of the upper levels of the central Balkan Range.


description:
[Alnus incana] galleries lining watercourses of the upper levels of Vitosha, Rila and the western Rhodope mountains.


description:
Alder formations of the middle course of rivers flowing from the Alps, in particular of rivers of the Danube, Rhine and Rhone systems with many species normally found at higher altitudes


description:
[Alnus incana]-dominated galleries and woods of the boreal zone of Fennoscandia and northeastern Europe, southwest to northeastern Poland, developed on nutrient-rich soils of river valleys, lakesides and the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland, periodically inundated by snow-melt waters or autumn rains, with [Betula pubescens], [Prunus padus], [Valeriana sambucifolia], [Anemone nemorosa], [Geranium sylvaticum], [Geum rivale], [Matteuccia struthiopteris], [Paris quadrifolia], [Silene dioica] ([Melandrium rubrum]), [Equisetum pratense].


description:
[Alnus glutinosa]-dominated galleries and woods of the boreal zone of Fennoscandia, developed in narrow cordons along rivers, on lakesides and on the coasts of the Baltic, with [Alnus incana], [Lycopus europaeus], [Filipendula ulmaria], [Lysimachia vulgaris], [Equisetum arvense].


hname:
Western Siberian birch and pine galleries

description:
Riverine woods and scrubs of western Siberian flood plains, dominated by [Betula pendula] or [Pinus sylvestris], with [Populus tremula], [Salix bebbiana], [Rosa majalis], [Filipendula ulmaria], [Equisetum sylvaticum].


description:
Riverine woods and scrubs of eastern Siberian flood plains, with [Alnus fruticosa], [Populus suaveolens].


description:
Mixed forests of [Acer pseudoplatanus], [Fraxinus excelsior], [Ulmus glabra], [Acer platanoides], accompanied by an herb layer rich in hygrophile species, such as [Asplenium scolopendrium], [Lunaria rediviva], [Cardamine impatiens], [Polystichum setiferum], [Cystopteris fragilis], on calcareous substrates of humid narrow valleys and steep slopes of the eastern Carpathians.


description:
Usually pluri-specific scrub in which [Olea europaea var. sylvestris] accompanied by [Pistacia lentiscus] plays a determinant physiognomic role. Almost entirely restricted to the thermo-Mediterranean zone, they are represented by particularly well-developed, extensive stands in southern Iberia, the Balearics, Sardinia, Sicily, southern Greece and the Aegean, Mediterranean Anatolia, Cyprus and the Levant, North Africa. When the characteristic species increase in height they grade into arborescent matorral (unit F5.12).


description:
Formations dominated by the thermophile, often calciphile, heathers [Erica multiflora] and [Erica manipuliflora], best developed in the thermo-Mediterranean zones of southern and eastern Spain, the Balearics, Sardinia, Sicily, Pantelleria, southern Italy, southern Greece and the Aegean, Mediterranean Anatolia, Cyprus and coastal Mediterranean North Africa. Western meso-mediterranean formations are listed under unit F6.1B, eastern meso-Mediterranean formations under unit F6.2C.


description:
Usually calciphile [Erica multiflora] formations of the Iberian and Italian peninsulas, the large western Mediterranean islands and coastal Mediterranean North Africa.


description:
Rare, calciphile [Erica manipuliflora] formations of Puglia and Sicily.


description:
[Erica manipuliflora] formations of Greece and its archipelagoes, Mediterranean Anatolia, Cyprus.


description:
Non-cushion formations dominated by [Sarcopoterium spinosum] of the eastern Mediterranean.


description:
[Pistacia lentiscus] -dominated or -rich formations, widespread and abundant in thermo-Mediterranean and coastal meso-Mediterranean zones of the entire Mediterranean basin; locally, similar formations may appear in warm inland meso-Mediterranean areas. Often low and sometimes very open, the lentisc scrub can in favourable situations reach a height of several metres, grading into arborescent matorral (unit F5.123).


description:
Thermo-mediterranean formations physiognomically dominated by the brilliantly flowering [Calicotome villosa] or [Calicotome spinosa], widespread in European thermo-mediterranean regions, in the Levant, in particular on sandy plains and in pre-steppic areas, and in North Africa, notably in semi-arid areas of northeastern Tunisia and northeastern Libya.


description:
[Laurus nobilis] thickets of humid or fresh stations of thermo-mediterranean regions, low-growing facies of unit F5.18, noted in particular in Sardinia, Sicily, the Maltese Islands, Campania and Crete.


hname:
Coastal curry plant ([Helichrysum]) garrigues

description:
Low formations of [Helichrysum] ([Helichrysum italicum ssp. microphyllum], [Helichrysum italicum ssp. italicum]) with spurges ([Euphorbia pithyusa], i.a.), [Pistacia lentiscus], [Camphorosma monspeliaca], [Artemisia densiflora] or [Thymelaea passerina], [Thymelaea hirsuta], [Thymelaea tartonraira] of the immediate vicinity of sea cliffs, forming the transition between cliff vegetations or clifftop phryganas and thermo-Mediterranean scrub; they are particularly characteristic of the large Mediterranean islands.


hname:
Iberian thermo-Mediterranean kermes oak brush

description:
Formations of [Quercus coccifera] of southern Portugal, southern and eastern Spain and the Ebro basin.


hname:
Tyrrhenian thermo-Mediterranean kermes oak brush

description:
Rare [Quercus coccifera] formations of Liguria, Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily.


hname:
Hellenic thermo-Mediterranean kermes oak brush

description:
Formations of [Quercus coccifera] of the thermo-Mediterranean zone of Greece and its archipelagoes.


hname:
Anatolian thermo-Mediterranean kermes oak brush

description:
Formations of [Quercus coccifera] of the thermo-Mediterranean zone of the periphery of the Anatolian plateau.


hname:
Cyprian thermo-Mediterranean kermes oak brush

description:
Formations of [Quercus coccifera] of the thermo-Mediterranean zone of Cyprus.


hname:
Levantine thermo-Mediterranean kermes oak brush

description:
Formations of [Quercus coccifera] of the thermo-Mediterranean zone of the eastern Mediterranean coastal fringe.


hname:
North African thermo-Mediterranean kermes oak brush

description:
Formations of [Quercus coccifera] of the thermo-Mediterranean zone of North Africa.


description:
Xero-thermophile oak woods constituting the climax woodland element of the Pannonian and Ponto-Sarmatic wooded steppe biome, with a flora richer in southern, Euxinian and Sarmatic elements than that of the cinquefoil oak woods.


description:
Oak woods of the geographically isolated Pannonic basin wooded steppe zone, separated from the main Ukraino-Russian belt by the Carpathian arc.


description:
Oak woods on black or brown soils over loess substrates of the Pannonic basin and its hills, dominated by [Quercus cerris], [Quercus pubescens], [Quercus robur] or [Quercus petraea]; the upper part of the well-stratified shrub layer is composed mainly of [Acer tataricum] and [Acer campestre], the herb layer of [Festuca rupicola], [Brachypodium pinnatum], [Brachypodium sylvaticum], [Melica altissima], [Nepeta pannonica], [Phlomis tuberosa], [Pulmonaria mollissima], [Doronicum hungaricum], [Polygonatum odoratum], [Buglossoides purpurocaerulea] ([Lithospermum purpurocaeruleum]). Formerly extending in the entire Pannonic basin, from Hungary and southern Slovakia to the Srijem area of northeastern Croatia and northwestern Serbia and the Deliblat region of northeastern Serbia, these forests have been reduced to a few dozen remnant stands.


description:
Rare oak woods of the Danube basin lowlands developed in the transition zone between inundation areas and loess plateaux, on soils with a higher water table in spring. [Acer tataricum], growing with great vitality, reaches the second tree layer. Characteristic understorey species are [Carex michelii], [Pulmonaria mollissima], [Doronicum hungaricum] accompanying [Alopecurus pratensis], [Melica altissima], [Festuca rupicola], [Brachypodium sylvaticum], [Geranium robertianum], [Polygonatum latifolium], [Corydalis bulbosa] ([Corydalis cava]), [Ranunculus ficaria], [Viscaria vulgaris]; tall herbs ([Peucedanum officinale], [Galatella punctata]) and other species ([Artemisia pontica], [Limonium gmelinii i.a].) penetrate the wood from the bordering grasslands on alkaline soil. Only a few stands of this community remain, in Hungary and Transsylvania.


description:
Oak woods of sandy substrates of the Pannonic plain.


description:
Xero-thermophilous oak woods of the southern wooded steppe zone, extending from northern Bulgaria and eastern Romania through the Ukraine and southern Russia to the Urals and the lower Volga.


hname:
Pontic [Acer tataricum]-[Q. pedunculiflora] steppe woods

description:
Subcontinental, xerophile-thermophile wooded steppe oak woods on leached chernozem soils of low hills and plains of southern and southeastern Romania and northeastern Bulgaria, with [Quercus pedunculiflora], [Acer tataricum], [Pyrus pyraster] in the tree layer, [Crataegus monogyna], [Ligustrum vulgare] in the shrub layer and [Vincetoxicum hirundinaria] ([Cynanchum vincetoxicum]), [Pulmonaria mollis], [Thalictrum minus], [Fragaria viridis], [Teucrium chamaedrys], [Viola hirta], [Buglossoides purpurocaerulea] ([Lithospermum purpurocaeruleum]) in the herb layer.


hname:
Pontic [Acer tataricum]-[Quercus pubescens] steppe woods

description:
Subcontinental, xerophile-thermophile wooded steppe oak woods, on leached chernozem soils, of low hills and plains of eastern and southern Romania, with [Quercus pubescens], [Acer tataricum], [Pyrus pyraster] in the tree layer, [Cotinus coggygria] in the shrub layer and [Buglossoides purpurocaerulea] ([Lithospermum purpurocaeruleum]), [Carex michelii], [Thalictrum minus], [Festuca rupicola], [Vicia tenuifolia] in the herb layer.


hname:
Pontic [Acer tataricum]-[Q. cerris]-[Q. pedunculiflora] steppe woods

description:
Subcontinental, xerophile-thermophile woods of [Quercus pedunculiflora], [Quercus cerris], [Acer tataricum], [Pyrus pyraster] on leached chernozem soils of the plains of southern Romania, with [Prunus spinosa], [Ligustrum vulgare], [Crataegus monogyna] in the shrub layer and [Buglossoides purpurocaerulea] ([Lithospermum purpurocaeruleum]), [Vincetoxicum hirundinaria] ([Cynanchum vincetoxicum]), [Iris variegata], [Teucrium chamaedrys], [Fragaria viridis], [Polygonatum latifolium], [Lychnis coronaria] in the herb layer.


hname:
Sarmatic [Acer tataricum]-[Quercus robur] steppe woods

description:
Continental xerophile woods of [Quercus robur] and [Acer tataricum] on leached chernozems of low hills of northeastern Romania, with [Acer campestre], [Pyrus pyraster], [Prunus avium] in the tree layer, [Prunus spinosa], [Euonymus europaeus], [Cornus sanguinea], [Prunus fruticosa], [Amygdalus nana] in the shrub layer and [Buglossoides purpurocaerulea] ([Lithospermum purpurocaeruleum]), [Viola hirta], [Vincetoxicum hirundinaria] ([Cynanchum vincetoxicum]), [Sedum maximum], [Fragaria viridis] in the herb layer.


hname:
Sarmatic [Acer tataricum]-[Q. robur]-[Q. petraea] steppe woods

description:
Subcontinental forests of [Quercus robur], [Quercus petraea], [Acer tataricum] on grey soils of north-facing low hills of the wooded steppe region of northeastern Romania, with [Carpinus betulus], [Fraxinus excelsior], [Prunus avium], [Acer campestre], in the tree layer, [Cornus sanguinea], [Euonymus europaeus], [Rhamnus catharticus] in the shrub layer and [Carex pilosa], [Stellaria holostea], [Asarum europaeum], [Mercurialis perennis] in the herb layer.


description:
Xero-thermophile oak woods of the pre-Carpathian hills fringing the lower Danube and Prut basins.


description:
Thermophilous oak woods of the wooded steppe zones of northern Crimea and the northern piedmont of the Caucasus, in the transition region from the Euro-Siberian steppes to the Euxinian montane vegetations.


description:
[Ostrya carpinifolia]-dominated ravine forests of the mesomediterranean [Quercus ilex] zone of the Maritime and Ligurian Alps.


description:
[Ostrya carpinifolia]-dominated woods of the supra-Mediterranean zone of the Maritime and Ligurian Alps, the Mediterranean and Adriatic slope of the southeastern Alps, the Dinarides, the Hellenides, the Apennines and the large central Mediterranean islands.


hname:
Southwestern Alpine supra-Mediterranean hop-hornbeam woods

description:
[Ostrya carpinifolia]-dominated woods of the supra-Mediterranean zone of the Maritime and Ligurian Alps.


hname:
Southeastern Alpine supra-Mediterranean hop-hornbeam woods

description:
[Ostrya carpinifolia]-dominated woods of the supra-Mediterranean zone of the Mediterranean and Adriatic slope of the southeastern Alps, in the Gardesano- Dolomitic and Veneto-Julian sectors of Italy and extreme northwestern Slovenia.


description:
Scrub of the subalpine zone of the Alps, the Carpathians, the Hercynian ranges, the Balkan Range, the Hellenides, dominated by [Rubus] spp., in particular, [Rubus idaeus], [Rubus saxatilis].


description:
Thickets or scrub of the subalpine zone of the Alps, the Carpathians, the Jura, the Hercynian ranges dominated by shrubby species of genus [Prunus] or related genera, in particular, [Prunus padus ssp. borealis] ([Padus petraea]), often with [Sorbus aucuparia ssp. glabrata], [Betula carpatica], [Lonicera nigra].


description:
Thickets or scrub of the subalpine zone of the Alps, the Carpathians, the Jura dominated by large [Vaccinium] shrubs, often accompanied by tall herbs characteristic of the subalpine tall herb communities (unit E5.5).


description:
Closed formations dominated by [Potentilla fruticosa] of the 1550 metre level in the [Picea abies] and [Pinus sylvestris] belt of the west Rhodope mountains of Bulgaria.


description:
Very low scrubs formed in exposed situations by otherwise thicket-building birches of boreal mountains and mountainous regions, in particular [Betula pubescens ssp. czerepanovii] ([Betula tortuosa], [Betula pubescens ssp. tortuosa], [Betula kusmisscheffii]) of Iceland, Greenland, the boreal mountains of Scandinavia, the Urals. These form dwarf facies of the woods and thickets of unit G1.917.


description:
Scrubland with dwarf conifers (krummholz), often with incomplete canopy cover, close to the tree limit. At the arctic tree limit, the trees are of species that can grow to large stature under favourable conditions. However [Pinus mugo] of central and southern Europe is often genetically fixed as a shrub. Excluded are stands of forest conifers with height > 3 m (G3).


description:
[Pinus mugo] scrub of the dry eastern inner Alps, of local occurrence throughout the area, accompanied by [Rhododendron hirsutum], [Erica herbacea], [Arctostaphylos uva-ursi], [Arctostaphylos alpinus], [Rhodothamnus chamaecistus], or, on siliceous ground, [Rhododendron ferrugineum] and [Vaccinium myrtillus].


description:
Main range [Pinus mugo] scrub of well-drained, mostly calcareous, soils of the northern and southeastern outer Alps, usually with [Rhododendron hirsutum], [Arctostaphylos uva-ursi], [Arctostaphylos alpinus], [Sorbus chamaemespilus], [Lonicera caerulea], [Lonicera alpigena], [Calamagrostis varia], sometimes with [Erica herbacea] or [Rhodothamnus chamaecistus] and, in acidophilous variants, known in particular from the Karawanken, [Vaccinium myrtillus], [Vaccinium vitis-idaea], [Rhododendron ferrugineum], [Empetrum hermaphroditum].


description:
Very local [Pinus mugo] scrub of the southwestern Alps (Moyen-Valais, Haute-Roya, Ligurian Alps), with [Juniperus nana], [Arctostaphylos uva-ursi], [Daphne striata], [Erica herbacea], [Carex firma] and, in some stations, [Rhododendron hirsutum]; cold-block [Pinus mugo] formations of the Swiss Jura.


description:
Rare and local Apennine formations of the Parmian Apennines, the Abruzzi and the Campanian Apennines.


description:
[Pinus mugo] scrub of the Sudeten, the Erzgebirge, the Bayerischerwald, the B”hmerwald, with [Vaccinium myrtillus], [Salix silesiaca] s.l., [Trientalis europaea], [Homogyne alpina].


description:
[Pinus mugo] scrub of the Carpathians, where they form a separate vegetation altitudinal zone. Additional trees and shrubs are [Pinus cembra], [Ribes petraeum], [Sorbus aucuparia], [Salix silesiaca], herbs [Homogyne alpina], [Vaccinium myrtillus], [Adenostyles alliariae], [Calamagrostis villosa], [Luzula sylvatica] and endemic species, e.g. [Soldanella carpatica].


hname:
Carpathian subalpine mountain pine scrub

description:
[Pinus mugo] scrub forming an extensive belt in the upper subalpine zone of the higher mountains of the northwestern, eastern and southeastern Carpathians with [Vaccinium myrtillus], [Ribes petraeum var. carpaticum], [Sorbus aucuparia var. glabrata], [Rosa pendulina], [Homogyne alpina], [Soldanella hungarica ssp. major] in siliceous stations, with tall herbs in calcareous ones. The southeastern Carpathian formations, particularly those of the Apuseni Mountains, harbour the regional endemic [Campanula patula ssp. abietina] ([Campanula abietina]).


hname:
Carpathian alpenrose mountain pine scrub

description:
Widespread formations of [Pinus mugo] accompanied by the regional endemic [Rhododendron myrtifolium], on shallow-soil slopes of the subalpine level of the southeastern Carpathians.


hname:
Pelago-Dinaride dwarf mountain pine scrub

description:
[Pinus mugo]-dominated formations of the Dinarides and of neighbouring chains of the Pelagonides, in particular the Jakupica range, with [Vaccinium myrtillus], [Rubus saxatilis], [Rubus idaeus], [Sorbus aucuparia], [Rosa pendulina], [Veratrum album] and [Polygonatum verticillatum].


hname:
Balkano-Rhodopide dwarf mountain pine scrub

description:
[Pinus mugo]-dominated formations of the Pirin and the Rila, with remnants in the Balkan Range, including the Suva Planina and Stara Planina. This habitat has been severely reduced by clearance for pastures, and its distribution area regressed; in addition to the ranges where it still forms substantial stands, [Pinus mugo] is recorded from the western Rhodope, the Vitosha and, perhaps, Orvilos.


description:
Shrub communities of nemoral affinities. They include deciduous and evergreen scrubs  of the nemoral zone, and deciduous scrubs of the submediterranean and supramediterranean zones. Excluded are heathlands with dominant [Ericaceae] F4, and the typically mediterranean maquis F5, garrigue F6 and phrygana F7.


description:
Successional and plagioclimax scrub, mostly deciduous, of Atlantic, sub-Atlantic or subcontinental affinities, characteristic of the nemoral zone, but also colonizing cool, moist or disturbed stations of the mediterranean evergreen forest zone. Included are thickets of [Buxus sempervirens], [Corylus avellana], [Cytisus scoparius], [Juniperus communis], [Prunus spinosa], [Rubus fruticosus] and [Ulex europaeus].


description:
Deciduous [Prunetalia] thickets of the Western and the Central Europe formed by [Prunus spinosa], [Prunus mahaleb], [Rosa] spp., [Cornus mas], [Cornus sanguinea], [Sorbus aria], [Crataegus] spp., [Lonicera xylosteum], [Rhamnus catharticus], [Rhamnus alpinus], [Clematis vitalba], [Ligustrum vulgare], [Viburnum lantana], [Viburnum opulus], [Rubus] spp., [Amelanchier ovalis], [Cotoneaster integerrimus], [Cotoneaster nebrodensis], [Pyrus pyraster], [Malus sylvestris], [Euonymus europaeus], [Corylus avellana], [Ulmus minor], [Acer campestre], [Acer monspessulanum] and [Carpinus betulus] characteristic of forest edges, hedges and woodland recolonisation, developed on soils relatively rich in nutrients, neutral or calcareous. In the herb layer the most common species are [Brachypodium pinnatum], [Fragaria moschata], [Geranium robertianum] and [Tithymalus cyparissias]. The alliances [Berberidion] and [Corylo-Populion tremulae]. They are substitution communities of the [Carpinion betuli] (units G1.A1), [Quercion pubescenti-petraeae] (unit G1.71) and [Fagion sylvaticae] (units G1.61-G1.66) and Aremonio-Fagion (unit G1.6C) climax forests. The communities of unit F3.11 extend south to northern Iberia and northern Italy, east to Slovenia, Austria, Slovakia, Poland and northern Moravia.


description:
[Carex davalliana] calcareous fens of the northern Bohemian basin, the southeastern Sudeten, the inner piedmont of the western and southwestern Bohemian quadrangle, the Morava basin and the Pannonic basin.


description:
[Carex saxatilis]-dominated communities of calcareous mires of mountains of the northern regions. They are intermediate between other rich fen communities of unit D4.1 and arctoalpine communities of unit D4.2.


description:
Mostly subalpine formations dominated by [Carex frigida], colonizing seepages and flushes on stony slopes of the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Black Forest, with [Carex davalliana], [Carex demissa], [Carex panicea], [Carex nigra], [Juncus triglumis], [Juncus castaneus], [Blysmus compressus], [Tofieldia calyculata], [Parnassia palustris], [Pinguicula vulgaris], [Pinguicula grandiflora], [Primula farinosa], [Saxifraga aizoides], [Campylium stellatum].


description:
[Carex demissa]-[Saxifraga aizoides] communities of submontane base-rich seeps in northern Wales, northern England, southern Scotland and, mostly, the Scottish Highlands, with [Juncus articulatus], [Carex panicea], [Eleocharis quinqueflora], [Selaginella selaginoides] and brown mosses. Montane saxifrage-sedge flushes with glacial relicts have been listed under unit D4.24.


description:
Rich fen communities of the Palaearctic domaine dominated by [Eleocharis quinqueflora] ([Eleocharis pauciflora]), for the most part species-poor pioneering formations, relatively widespread, though decreasing and threatened, in the boreal region, in the Baltic plain, in western Hercynian hills and in Alpine and peri-Alpine regions.


hname:
Mediterranean and Central Eurasian small sedge fens

description:
Usually rare and isolated small sedge (e.g. [Carex flava], [Carex echinata]) rich fens of the high mountains of the eastern Mediterranean, the Euxinian periphery, Anatolia, central Eurasia, developed around springs, rivulets and seeps on limestones and ultra-basic rocks, in particular, ophiolites. Characteristic plants often include butterworts, sometimes of very restricted distribution, in particular, [Pinguicula hirtiflora], [Pinguicula balcanica], [Pinguicula crystallina].


description:
Alkaline fen communities dominated by [Carex rostrata], accompanied by a carpet of brown mosses, sometimes with basicline sphagna, and few vascular plants other than sedges, occupying very wet sites in rich fen complexes; these communities, which grade into transition mire communities of unit D2.3, or into tall sedge communities of units D5.2141 or D5.2125, are best characterised in the Fennoscandian mountains, although they can be individualised in other fen systems, in particular, in upland Britain. Accompanying species include [Carex aquatilis], [Carex juncella], [Carex rotundata], [Eriophorum angustifolium], [Viola epipsila], and small willows, notably [Salix lapponum], [Salix glauca].


description:
Meso-eutrophic fen communities dominated by [Scirpus hudsonianus] ([Trichophorum alpinum]), with [Drepanocladus revolvens], [Scorpidium] spp., [Chrysohypnum stellatum], recorded from Scandinavia, from Germano-Baltic moraine land, from the subalpine and alpine levels of the Alps and the greater Hercynian ranges. They may constitute a [Scirpus hudsonianus] facies of the yellow-dioecious sedge fens of unit D4.153.


description:
[Scirpus cespitosus]-dominated communities of alkaline fens, mainly characteristic of oceanic to subcontinental parts of the boreal region and of the alpine and subalpine levels of the Alps and the Pyrenees, at altitudes superior to those of the [Caricetum davallianae] communities of unit D4.13, including their deergrass-rich facies (unit D4.132).


hname:
Middle European flat sedge ([Blysmus compressus]) fens

description:
[Blysmus compressus]-dominated stands of rich fens of northern and central Europe, south, in the Alpine system, to the montane Illyrian beech level of the central Dinarides, to the subalpine level of the Paeonian mountains, and to the montane and subalpine levels of the Apuseni Mountains and of the Southern and Eastern Carpathians.


description:
Simplified and pioneer fen communities of the western Palaearctic formed mostly by a few non-gramineous species, in particular, [Anagallis tenella]-[Parnassia palustris] communities and [Saxifraga mutata] communities.


description:
Fen communities of calcareous wet dune slacks of northern France, Belgium, the Netherlands and the North Sea coast of Germany dominated by sedges, in particular, [Carex trinervis], [Carex scandinavica], or by [Juncus anceps], with no or little [Schoenus nigricans] and with, among a number of characteristic accompaniers, [Juncus subnodulosus], [Parnassia palustris], [Gentianella amarella], [Herminium monorchis], [Epipactis palustris].


description:
Fens invaded by [Peucedanum palustre], [Eupatorium cannabinum], [Cicuta virosa], [Symphytum officinale], [Lysimachia vulgaris], [Cladium mariscus], [Phragmites australis], [Glyceria maxima], [Calamagrostis canescens].


description:
Rich fen [Carex bigelowii]-dominated communities of the lower alpine level of Iceland, descending, in the north, into the lowlands, occupying level substrates subjected to water movement and fluctuating moisture, with a consequently variable vegetation; mosses play a major role. The species cortège may include [Carex capillaris], [Carex dioica], [Carex nigra], [Carex rariflora], [Eriophorum angustifolium], [Calamagrostis stricta], [Festuca rubra] s.l., [Phleum alpinum], [Polygonum vivipara], [Saxifraga hirculus], [Salix callicarpaea] ([Salix arctica]), [Salix herbacea], [Vaccinium uliginosum], [Thalictrum alpinum], [Equisetum palustre], [Equisetum arvense], [Equisetum variegatum].


hname:
Blue moorgrass ([Sesleria caerulea]) fens

description:
Western fen communities dominated by [Sesleria caerulea], recorded, in particular, from peri-Pannonic regions, from the Bohemian Quadrangle, from the eastern Germano-Baltic plain and from the Eastern Carpathians with an abundance of [Carex hostiana], [Carex panicea], [Phragmites australis], [Cirsium rivulare], [Equisetum palustre], [Sanguisorba officinalis], [Galium boreale], [Campylium stellatum].


description:
Rich fen communities of Iceland dominated by [Equisetum palustre], accompanied by a variety of grasses, sedges, in particular [Carex rariflora], and mosses, characteristic notably of badly drained solifluxion ledges on slopes.


description:
Spring mires of calcareous, often petrifying, springs. Their specialised communities, usually dominated by bryophytes, belong to the [Cratoneurion commutati]. Characteristic species are the mosses [Cratoneuron filicinum], [Cratoneuron commutatum], [Cratoneuron commutatum var. falcatum], [Catoscopium nigritum], [Eucladium verticillatum], [Gymnostomum recurvirostrae], with [Equisetum telmateia], [Equisetum variegatum] and flowering plants including [Cochlearia pyrenaica], [Arabis soyeri], [Pinguicula vulgaris], [Saxifraga aizoides]. The associated swamp communities belong to the [Caricetalia davallianae], see units D4.13-D4.15. Large petrifying springs form tufa cones that constitute singular habitats with several interacting plant and animal communities, which are described as subunits.


description:
Communities of calcareous springs, seeps and flushes of the nemoral and lowland boreal western Palaearctic domaine in which tufa formation is absent or limited to encrustation of the constituting mosses without building of large deposits. They are characteristic of high altitudes, maritime climates and semishaded stations, all situations unfavourable to tufa formation.


description:
Communities of calcareous springs, flushes, seeps or parts of spring systems of nemoral and boreal Europe overwhelmingly dominated by bryophytes forming carpets, curtains or mounds with no or a modest amount of tufa deposition. Typical dominants are the mosses [Cratoneuron filicinum], [Cratoneuron commutatum], [Cratoneuron commutatum var. falcatum], [Cratoneuron decipiens], also the mosses [Philonotis calcarea], [Paludella squarrosa], [Hygrohypnum luridum], or the hepatic [Leiocolea bantriensis].


description:
[Juniperus sabina] heaths of rare stations in the Marcho-Abruzzian Apennines.


description:
[Juniperus sabina] heaths of the Dinarides.


description:
Thermophile [Juniperus sabina]-dominated formation on limestone in the montane belt of the Apuseni Mountains of the southeastern Carpathians, accompanied by regional species [Rhamnus saxatilis ssp. tinctorius] and [Sesleria rigida], [Thymus comosus], and [Rhamnus catharticus]. Sporadic fragmentary [Juniperus sabina] formations of the Balkan Range and the Rila mountains.


description:
[Juniperus hemisphaerica] heaths of Iberia, the southern Apennines, Sicily (Madonie, Nebrodi, Etna), Greece, the Caucasus and North Africa.


description:
[Juniperus oxycedrus] heaths of high mountain slopes of Greece, the Near East and the Caucasus.


hname:
Alpigenic high mountain crowberry - heather heaths

description:
Dwarf heaths of alliances [Loiseleurio-Vaccinion] and [Juncion trifidi] dominated by [Empetrum hermaphroditum], [Empetrum nigrum] and [Vaccinium] spp., with [Arctostaphylos alpinus], [Calluna vulgaris], [Festuca supina], [Avenula versicolor]; lycopodes ([Huperzia selago], [Diphasiastrum alpinum]), mosses ([Barbilophozia lycopodioides], [Hylocomium splendens], [Pleurozium schreberi], [Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus]) and lichens ([Cetraria islandica], [Cladonia] spp., [Peltigera aphthosa]) of the subalpine belt of the Alps, the Carpathians, the Dinarides, the Pyrenees, the Central Massif, the Sudeten, the Jura, the Northern Apennines, characteristic of relatively windswept, snow-free stations, in frost-exposure situations that are, however, less extreme than those prevailing where communities of unit F2.21 dominate. Unlike the formations of F2.21, those of F2.24 are clearly two-layered.


description:
Alpine and high-montane heaths of the highlands and islands of Scotland and, very locally, of the Lake District and of Ireland, alpine and lowland boreal heaths of Iceland, alpine heaths of boreal mountains, in particular of the mountains of Scandinavia, of the Urals, of the mountains of Siberia, alpine heaths of Far Eastern mountains at, or just south of, the limits of the boreal zone, with [Juniperus nana], [Loiseleuria procumbens], [Empetrum hermaphroditum], [Arctostaphylos alpinus], [Phyllodoce caerulea], [Betula nana] and elements of alpine flora.


description:
Prostrate alpine and high-montane [Calluna vulgaris] or [Vaccinium myrtillus] heaths of windswept summits and ridges, with little snow cover, of the Highlands, the Inner Hebrides and, very locally, of the uplands of Ireland, England and Wales, with [Loiseleuria procumbens], [Empetrum hermaphroditum], [Arctostaphylos alpinus].


description:
Low- to very low-growing low alpine and subalpine [Vaccinium myrtillus] heaths of the Highlands of Scotland, Skye, and, locally, the Southern Uplands and northern England, characteristic of somewhat more protected stations with longer snow cover than those of unit F2.251, with [Empetrum hermaphroditum], [Vaccinium vitis-idaea], [Rubus chamaemorus], [Cornus suecica], [Carex bigelowii], [Racomitrium lanuginosum].


description:
Prostrate [Juniperus nana] mats of the Highlands of Scotland, restricted to a limited number of stations on the west side of mountains in the northwest Highlands and on Skye, with [Calluna vulgaris], [Arctostaphylos uva-ursi], [Arctostaphylos alpinus], [Empetrum hermaphroditum], [Cladonia uncialis], [Racomitrium lanuginosum] and oceanic hepatics.


description:
Alpine heaths of the boreal mountains of Scandinavia, with [Juniperus nana], [Empetrum hermaphroditum], [Loiseleuria procumbens], [Arctostaphylos uva-ursi], [Vaccinium] spp., [Arctostaphylos alpinus], dwarf [Salix] spp., [Betula nana] and elements of alpine flora.


description:
Lowland and alpine boreal heaths of Iceland, Spitzbergen and Greenland formed by low, compact or mat-forming shrubs of Ericaceae, [Empetrum hermaphroditum], [Betula nana], [Juniperus nana] and [Salix] spp. and alpine flora elements.


description:
Heaths of arctic mountains, coasts and islands of the Palaearctic zone, mostly dominated by or rich in [Cassiope tetragona], often associated with [Dryas] heaths of unit F2.294.


description:
Formations of [Bruckenthalia spiculifolia], often accompanied by [Juniperus nana], [Vaccinium myrtillus] and herbaceous alpine grassland species, occupying damp, non-calcareous substrates of high mountains of the Balkan peninsula and northern Anatolia.


description:
[Bruckenthalia spiculifolia] heaths of the alpine and subalpine belts of the Vitosha, the Rila, the Pirin, the Slovianka, the Rhodopes, the Vrondous, the Menikion and the Pangeon.


description:
[Bruckenthalia spiculifolia] formations of the subalpine, alpine and locally, montane, belts of the Pelagonian mountains, south to the Varnous, the Vitsi, the Piperitsa, the Voras, the Pinovon, the Tzena, of the Moeso-Macedonian mountains south to the Kerkini (Belles range), and of the Pieria in the northern Thessalian mountains.


description:
[Bruckenthalia spiculifolia] formations of the Balkan Range, with northern representatives in the southeastern Carpathians.


description:
[Bruckenthalia spiculifolia] formations of the subalpine, alpine and locally, montane, belts of the Balkan Range.


description:
Meso-, or sometimes thermo-, mediterranean garrigues of the western Mediterranean basin rich in calciphile [Lavandula latifolia] or, occasionally, [Lavandula angustifolia]; almost pure fields of [Lavandula latifolia] may form, in particular, as a facies of calcareous grasslands.


hname:
Western garrigues dominated by sage and other labiates

description:
Garrigues of the western Mediterranean basin of which the main components are labiate shrubs or robust perennials (except [Lavandula] and [Rosmarinus]).


description:
Shrubby formations of the western Mediterranean basin characterized by the abundance of small, spiny brooms such as [Genista scorpius], [Genista hispanica], [Genista corsica], [Genista lucida].


description:
Meso-Mediterranean shrubby formations of the western Mediterranean basin dominated by [Calicotome spinosa].


description:
Meso-Mediterranean shrubby formations of the western Mediterranean basin dominated by members of various genera of the family Asteraceae.


description:
Meso-Mediterranean shrubby formations of the western Mediterranean basin dominated by the calciphile heathers [Erica multiflora] or [Erica manipuliflora].


description:
Shrubby formations of the western Mediterranean basin dominated by [Globularia alypum].


description:
Shrubby formations of the western Mediterranean basin dominated by small or dwarf shrubs of the genera [Helianthemum] (e.g. [Helianthemum asperum], [Helianthemum pilosum], [Helianthemum oelandicum], [Helianthemum marifolium], [Helianthemum cinereum], [Helianthemum lavandulifolium], [Helianthemum nummularium], [Helianthemum caput-felis]) or [Fumana] (e.g. [Fumana ericoides], [Fumana laevipes], [Fumana thymifolia]).


description:
Shrubby formations of the western Mediterranean basin dominated by [Lithodora fruticosa], distributed in Spain and southern France.


description:
Meso-Mediterranean shrubby formations of the western Mediterranean basin rich in shrubs of genus [Thymelaea] (e.g. [Thymelaea tinctoria], [Thymelaea nitida], [Thymelaea pubescens]).


hname:
Western shrubby hare's ear ([Bupleurum]) garrigues

description:
Often tall, sometimes very tall, dense shrubby formations of the western Mediterranean basin dominated by [Bupleurum fruticosum].


description:
Meso-Mediterranean shrubby formations of the western Mediterranean basin dominated by [Ulex parviflorus].


hname:
Western shrubby restharrow ([Ononis fruticosa]) garrigues

description:
Shrubby formations of the western Mediterranean basin dominated by [Ononis fruticosa], limited to Iberia.


description:
Shrubby formations of the western Mediterranean basin dominated by [Anthyllis cytisoides].


hname:
Western burning bush ([Dictamnus]) garrigues

description:
Shrubby formations of the western Mediterranean basin dominated by [Dictamnus albus] ([Dictamnus hispanicus]), characteristic of stony terrains of eastern Spain.


description:
Shrubby formations, often low, of the meso-, thermo- and occasionally supramediterranean zones of Greece, southern Albania, Cyprus and southern Anatolia. Included here are all sclerophyllous formations, regardless of substrate, except those with conspicuous spiny cushion structure (F7), those with abundant thermo-Mediterranean scrub species (F5.5) and high maquis with [Erica arborea] and [Arbutus] spp. (F5.2).


description:
Shrub communities of the eastern Ionian, Aegean and eastern Mediterranean coastlands and hinterland, usually relatively closed and tall, dominated by [Quercus coccifera] with no, or little, [Pistacia lentiscus] or other thermo-mediterranean shrubs; kermes oak garrigues are by far the most widespread xerophyllous shrub formations in the eastern meso-mediterranean zone. They are also well represented in the supra-Mediterranean and thermo-Mediterranean zones. Formations pertaining to the latter, when rich in other, more restrictively thermophile shrubs, have been listed as unit F5.5173.


description:
Garrigues of the eastern Ionian, Aegean and eastern Mediterranean coastlands and hinterland, usually relatively tall, dominated by [Rosmarinus officinalis].


description:
[Salix pedicellata] scrubs of stream courses of Sicily and of the Maltese Islands, where they are represented by a few diminishing, endangered fragments.


description:
[Salix pedicellata] scrub of stream courses of Calabria.


description:
Willow-dominated scrub of banks and shoals of rivers of the steppe, wooded steppe, cold semidesert and desert zones of Eurasia and of their associated steppic or desert mountain ranges, in particular, of the Pannonic basin, of the Ponto-Sarmatic steppes, of the Central Eurasian and East Asian steppes, deserts and semideserts, of the Irano-Anatolian steppes and their mediterranean or desert transitions.


description:
Willow-dominated scrub of banks and shoals of rivers of the Pannonic plain, with [Salix purpurea ssp. lambertiana], [Salix triandra], [Salix viminalis].


description:
Willow-dominated scrub of banks and shoals of rivers of the Pontic and Sarmatic steppes and wooded steppes of southern Eastern Europe, in particular, of the lower Danube, the lower Prut, the lower Dniestr, the lower Dniepr basin, the lower and middle Don and Donetz system, the lower Volga basin, the Kouma and Terek basins, with [Salix triandra], [Salix cinerea], [Salix daphnoides var. acutifolia] ([Salix acutifolia]), shrubby [Salix alba], [Salix amygdalina], [Salix gmelini], [Salix purpurea], [Salix australior], and [Hippophae rhamnoides].


description:
Willow-dominated riverine scrubs of the Transvolgan, Kazakh, Kurgan, Ichim, Kulunda, Baraba, Barnaul steppe and wooded steppe regions and of the Kazakho-Dsungarian and Turanian semideserts and deserts. A number of species of willows, up to 12-15 in Turanian desert and semidesert areas, notably, [Salix blakii], [Salix wilhelmsiana], [Salix songarica], [Salix australior], [Salix euapiculata], [Salix flavida], [Salix microstacha], [Salix cheilophila], [Salix caspica], [Salix rosmarinifolia] associated with [Hippophae rhamnoides], [Myricaria germanica], [Elaeagnus oxycarpa], [Elaeagnus turkmanica], [Elaeagnus angustifolia], constitute various communities.


description:
Willow thickets of the boreal and boreonemoral regions of Fennoscandia, the Baltic States, Belarus, Russia, northern China, Korea and Japan, dominated, in particular, by [Salix triandra], [Salix daphnoides], [Salix viminalis], [Salix pentandra], [Salix cinerea], [Salix phylicifolia], [Salix glauca], [Salix myrsinifolia], colonizing sands, gravels or silts of the banks of torrents, larger rivers, lakes and reservoirs at low or middle altitudes.


description:
Communities of low shrubby pioneers invading the herbaceous formations of units C3.551 and C3.552 on gravel deposits rich in fine silt of montane and northern boreal streams with an alpine, summer-high, flow regime. [Myricaria germanica], [Chamaerion dodonai] and [Salix] spp. are characteristic. Vegetation may include the alliances [Salicion incanae] and [Salicion eleagno-daphnoidis].


description:
Thickets or woods of, among others, [Salix] spp., [Hippophae rhamnoides], [Alnus] spp., [Betula] spp., on stream gravels of mountain and northern boreal streams with an alpine, summer-high, flow regime. Vegetation includes communities of [Salicion elaeagni].


description:
Low woods and scrubs colonizing fens, marshy floodplains and fringes of lakes and ponds, dominated by large or medium sized shrubby willows, generally [Salix aurita], [Salix cinerea], [Salix atrocinerea], [Salix pentandra], alone or in association with [Frangula alnus], [Rhamnus catharticus], [Alnus glutinosa] or [Betula pubescens], any of which may dominate the upper canopy. In boreal regions and on cold subboreal plateaux, small shrubs may dominate, e.g. dwarf [Salix] spp. associated with [Betula humilis] or [Betula nana]. Excludes boreal and subalpine lakeside scrub on well drained soils (F2).


description:
Mesotrophic or eutrophic low woods and scrubs colonizing fens, marshy floodplains and fringes of lakes and ponds, dominated by [Salix cinerea], [Salix pentandra], [Salix aurita] or, sometimes, [Salix atrocinerea], alone or in association with [Frangula alnus], [Rhamnus catharticus], [Alnus glutinosa] or [Betula pubescens], any of which may, at times, dominate the upper canopy. [Phragmites australis], [Carex elata], [Scirpus sylvaticus], [Menyanthes trifoliata] are typical for the herb layer.


description:
Mesotrophic or eutrophic [Salix cinerea], [Salix aurita], or, sometimes, [Salix atrocinerea], and [Alnus glutinosa] scrubs of mires, fens, and water fringes of western Europe and northern Central Europe, within the Atlantic and sub-Atlantic domaines.


description:
[Salix cinerea]-dominated scrubs of often relatively eutrophic mires of the warmer lowlands and submontane level of central, southeastern and eastern Europe.


description:
[Salix cinerea] carrs occupying fen margins of the Eastern Carpathians and the Apuseni mountains, with [Frangula alnus], [Spiraea salicifolia], [Ribes nigrum], [Euonymus nanus], [Calamagrostis canescens], [Lysimachia vulgaris], [Filipendula ulmaria], [Poa trivialis], [Galium palustre], [Myosotis palustris], [Deschampsia cespitosa].


description:
Oligotrophic [Salix aurita] or [Salix cinerea] and [Betula pubescens] or [Betula carpatica] scrubs, rich in sphagnum, of bog edges and acid fens of nemoral Europe.


description:
Medium-tall woods and scrub colonizing fens, marshy floodplains and fringes of lakes and ponds, dominated by the relatively large [Salix pentandra], particularly characteristic of boreal, sub-boreal and subcontinental Europe, from northern England through Scandinavia, northeastern Germany, Poland, the Baltic States to Bashkiria in the northeast, to the Bohemian quadrangle, the Alpine piedmont of Bavaria and Hungary in the south, with outposts in the Netherlands, in subcontinental western Europe to the Black Forest and the Baar plateau, in continental southern Europe to Bulgaria. Species [Phragmites australis], [Carex pseudocyperus], [Glyceria maxima], [Equisetum fluviatile] and [Menyanthes trifoliata] are typical.


description:
Dwarf [Salix repens], [Salix rosmarinifolia] and [Betula humilis] scrubs of bogs and fens, of eastern nemoral and boreonemoral Europe, with outposts constituting rare glacial relicts in the higher middle German Hercynian ranges and on northern pre-Alpine plateaux.


description:
Low woods and scrubs colonizing fens, marshy floodplains and fringes of lakes and ponds of the boreal zone of the Palaearctic dominated by large or medium sized shrubby willows, generally [Salix cinerea] or [Salix aurita], accompanied by [Salix phylicifolia], [Salix nigricans] ([Salix myrsinifolia]) and the boreal [Salix glauca], [Salix lapponum], with sedges, in particular, [Carex aquatilis], [Carex caespitosa], brown mosses and sphagna.


description:
Willow thickets or scrubs of mires of the mountains of the boreal zone of the Palaearctic region, characteristically forming along fen margins, on their hummocks or strings, sometimes in their lawns, with an understorey of dwarf shrubs, herbs, mosses and sphagna.


hname:
Southern riparian galleries and thickets

description:
Tamarisk, oleander, chaste tree galleries and thickets and similar low woody vegetation of permanent or temporary streams and wetlands of the thermo-Mediterranean zone, southwestern Iberia & Macaronesia


description:
[Pinus pinaster ssp. atlantica] forests of Galicia, Portugal and neighbouring areas.


description:
Forests of [Pinus pinaster ssp. pinaster] ([Pinus mesogeensis]) of the western Mediterranean, mostly in siliceous meso-Mediterranean, upper meso-Mediterranean and supra-Mediterranean situations of Spain, Portugal, Corsica, southeastern France, northwestern Italy, Sardinia and Pantelleria not on coastal dunes (otherwise see unit B1.71).


description:
[Pinus pinaster] forests of the Iberian peninsula, appearing mostly as substitution communities of [Quercus rotundifolia], [Quercus pyrenaica] or, locally, [Quercus suber], [Quercus faginea] woodlands.


description:
Very extensive [Pinus pinaster] forests of the Northern Iberian Range and neighbouring areas, occupying siliceous, often sandy substrates.


description:
Extensive [Pinus pinaster] forests of the Cordillera Central and neighbouring areas, particularly developed on the southern slope of the range, occupying siliceous substrates, mostly gneiss and granite.


description:
[Pinus pinaster] forests of the Southern Iberian Range and plateaux of eastern New Castile.


description:
Extensive [Pinus pinaster] forests of the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura, Alcaraz and Sagra, mostly on Mesozoic limestones.


hname:
Southern Andalusian mesogean pine forests

description:
[Pinus pinaster] forests of southern mountains.


description:
Isolated [Pinus pinaster] woods of Nogarejas and Castrocontrigo in southern Leon.


description:
Isolated [Pinus pinaster]-dominated woods of the Corbières.


description:
[Pinus pinaster] forests of siliceous lower meso-Mediterranean areas of Provence, of marls and limestones of the upper meso-Mediterranean level of the Maritime Alps and the Ligurian Alps, and of mostly siliceous or clayey soils of the hills of Liguria and Tuscany.


description:
[Pinus pinaster]-dominated forests of the meso- and supra-Mediterranean levels of Corsica, mostly on granitic substrates; they are very developed, accompanied by a maquis-like understorey, in the meso-Mediterranean zone, mostly at its upper tier; they occur locally within the supra-Mediterranean zone, on sunny slopes (adrets) and at lower altitudes, as facies of laricio pine forests.


description:
[Pinus pinaster] formations on granitic substrates of northern Sardinia, with [Arbutus unedo], [Quercus ilex], [Rosmarinus officinalis], [Erica arborea], [Genista corsica], [Lavandula stoechas], [Rubia peregrina], [Calicotome spinosa], [Pistacia lentiscus], [Teucrium marum].


description:
Mediterranean forests and old naturalised plantations of [Pinus pinea] not on coastal dunes (otherwise see unit B1.71). Ancient introductions in many areas often makes the distinction between spontaneous forests and long-established formations of artificial origin difficult. These are thus included, while recent, obviously artificial groves are not.


description:
[Pinus pinea] forests of the Iberian peninsula, where they reach their greatest development.


description:
[Pinus pinea] forests of the lowlands of western Andalusia and adjacent areas, with [Halimium halimifolium], [Halimium rosmarinifolium], [Calicotome villosa], [Cistus salvifolius], [Cistus crispus], [Erica scoparia], [Corema album], [Rhamnus oleoides], [Chamaerops humilis], [Juniperus phoenicea].


description:
[Pinus pinea] forests of the coasts of Portugal, notably the Setubal peninsula, pure or with [Pinus pinaster].


hname:
Euphotic (epipelagic) zone in unstratified reduced salinity water


hname:
Mesopelagic zone in unstratified reduced salinity water


hname:
Bathypelagic zone in unstratified reduced salinity water


hname:
Abyssopelagic zone in unstratified reduced salinity water


hname:
Vertically stratified water column with reduced salinity

description:
A water column which is unmixed or only partially mixed because the depth of the water body is greater than the depth of mixing, and with short residence time, defined as changing diurnally. Salinity is reduced relative to the adjacent fully marine seawater. This habitat type is usually found in deeper coastal water situations and is the result of river inflow or ice melt. Note that some discretion should be used in the interpretation of “adjacent”, for example in the Baltic Sea, “adjacent” fully marine seawater is reached only in the Kattegat. This habitat type shows pronounced vertical stratification (e.g. caused by seasonal temperature changes, river discharge influence or ice-melt). The subtypes are separated at level 4 by the cause and degree of persistence of the gradient – e.g. seasonal temperature gradients or persistent salinity gradients.


hname:
Water column with ephemeral thermal stratification and reduced salinity


hname:
Water column with seasonal thermal stratification and reduced salinity


hname:
Water column with permanent thermal stratification and reduced salinity


hname:
Water column with ephemeral halocline and reduced salinity


hname:
Water column with seasonal halocline and reduced salinity


hname:
Water column with seasonal thermal stratification and full salinity


hname:
Water column with permanent thermal stratification and full salinity


hname:
Water column with ephemeral halocline and full salinity


hname:
Water column with seasonal halocline and full salinity


hname:
Water column with permanent halocline and full salinity


hname:
Water column with ephemeral oxygen stratification and full salinity


hname:
Water column with seasonal oxygen stratification and full salinity


hname:
Water column with permanent oxygen stratification and full salinity


hname:
Anoxic water column in water with permanent oxygen stratification and full salinity


description:
A water column which is unmixed or only partially mixed because the depth of the water body is greater than the depth of mixing. Salinity is the same as that in adjacent seawater. Horizontal gradients give rise to fronts, which are separated at level 4 by the degree of persistence of the stratification – ephemeral such as eddies, gyres and upwellings; seasonal upwellings; or persistent water mass interfaces.


hname:
Ephemeral fronts in full salinity water column


hname:
Seasonal fronts in full salinity water column


hname:
Persistent fronts in full salinity water column


description:
Sea ice, icebergs and other ice-associated marine habitats.


description:
Ice formations floating on sea water, usually constituting an incomplete cover, variable in form and structure, unstable and dynamic under the influence of surface air and water currents.


description:
Semi-continuous ice sheets forming on the sea for part of the year, characteristic of the Arctic Ocean, the Norwegian Sea, Bothnia Bay, the Bothnia Sea, and coastal areas of the Åland Sea, the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Riga, exceptional in other areas.


description:
Semicontinuous ice sheets covering the sea throughout the year, limited to the Arctic Ocean.


description:
Discontinuous formations of floating ice blocks, rafts and hummocks detached from the sea pack, remaining after the break-up of seasonal ice packs or drifting to more southern regions.


description:
Floating and drifting blocks of ice detached from coastal glaciers (H4.2). These are separated by size at level 4.


description:
Proposed new habitat type (CEH, May 2001), qualifying previous unspecified 'icebergs'.


description:
During freezing of seawater, salt is rejected from the ice crystals. The remaining brine solution forms a three-dimensional network of tubes and channels with typical diameters of 200 µm within the ice matrix. Despite the harsh environmental conditions (low light intensities, low temperature, high salinity), a specialised community has developed and adapted to live within the brine channel system. Minute unicellular algae like diatoms are the dominant primary producers.


hname:
Benthic communities of mesotrophic waterbodies

description:
Lake-bottom animal, green algal or lower algal communities.


hname:
Free-floating vegetation of mesotrophic waterbodies

description:
Free-floating surface communities of more or less nutrient-rich waters. The habitat is typically formed by species of duckweed ([Lemna], [Spirodela], [Wolffia]), small ferns ([Azolla]), liverworts ([Riccia], [Ricciocarpus]) or vascular plants, e.g. [Hydrocharis morsus-ranae].


description:
Free-floating surface communities of duckweed ([Lemna], [Spirodela], [Wolffia]), small ferns ([Azolla]) or liverworts ([Riccia], [Ricciocarpus]) of Palaearctic waters.


description:
Free-floating surface communities of Palaearctic waters rich in [Hydrocharis morsus-ranae].


description:
Free-floating communities of Palaearctic waters dominated by [Stratiotes aloides].


description:
Free-floating communities of more or less nutrient-rich Palaearctic waters dominated by bladderworts ([Utricularia australis], [Utricularia vulgaris]).


description:
Free-floating communities of Central and Eastern Europe dominated by the free-floating non-indigenous fern [Salvinia natans], often forming dense and extensive mats.


description:
Rare aquatic formations of Central and Eastern Europe, dispersed from southern Brandenburg and Lake Constance east to the Ukraine, with a former outpost in eastern Lithuania, harbouring the carnivorous, free-floating Droseraceae [Aldrovanda vesiculosa].


hname:
Rooted submerged vegetation of mesotrophic waterbodies

description:
'Formations of water bodies constituted by submerged, rooted, perennial phanerogams with often emerging flower spikes, in particular entirely immersed pondweeds of genus [Potamogeton]. Some habitats of this unit can be dominated by other species, such as [Zannichellia palustris], [Elodea canadensis], [Elodea nuttallii], [Ceratophyllum submersum], [Myriophyllum spicatum] and [Najas marina].


description:
Associations of large pondweeds ([Potamogeton lucens], [Potamogeton praelongus], [Potamogeton zizii], [Potamogeton perfoliatus]) characteristic of deep, open Palaearctic waters.


description:
Formations of smaller pondweeds, in particular, [Potamogeton crispus], [Potamogeton filiformis], [Potamogeton pusillus], [Potamogeton obtusifolius], [Potamogeton berchtoldii], [Potamogeton trichoides], [Potamogeton acutifolius], [Potamogeton pectinatus], [Potamogeton nitens], [Potamogeton friesii] ([Potamogeton mucronatus]), [Groenlandia densa], waterthymes and waterweeds ([Elodea] spp., [Hydrilla] spp., [Ottelia] spp.), horned pondweeds ([Zannichellia palustris] s.l.), naiads ([Najas] spp.), tapegrass ([Vallisneria spiralis]), water crowfoots ([Ranunculus circinatus]) that colonize shallower, more sheltered Palaearctic waters. Eurasian formations dominated by usually free-floating hornworts of genus [Ceratophyllum], in particular by [Ceratophyllum demersum], are included because of closer ecological and physiognomic similarity with communities of this unit than with those of unit C1.32.


hname:
Rooted floating vegetation of mesotrophic waterbodies

description:
Formations of waters dominated by rooted aquatic plants with floating leaves. Usually species-poor habitats with dominance of one or several species. Ttypical species are [Nymphaea alba], [Nuphar lutea], [Nymphoides peltata], [Trapa natans], [Potamogeton natans], [Callitriche palustris], [Polygonum amphibium] and [Ranunculus] sp. (=[Batrachium]).


description:
Formations of Palaearctic waters dominated by rooted aquatic plants with large floating leaves, often with a stratum of submerged species ([Ceratophyllum], [Myriophyllum], [Potamogeton]) and occasionally free-floating [Utricularia] spp., characteristic of large, permanent water bodies.


description:
Floating-leaved formations of Palaearctic waters dominated by magnonymphaeids of family Nymphaeaceae, in particular of genera [Nymphaea], [Nuphar], [Euryale].


description:
Floating-leaved formations of Palaearctic waters dominated by magnonymphaeids of genus [Nuphar], in particular [Nuphar pumila] and [Nuphar lutea], characteristic of temperate and cold regions.


description:
Floating-leaved formations of boreal, temperate and Mediterranean Palaearctic waters dominated by magnonymphaeids of genus [Nymphaea], in particular [Nymphaea alba], [Nymphaea candida], [Nymphaea tetragona], [Nymphaea pygmaea].


description:
Formations of [Nymphaea lotus] of geothermal waters (unit C2.144 ) of Petea Lake, western Romania.


description:
Floating-leaved formations of Palaearctic waters dominated by the trapid [Trapa natans].


description:
Fairly dense, closed sub-Mediterranean xeric grasslands of the [Ostryo-Carpinion orientalis adriaticum] zone of the western Balkan peninsula, developed on relatively fine-textured soils, with [Achillea nobilis], [Medicago prostrata], [Festuca valesiaca], [Koeleria splendens], [Bromus erectus], [Cladonia endiviaefolia].


description:
Bare ground resulting from trampling by humans or by other vertebrates including birds.


description:
Hard rock surfaces, rock jumbles, loose material deposits, soils, water bodies resulting from recent or present volcanic activity, unvegetated, occupied by lichens or mosses, or colonized by specialised, relatively sparse herb- or shrub-dominated communities.


description:
Orifices in volcanic areas emitting hot or cold gases and vapours. Their very extreme environment is colonized by highly distinct communities with few species. Included are steam vents (fumaroles), vapour and hot sulphurous gas vents (solfatares), paint pots, porridge pots and mud volcanoes, as well as cold carbon dioxide, methane and nitrogen vents (mofettes), that emit directly into the open atmosphere. Excludes marine (A6.9) and subterranean (H1.4) vents.


description:
Fumaroles of the major area of active volcanism of the western Mediterranean basins, located on the Italian peninsula and its small islands, in particular those of Isola d'Ischia, with communities that include [Cyperus polystachyos]; other gas vent manifestations of the same region of volcanism are listed in the next two sections.


description:
Fumaroles of Sicily and its nearshore islands, in particular of Mount Etna and the Lipari islands.


description:
Fumaroles of Pantelleria. Their walls, mouth and immediate vicinity are colonized by a succession of microvegetation composed of bryophytes, ferns and a few angiosperms. Constituting plants include the endemic moss [Calymperes sommieri], sole Mediterranean representative of a tropical genus, as well as [Radiola linoides], [Kickxia cirrhosa], [Trifolium angustifolium], [Centaurium maritimum].


description:
Fumaroles of the Canary Islands and the Azores.


description:
Fumaroles and solfataras of Iceland, surrounded by very sparse communities on warm, acid and clayey soils under a humid, warm microclimate, comprising Cyanophycea carpets in the immediate vicinity of the vent, hepatica belts farther out, first of the small [Riccia bifurca] and [Fossombronia dumortieri], then of the more robust [Preissia quadrata], finally, vascular plant assemblies in which [Ophioglossum azoricum], [Sagina procumbens], [Plantago major var. pygmaea] are prominent. Vast expanses of sulphur-poisoned ground in the general vicinity of the solfataras are almost devoid of vegetation, with a few vascular plants in less poisoned areas, in particular, [Achillea millefolium].


hname:
East Mediterranean fumaroles and solfataras

description:
Fumaroles and solfataras of the areas of active volcanism of the eastern Mediterranean basins, in particular, of the Aegean and the Levantine Sea.


hname:
Peri-Alpine fumaroles, solfataras and mofettes

description:
Gas vents, fumaroles, solfataras, mofettes, related to late Tertiary volcanism of the western Alpine system, its periphery, its satellite mountain complexes and its interior basins, including the Pyrenees, the Alps, the Carpathians, and, notably, the Eastern Carpathians, the Jura, the Dinarides, the Hellenides, the Hercynian ranges, the Iberian mountains, the Atlas, the Taurus. Included in particular are the extensive mofette systems of Bohemia and of the mountains constituting the Bohemian Quadrangle, in particular, those of the bogs of Soos, in the Cheb district of western Bohemia.


description:
Gas vents, fumaroles, solfataras, mofettes of the Caucasus and of western Asian mountains and plateaux, in particular, of the slopes of the Nemrut Dag in Turkey and of the Damavand and Taftan in Iran.


description:
Features of active volcanoes where emissions of hot or cold gases are absent. Includes barren lava flows, fields of volcanic ash and summits of dormant volcanoes.


description:
Summital zone of the Teide volcano of Tenerife, above (2700) 3000 metres, colonized by very open communities of [Viola cheiranthifolia], [Silene nocteolens] and [Argyranthemum teneriffae].


description:
Summital zone of Mount Etna, above the level of hedgehog heaths, between 2500 metres and the summit, where a very dispersed pioneer community is formed by endemics, notably [Rumex aetnensis], [Senecio aetnensis], [Anthemis aetnensis], [Hypochoeris robertia].


description:
Summital zone of very high volcanoes of western Asia, in particular, of Nemrut Dag in eastern Turkey, Damavand in northern Iran, Taftan in southern Iran, with [Polygonum radicosum], [Crepis demavendi], [Artemisia melanolipis], [Carex pseudofoetida].


description:
Hard or porous rocky surfaces and chaotic rock jumbles formed by solidified lava flows originating from volcanoes and fissures of the Palaearctic domaine, unvegetated, occupied by lichens or mosses, or colonized by specialised, relatively sparse herb- or shrub-dominated communities. They are restricted to the Mid-Atlantic ridge and its associated fracture zones, in Iceland and the Macaronesian islands, responsible for a large proportion of the volume of recent lava in the world, to the collision zones and constructive margins of southern Eurasia, in the Mediterranean and Tethyan basins along the folds of the Alpine system, to the Red Sea rim, on the Arabian peninsula, and to the western Pacific rim and island arcs. A range of surface characteristics is presented by lava of differing composition, viscosity and gas content, including pahoehoe or ropy lava, aa, scoria, pumice and pillow lava. A gradient of increasing acidity and viscosity extends from basalts through andesites and dacites to rhyolites.


description:
Lava flows, fields, dykes, necks, domes, cones of Iceland devoid of vegetation or sparsely vegetated by algae, lichens and mosses, which constitute the first stage of colonisation, with covers of up to 20-40%. The main constituents of the vegetation are the lichens [Stereocaulon vesubianum], [Stereocaulon alpinum], [Stereocaulon arcticum], [Alectoria ochroleuca], [Cladonia pyxidata], [Lecidea] spp., [Lecanora] spp. and the mosses [Grimmia] spp., [Andreaea rupestris], [Andreaea obovata], [Racomitrium canescens], [Polytrichum] spp. accompanied by a very few vascular plants, including [Festuca richardsonii], [Thymus praecox ssp. arcticus], [Poa subcaerulea].


description:
Neutrophile fir forests of the montane or submontane levels of the outer Alps, the Dinarides, the Carpathians, the northern Apennines, the Pyrenees, the Jura and the Hercynian arc, dominated by [Abies alba] with a varying admixture of [Picea abies], [Fagus sylvatica] or both.


description:
Neutrophile fir forests of the montane or submontane levels of the northern, western, southwestern and southern outer Alps, the western Carpathians, the northern Apennines, the Pyrenees, the Jura and the Hercynian arc, within the area of distribution of the montane beech forests of the [Fagion medio-europaeum], dominated by [Abies alba] with a varying admixture of [Picea abies], [Fagus sylvatica] or both.


hname:
Peri-Alpine neutrophile spruce fir forests

description:
Neutrophile fir forests of the montane or submontane levels of the northern, western, southwestern and southern outer Alps, the western Carpathians, the northern Apennines, the Jura and the Hercynian arc, developed in stations edaphically or microclimatically unfavourable to beech, dominated by [Abies alba] accompanied to a varying extent by [Picea abies] and with a species cortège composed by elements of the [Fagetalia] and of the [Piceetalia].


hname:
Peri-Alpine neutrophile beech fir forests

description:
Neutrophile fir forests of the montane or submontane levels of the northern, western, southwestern and southern outer Alps, the western Carpathians, the northern Apennines, the Pyrenees, the Jura and the Hercynian arc, developed in stations sufficiently favourable to beech, dominated by [Abies alba] accompanied to a varying extent by [Fagus sylvatica] and [Picea abies] and with a species cortège identical to that of the montane beech forests of units G1.63, G1.64, G1.67.


description:
Neutrophile fir forests of the montane or submontane levels of the southeastern outer Alps and the Dinarides, within the area of distribution of the montane beech forests of the [Fagion illyricum], dominated by [Abies alba] with a varying admixture of [Picea abies], [Fagus sylvatica] or both.


description:
Neutrophile fir forests of the montane or submontane levels of the southeastern outer Alps and the Dinarides, developed in stations edaphically or microclimatically unfavourable to beech, dominated by [Abies alba] accompanied to a varying extent by [Picea abies] and with a species cortège composed by elements of the [Fagetalia] and of the [Piceetalia].


description:
Neutrophile fir forests of the montane or submontane levels of the southeastern outer Alps and the Dinarides, developed in stations sufficiently favourable to beech, dominated by [Abies alba] accompanied to a varying extent by [Fagus sylvatica] and [Picea abies] and with a species cortège identical to that of the montane beech forests of units G1.63, G1.64, G1.67.


description:
Neutrophile to acidophile forests of [Abies alba] and [Fagus sylvatica], often with [Picea abies], on very steep slopes of the montane level of the eastern and southern Carpathians, with a cortège of [Fagetalia] and [Symphyto-Fagenion] species, including [Pulmonaria rubra], [Dentaria glandulosa], [Symphytum cordatum], [Salvia glutinosa], [Actaea spicata], [Rubus hirtus], [Dryopteris filix-mas], [Athyrium filix-femina].


description:
Montane [Abies alba] forests of inner valleys of the Pyrenees, and of other stations of relative continentality, unfavourable to beech, more acidophilous than those of units G3.111 and G3.112, with [Vaccinium myrtillus], [Goodyera repens], [Galium rotundifolium] and a good representation of species of the neutrophilous beech forests, intermediate between this unit and unit G3.13.


hname:
East Carpathian high montane fir forests

description:
Forests dominated by [Abies alba] and [Picea abies], accompanied by [Fagus sylvatica] and characterized by the presence of boreal elements in the herb layer, of gentle slopes of the upper montane level of the Eastern and Southern Carpathians, with [Hieracium rotundatum], [Orthilia secunda], [Moneses uniflora], [Goodyera repens], [Homogyne alpina], [Soldanella hungarica ssp. major], [Calamagrostis villosa], [Calamagrostis arundinacea].


description:
[Abies alba] and [Abies alba]-[Picea abies] forests developed on calcareous soils of the Alps, the Dinarides, the Pyrenees, the Jura and the Hercynian ranges.


description:
Calcicolous [Abies alba] and [Abies alba]-[Picea abies] forests of the intermediate Alps, with [Carex alba], [Polygala chamaebuxus], [Hepatica triloba], [Calamagrostis varia].


description:
[Abies alba] facies of calcicolous [Picea abies]-[Abies alba] forests of the outer Alps.


description:
Very local, calciphilous, [Abies alba] forests of Falakron and the southern flank of the Rhodope Mountains of extreme northern Greece.


description:
Forests of [Abies alba] or of [Abies alba] mixed with [Fagus sylvatica], of the main Rhodope range, within the [Fagion moesiacum] zone.


description:
Forests of [Abies alba] or of [Abies alba] mixed with [Fagus sylvatica], [Picea abies], [Pinus sylvestris] or [Pinus nigra] of Pirin, Rila and Vitosha.


description:
Forests of [Abies alba] or of [Abies alba] mixed with [Fagus sylvatica], [Picea abies], [Pinus sylvestris] or [Pinus nigra] of the Moeso-Macedonian mountains.


description:
Forests of [Abies alba] or of [Abies alba] mixed with [Fagus sylvatica], [Picea abies], [Pinus sylvestris] or [Pinus nigra] of the Balkan Range system.


description:
Dense mussel beds found in sheltered conditions on mud. There is a build up of pseudofaeces that results in a bed that is very soft to walk on, and sediment which is anoxic to the surface. Pools are often present in the mussel bed but they tend to contain few species. The sediment infauna is very poor as a result of anoxic conditions. The mussel valves are usually clean, without epifaunal growth. Where this biotope occurs naturally, all age classes are found within the mussel bed. This biotope also includes commercially laid mussel beds on soft sediments, which tend to be of uniform age structure. The species diversity of this sub-biotope is a lot lower than that of the other A2.721 sub-units.
Situation: Occurs on sheltered mudflats, or areas that were previously rocky or cobble fields, but where pseudofaeces have accumulated, leading to the presence of a thick layer of mud.
Temporal variation: Mussels may settle on areas of cobble or mixed sediment (unit A2.7211), and lead to the build-up of a thick layer of pseudofaeces, changing the biotope to unit A2.7213 over time. The layer of mud can prevent the attachment of mussels to the underlying stable substratum, thus making the mussel bed liable to be washed away during storms. This is known to occur in areas of Morecambe Bay, northern England.


description:
Rocky substratum macrozoobenthic community that is present in confined waters of variable salinity (like harbours and lagoons) principally composed  by the polychaete neozoon [Ficopomatus enigmaticus] Fauvel 1923 syn. [Mercierella enigmaticus]; in protected waters it may cover the entire hard substratum with a mass of erect, contiguous and intertwined calcareous tubes (up to 20 cm long). The reefs it builds constitute a highly tridimensional complex biotope (up to 50 cm thick), unique in the Black Sea and harbouring a diverse fauna from the other principal macroinvertebrate hard bottom  Mytilus dominated community. Mussel juveniles sometimes attach themselves on the surface of the reef but never survive to adulthood. The dominant species of this community are [Ficopomatus] and [Balanus] while the numeric subdominance is attained by  [Palaemon], [Xantho], [Orchestia] and [Spaheroma] (Micu & Micu 2004).


description:
Features of littoral sediment include littoral habitats characterised by the presence of gases or liquids bubbling or seeping through sediments (A2.81); areas which are characterised by pioneer or ephemeral red and green algae because of variations in salinity and/or siltation (A2.82); and sedimentary shores of non-tidal, reduced salinity waters which are below the mean water level and normally water-covered, but which are regularly or occasionally exposed by the action of wind (hydrolittoral zone in the Baltic) (A2.83-A2.87).


hname:
Ephemeral green or red seaweeds (freshwater or sand-influenced) on mobile substrata

description:
Eulittoral mixed substrata subject to variations in salinity and/or siltation characterised by dense blankets of ephemeral green and red seaweeds (A2.821). This is a biotope with a low species diversity and the relatively high number of species in the characterising species list are due to a variation in the species composition from site to site, not to high species richness on individual sites.
Note: Connor et al (2004) classify this habitat type together with A1.45 and A2.43 as LR.ELR.Eph.


hname:
Ephemeral green and red seaweeds on variable salinity and/or disturbed eulittoral mixed substrata

description:
Eulittoral mixed substrata (pebbles and cobbles overlying sand or mud) that are subject to variations in salinity and/or siltation, characterised by dense blankets of ephemeral green and red seaweeds. The main species present are [Enteromorpha intestinalis], [Ulva lactuca] and [Porphyra] spp., along with colonial diatoms covering the surface of the substratum. Small numbers of other species such as barnacles [Semibalanus balanoides] and [Elminius modestus] are confined to any larger cobbles and pebbles or on the shells of larger individuals of the mussel [Mytilus edulis]. The crab [Carcinus maenas] and the winkle [Littorina littorea] can be present among the boulders, cobbles and seaweeds, while gammarids can be found in patches underneath the cobbles. In common with the other biotopes found on mixed substrata, patches of sediment are typically characterised by infaunal species including bivalves, for example, [Cerastoderma edule] and the polychaete [Arenicola marina] and the polychaete [Lanice conchilega].
Situation: This biotope is found primarily on enclosed (estuarine) stony shores sheltered from wave action (compare with unit A1.1133), with weak to moderate tidal streams and often subject to variable levels of salinity. It is found predominately in the mid shore zone above or at the same level as the biotope dominated by the barnacles [S. balanoides] and/or [E. modestus] and [Littorina] spp. (unit A2.431). If it is found in the upper shore region it can be backed by saltmarsh species such as [Salicornia] sp. and [Spartina] sp. Below are biotopes dominated by the wracks [Fucus serratus] or [Fucus vesiculosus] (units A1.3152; A1.3132) or by [M. edulis] (A1.111) or by the polychaete [Hediste diversicolor] and the tellin [Macoma balthica] (A2.312) depending on the substratum. This is a biotope with a low species diversity and the 'high' number of species in the characterising species list is due to a variation in the species composition from site to site, not to high species richness at individual sites.
Temporal variation: This biotope may be a summer variation of A2.431, in which ephemeral algal growth has exceeded the capacity of the grazing molluscs.


hname:
Hydrolittoral stony substrata: level bottoms with little or no macrophyte vegetation


hname:
Hydrolittoral stony substrata: level bottoms dominated by macrophyte vegetation


hname:
Hydrolittoral gravel substrata: level bottoms with little or no macrophyte vegetation


hname:
Hydrolittoral gravel substrata: level bottoms dominated by macrophyte vegetation


description:
Upper montane Pyrenean formations appearing on the edge of, or as substitution of, acidophilous pine woods.


description:
Galician and oro-Cantabrian upper montane formations.


hname:
Upper Cordilleran [Cytisus purgans] fields

description:
Alti-Mediterranean and oro-Mediterranean formations of the Cordillera Central.


hname:
Lower Cordilleran [Cytisus purgans] fields

description:
Upper supra-Mediterrranean formations of the Cordillera Central.


description:
Oro-Mediterranean formations of the high southern Galicio-Leonese sierras.


description:
Oro-Mediterranean formations of the Sierra Nevada.


description:
Mostly deciduous shrubs and hedges, usually tall and luxuriant, often very rich in lianas, of Mediterranean France, of sub-Mediterranean areas of the Iberian peninsula and of North African mountains, of moist stations in the Mediterranean zone of the Iberian peninsula.


description:
Formations mostly of moist stations within the Mediterranean zone of France, Catalonia, the Balearics and Valencia, with [Rosa sempervirens], [Rubus ulmifolius], [Tamus communis], [Prunus spinosa], [Cornus sanguinea], [Crataegus monogyna] and, locally, [Coriaria myrtifolia].


hname:
Western Iberian sub-Mediterranean deciduous thickets

description:
Formations of the western, particularly northwestern, part of the Iberian peninsula, with [Crataegus monogyna], [Prunus spinosa], [Cornus sanguinea], [Ligustrum vulgare], [Sambucus nigra], [Euonymus europaeus], brambles, particularly the Mediterranean [Rubus ulmifolius], various roses, notably [Rosa sempervirens] and [Rosa canina] agg., and particularly rich in lianas, [Tamus communis], [Smilax aspera], [Clematis vitalba], [Lonicera periclymenum], [Lonicera etrusca], [Rubia peregrina], [Bryonia cretica], [Vitis vinifera], [Humulus lupulus].


hname:
Central Iberian sub-Mediterranean deciduous thickets

description:
More continental formations of central Iberia, developed mostly on deep, moist soils in the supra-Mediterranean zone of the Meseta, the Ebro basin, the Cordillera Central, the Southern Iberian Range, the Montes de Toledo, the Sierra Morena and the western Baetic or sub-Baetic mountains, with [Berberis hispanica], [Prunus spinosa], [Prunus mahaleb], [Crataegus monogyna], [Ribes uva-crispa], [Rubus ulmifolius], [Lonicera xylosteum], [Lonicera etrusca], [Amelanchier ovalis], [Rhamnus saxatilis], numerous roses of the [Rosa agrestis] and [Rosa canina] aggregates (e.g. [Rosa micrantha], [Rosa pouzinii], [Rosa corymbifera], [Rosa sicula]) and, locally, [Hippophae rhamnoides].


description:
Supra- and oro-Mediterranean deciduous thickets of eastern sub-Baetic and Baetic mountains (sierras de Cazorla, Segura, Baza, Magina, Alcaraz and the Sierra Nevada), with [Lonicera arborea], [Lonicera splendida], [Prunus ramburii], [Cotoneaster granatensis], [Berberis hispanica], [Crataegus monogyna], [Rosa] spp.


hname:
North African sub-Mediterranean deciduous thickets

description:
Supra- and oro-Mediterranean deciduous thickets of North African mountains.


description:
Mostly deciduous shrubs and hedges, often tall, luxuriant and rich in lianas, of sub-Mediterranean areas and moist stations in mediterranean areas of peninsular Italy, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica.


hname:
Subcontinental and continental deciduous thickets

description:
Deciduous pre- and postforest formations, forest edges, hedges and woodland recolonisation of thermophilous deciduous oak forest and steppe forest zones of the Balkan peninsula, of southeastern Europe, of western Asia and of Central Eurasia, in particular, of the [Quercion frainetto] and [Ostryo-Carpinion] zones of the Balkan peninsula, with very local irradiations in Central Europe, extreme northeastern Italy, the Aegean and the eastern Mediterranean. Vegetation of alliances [Prunion fruticosae], [Prunion spinosae] and partially [Berberidion] with species [Prunus spinosa], [Cornus mas], [Cotoneaster integerrimus], [Crataegus monogyna], [Rosa pimpinellifolia], [Rhus coriaria], [Rubus discolor] and [Pistacia terebinthus].


description:
Deciduous thickets of the Pannonic basin and neighbouring regions, with northwestern irradiations in Central Europe, within and around the range of occurrence of white cinquefoil oak woods (units G1.7A111, G1.7A112, G1.7A113), of western tartar maple steppe oak woods (unit G1.7A121) and of Pannonian white oak woods (unit G1.7374).


hname:
Northern Central European ground cherry scrub

description:
[Prunus fruticosa] scrub of dry, continental enclaves of Central Europe, in particular of the rain shadow of the Harz in Anhalt and Thuringe, of the xeric left-bank limestone and loess hills of the Palatine upper Rhine, of the Nida Valley and Lublin uplands of southeastern Poland, of dry hills of the Bohemian basin and of Moravia.


description:
Low deciduous scrub of continental affinities of the Pannonic basin and neighbouring regions including the eastern Alpine periphery, the southern periphery of the Northwestern Carpathians, the Transylvanian plateau and the adjacent foothills and valleys of the Eastern and Southern Carpathians and the Apuseni mountains, the southern periphery of the Pannonic basin, with irradiations to the lower Danubian plain, to the Moravian plateau, to the Dobrogea and to the hills and valleys of the northern Balkan peninsula southeast to southwestern Bulgaria.


description:
Heaths, often extensive, of the Stranja-Istranca mountains and of the coasts of the Sea of Marmora, with [Calluna vulgaris], [Erica arborea], [Erica manipuliflora], [Cistus incanus], [Cistus salvifolius], [Genista carinalis], [Teucrium polium].


description:
Heaths rich in gorse ([Ulex] spp.) of the Atlantic margins of Europe.


description:
Wind-swept heaths with prostrate, cushiony gorse or broom ([Ulex europaeus f. maritimus], [Ulex gallii f. humilis], [Cytisus scoparius ssp. maritimus]), [Erica vagans], [Erica cinerea], [Calluna vulgaris], and numerous other maritime ecotypes, of cliff tops of promontories and islands of Brittany, Cotentin, southern Ireland, Cornwall, Wales, the Cantabrian coast and Galicia.


hname:
Hiberno-Britannic [Calluna vulgaris]-[Ulex gallii] heaths

description:
Oceanic heaths of Ireland, Wales, the Isle of Man, the South-West Peninsula and, locally, the Pennines and the coasts of East Anglia, dominated by [Ulex gallii], [Calluna vulgaris] and [Erica cinerea]. Basicline heaths, somewhat homologous to the continental formations of unit F4.22B, may form in zones of transition between some communities of this unit and calcareous grasslands of unit E1.


description:
Western Irish heaths comprising the northern, isolated, populations of [Erica mackaiana].


description:
Heaths of well drained soils of the coasts and offshore islands of Ireland, Cornwall and Brittany, other than cushiony maritime formations, dominated by or rich in [Erica vagans], constituting isolated northern outposts of occurrence of the species.


hname:
Anglo-Armorican [Erica cinerea]-[Ulex gallii] heaths

description:
Heaths of well drained soils of Brittany, the Cotentin peninsula, the South-Western Peninsula and the south coast of Wales, dominated by [Ulex gallii], [Erica cinerea] and [Calluna vulgaris], often rich in grasses, in particular, [Agrostis curtisii].


hname:
Cantabro-Pyrenean [Erica mackaiana]-[E. cinerea] heaths

description:
Heaths with [Ulex gallii], [Erica mackaiana], [Erica cinerea], [Daboecia cantabrica] of well drained soils of the beech level of the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian chain and, very locally, of Galicia.


hname:
Cantabro-Pyrenean [Erica vagans]-[E. cinerea] heaths

description:
Heaths with [Ulex gallii], [Erica vagans], [Erica cinerea], sometimes [Erica aragonensis], and [Pseudarrhenatherum longifolium] of the French and Spanish Basque coast and of the beech level of the Atlantic Pyrenees and of the Cantabrian chain, mostly on mildly acid or slightly calcareous soils.


description:
Heaths of sub-Atlantic France and of southern and southeastern England formed by [Ulex minor], [Erica cinerea], [Calluna vulgaris] and [Ulex europaeus].


description:
Heaths of well drained soils of Aquitaine, Saintonge, Poitou, Sologne and the Loire region formed by [Ulex minor] and [Erica cinerea], sometimes with [Erica scoparia].


hname:
Ibero-Atlantic [Erica - Ulex - Cistus] heaths

description:
Aquitanian heaths with rock-roses. Iberian heaths with numerous species of heathers (notably [Erica umbellata], [Erica aragonensis]) and brooms, rock-roses and often [Daboecia]. When the rock-roses and other Mediterranean shrubs become dominant they should be classified as maquis or garrigues (units F5 or F6).


description:
Coastal and collinar [Erica]-[Ulex]-[Cistus] heaths of the periphery of the Bay of Biscay and of the slopes of the Garonne Gap.


description:
[Calluna] heaths of high peaks, with [Viola montcaunica].


description:
Beech-zone [Erica aragonensis] heaths with [Arctostaphylos uva-ursi].


description:
Formations of lower beech zone, with [Erica vagans].


description:
[Erica arborea], [Erica cinerea], [Calluna vulgaris] formations of the acidophilous oak zone.


description:
[Erica aragonensis] heaths of the southern Iberian Range (Valdemeca, Serrania de Cuenca) with [Thymelaea subrepens].


hname:
South Carpathian thermophilous beech forests

description:
[Fagus sylvatica] or [Fagus moesiaca] forests of the southwestern and southern Carpathians and pre-Carpathian hills, with southern European floristic elements, including [Aremonia agrimonoides], [Festuca drymeja], [Helleborus odorus], [Tilia tomentosa], [Corylus colurna], of Illyrian or Moesian affinities.


hname:
South Carpathian [Aremonia] beech forests

description:
Neutrophile or basicline montane [Fagus sylvatica] forests widespread in the southwestern Carpathians, characterized by the presence of thermophile species of Illyrian affinities, in particular, [Aremonia agrimonoides], [Potentilla micrantha], [Fraxinus ornus], [Tamus communis] and the extreme rarefaction of typical [Symphyto-Fagion] Carpathian species.


hname:
South Carpathian [Corylus colurna] beech forests

description:
Neutrophile low montane [Fagus moesiaca] forests with [Corylus colurna] and a cortège of southern species, including [Primula columnae], [Fraxinus ornus], [Lathyrus venetus], [Knautia drymeia], [Ruscus hypoglossum], occupying small surfaces in a few localities of the southwestern Carpathians, south to the Rtanj range of eastern Serbia; they are related to Moesian formations of unit G1.69, in particular unit G1.6934.


hname:
South Carpathian [Helleborus odorus] beech forests

description:
Neutrophile to weakly acidophile [Fagus moesiaca] forests, of low mountains and hills of the southwestern Romanian Carpathians and pre-Carpathian ranges, with a cortège of southern, in part Illyrian, species, including [Helleborus odorus], [Asperula taurina], [Daphne laureola], [Ruscus aculeatus], [Tamus communis], [Tilia tomentosa].


hname:
South Carpathian [Festuca drymeja] beech forests

description:
Weakly acidophile to acidophile [Fagus sylvatica] or [Fagus moesiaca] forests of the upper part of sunny slopes of the mountains and hills of the southern and southwestern Carpathians, with an herb layer dominated by [Festuca drymeja] and in which [Luzula luzuloides] is always present and the [Symphyto-Fagenion] species poorly represented.


description:
[Fagus orientalis] forests of the Pontic Range and its satellite chains, extending into southeastern Central Europe in the Stranja-Istranca Range and the eastern Balkan Range.


description:
[Fagus orientalis] forests of the western Pontic Range, the Stranja-Istranca Range and the eastern Balkan Range.


hname:
Eastern Balkan Range oriental beech forests

description:
Beech forests of the eastern Balkan Range dominated by [Fagus orientalis] and with an understorey formed in part by a Euxinian cortège, impoverished in comparison to that of more southern and eastern communities, though fairly similar to that of unit G1.6E2, comprising, as most characteristic taxa, [Primula vulgaris ssp. sibthorpii] ([Primula rosea], [Primula sibthorpii]), [Trachystemon orientalis] and [Scilla bithynica] and the absence of other southern Euxinian elements that occur in the Stranja.


description:
[Fagus orientalis] forests of the Stranja-Istranca Range.


hname:
Stranja bearberry tree-oriental beech forests

description:
Beech forests of the Stranja-Istranca mountains dominated by [Fagus orientalis], less rich in lauriphyllous shrubs than those of G1.6E122, more similar to those of G1.6E11, although slightly richer in Euxinian elements, with a cortège that includes, locally, [Vaccinium arctostaphylos], otherwise formed primarily by [Primula vulgaris ssp. sibthorpii] ([Primula rosea]), [Trachystemon orientalis] and [Scilla bithynica].


description:
Beech forests of the Stranja-Istranca mountains dominated by [Fagus orientalis], often accompanied by [Carpinus betulus], [Carpinus orientalis], [Tilia tomentosa], [Tilia cordata], [Tilia platyphyllos], [Quercus polycarpa], [Acer platanoides], [Acer campestre], [Ulmus glabra], [Sorbus torminalis], [Sorbus domestica], [Prunus avium], with an understorey rich in lauriphyllous shrubs of Euxinian affinities, comprising, in particular, [Rhododendron ponticum], [Daphne pontica], [Prunus laurocerasus] ([Laurocerasus officinalis]), [Pyracantha coccinea], [Ilex aquifolium], [Ruscus hypoglossum], and with the Euxinian [Primula vulgaris ssp. sibthorpii] ([Primula rosea]), [Trachystemon orientalis], [Teucrium cuneifolium], [Cyclamen coum], [Epimedium pubigerum], [Hypericum calycinum] and [Scilla bithynica] in the herb layer.


hname:
Western Pontic rhododendron-oriental beech forests

description:
Forests of the western Pontic Range dominated by [Fagus orientalis], accompanied by [Quercus iberica], [Acer cappadocium], [Acer trautvetteri], with a lauriphile-rich one- to six-metre high understorey of [Rhododendron ponticum], [Rhododendron flavum] and [Ilex colchica] with [Hedera colchica], [Smilax excelsa], [Ruscus hypoglossum], [Daphne pontica], [Vaccinium arctostaphylos], [Crataegus pentagyna], [Aristolochia pontica], forming a massive belt at altitudes extending from sea level to 1100-1200 metres, under precipitations of 1000-2000 mm and on siliceous substrates.


description:
Rare forests limited to calcareous outcrops of the western Pontic Range dominated by [Fagus orientalis] accompanied by [Stephylea pinnata], [Buxus sempervirens], [Taxus baccata], [Euonymus latifolius ssp. caucanus].


hname:
Northern Italic [Quercus pubescens] woods

description:
Forests of [Quercus pubescens ssp. pubescens], [Fraxinus ornus], [Ostrya carpinifolia], [Carpinus betulus], and, locally, [Carpinus orientalis], occupying the lower supra-Mediterranean (100-500 metres) level of the central and northern Apennines, the Ligurian ranges and the Alpine foothills of Italy, with local impoverished irradiations to the upper supra-Mediterranean level on calcareous soils.


description:
Forests of [Quercus pubescens ssp. pubescens], [Ostrya carpinifolia], [Carpinus orientalis] of the supra-Mediterranean level of the southern Italian peninsula and of Sicily.


description:
Forests of [Quercus pubescens ssp. pubescens], [Carpinus orientalis], [Carpinus betulus], [Ostrya carpinifolia] of the lower supra-Mediterranean level of Thessaly, Macedonia, Thrace, and locally, on calcareous soils, of western Greece and southern Albania, with northward penetration into the southern F.Y.R. of Macedonia along the Vardar valley.


description:
Usually open woods formed by [Quercus pubescens ssp. anatolica], often associated with [Quercus macrolepis], of Lesbos and Samothrace.


description:
Nonalluvial Atlantic, sub-Atlantic and nemoral forests dominated by [Fraxinus excelsior], particularly characteristic of Britain, of the northwestern Iberian peninsula and of the Baltic moraine hills of Mecklenburg, but distributed also in other parts of central and southeast Europe. Pioneer secondary formations on abandoned cultivated land are included.


description:
Forests and woodland of [Fraxinus excelsior], with some [Ulmus glabra], [Acer pseudoplatanus], [Quercus petraea], [Betula pubescens], [Sorbus aucuparia] and an understorey dominated by [Corylus avellana], often accompanied by [Crataegus monogyna] or occasionally [Crataegus laevigata], characteristic of submontane climates and moist soils on calcareous bedrocks of the northern and western British Isles, particularly in valley heads of the upland fringes, distributed in Ireland, Scotland, northern England, Wales and locally Devon. Ferns ([Athyrium filix-femina], [Dryopteris] spp., [Blechnum spicant]), grasses ([Brachypodium sylvaticum], [Deschampsia cespitosa], [Poa trivialis], [Arrhenatherum elatius], [Dactylis glomerata], [Holcus lanatus], [Holcus mollis], [Agrostis capillaris], [Anthoxanthum odoratum]), [Oxalis acetosella] are abundant and characteristic in the field layer, often with [Hyacinthoides non-scripta], [Mercurialis perennis], tall herbs ([Crepis paludosa], [Crepis mollis], [Filipendula ulmaria], [Conopodium majus], [Trollius europaeus]) and an extensive and diverse bryophyte flora.


hname:
British ash - field maple - dog's mercury forests

description:
Forests and woodland of [Fraxinus excelsior], with [Quercus robur] (in the southwest), or [Quercus petraea], [Acer pseudoplatanus], [Ulmus glabra] (in the northwest), with an understorey dominated by [Corylus avellana], frequently accompanied by [Crataegus monogyna], [Crataegus laevigata], [Acer campestre], [Sambucus nigra], characteristic of often calcareous base-rich soils in relatively warm and dry lowlands of southern Britain, distributed mostly in southern and central England, eastern Wales, southern and eastern Scotland. The field layer comprises [Mercurialis perennis], [Hyacinthoides non-scripta], [Circaea lutetiana], [Geum urbanum], [Arum maculatum], [Viola riviniana], [Viola reichenbachiana], [Sanicula europaea], [Lamium galeobdolon], [Carex sylvatica]; [Primula vulgaris] and [Glechoma hederacea], [Anemone nemorosa], [Deschampsia cespitosa], [Hedera helix], [Geranium robertianum], [Allium ursinum], [Teucrium scorodonia] characterize geographical and edaphic subtypes. In humid northern and western Britain, outside of the range of [Fagus sylvatica] and [Carpinus betulus], the separation between this unit and the ravine forests of unit G1.A41, developed on unstable screes and colluvions, is poorly marked.


description:
[Fraxinus excelsior]-dominated facies of the Pyreneo-Cantabrian ash-oak forests (unit G1.A19).


description:
[Fraxinus excelsior] forests of Baltic moraine hills (Mecklenburg), possibly related to the peri-Alpine slope-foot forests of G1.A43.


description:
[Fraxinus excelsior]-dominated facies of the mixed Atlantic bluebell oak forests (unit G1.A11), including ash-dominated facies of British oak-bracken-bramble woodland.


description:
[Fraxinus excelsior]-dominated facies of Aquitanian ash-oak forests (G1.A12).


description:
[Fraxinus excelsior]-dominated facies of sub-Atlantic oxlip oak forests (unit G1.A13), characteristic, in particular, of forests on imperfectly drained marls and schistoid clays.


description:
[Fraxinus excelsior]-dominated facies of calciphile oak-ash forests (unit G1.A173), characteristic of the French Paris basin, particularly on chalk deposits; their affinities are with the southeastern British formations of unit G1.A21.


description:
Pioneer formations of [Fraxinus excelsior] occupying abandoned agricultural land.


description:
Woods of the western Palaearctic region dominated by [Carpinus betulus], alone or with a small admixture of other species.


description:
Woods of Western Europe and northern and central Central Europe, north to southern Denmark, Bornholm and southeastern Sweden, within the range of the [Fagion medio-europaeum] and the [Carpinion betuli], dominated by [Carpinus betulus], alone or with a small admixture of other species, uncommon, generally low, habitually secondary. Scandinavian stands, characteristic of diabases, basalts and greenstones, often dominated by tall [Carpinus betulus], have a field layer dominated by abundant [Anemone nemorosa], [Stellaria nemorum] and [Hedera helix].


description:
Forests of southeastern Central Europe and of Eastern Europe, within the range of the [Carpinion illyricum], of the [Fagion moesiacum] and of the [Fagion dacicum], as well as of areas east of the range of [Fagus sylvatica], dominated by [Carpinus betulus], alone or with a small admixture of other species, more widespread and developed than those of unit G1.A31, sometimes primary.


description:
Forests of southeastern Central Europe, within the range of the [Carpinion illyricum], dominated by [Carpinus betulus], alone or with a small admixture of other species, in particular [Carpinus betulus]-dominated communities of the Carinthian [Helleboro nigri-Carpinetum].


description:
Neutrophile or weakly acidophile forests of southeastern Central Europe, within the range of the [Fagion moesiacum], the [Fagion dacicum] and, locally, of the [Quercion frainetto], dominated by [Carpinus betulus], alone or with a small admixture of other species, with [Carpinion] species in the herb layer; they occur in various conditions on hills and in plains, as substitution for mixed forests of [Quercus robur] or [Quercus petraea], [Carpinus betulus], [Tilia] spp., [Fraxinus excelsior].


description:
Forests of Eastern Europe, east of the range of [Fagus sylvatica], dominated by [Carpinus betulus], alone or with a small admixture of other species, in particular, [Carpinus betulus] forests of the Podolian plateaux.


description:
Cool, moist forests with a multispecific tree layer (especially maples [Acer] spp., lime [Tilia] spp., ash [Fraxinus] spp. ) of variable dominance, most often on more or less abrupt slopes. They are of considerable biohistorical and biogeographical importance, as examples of the mixed forests of the Atlantic period, preserved in stations inaccessible to beech domination. Vegetation of alliance [Tilio-Acerion].


description:
Atlantic and medio-European collinar and submontane forests of [Fraxinus excelsior], [Acer pseudoplatanus], [Acer platanoides], [Ulmus glabra], [Tilia platyphyllos], [Fagus sylvatica], [Quercus robur], on unstable scree or colluvions of abrupt, shady and humid slopes, with abundant ferns, characterized by the presence of the ecological group of [Asplenium scolopendrium], [Mercurialis perennis]. They are characteristic of the hills, mountains and plateaux associated with the Hercynian ranges, the Jura, the Northern Carpathians, the Alps, the hills of the Pannonic plain, within the range of the [Fagion medio-europaeum]. Sub-Atlantic forests of calcareous hills of the Paris Basin, of Burgundy, of the Plateau de Langres, somewhat intermediate between these formations and those of unit G1.A45 are included, in view of their restriction to situations of cool microclimates without marked summer drought, in particular, north-facing slopes and the lack of thermophilous species characteristic of the [Tilenion platiphylli].


description:
Cushiony domes or buttes of Palaearctic bogs, mainly made of red, yellow or brown sphagna, with other mosses, in particular, [Campylopus pyriformis] ([Campylopus fragilis var. pyriformis]), liverworts, including [Odontoschisma sphagni], [Mylia anomala], lichens ([Cladonia] spp., [Cladina] spp.), [Andromeda polifolia], [Vaccinium oxycoccos], [Drosera rotundifolia], and a small admixture of vascular plants characteristic of the lawn, such as [Eriophorum vaginatum], [Carex pauciflora], [Scirpus cespitosus], or of dwarf shrub hummocks, in particular, [Calluna vulgaris], [Ledum palustre], [Erica tetralix], communities which are, in any case, usually closely associated with these.


description:
Transition mire communities of boreal regions of the Palaearctic domaine, in particular of the lower alpine levels of Fennoscandian mountains, characterized by a 0.5-1.5 m high shrub layer, a ground layer dominated by [Paludella squarrosa] and the presence of several snow patch species, occupying medium rich fens influenced by mineral waters. The species cortège includes [Carex aquatilis], [Carex bigelowii], [Carex lachenalii], [Carex rariflora], [Eriophorum angustifolium], [Ranunculus pygmaeus], [Salix herbacea], [Salix polaris], [Saxifraga foliolosa], [Saxifraga stellaris], [Solidago virgaurea], and the bryophytes [Calliergon sarmentosum], [Calliergon stramineum], [Campylium stellatum], [Drepanocladus badius], [Drepanocladus exannulatus], [Drepanocladus revolvens], [Drepanocladus uncinatus], [Sphagnumteres].


description:
Transition mire communities of northern boreal regions of the Palaearctic domaine, in particular of northern Finland, dominated by [Menyanthes trifoliata] or sedges, with a brown moss ground layer dominated by [Drepanocladus fluitans], [Drepanocladus exannulatus] or [Drepanocladus procerus]. [Sphagnum riparium] may be abundant and [Calliergon sarmentosum] present. The vascular species cortège includes [Carex chordorrhiza], [Carex limosa], [Carex rostrata], [Carex rotundata], [Eriophorum angustifolium], [Eriophorum gracile], [Eriophorum russeolum], [Andromeda polifolia], [Potentilla palustris], [Vaccinium oxycoccos].


description:
Transition mire communities of northern boreal regions of the Palaearctic domaine dominated by grasses and forbs, in particular [Cicuta virosa], [Epilobium palustre], [Pedicularis palustris], with brown mosses, primarily [Calliergon richardsonii] and an absence of [Scorpidium scorpioides] and [Drepanocladus revolvens], in conditions of flowing surface water.


description:
Transition mire brown moss-forb-sedge communities of boreal regions of the Palaearctic domaine, in particular, of Fennoscandia, characteric of rich fens with moving surface water resulting from flooding or the proximity of springs. [Filipendula ulmaria] and [Paludella squarrosa] are typical of these communities. The highly variable vascular species cortège may include [Cirsium helenioides], [Crepis paludosa], [Epilobium] spp., [Geum rivale], [Menyanthes trifoliata], [Parnassia palustris], [Potentilla palustris], [Salix] spp., [Saussurea alpina], [Vaccinium oxycoccos], [Equisetum fluviatile], [Carex] spp., [Eriophorum latifolium]; the moss layer may include [Bryum] spp., [Calliergon] spp., [Cinclidium stygium], [Cratoneuron] spp., [Drepanocladus] spp., [Helodium blandowii], [Mnium] spp., [Philonotis] spp., [Scorpidium scorpioides], [Sphagnum teres], [Sphagnum warnstorfii], [Tomentypnum nitens].


description:
Floating meadows, quaking bogs or sphagnum mats dominated by or rich in [Calla palustris], often with [Potentilla palustris] and [Menyanthes trifoliata].


description:
Transition mire communities of the Palaearctic domaine dominated by [Drepanocladus exannulatus], [Drepanocladus revolvens], [Scorpidium scorpioides], [Calliergon giganteum], [Calliergon cuspidatum], [Calliergon richardsonii], [Campylium stellatum], [Paludella squarrosa], associated with sparse [Carex limosa], [Carex rostrata], [Carex lasiocarpa], [Carex chordorrhiza], [Carex aquatilis], sometimes with [Potentilla palustris], [Equisetum fluviatile], [Sphagnum recurvum], [Sphagnum dusenii], [Sphagnum riparium], [Sphagnum squarrosum], [Sphagnum subsecundum] or [Sphagnum teres], [Sphagnum warnstorfii], [Sphagnum contortum], [Sphagnum auriculatum], [Sphagnum platyphyllum], characteristic of mesocline or basicline quaking bogs, often occurring in mosaic with [Carex lasiocarpa] or [Carex diandra] formations.


description:
Transition mire communities in which the grass layer is dominated by [Eriophorum vaginatum] on a thick mat of [Sphagnum recurvum], with [Polytrichum commune] often forming a second moss layer. Associated plants include [Carex nigra] and [Agrostis canina]. Typical raised bog plants are few, often limited to [Carex pauciflora] and [Vaccinium oxycoccos].


hname:
Purple moorgrass ([Molinia]) quaking bogs

description:
Transition mire communities of the Palaearctic domaine dominated by [Molinia caerulea] with [Sphagnum cuspidatum], [Eleocharis palustris], [Rhynchospora alba], characteristic of low-lying areas in wet heaths and the periphery of fluctuating oligotrophic moor and heath pools.


hname:
Narrow small-reed ([Calamagrostis]) quaking bogs

description:
Basicline transition mire communities of the Palaearctic domaine, dominated by, or rich in, [Calamagrostis stricta] ([Calamagrostis neglecta]), often associated with [Carex diandra], recorded, in particular, from northern Fennoscandia, northern, eastern and pre-Alpine Germany, Poland, Hungary. In middle Europe, [Calamagrostis stricta] is a very rare, decreasing, threatened glacial relict.


description:
Transition mire communities of the Palaearctic domaine dominated by [Scirpus hudsonianus]. It is in these that the species finds its principal habitat.


description:
Sphagnum communities of the collinar, and locally, montane, areas of northwestern Iberia, intermediate between transition mire and bog, with [Drosera rotundifolia], [Carex durieui], [Narthecium ossifragum], [Sphagnum tenellum], [Sphagnum subnitens], [Odontoschisma sphagni], [Aulacomnium palustre].


hname:
Wet, open, acid peat and sand, with beak-sedge and sundew

description:
Sparse, bryophyte-poor, sedge and rush communities of bare, extremely wet peat muds of boreal mires, frequently inundated, remaining wet for a prolonged part of dry periods, together with pioneer communities of humid exposed peat or, sometimes, sand, forming on stripped areas of blanket bogs or raised bogs, as well as on naturally seep- or frost-eroded areas of wet heaths and bogs, in flushes and in the fluctuation zone of oligotrophic pools with sandy, slightly peaty substratum. Vegetation of alliance [Rhynchosporion albae], the most typical species are [Rhynchospora alba], [Hydrocotyle vulgaris], [Juncus bulbosus], [Lycopodiella inundata], [Sphagnum subsecundum], [Sphagnum denticulatum] and [Sphagnum inundatum].


description:
Highly constant pioneer communities of humid exposed peat or, sometimes, sand, of nemoral Atlantic and sub-Atlantic regions of the Palaearctic domaine, with [Rhynchospora alba], [Rhynchospora fusca], [Drosera intermedia], [Drosera rotundifolia], [Lycopodiella inundata], forming on stripped areas of blanket bogs or raised bogs, but also on naturally seep- or frost-eroded areas of wet heaths and bogs, in flushes and in the fluctuation zone of oligotrophic pools with sandy, slightly peaty substratum. These communities are similar, and closely related, to those of shallow bog hollows (unit D1.1122) and of transition mires (unit D2.37). They are often associated with wet heaths of unit F4.1 or [Myrica gale] scrubs of unit D4.1M.


description:
Sparse, bryophyte-poor, sedge and rush communities of bare, extremely wet peat muds of boreal Palaearctic mires, frequently inundated, remaining wet for a prolonged part of dry periods. The elastic substrate expands and raises when saturated, shrinks in dry periods, forming polygonal networks of surface cracks; there is no peat formation. Mud-bottom communities comprise the same vascular plants as transition mires of unit D2.3, such as [Carex limosa], [Carex chordorrhiza], [Carex rariflora], [Carex rostrata], [Equisetum fluviatile], [Eriophorum angustifolium], [Eriophorum gracile], [Eriophorum russeolum], but they are more dispersed. [Juncus stygius] and [Utricularia intermedia] are, however, characteristic. Bryophytes are absent or scattered, although the small hepatics [Cladopodiella fluitans] and [Gymnocolea inflata] are sometimes abundant; a well-developed surface film is formed by microalgae, including filamentous algae such as [Zygogonium erieetorum], and numerous desmids and diatoms in fen mud-bottoms. In situations of ochre formation, iron bacteria are abundant. Mud-bottom communities occur in acidic fens of unit D2.2, in rich fens of unit D4.1, in bog hollows of unit D1.1, and, mostly, in flarks or rimpis of aapa mires of unit D3.2 and palsa mires of unit D3.1.


description:
Palaearctic sedge beds dominated by [Carex pseudocyperus], mostly characteristic of slightly acid peaty soils, in very wet situations.


description:
Palaearctic formations dominated by [Carex vulpina] or [Carex otrubae], of eutrophic humus-poor clay soils, inundated for part of the year.


description:
Palaearctic formations of the very large [Carex vulpina].


description:
Palaearctic formations of the often less robust [Carex otrubae].


description:
Beds of [Carex buxbaumii] of wet grasslands, lake shore swamps and fens, on temporarily inundated relatively nutrient-rich, somewhat acid peaty sandy or clayey soils of eastern France, southern and eastern Germany, Poland, Lithuania, the southern Alps and the central Apennines.


description:
Sedge beds of Iceland dominated by [Carex lyngbyei], forming, thanks to strong runners, large stands on lakesides, poolsides, open mires and in ditches.


description:
Palaearctic formations dominated by large perennial Cyperaceae of genus [Cyperus], other than [Cyperus papyrus].


description:
[Cyperus longus] formations of Italy, southeastern Europe, North Africa and Asia Minor.


description:
Formations of [Cyperus papyrus] of the Near East, Egypt and Sicily.


description:
[Cyperus papyrus ssp. siculus] gallery of the Cyane river in southeastern Sicily. Taxonomic and historical evidence strongly suggest that this unique station is of natural origin, an extraordinary relict of an extensive Tertiary distribution.


description:
Species-rich, fairly open [Cladium mariscus] beds of alkaline and sometimes acid fens, accompanied by cortèges of the [Caricion davallianae] or of the [Caricion lasiocarpae]. These formations are in grave decline throughout their range. Typical species: [Molinia caerulea], [Schoenus nigricans], [Schoenus ferrugineus], [Eriophorum latifolium] etc. Closed stands are species-poor.


hname:
Valencia great fen sedge ([Cladium]) islands

description:
Endangered endemic association of peaty islets of the Albufera de Valencia, with [Kosteletzkya pentacarpos].


hname:
Swamps and marshes dominated by soft rush or other large rushes

description:
Stands of large [Juncus] spp. invading heavily grazed and trampled marshes or fens or (with [Juncus effusus]) eutrophicated poor fens and bogs, e.g. in the vicinity of bird colonies. Excludes stands of rushes in wet grassland (E3.4), where the ground is waterlogged for less than half the year.


hname:
Inland saline and brackish marshes and reedbeds

description:
Saline wetlands, with closed or open vegetation, which are the non-coastal analogue of coastal saltmarshes and saline reedbeds (A2.5). Drier saline habitats are classified as inland salt steppe (E6) or saline scrubland (F6.8).


description:
Salt meadows and swards of [Salicornia] and other [Chenopodiaceae] of inland salt basins of the nemoral zone. Inland saltmarshes of middle Europe are remarkable, extremely threatened communities occurring in a few isolated stations of Saxony and Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Thuringia, Hesse, Lorraine, Auvergne, the Midlands and southeastern Poland (lower Nida valley).


hname:
Interior European reflexed saltmarsh-grass ([Puccinellia distans]) meadows

description:
Meadows of [Puccinellia distans] and [Puccinellia limosa] occupying the lower levels of inland salt basins of the nemoral zone of western and central Europe, with fairly extended periods of inundation. As typical species we can consider here [Hordeum geniculatum], [Plantago tenuiflora], [Camphorosma annua] and [Juncus gerardi].


hname:
Interior European saltmarsh rush and couch beds

description:
Formations dominated by [Juncus gerardi] or [Elymus repens], with [Triglochin maritima], [Glaux maritima], [Melilotus dentata], of the upper levels of inland salt basins of the nemoral zone of western and central Europe, on damp, less saline soils.


hname:
Interior European stalked orache (pedunculate sea-purslane) beds

description:
Formations dominated by the threatened [Halimione pedunculata] restricted to saltmarshes east and south of the Harz.


hname:
Swards of Carpathian travertine concretions

description:
Closed halo-hygrophile swards of [Scirpus pumilus], [Triglochin maritima], [Glaux maritima], [Centaurium littorale ssp. uliginosum], [Plantago maritima ssp. salsa] with [Pinguicula vulgaris], [Parnassia palustris], [Primula farinosa], endemic to the inner Carpathian Zipser valley of Slovakia, where they colonize travertine concretions permanently washed by mineralized spring waters. Most of localities were destroyed in the past.


description:
Arborescent matorrals dominated by [Pinus pinea].


description:
Arborescent matorrals dominated by [Pinus halepensis].


description:
Arborescent matorrals dominated by [Pinus brutia].


hname:
Black pine and scots pine arborescent matorral

description:
Arborescent matorrals dominated by black pines ([Pinus pallasiana], [Pinus salzmannii]) or occasionnally by scots pines ([Pinus sylvestris]).


description:
Thermo-mediterranean, meso-mediterranean or sub-mediterranean arborescent matorral of North Africa, the Maltese Islands and southern Spain dominated by [Tetraclinis articulata].


description:
Tall scrub formations of the Mediterranean basin dominated by semideciduous or deciduous oaks.


description:
Scrub and steppes of the arid Iberian southeast, North Africa, Anatolia, central Cyprus and Palestine, dominated by often scattered tall shrubs and small trees of [Ziziphus lotus], [Ziziphus spina-christi] or [Acacia albida], in part distinctively thermo-mediterranean, in part intermediate between Mediterranean formations and open dry tropical woodland not found in the EUNIS classification area.


hname:
Iberian arid zone jujube ([Ziziphus]) matorral

description:
Pre-desert brush of [Periploca laevigata], [Lycium intricatum], [Asparagus stipularis], [Asparagus albus], [Withania frutescens] with tall [Ziziphus lotus], confined to the arid Iberian Southeast; similar formations with lower [Ziziphus lotus] bushes are listed in unit F5.551.


description:
Humid arborescent matorral with tall laurel ([Laurus nobilis]) developed locally in Sardinia, Sicily, the Maltese Islands, Campania, in particular.


description:
Maquis dominated by native (in the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean basins; cf. unit G3.91) or planted cypress ([Cupressus]).


description:
Formations of the mountains of Crete, for the most part hedgehog-heaths, dominated by sparse to moderately closed stands of [Zelkova abelicea], a rare, endemic, declining Tertiary relict of Pontic affinities, often associated with [Acer sempervirens].


description:
Evergreen sclerophyllous or lauriphyllous shrub vegetation, with a more or less closed canopy structure, and with few annuals, some geophytes and often scattered trees, some of which may be in shrub form. Unlike arborescent matorral, maquis is typically dominated by species that do not have the potential to grow into tall trees. In high maquis these may be [Arbutus] spp., [Erica arborea], [Erica scoparia], [Juniperus oxycedrus], [Phillyrea] spp. In low maquis, [Cistus] spp., [Erica] spp., [Genista] spp., [Lavandula] spp. may predominate.


description:
Tall shrubby formations of the meso- and thermo-Mediterranean zones of the Mediterranean basin with a dominant stratum of [Erica arborea], [Arbutus unedo], [Quercus] spp. and [Pistacia lentiscus], but no or few emergent oaks, in contrast to unit F5.1.


description:
Tall shrubby formations of the meso- and thermo-Mediterranean zones of the Iberian peninsula, France, Italy, the large western Mediterranean islands and Mediterranean North Africa with [Erica arborea], [Arbutus unedo], [Quercus ilex], [Phillyrea angustifolia], [Phillyrea media], [Viburnum tinus], [Rhamnus alaternus], [Juniperus oxycedrus], [Fraxinus ornus].


description:
Western Mediterranean maquis with [Erica lusitanica], [Erica arborea], [Erica scoparia], [Cistus psilosepalus], [Cistus populifolius] developed in particular in the vicinity of lauriphyllus formations of ravines and watercourse edges of the Montes de Toledo.


description:
Maquis of Greece and the Balkan peninsula, with [Erica arborea], [Arbutus unedo], [Arbutus andrachne], [Myrtus communis], [Pistacia terebinthus], [Phillyrea latifolia], [Juniperus oxycedrus], [Quercus coccifera], [Quercus ilex].


description:
Lower (usually less than one metre) western Mediterranean maquis rich in [Calluna vulgaris], [Erica scoparia], [Erica cinerea] or sometimes low [Erica arborea], often accompanied by [Cistus] spp., [Lavandula stoechas] and various brooms.


description:
Meso-, thermo- and occasionally supra-Mediterranean maquis of Iberia, southern France and western Mediterranean North Africa, in which the tall, large-flowered [Cistus ladanifer] is prominent. Included are more or less dense, homogeneous fields of [Cistus ladanifer], which can be identified by addition of digit 1 in the fourth decimal place of any of the subdivisions below, and more varied formations dominated by tall clumps of [Cistus ladanifer], which can be identified by addition of digit 2 in the fourth decimal place of these subdivisions.


description:
[Cistus ladanifer]-dominated formations rich in gorses, spiny brooms or, occasionally, heathers, abundant on usually shallow soils in the thermo- and meso-Mediterranean zones of the southwest of the Iberian peninsula.


description:
Formations colonizing lava flows, with the succulent asclepiad cardoncillos [Ceropegia dichotoma] and [Ceropegia fusca], [Phagnalon purpurascens] and [Sonchus leptocephalus].


hname:
Western Canary Island crassulid communities

description:
Formations of dry, less sunny rocks dominated by succulent crassulids ([Aeonium] spp., [Greenovia] spp.) with [Sonchus gummifer], [Sonchus radiatus], [Picridium ligulatum], [Lavandula abrotanoides], [Asparagus scoparius], [Hypericum reflexum], [Lavatera acerifolia], [Lavatera phoenicea], [Vieraea laevigata] and many lichens.


hname:
Eastern Canary Island xerophytic communities

description:
Open formations of semidesertic Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, with high endemism; characteristic of various groupings are [Euphorbia obtusifolia], [Senecio kleinia], [Asparagus pastorianus], [Kickxia heterophylla], [Echium bonnetii], [Caralluma burchardii], the cactiform spurge [Euphorbia handiensis], [Pulicaria burchardii], [Pulicaria canariensis], [Argyranthemum winteri], [Echium handiense], [Bupleurum handiense], [Sideritis massoniana], [Asteriscus sericeus], [Asteriscus schultzii], [Minuartia platiphylla], [Reichardia famarae], [Aichryson tortuosum], [Aeonium lancerottense], [Aeonium balsamiferum], [Limonium bourgaei], [Echium decaisnei ssp. purpuriense], [Argyranthemum ochroleucum], [Helichrysum gossypinum], [Helichrysum monogynum], [Ferula lancerottensis], [Sedum lancerottense], [Thymus origanoides], [Lavandula pinnata], [Echium pitardii], [Limonium puberulum].


description:
Steppic grasslands of the Canary Islands invaded and dominated by [Launaea arborescens].


hname:
[Salicornia], [Suaeda] and [Salsola] pioneer saltmarshes

description:
Annual glasswort ([Salicornia] spp., [Microcnemum coralloides]), seablite ([Suaeda] spp.), or sometimes saltwort ([Salsola] spp.), formations colonizing periodically inundated muds of coastal saltmarshes and inland salt-basins of the Palaearctic.


hname:
Biocenosis of beaches with slowly-drying wracks under glassworts

description:
This biocoenosis is characterised by annual glassworts ([Salicornia] spp., [Microcnemum coralloides]), seablites ([Suaeda] spp.), or sometimes saltworts ([Salsola] spp.), formations colonizing periodically inundated muds of coastal saltmarshes and inland salt-basins of the Palaearctic.


description:
Mud, often consolidated with coarse sand or gravel, on the extreme upper shore with [Salicornia] spp. plants forming a pioneer saltmarsh community. This habitat typically occurs in very sheltered estuarine conditions. Usually a reduced marine fauna is present which may include the amphipod [Corophium volutator], the ragworm [Hediste (Nereis) diversicolor] and often the mud snail [Hydrobia ulvae]. The fucoid alga [Pelvetia canaliculata] may be found on hard substrata, consolidated mud or lying unattached. This community is equivalent to saltmarsh community SM8 in the British National Vegetation Classification.


description:
Endemic, threatened [Salicornia veneta] swards of long-inundated muds of basins of the Venice lagoon.


hname:
Black Sea annual [Salicornia], [Suaeda] and [Salsola] saltmarshes

description:
Annual glasswort ([Salicornia] spp., [Microcnemum coralloides]), seablite ([Suaeda] spp.) and saltwort ([Salsola] spp.) solonchak formations, colonizing periodically inundated muds of Black Sea coastal saltmarshes and of inland salt-basins of central Eurasian and Irano-Anatolian steppe and cold desert zones. Annual glasswort communities of salt steppes and saltmarshes of areas of extreme continentality within the boreal zone of Siberia.


description:
Glasswort swards occupying long-inundated basins of coastal saltmarshes of the western Mediterranean basin, including those of Spain, southern continental France, the Gulf of Tarento, Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily, with Atlantic representatives in southwestern Europe, between southern Brittany and central Portugal, dominated by the reddening tetraploid glasswort [Salicornia emerici].


hname:
Mediterranean coastal halo-nitrophilous pioneer communities

description:
Formations of halo-nitrophilous annuals ([Frankenia pulverulenta], [Suaeda splendens], [Salsola soda], [Cressa cretica], [Parapholis incurva], [Parapholis strigosa], [Hordeum marinum], [Sphenopus divaricatus], [Polypogon maritimus], [Spergularia] spp., [Vella annua]) colonizing salt muds of Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic coastal regions, of Iberian and North African closed drainage basins, susceptible to temporary inundation and extreme drying; they are more species-rich or richer in non-Chenopodiaceae than the communities of unit A2.551; they are particularly developed in the Iberian peninsula, secondarily in the large Mediterranean islands, in coastal regions and endoreic basins of North Africa, in southern Italy and Mediterranean France; they occur as irradiations on thermo-Atlantic coasts, notably on the Atlantic coast of France.


description:
Formations of annual pioneers occupying sands subject to variable salinity and humidity, on the coasts, in the dunal systems and in the saltmarshes of the Atlantic, the North Sea and the Baltic. They are usually limited to small surfaces and best developed in the zone of contact between dune and saltmarsh. Characteristic species include [Sagina maritima], [Sagina nodosa], [Cochlearia danica], [Gentiana uliginosa], [Centaurium littorale], [Bupleurum tenuissimum].


description:
Perennial pioneer grasslands of coastal salt muds dominated by flat-leaved [Spartina maritima] ([Spartina stricta]), [Spartina townsendii], [Spartina anglica], [Spartina alterniflora], distributed along Atlantic and North Sea coasts of middle Europe north to Denmark and south to northwestern Iberia, with outposts on the Atlantic coast of Africa around Tangier, Rabat and Cap Blanc, extending east to the Danish archipelago and with isolated areas of occurrence in the Mediterranean basin, located in the northern Adriatic, in the Venice Lagoon and nearby coasts, from the mouth of the Po to Trieste and Slovenia, and in estuaries of the coasts of northwestern Africa.


hname:
[Spartina alterniflora] with [Spartina anglica], [Puccinellia maritima] and [Aster tripolium]


description:
Perennial pioneer grasslands of southern Iberian coastal salt muds, dominated by the junciform-leaved [Spartina densiflora].


hname:
Rayed [Aster tripolium] pioneer saltmarshes


hname:
[Aster tripolium] var. [discoides] pioneer saltmarshes


hname:
[Arthrocnemum perenne] pioneer saltmarshes, sometimes with [Halimione], [Puccinellia] and [Suaeda]


hname:
Littoral sediments dominated by aquatic angiosperms

description:
Dominants are [Eleocharis acicularis], [Eleocharis parvula], [Zostera] spp.


hname:
Hydrolittoral sandy substrata: level bottoms with little or no macrophyte vegetation


hname:
Hydrolittoral sandy substrata: level bottoms dominated by macrophyte vegetation


hname:
Hydrolittoral muddy substrata: with little or no macrophyte vegetation


hname:
Hydrolittoral muddy substrata: dominated by macrophyte vegetation


hname:
Hydrolittoral mixed sediment substrata: with little or no macrophyte vegetation


hname:
Hydrolittoral mixed sediment substrata: dominated by macrophyte vegetation


hname:
Infralittoral rock and other hard substrata

description:
Infralittoral rock includes habitats of bedrock, boulders and cobbles which occur in the shallow subtidal zone and typically support seaweed communities. The upper limit is marked by the top of the kelp zone whilst the lower limit is marked by the lower limit of kelp growth or the lower limit of dense seaweed growth. Infralittoral rock typically has an upper zone of dense kelp (forest) and a lower zone of sparse kelp (park), both with an understorey of erect seaweeds. In exposed conditions the kelp is [Laminaria hyperborea] whilst in more sheltered habitats it is usually [Laminaria saccharina]; other kelp species may dominate under certain conditions. On the extreme lower shore and in the very shallow subtidal (sublittoral fringe) there is usually a narrow band of dabberlocks [Alaria esculenta] (exposed coasts) or the kelps [Laminaria digitata] (moderately exposed) or [L. saccharina] (very sheltered). Areas of mixed ground, lacking stable rock, may lack kelps but support seaweed communities. In estuaries and other turbid-water areas the shallow subtidal may be dominated by animal communities, with only poorly developed seaweed communities.


hname:
Atlantic and Mediterranean high energy infralittoral rock

description:
Rocky habitats in the infralittoral zone subject to exposed to extremely exposed wave action or strong tidal streams. Typically the rock supports a community of kelp [Laminaria hyperborea] with foliose seaweeds and animals, the latter tending to become more prominent in areas of strongest water movement. The depth to which the kelp extends varies according to water clarity, exceptionally (e.g. St Kilda) reaching 45 m. The sublittoral fringe is characterised by dabberlocks [Alaria esculenta].


hname:
Kelp with cushion fauna and/or foliose red seaweeds

description:
Rocky habitats in the infralittoral zone subject to exposed to extremely exposed wave action or strong tidal streams. Typically the rock supports a community of kelp [Laminaria hyperborea] with foliose seaweeds and animals, the latter tending to become more prominent in areas of strongest water movement (A3.113, A3.115 and A3.1152). The depth to which the kelp extends varies according to water clarity, exceptionally (e.g. St Kilda) reaching 45 m. In some areas, there may be a band of dense foliose seaweeds (reds or browns) below the main kelp zone (A3.116). The sublitttoral fringe is characterised by dabberlocks [Alaria esculenta] (A3.111). In very strong wave action the sublittoral fringe [A. esculenta] zone extends to 5 to 10 m depth, whilst at Rockall [A. esculenta] replaces [L. hyperborea] as the dominant kelp in the infralittoral zone (A3.112).
Situation: Very exposed rocky coasts, from low water to depths up to 45m.
Temporal variation: Winter storms may remove patches of kelp, and fast-growing annuals may form a temporary forest (A3.122).


hname:
[Alaria esculenta] on exposed sublittoral fringe bedrock

description:
Exposed sublittoral fringe bedrock with an [Alaria esculenta] forest and an encrusting fauna of the mussel [Mytilus edulis] and barnacles such as [Semibalanus balanoides]. The kelp [Laminaria digitata] can be part of the canopy. Underneath the canopy are red seaweeds such as [Mastocarpus] stellatus and [Palmaria palmata], while encrusting coralline red algae such as [Lithothamnion graciale] covers the rock surface. The limpet [Patella vulgata] can be found grazing the rock surface, while the whelk Nucella lapillus is preying on the limpets, barnacles and mussels. Two variants of this biotope are described. In more wave exposed conditions [Laminaria digitata] is absent and the rock surface is often characterised by dense patches of mussels (unit A3.1111). In slightly less exposed sites the [A. esculenta] is mixed with [L. digitata] (unit A3.1112).
Situation: This biotope is found in the sublittoral fringe on exposed shores, typically occupying the extreme lower shore down to 1 or 2 m depth, although it can also extend down to 15 m depth on very exposed coasts. It is generally found below the mussel-barnacle zone of the lower shore (unit A1.111) or a narrow band of the seaweed-dominated biotopes featuring dense [Himanthalia elongata] or red seaweeds (units A1.123, A1.125). Below the [A. esculenta] zone, the upper infralittoral rock generally supports a [Laminaria hyperborea] kelp community (A3.113, A3.1151 or A3.2141).


hname:
[Laminaria digitata] and piddocks on sublittoral fringe soft rock

description:
Soft rock, such as chalk, in the sublittoral fringe characterised by [Laminaria digitata] and rock-boring animals such as piddocks [Barnea candida] and [Pholas dactylus], the bivalve [Hiatella arctica] and worms [Polydora] spp. Beneath the kelp forest, a wide variety of foliose red seaweeds occur such as [Palmaria palmata], [Chondrus crispus], [Membranoptera alata] and [Halurus flosculosus]. Filamentous red seaweeds often present are [Polysiphonia fucoides] and [Ceramium nodulosum], while coralline crusts cover available rock surface. The bryozoan [Membranipora membranacea] and the hydroid [Dynanema pumila] can form colonies on the kelp fronds, while the bryozoan [Electra pilosa] more often occur on the foliose red seaweeds. Empty piddock burrows are often colonised by the polychaete [Sabellaria spinulosa] or in more shaded areas the sponges [Halichondria panicea] and [Hymeniacidon perleve]. The undersides of small chalk boulders are colonised by encrusting bryozoans, colonial ascidians and the tube-building polychaete [Pomatoceros lamarcki]. The boulders and any crevices within the chalk provide a refuge for small crustaceans such as [Carcinus maenas], the mussel [Mytilus edulis] or the barnacle [Semibalanus balanoides]. The echinoderm [Asterias rubens] is present as well.
Situation: This biotope occurs on moderately exposed soft rock where unit A3.2111 would normally occur. Above it may lie a zone of [Fucus serratus] on similarly bored soft rock (unit A1.2143) or a variant of one of the [F. serratus] biotopes (e.g. A1.2141). Lower shore sites influenced by sand may have more [Mytilus edulis] beneath the seaweed canopy (A1.222) or the sand-binding red seaweed [Rhodothamniella floridula] (A1.215). Below this biotope a variety of biotopes can occur such as A3.123 on unstable infralittoral cobbles and boulders or even A4.231 in the turbid waters of south-east England where the kelp generally extends to less than 4m BCD.
Temporal variation: The under-storey of foliose and filamentous seaweeds will diminish towards the autumn and regrow in the spring. Since the soft rock does not provide a strong hold for the seaweeds they are easily dislodged during storm periods. After such an event the green seaweeds [Enteromorpha] spp. and [Ulva] spp. and/or the red seaweed [P. palmata] may temporarily cover much of the rock. Eventually a more diverse range of seaweeds and associated animals will re-establish on the rock.


hname:
[Laminaria hyperborea] on tide-swept, infralittoral rock

description:
Wave exposed to moderately wave exposed, tide-swept bedrock and boulders with [Laminaria hyperborea], characterised by a rich under-storey and stipe flora of foliose seaweeds including the brown seaweed [Dictyota dichotoma]. The kelp stipes support epiphytes such as [Cryptopleura ramosa] and [Phycodrys rubens]. At some sites, instead of being covered by red seaweeds, the kelp stipes are heavily encrusted by the ascidian [Botryllus schlosseri]. Epilithic seaweeds [Delesseria sanguinea], [Plocamium cartilagineum] [Heterosiphonia plumosa, Hypoglossum hypoglossoides], [Callophyllis laciniata], [Kallymenia reniformis], [Brongniartella byssoides] and crustose seaweeds commonly occur beneath the kelp. The kelp fronds are often covered with growth of the hydroid [Obelia geniculata] or the bryozoan [Membranipora membranacea]. On the rock surface, a rich fauna comprising the bryozoan [Electra pilosa], the sponge [Pachymatisma johnstonia], anthozoans such as [Alcyonium digitatum], [Sagartia elegans] and [Urticina felina], colonial ascidians such as [Clavelina lepadiformis], the calcareous tubeworm [Pomatoceros triqueter] and the barnacle [Balanus crenatus] occur. More mobile species include the gastropod [Calliostoma zizyphinum], the crab [Cancer pagurus] and the echinoderms [Asterias rubens] and [Echinus esculentus]. Two variants have been described: Tide-swept kelp forest (unit A3.2121) and tide-swept kelp park (unit A3.2122).
Situation: This biotope occurs below [Alaria esculenta] (Ala) at exposed sites or [L. digitata] (Ldig.Ldig) at moderately exposed locations. With increasing depth the kelp density diminishes to become tide-swept kelp park (A3.2122).


hname:
[Laminaria hyperborea] forest, foliose red seaweeds and a diverse fauna on tide-swept upper infralittoral rock

description:
Exposed to moderately exposed, tide-swept bedrock and boulders, with dense [Laminaria hyperborea] forest, characterised by a rich under-storey and stipe flora of foliose seaweeds. The kelp stipes support epiphytes such as [Callophyllis laciniata, Corallina officinalis, Cryptopleura ramosa, Membranoptera alata], and [Phycodrys rubens]. At some sites, instead of being covered by red seaweeds, the kelp stipes are heavily encrusted by the ascidians [Botryllus schlosseri] and in the south-west [Distomus variolosus]. Epilithic seaweeds ([Dilsea carnosa], [Hypoglossum hypoglossoides], [Delesseria sanguinea, Plocamium cartilagineum], [Brongniartella byssoides], and [Dictyota dichotoma] ) and crustose seaweeds commonly occur beneath the kelp. The kelp fronds are often covered with growth of the hydroid [Obelia geniculata] or the bryozoan [Membranipora membranacea]. Although these species are also found in most kelp forests, in this biotope they are particularly dense. On the rock surface, a rich fauna comprising of the sponges [Pachymatisma johnstonia], [Halichondria panicea], [Esperiopsis fucorum] and [Dysidea fragilis], anthozoans such as [Urticina felina], [Alcyonium digitatum] and [Caryophilia smithii], the barnacle [Balanus crenatus], colonial ascidians such as [Clavelina lepadiformis], and the gastropods [Calliostoma zizyphinum] and [Gibbula cineraria], occur. Also found on the rock is the echinoderm [Asterias rubens] and the crab [Cancer pagurus].
Situation: This biotope occurs below [Alaria esculenta] (unit A3.111) at exposed sites or [L. digitata] (unit A3.2111) at moderately exposed locations. With increasing depth the kelp density diminishes to become tide-swept kelp park (unit A3.2122).


hname:
[Laminaria hyperborea] park with hydroids, bryozoans and sponges on tide-swept lower infralittoral rock

description:
Exposed to moderately wave-exposed, strongly tide-swept, rock with [Laminaria hyperborea] park characterised by a rich under-storey and stipe flora of foliose seaweeds such as [Phycodrys rubens], [Plocamium cartilagineum], [Hypoglossum hypoglossoides, Kallymenia reniformis], [Cryptopleura ramosa] and [Delesseria sanguinea]. The red seaweed [Heterosiphonia plumosa] can be present. The foliose brown seaweed [Dictyota dichotoma] and coralline crust are often present as well. Amongst the red seaweeds is a rich fauna comprising sponges ([Pachymatisma johnstonia], [Stelligera rigida], [Esperiopsis fucorum] and [Dysidea fragilis]), anthozoans ([Alcyonium digitatum] and [Caryophyllia smithii]), hydroids ([Aglaophenia pluma] and [Nemertesia antennina]), colonial ascidians ([Clavelina lepadiformis] and [Morchellium argus]) and bryozoans such as [Electra pilosa]. Both the flora and fauna of this biotope are similar to the wave exposed kelp park (unit A3.1152), but A3.1152 has a greater faunal component including the barnacle [Balanus crenatus], the echinoderm [Asterias rubens] and the crab [Necora puber].
Situation: This biotope generally occurs below a tide-swept [L. hyperborea] kelp forest (unit A3.2121). As this biotope occurs over such a range of wave exposures a variety of circalittoral biotopes can occur beneath it: for example, Exposed, tide-swept rock (unit A4.11) or moderately exposed tide-swept rock (unit A4.21).


hname:
[Laminaria hyperborea] on tide-swept infralittoral mixed substrata

description:
Wave-exposed through to wave-sheltered, tide-swept infralittoral mixed substrata with [Laminaria hyperborea] forest/park and other kelp species such as [Laminaria saccharina]. The rich under-storey and stipe flora is characterised by foliose seaweeds including the brown algae [Dictyota dichotoma]. The kelp stipes support epiphytes such as [Cryptopleura ramosa], [Callophyllis laciniata] and [Phycodrys rubens]. At some sites, instead of being covered by red seaweeds, the kelp stipes are heavily encrusted by the ascidians [Botryllus schlosseri] and the bryozoan [Alcyonidium diaphanum]. Epilithic seaweeds such as [Desmerestia aculeata], [Odonthalia dentate], [Delesseria sanguinea], [Plocamium cartilagineum], [Callophyllis laciniata], and crustose seaweeds commonly occur beneath the kelp. The kelp fronds are often covered with growths of the hydroid [Obelia geniculata] or the bryozoan [Membranipora membranacea]. On the rock surface, a rich fauna comprising anthozoans such as [Alcyonium digitatum] and [Urticina felina], colonial ascidians such as [Clavelina lepadiformis] and the calcareous tubeworm [Pomatoceros triqueter] occurs. More mobile species include the gastropods [Gibulla cineria] and [Calliostoma zizyphinum], the crab [Cancer pagurus] and the echinoderms [Crossaster papposus], [Henricia oculata], [Asterias rubens] and [Echinus esculentus]. Two variants are described; tide-swept kelp forest on upper infralittoral mixed substrata (unit A3.2131) and tide-swept kelp park on lower infralittoral mixed substrata (unit A3.2132).


hname:
[Laminaria hyperborea] forest and foliose red seaweeds on tide-swept upper infralittoral mixed substrata

description:
Moderately wave-exposed to wave sheltered, tide-swept mixed substrata, with dense [Laminaria hyperborea] forest and sparser [Laminaria saccharina], characterised by an under-storey and stipe flora of foliose seaweeds. The kelp stipes support epiphytes such as [Palmaria palmata] [Callophyllis laciniata], [Cryptopleura ramosa], [Membranoptera alata], and [Phycodrys rubens]. At some sites, instead of being covered by red seaweeds, the kelp stipes are heavily encrusted by the ascidians [Botryllus schlosseri] and in the south-west [Distomus variolosus]. Epilithic seaweeds ([Delesseria sanguinea, Plocamium cartilagineum, Odonthalia dentata, Dictyota dichotoma] and [Desmarestia aculeata]) and crustose seaweeds commonly occur beneath the kelp. The kelp fronds are often covered with growth of the hydroid [Obelia geniculata] or the bryozoan [Membranipora membranacea]. Although these species are also found in most kelp forests, in this biotope they are particularly dense. On the rock surface, a rich fauna comprising anthozoans such as [Urticina felina], the barnacle [Balanus crenatus], the calcareous tubeworm [Pomatoceros triqueter], colonial ascidians such as [Clavelina lepadiformis], the gastropods [Calliostoma zizyphinum] and [Gibbula cineraria], and the bryozoans [Electra pilosa] and [Alcyonidium diaphanum] occur. Also found on the rock are the echinoderms [Echinus esculentus, Asterias rubens and Ophiothrix fragilis], and the crabs [Cancer pagurus, Pagurus bernhardus] and [Necora puber].


hname:
[Laminaria hyperborea] park and foliose red seaweeds on tide-swept lower infralittoral mixed substrata

description:
Exposed to moderately wave-exposed, tide-swept, Infralittoral mixed substrata with [Laminaria hyperborea] park characterised by an under-storey and stipe flora of foliose seaweeds such as [Phycodrys rubens], [Plocamium cartilagineum], [Hypoglossum hypoglossoides, Kallymenia reniformis], [Cryptopleura ramosa] and [Delesseria sanguinea]. Epilithic seaweeds ([Bonnemaisonia asparagoides], [Callophyllis laciniata], [Lomentaria orcadensis] and [Brongniartella byssoides]) and crustose seaweeds commonly occur beneath the kelp. The foliose brown seaweed [Dictyota dichotoma] is often present as well. Amongst the red seaweeds is a fairly diverse fauna comprising sponges ([Scypha ciliate]), anthozoans ([Alcyonium digitatum], [Urticina felina] and [Caryophyllia smithii]), hydroids ([Tubularia indivisa], [Halecium halecinum], [Sertularia argentea] and [Nemertesia antennina]), colonial ascidians ([Botryllus schlosseri]) and bryozoans such as [Alcyonium diaphanum]. On the rock surface, the calcareous tubeworm [Pomatoceros triqueter], the crab [Cancer pagurus] and the gastropods [Gibbula cineraria] and [Calliostoma zizyphinum] may be found. A diverse range of echinoderms are also found in this biotope: [Crossaster papposus], [Henricia oculata], [Asterias rubens], [Echinus esculentus] and [Ophiothrix fragilis].


hname:
[Laminaria hyperborea] and foliose red seaweeds on moderately exposed infralittoral rock

description:
Moderately exposed infralittoral bedrock and boulders characterised by a canopy of the kelp [Laminaria hyperborea] beneath which is an under-storey of foliose red seaweeds and coralline crusts. Some red seaweeds can be found as epiphytes on the kelp stipes and include [Delesseria sanguinea] and [Phycodrys rubens]. Other red seaweeds present include the [Plocamium cartilagineum, Callophyllis laciniata, Cryptopleura ramosa] and the brown seaweeds [Dictyota dichotoma] and [Cutleria multifida]. The kelp fronds can be colonised by the hydroid [Obelia geniculata] or the bryozoans [Membranipora membranacea]. The echinoderm [Antedon bifida], the ascidian [Clavelina lepadiformis], the tube-building polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter], the anthozoans [Alcyonium digitatum] and [Urticina felina] can be found on the rock beneath the canopy. Mobile species often present include the gastropods [Gibbula cineraria] and [Calliostoma zizyphinum] and the echinoderms [Echinus esculentus] and [Asterias rubens]. Five variants has been described: Kelp forest (unit A3.2141), kelp park (unit A3.2142), grazed kelp forest (unit A3.2143), grazed kelp park (unit A3.2144) and kelp with [Sabellaria spinulosa] reefs (unit A3.2145). This suite of biotopes differs from the wave exposed [L. hyperborea] biotopes (KFaR) by having a lower diversity of cushion-forming faunal species. The foliose red seaweed component of the two suites of biotopes may also differ in composition with a tendency for A3.214 to include some more delicate filamentous species.


hname:
[Laminaria hyperborea] forest and foliose red seaweeds on moderately exposed upper infralittoral rock

description:
Moderately exposed upper infralittoral bedrock and boulders characterised by a dense forest of [Laminaria hyperborea] with dense foliose red seaweeds beneath the canopy. These include [Callophyllis laciniata], [Plocamium cartilagineum], [Cryptopleura ramosa] and [Delesseria sanguinea]. Kelp stipes are usually covered in a rich mixture of red seaweeds of which [Palmaria palmata], [Phycodrys rubens] and [Membranoptera alata] are often present. Small kelp plants can also be found on the larger kelp stipes. Kelp fronds may be covered with a hydroid growth of [Obelia geniculata] or the bryozoans [Membranipora membranacea] and [Electra pilosa]. The kelp holdfasts can be colonised by bryozoans [Scrupocellaria] spp. and/or crisiids and colonial ascidians such as [Botryllus schlosseri]. The rock surface between the kelp plants is generally covered by encrusting coralline algae, often with sponge crusts [Halichondria panicea]. Small vertical surfaces within the kelp forest generally lack kelp plants, instead being characterised by foliose red seaweeds such as [Dictyota dichotoma], the anthozoans [Alcyonium digitatum, Urticina felina] and [Caryophyllia smithii], the tube-building polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter] and gastropods including [Calliostoma zizyphinum] and [Gibbula cineraria]. Many grazers are found in the kelp forest, the most commonly occurring being the gastropods [Gibbula cineraria] and [Calliostoma zizyphinum] and the echinoderm [Echinus esculentus]. Other echinoderms present include [Asterias rubens] and [Antedon bifida] which can be locally abundant, particularly in the north-west.
Situation: This biotope occurs over a wide geographic area and is generally found below the sublittoral fringe [Laminaria digitata] zone (unit A3.3131) and above the [L. hyperborea] park (unit A3.2142). In the north, Shetland in particular, unit A3.122 can occur in the lower infralittoral; where grazing influence is present the abundance of red seaweeds may be much reduced (unit A3.2144). In turbid water kelp park is often absent and dense foliose seaweed cover may occur instead (unit A3.215). In areas affected by scour, such as the rock-sediment interface at the base of bedrock slopes, a mixed kelp canopy can develop below the kelp forest (unit A3.125).
Temporal variation: The under-storey of foliose and filamentous seaweeds will diminish towards the autumn and regrow in the spring. Otherwise this biotope is not known to vary markedly over time. Certain areas are prone to urchin grazing and this can substantially alter the community structure of the biotope, such that any site subject to intensive urchin grazing should be recorded as unit A3.2143.


hname:
[Laminaria hyperborea] park and foliose red seaweeds on moderately exposed lower infralittoral rock

description:
Below the dense kelp forest (unit A3.2141) on moderately exposed lower infralittoral bedrock and boulders, the kelp thins out to form a park. Beneath the kelp, the rock and kelp stipes are covered by an often dense turf of foliose red seaweeds such as [Callophyllis laciniata], [Plocamium cartilagineum], [Delesseria sanguinea, Hypoglossum hypoglossoides, Cryptopleura ramosa, Callophyllis laciniata] and [Phycodrys rubens]. Coralline crusts are often present on the rock surface. Many species of red seaweed found in this biotope occur at greater abundance in the shallower kelp forest. Other seaweeds, such as the red seaweeds [Bonnemaisonia asparagoides] and [Hypoglossum hypoglossoides] as well as the brown seaweed [Dictyota dichotoma] are more abundant in this zone than the upper infralittoral. The faunal component of this biotope is similar to that found below the kelp in the upper infralittoral zone and include the hydroid [Obelia geniculata], the ascidian [Clavelina lepadiformis], the anthozoans [Urticina felina, Alcyonium digitatum] and [Caryophyllia smithii], the tube-building polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter] and the gastropods [Calliostoma zizyphinum] and [Gibbula cineraria]. The gastropods [Gibbula cineraria] and [Calliostoma zizyphinum] and the echinoderm [Echinus esculentus] can be found grazing on the rock. Other echinoderms present include [Asterias rubens] and [Antedon bifida] which can be locally abundant, particularly in the north-west.
Situation: This biotope generally occurs below [L. hyperborea] forest (unit A3.2141) and marks the lower limit of the infralittoral rock. Occasionally a narrow band of foliose seaweeds (unit A3.116) may occur below the kelp park but generally circalittoral biotopes are found.
Temporal variation: The under-storey of foliose and filamentous seaweeds will diminish towards the autumn and regrow in the spring. When grazing urchins (predominantly [E. esculentus]) reach a large number in the kelp park their voracious grazing can substantially alter the community structure of the biotope, removing most of the seaweeds and leaving only coralline crusts on the rock. This is common around the coast of Scotland, particularly in Shetland and such sites should be recorded as unit A3.2143.


hname:
Grazed [Laminaria hyperborea] forest with coralline crusts on upper infralittoral rock

description:
Exposed to moderately exposed [Laminaria hyperborea] forest is in some areas intensely grazed by the urchin [Echinus esculentus]. The rock surface lacks a significant turf of foliose seaweeds and generally looks bare, though encrusting algae cover the rock. In addition to these encrusting coralline algae, non-calcareous crusts such as [Cruoria pellita] and brown algal crusts also occur. The kelp stipes may or may not be grazed; in the most extremely grazed areas, the stipes are also devoid of seaweeds. More usually, however, the stipes offers a refuge from grazing, and are characterised by dense turfs of red seaweeds, especially [Phycodrys rubens, Callophyllis laciniata, Plocamium cartilagineum] and [Delesseria sanguinea]. The hydroid [Obelia geniculata] and the bryozoan [Membranipora membranacea] colonise the kelp fronds. On the rock itself certain brown seaweeds such as [Cutleria multifida] may persist in this grazed environment. Fast-growing species such as the kelp [Laminaria saccharina] may be present at sites recovering from grazing, opportunistically colonising the rock surfaces that have been cleared by grazing. The fauna within a grazed kelp forest is also relatively sparse and is mostly confined to cracks, crevices and under-boulders. Species such as the ascidian [Clavelina lepadiformis] can often be found on vertical rock. Also found on the rock surface are the anthozoans [Urticina felina] and [Alcyonium digitatum]. Encrusting species such as the tube-building polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter] are resistant to grazing and may occur in abundance. The grazers present include the echinoderm [Echinus esculentus] and the gastropods [Calliostoma zizyphinum] and [Gibbula cineraria]. Other echinoderms present include [Asterias rubens] and [Antedon bifida] which can be abundant in the north-west. Moderate grazing occurs within many kelp forests; records should only be assigned to this biotope where the community has been intensively grazed leaving algal-encrusted rock with very few epilithic algae.
Situation: With increasing depth, the kelp forest grades into a grazed kelp park (unit A3.2144), the lower limit of which is often abrupt, representing the balance point between urchin-grazing pressure and kelp growth capabilities. In wave-exposed steep rocky areas, the shallowest water may be characterised by a forest of kelp with red seaweeds (unit A3.1151), with a grazed kelp forest beneath. This effect may be a result of the increased wave action in shallower water, which regularly dislodges the urchins thereby reducing their grazing impact. This unit is prevalent in the north of the UK where [E. esculentus] populations reach high densities. Although [E. esculentus] is widely distributed around the UK it occurs in greatest abundance in Scotland and north-east England where urchin grazing can substantially affect infralittoral communities.
Temporal variation: Fluctuations in [E. esculentus] numbers may give foliose seaweeds a chance to re-grow periodically. Further information is required on the temporal variation within these grazed forests and the changes in community structure when grazing pressure decreases.


hname:
Grazed [Laminaria hyperborea] park with coralline crusts on lower infralittoral rock

description:
Exposed to moderately exposed [Laminaria hyperborea] kelp park in some areas is intensively grazed by the urchin [Echinus esculentus]. The rock surface lacks a significant turf of foliose seaweeds and generally looks bare, though coralline algal crusts and some grazing-resistant animals such as the tube-building polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter] cover it. The kelp stipes may or may not be grazed; in the most extremely grazed areas, the stipes are also devoid of seaweeds. More usually, however, the stipes offers a refuge from grazing, and are characterised by dense turfs of red seaweeds, especially [Phycodrys rubens] and [Delesseria sanguinea]. Brown seaweeds present include [Cutleria multifida, Laminaria saccharina] and [Dictyota dichotoma]. The fauna within a grazed kelp park is also relatively sparse, though some species will survive in cracks and crevices or under boulders including the ascidian [Clavelina lepadiformis]. The encrusting bryozoan [Parasmittina trispinosa] and the anthozoans [Alcyonium digitatum], [Urticina felina] and [Caryophyllia smithii] often characterise vertical or overhanging rock. Mobile species include the gastropods [Gibbula cineraria] and [Calliostoma zizyphinum] and the hermit crab [Pagurus bernhardus] The echinoderms [Ophiocomina nigra], [Ophiothrix fragilis] and [Crossaster papposus], generally absent from the kelp forest, can be found in these kelp parks along with [Asterias rubens] and [Antedon bifida].
Situation: This biotope generally occurs below a grazed kelp forest (unit A3.2143) but can also occur below ungrazed kelp forests on exposed sites where wave action can dislodge urchins from shallow rock. The grazed circalittoral  unit A4.214 often occurs on the bedrock or boulders below.
Temporal variation: Fluctuations in the numbers of [E. esculentus] may give foliose seaweeds a chance to re-grow periodically. Further information is required on the temporal variation within these grazed kelp parks and the changes in community structure when grazing pressure decreases.


hname:
[Sabellaria spinulosa] with kelp and red seaweeds on sand-influenced infralittoral rock

description:
[Laminaria hyperborea] kelp forest on shallow infralittoral bedrock and boulders characterised by encrustations of [Sabellaria spinulosa] tubes which cover much of the rock, together with sand-tolerant red seaweeds such as [Phyllophora pseudoceranoides, Dilsea carnosa] and [Polysiphonia elongata] and [Polysiphonia fucoides]. Red seaweeds such as [Plocamium cartilagineum] and [Delesseria sanguinea] may also be found beneath the kelp canopy, although typically low in abundance. They can be colonised by the ascidian [Botryllus schlosseri]. The cowrie [Trivia arctica] can also be found here. Much of the available rock is covered with encrusting coralline algae together with patches of the encrusting sponge [Halichondria panicea] and the anthozoan [Urticina felina]. More mobile fauna include the echinoderms [Asterias rubens, Henricia sanguinolenta, Echinus esculentus], and [Ophiothrix fragilis], the gastropod [Gibbula cineraria] and the hermit crab [Pagurus bernhardus]. The scouring effect of mobile sand adjacent to the rock maintains a reduced underflora and fauna compared to the association of species found in non-scoured kelp forests (unit A3.2141). Scour-resistant fauna such as the barnacle [Balanus crenatus] can be locally abundant on the rock, while the bivalve [Pododesmus patelliformis] can be found seeking shelter underneath the cobbles. Above the effect of scour, kelp stipes may be densely colonised by red seaweeds such as [Phycodrys rubens], [Palmaria palmata] and [Membranoptera alata], together with some sponges and ascidians.
Situation: This biotope is found in the sand-laden waters of north-east England in conditions in which [S. spinulosa] is able to thrive. Nearby circalittoral rock is often also dominated by [S. spinulosa] (unit A4.221) but lacks the kelp and red seaweeds. As this biotope is not commonly recorded in the UK there is a scarcity of information relating to the surrounding biotopes.


hname:
Dense foliose red seaweeds on silty moderately exposed infralittoral rock

description:
Upward-facing surfaces of shallow, infralittoral bedrock and boulders in areas of turbid water dominated by dense red seaweeds, with the notable absence of kelp. The stable rock, which can be cobbles or boulders but is more typically bedrock, is usually silted. Individual species of foliose red seaweeds such as [Plocamium cartilagineum] or [Calliblepharis ciliata] often dominate. Other red seaweeds likely to be present include [Phyllophora crispa], [Rhodymenia holmesii], [Halurus flosculosus], [Cryptopleura ramosa], [Hypoglossum hypoglossoides], [Heterosiphonia plumosa] and coralline crusts. The brown seaweed [Dictyota dichotoma] is sometimes present, although never abundant. This biotope does not generally occur below kelp park but rather occurs on shallow, silted rock on which kelp would normally grow in less turbid conditions. The fauna can be variable but is generally typified by the presence of silt-tolerant animals such as encrusting sponges, particularly [Dysidea fragilis] and [Halichondria panicea], the hydroid [Tubularia indivisa], bryozoan crusts and scattered [Sabellaria spinulosa] and [Balanus crenatus]. In the summer months the seaweeds can become heavily encrusted with the bryozoan [Electra pilosa] and the ascidian [Molgula manhattensis] which can also form dense mats on the rock. The polychaete [Lanice conchilega] can be present, where sandy and muddy patches occur. Where this biotope occurs on chalk bedrock, such as off the Sussex coast, the piddock [Pholas dactylus] is often found bored into the rock. This biotope is recorded from the English Channel, off Kent, Sussex and the Isle of Wight. Please notice that individual sites of this biotope can vary significantly in the species composition.
Situation: This biotope generally occurs on discrete bedrock outcrops surrounded by areas of mixed sediment or mobile sand. Off Sussex, it occurs on the horizontal chalk bedrock forming the tops of cliffs (2-3m in height).
Temporal variation: The seaweeds die back in late autumn and summer leaving, silted, coralline-encrusted rock with a sparse fauna of sponges, [S. spinulosa] and occasional hydroids and bryozoans. The bryozoan [Amathia lendigera] can also become abundant amongst the seaweeds during the summer months.


hname:
[Laminaria hyperborea] on moderately exposed vertical rock

description:
This unit is found on moderately exposed coasts in moderately strong to weak tidal streams generally in 0-20m water depth. It is characterised by the kelp [Laminaria hyperborea], the soft coral [Alcyonium digitatum] and crinoid [Antedon bifida]. This biotope is relatively species poor when compared to similar biotopes in more exposed environments e.g. unit A3.117. The urchin [Echinus esculentus] may be frequently observed grazing the vertical rock face. This biotope may have 2 sub-biotopes. One is characterised by the frequent occurrence of the sea squirt [Clavelina lepadiformis] and the red seaweeds [Phycodrys rubens] and [Cryptopleura ramosa]. The brown seaweed [Dictyota dichotoma] may also be frequent in this sub-biotope. The second sub-biotope is more species poor than the previous one and is characterised by the common occurrence of [Alcyonium digitatum], which is only occasional in the other variant.
Situation: Open rocky coasts in northern Britain, particularly North Sea coasts.


hname:
[Hiatella arctica] and seaweeds on vertical limestone / chalk

description:
This biotope is found in the infralittoral zone on moderately exposed vertical limestone/chalk surfaces in weak tidal streams, and has been recorded most frequently between 0-10m. This biotope is characterised by abundant [Hiatella arctica] and a rich sponge community including [Cliona celata], [Dysidea fragilis] and [Pachymatisma johnstonia]. Other species that may be frequent in this biotope are the crab [Necora puber], the sea squirt [Clavelina lepadiformis], and the top shell [Calliostoma zizyphinum], although these species are found in other vertical rock biotopes, however in lesser abundance.
Situation: Shallow rocky coasts with vertical limestone faces.


hname:
Kelp and seaweed communities in tide-swept sheltered conditions

description:
Sheltered infralittoral rock exposed to strong tidal streams. In the sublittoral fringe dense [Laminaria digitata] is found together with erect seaweeds, sponges, ascidians and bryozoans (A3.221). Below this, on bedrock and stable boulders a canopy of mixed kelp (primarily [Laminaria hyperborea] and [Laminaria saccharina]) occurs with foliose red seaweeds, sponges and ascidians (A3.222). This biotope is typically found in the sheltered narrows and sills of Scottish sealochs. Mixed substrata of boulders, cobbles, pebbles and gravel, that also occurs in the tidal rapids of Scottish sealochs, supports a reduced kelp canopy ([L. hyperborea] and [L. saccharina]; typically Frequent), with a rich red seaweed component and maerl at some sites (A3.223). In south-west Britain, sheltered, tide-swept rock is restricted to estuarine conditions where variable salinity and increased turbidity of the water have a significant effect on the biota, limiting the infralittoral zone to very shallow depths. Unlike the tide-swept channels in sealochs, the rock in these estuaries is characterised by a relatively low abundance of [L. saccharina] (< Common) with foliose red seaweeds, sponges and ascidians (A3.224). [L. hyperborea] is rarely present.


hname:
[Laminaria digitata], ascidians and bryozoans on tide-swept sublittoral fringe rock

description:
Sheltered bedrock, boulders and cobbles that are subject to moderate to strong tidal water movement characterised by dense [Laminaria digitata], coralline crusts and sponges such as [Halichondria panicea]. Other seaweeds present include the foliose red [seaweeds Chondrus crispus, Palmaria palmata, Cryptopleura ramosa] and [Mastocarpus stellatus] as well as the calcareous [Corallina officinalis]. Green seaweeds present include [Ulva lactuca, Enteromorpha intestinalis] and [Cladophora rupestris]. The increased water movement encourages several filter-feeding faunal groups to occur. The sponges [Leucosolenia] spp., [Scypha ciliata] and [Hymeniacidon perleve] frequently occur on steep and overhanging rock faces. The bryozoans [Electra pilosa], [Membranoptera membranipora] and [Alcyonidium hirsutum] encrust the kelp and other foliose seaweeds. In addition, ascidians such as [Ascidiella scabra], [Dendrodoa grossularia] and colonial ascidians [Botryllus byssoides] and [Botryllus leachi] often thrive in this environment encrusting both the rock and the seaweeds. The tube-building polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter] can be found on the rock and on the kelp holdfasts along with the barnacle [Balanus crenatus]. More mobile species such as the gastropods [Gibbula cineraria] and [Calliostoma zizyphinum], the crab [Carcinus maenas] and the starfish [Asterias rubens] are also common. Areas where increased tidal movement influences this community can be found in the narrows and/or intertidal sills of sealochs.
Situation: This biotope often occurs immediately below the tide-swept [Fucus serratus] biotope (unit A1.152) consequently, some [F. serratus] may occur in this biotope (typically only Occasional). The sublittoral fringe of similarly sheltered shores that are not tide-swept are generally characterised by mixed [Laminaria saccharina] and [L. digitata] (unit A3.3131) or [L. saccharina] (A3.313). Below A3.221, at these sheltered, tide-swept sites, a canopy of mixed kelp species often occurs (see units A3.222 and XKTX).


hname:
Mixed kelp with foliose red seaweeds, sponges and ascidians on sheltered tide-swept infralittoral rock

description:
Stable, tide-swept rock characterised by dense kelp [Laminaria hyperborea] and/or [Laminaria saccharina] forest on scoured, coralline-encrusted rock. This biotope occurs in the sheltered narrows and sills of Scottish sealochs, where there is an increase in tidal flow. Although [L. hyperborea] (typically Common) generally occurs in greater abundance than [L. saccharina] (Frequent), either kelp may dominate, sometimes to the exclusion of the other. (This biotope should not be confused with sheltered, but silted A3.312). Large stands of the brown seaweed [Halidrys siliquosa] may also occur amongst the kelp along with [Dictyota dichotoma] on bedrock and boulders. In contrast to the scoured rock surface the kelp stipes themselves often support prolific growths of foliose red seaweeds such as [Phycodrys rubens, Membranoptera alata, Delesseria sanguinea] and [Plocamium cartilagineum]. Other foliose seaweeds may be present among the kelp holdfasts include [Chondrus crispus] [and Dilsea carnosa]. The scoured rock surface is characterised by encrusting coralline algae, barnacles [Balanus crenatus] and the tube-building polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter]. The sponge [Halichondria panicea], anthozoans [Urticina felina, Anemonia viridis] and [Sagartia elegans] can also occur on the scoured rock. Sponges, particularly [Halichondria panicea] and colonial and solitary ascidians [Botryllus schlosseri] and [Ascidiella aspersa] encrust the stipes, whilst hydroid growth of [Obelia geniculata] and seamats [Membranoptera membranacea] can cover the fronds, optimising the increased tidal flow. Mobile species such as the gastropod [Gibbula cineraria] can often be found on and around the kelp. The echinoderms [Asterias rubens], [Ophiothrix fragilis] and [Echinus esculentus] can be found underneath the kelp canopy on the rock along with the crab [Carcinus maenas]. Where some protection is afforded from the scour anthozoans may occur on the rock such as [Alcyonium digitatum] or [Metridium senile].
Situation: This biotope may be fringed by tide-swept kelp [Laminaria digitata] in shallower water (unit A3.221). Where mixed substrata occurs adjacent to the stable bedrock and boulders the kelp will usually diminish in density (typically Frequent), but a greater diversity of species will be found compared to the scoured bedrock, in particular there is an increase in red seaweeds and a greater infaunal component (unit A3.223). Maerl rhodoliths may be present amongst the bedrock and boulders of unit A3.222 in small amounts, and at some sites may form extensive beds surrounding the bedrock outcrops (units A5.5111 and A5.512).


hname:
Mixed kelp and red seaweeds on infralittoral boulders, cobbles and gravel in tidal rapids

description:
Mixed substrata of boulders, cobbles, pebbles and gravel, typically found in tidal rapids with kelp [Laminaria saccharina] and [Laminaria hyperborea] and red seaweeds. [L. saccharina] usually dominates this habitat although [L. hyperborea] may occur in equal abundance at some sites. The kelp in these tidal rapids does not form the same dense canopies associated with stable tide-swept bedrock, but generally occurs at lower abundance (Frequent). Other brown seaweeds occur in significant amounts in these tidal rapids including [Dictyota dichotoma], [Halidrys siliquosa] and [Chorda filum]. These mixed substrata support a greater diversity of species than scoured bedrock narrows (A3.222). In particular, there is an increase in red algal species such as [Corallina officinalis, Bonnemaisonia hamifera] and [Ceramium nodulosum], although none occur in any great abundance. Red seaweeds common to both A3.222 and this biotope include [Chondrus crispus], [Delesseria sanguinea], [Plocamium cartilagineum] and [Phycodrys rubens]. Good examples of this biotope often have maerl gravel ([Lithothamnion] sp.) or rhodoliths between cobbles and boulders. Where maerl dominates, the biotope should be recorded as a maerl bed (unit A5.51). The sponges associated with more stable, tide-swept conditions are generally absent, but the anthozoan [Anemonia viridis] might be present. Cobbles and pebbles are encrusted by the ubiquitous polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter] and provide shelter for scavenging crabs such as [Carcinus maenas] and the hermit crab [Pagurus bernhardus], gastropods such as [Gibbula cineraria] and echinoderms such as [Echinus esculentus, Asterias rubens], [Ophiocomina nigra] and [Ophiothrix fragilis] which favour these sites of increased water movement. Additional infaunal species, inhabiting the sediment pockets, include [Lanice conchilega] and [Sabella pavonina], which can be locally abundant.
Situation: Where stable rock fringes the shallows the tide-swept [Laminaria digitata] biotope often occurs (A3.221). Adjacent areas of stable bedrock or boulders in these sheltered, tide-swept narrows can support a similar kelp community, often with a greater percentage of [L. hyperborea] (A3.222). Maerl fragments are often found amongst the mixed substrata of A3.223 and this biotope may abut more extensive areas of maerl bed (A5.512).


hname:
[Laminaria saccharina] with foliose red seaweeds and ascidians on sheltered tide-swept infralittoral rock

description:
Sheltered, tide-swept rock in south-western Britain tends to be restricted to estuarine conditions, where variable salinity and increased turbidity have a significant effect on the biota. Due to the turbidity of the water, the infralittoral zone is restricted to very shallow depths. Unlike the tide-swept channels in sealochs, which support a mixed kelp canopy, the rock in these estuaries is characterised by [Laminaria saccharina] alone, occurring in relatively low abundance (Frequent). The brown alga [Desmarestia ligulata] can occur in this biotope, though never dense, along with the non-native brown seaweed [Sargassum muticum]. Beneath the sparse kelp, cobbles and boulders, often surrounded by sediment, are encrusted by fauna and often a dense turf of red seaweed. The foliose red seaweeds associated with this biotope include [Callophyllis laciniata], [Nitophyllum punctatum], [Kallymenia reniformis], [Gracilaria gracilis], [Gymnogongrus crenulatus], [Hypoglossum hypoglossoides], [Rhodophyllis divaricata], [Chylocladia verticillata], [Cryptopleura ramosa] and [Erythroglossum laciniatum] as well as the filamentous [Ceramium nodulosum] and [Pterothamnion plumula]. Green seaweeds [Ulva lactuca], [Bryopsis plumosa] and [Cladophora] spp. may be locally abundant. The dominating faunal species vary from site to site but include sponges such as [Halichondria panicea], [Esperiopsis fucorum], [Dysidea fragilis] and [Hymeniacidon perleve] as well as ascidians, particularly [Dendrodoa grossularia] and [Morchellium argus], which can cover the rocks. Also present is the anthozoan [Anemonia viridis], the barnacle [Balanus crenatus] and the tube-building polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter]. The hydroid [Plumularia setacea] can cover rocks and seaweed fronds Of the range of solitary ascidians found in the north-west, only [Ascidiella aspersa] tends also to be present in these south-western inlets. There is also a general absence of echinoderms. Where there is vertical rock present, it tends to support more fauna, including barnacles [Balanus crenatus], the ascidians [Clavelina lepadiformis] and [Botryllus schlosseri] and sometines the featherstar [Antedon bifida]. Where soft rock allows, such as the limestone in Plymouth Sound, rock-boring organisms such as [Polydora] sp. may be locally abundant. Sheltered, tide-swept rock is generally restricted to the narrows or tidal rapids of marine inlets. The clear tide-swept waters of Scottish sealochs are significantly different to the marine inlets of south-west Britain. This biotope deals with the latter.
Situation: This biotope generally occurs on rocky outcrops interspersed by sediment areas. Where the rock extends into deeper water, beyond the limit of kelp, sponges and ascidians tend to dominate these sheltered, tide-swept circalittoral sites (A4.251); also [Alcyonium digitatum] with sponges and [Nemertesia antennina] (A4.131).


hname:
Filamentous red seaweeds, sponges and [Balanus crenatus] on tide-swept variable-salinity infralittoral rock

description:
Tide-swept infralittoral rock subject to variable salinity and turbid waters occurs in the mid to upper reaches of the rias of south-west Britain, where riverine freshwater input reduces the salinity. Very shallow rock under these conditions is characterised by a covering of filamentous red seaweed such as [Callithamnion] spp., [Antithamnion] spp., [Ceramium] spp., [Griffithsia devoniensis], [Pterothamnion plumula] and [Polysiphonia fucoides], as well as the filamentous green seaweed [Cladophora] spp. Foliose red seaweeds such as [Hypoglossum hypoglossoides], [Cryptopleura ramosa] and [Erythroglossum laciniatum] commonly occur, as does the foliose green seaweed [Ulva lactuca]. Although [Laminaria saccharina] is often present it is usually in very low abundance (Occasional). The fluctuating salinity limits the number of species able to exist in this habitat. The animal community is dominated by the sponges [Halichondria panicea] and [Hymeniacidon perleve] and the barnacle [Balanus crenatus]. The ascidians [Clavelina lepadiformis] and [Dendrodoa grossularia] can be locally abundant at some sites. The crab [Carcinus maenas] is usually present, as is the mussel [Mytilus edulis]. The bryozoan [Bugula plumosa] is sometimes present. Where vertical rock is present, the seaweeds [Ceramium nodulosum], [P. plumula], [C. ramosa], [H. hypoglossoides] and [E. laciniatum] are typically found.
Situation: This biotope is usually found amidst sediment or rock and as such there is no defined zonation of the surrounding biotopes. Shallow sediments nearby may support seagrass beds ([Zostera] spp.) or infaunal-dominated sediments (unit A5.13). Nearby, deeper tide-swept rock may support circalittoral communities dominated by sponges, hydroids and ascidians on stable rock (unit A4.2511) or dense bryozoans on mixed substrata (units A4.135 & A4.137).


hname:
[Halopteris filicina] with coralline crusts on moderately exposed infralittoral rock


hname:
Mediterranean and Pontic communities of infralittoral algae moderately exposed to wave action

description:
This community is characterised by the presence of many photophilic algae covering hard bottoms in moderately exposed areas.


hname:
Association with [Codium vermilara] and [Rhodymenia ardissonei]

description:
This association of the green alga [Codium vermilara] and the red alga [Rhodymenia ardissonei] populates the middle horizon of the infralittoral zone, with low light and hydrodynamics.


description:
This association with the green alga [Dasycladus vermicularis] populates the middle horizon of the infralittoral zone with low light and hydrodynamics.


description:
This association is the red alga [Alsidium helminthochorton], which is typical of the upper horizon of the infralittoral zone with weak light and hydrodynamics.


hname:
Association with [Cystoseira tamariscifolia] and [Saccorhiza polyschides]

description:
This facies is characterised by presence of the brown algae [Cystoseira tamariscifolia] and [Saccorhiza polyschides]. It is possible to find this association on seabottoms exposed to high currents (e.g. Strait of Messina, Strait of Alboran, etc.)


hname:
Association with [Gelidium spinosum v. hystrix]

description:
This association is characterised by the high abundance of the red alga [Gelidium spinosum var. hystrix].


description:
This association is characterised by the high abundance of the brown alga [Lobophora variegata].


hname:
Mediterranean and Pontic Association with [Ceramium rubrum]

description:
This association is characterised by the high abundance of the red alga [Ceramium virgatum] (ex [Ceramium rubrum]).


description:
This facies is characterised by the abundance of the Mediterranean coral [Cladocora caespitosa].


description:
This association is characterised by the brown alga [Cystoseira brachycarpa].


hname:
Mediterranean and Pontic Association with [Cystoseira crinita]

description:
This association is characterised by the brown alga [Cystoseira crinita], living in pure, rough waters with strong luminosity.


description:
This association is characterised by the brown alga [Cystoseira crinitophylla].


description:
This association is characterised by the brown alga [Cystoseira sauvageauana].


description:
This association is characterised by the brown alga [Cystoseira spinosa].


description:
This association is characterised by the brown alga [Sargassum vulgare], living in pure, rough waters with strong luminosity.


description:
This association is characterised by the brown alga [Dictyopteris polypodioides], living in pure, rough waters with strong luminosity.


description:
This association is characterised by the brown alga [Colpomenia sinuosa].


hname:
Association with [Rhodymenia ardissonei] and [Rhodophyllis divaricata]

description:
This association is characterised by a mixed cover of the two red algae [Rhodymenia ardissonei] and [Rhodophyllis divaricata].


description:
This facies is characterised by the madreporian [Astroides calycularis] and is typical of the western Mediterranean pre-coralligenous zone.


hname:
Association with [Flabellia petiolata] and [Peyssonnelia squamaria]

description:
This association is characterised by a mixed cover of the green alga [Flabellia petiolata] and the red alga [Peyssonnelia squamaria] and is typical of semi-sciaphilous (shaded) hard bottoms.


hname:
Association with [Halymenia floresia] and [Halarachnion ligatatum]

description:
This association is characterised by a mixed cover of the two red algae [Halymenia floresia] and [Halarachnion ligulatum] and is typical of semi-sciaphilous (shaded) hard bottoms.


hname:
Association with [Peyssonnelia rubra] and [Peyssonnelia] spp.

description:
This association is characterised by a mixed cover of the red algae [Peyssonnelia rubra] and other members of the genus [Peyssonnelia] spp. and is typical of semi-sciaphilous (shaded) hard bottoms.


hname:
Pontic association with [Cystoseira barbata] and [Ulva rigida]


hname:
Pontic ephemeral mosaic of green and red seaweeds on moderately exposed or sheltered infralittoral rock (Enteromorpha , Ulva, Ceramium, Cladophora, Gelidium, Callithamnion, Corallina)

description:
The species concerned form belts of algae, the presence of which are seasonal according to species, with Corallina present during all seasons, and Ceramium and Cladophora present only during the summer and autumn.


hname:
Pontic [Phyllophora nervosa] on vertical rock faces in the lower infralittoral


hname:
Faunal communities on moderate energy infralittoral rock


hname:
Pontic [Mytilus galloprovincialis] beds on infralittoral rock

description:
In the Black Sea this habitat is distributed across wide areas, in the mediolittoral as well as into the infralittoral, from the spray zone to 55 m, where the dominant species is the bivalve mollusc [Mytilus galloprovincialis], the most widespread mussel in the Black Sea  (Zaitsev and Aleksandrov, 1998).  The biocenosis consists of 105 animal species (Zaitsev and Alexandrov 1998) of which the most characteristic  are: Polychaeta - [Nereis (Neanthes) succinea], [Nereis diversicolor], [Polydora ciliata limicola]; Mollusca - [Mytilus galloprovincialis], [Mytilaster lineatus]; Crustacea - [Balanus improvisus], [Jaera sarsi], [Stenothoe monoculoides], [Marinogammarus olivii], [Melita palmate], [Microdeutopus gryllotalpa], [Amphitoe viallanti], [Jassia ocia], [Erichthonius difformis] (Alexandrov, 2006). On the NW shelf the  mass species  are:  [Mya arenaria], [Balanus improvisus], [Nereis succinea], [Prionopsio cirrifera].  On the Crimean shelf the mass species are:the mollusc, [Modiolus adriaticus], and the polychaete [Terebellides stroemi]. Along the Turkish coasts, the most encountered amphipod species are:  [Jassa marmorata], [Hylae crassipes], [Ampithoe ramondi], [Corophium acherisicum], [Corophium acutum] (Sezgin et al., 2001).   Ephemeral algae may  cover Mytilus.


hname:
Pontic sponge crusts on lower infralittoral rock


hname:
Pontic colonial ascidian and bryozoan crusts on bare infralittoral rock


hname:
Pontic soft rock beds with [Pholas dactylus] burrows

description:
In Turkey the habitat is also found associated to the presence of Mytilus.


hname:
Pontic [Teredo navalis] burrows in large wooden debris


hname:
Pontic [Polydora] tubes on infralittoral soft rock


hname:
Shallow smaller [Ostrea edulis] reefs adhering to rocky reefs and vertical drop-offs


hname:
Atlantic and Mediterranean low energy infralittoral rock

description:
Infralittoral rock in wave and tide-sheltered conditions, supporting silty communities with [Laminaria hyperborea] and/or [Laminaria saccharina] (A3.31). Associated seaweeds are typically silt-tolerant and include a high proportion of delicate filamentous types. In turbid-water estuarine areas, the kelp and seaweeds (A3.32) may be replaced by animal-dominated communities (A3.36) whilst stable hard substrata in lagoons support distinctive communities (A3.34).


hname:
Silted kelp on low energy infralittoral rock with full salinity

description:
Infralittoral rock in wave and tide-sheltered conditions, supporting silty communities with [Laminaria hyperborea] and/or [Laminaria saccharina]. Associated seaweeds are typically silt-tolerant and include a high proportion of delicate filamentous types. Some areas, particularly in the lower infralittoral zone, are subject to intense grazing by urchins and chitons and may have poorly developed seaweed communities.


hname:
Mixed [Laminaria hyperborea] and [Laminaria ochroleuca] forest on moderately exposed or sheltered infralittoral rock

description:
Mixed [Laminaria hyperborea] and [Laminaria ochroleuca] forest on upper infralittoral moderately exposed or sheltered rock is restricted to the coast of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Unlike [L. hyperborea], however, [L. ochroleuca] has a smooth stipe and it lacks the epiphytic growth of seaweeds. The bryozoan [Membranipora membranacea] may encrust the very lower part of the stipe but the rest of the stipe is characteristically bare. The fronds too are generally free of encrusting hydroids, bryozoans and grazing gastropods as compared to [L. hyperborea]. [L. ochroleuca] holdfasts, however, are often encrusted with sponges and colonial ascidians. A large variety of foliose and filamentous red seaweeds are often present underneath the canopy. These include [Callophyllis laciniata], [Plocamium cartilagineum], [Cryptopleura ramosa], [Delesseria sanguinea], [Dilsea carnosa Bonnemaisonia asparagoides, Erythroglossum laciniatum, Sphaerococcus coronopifolius, Polyneura bonnemaisonii] and [Corallina officinalis]. The foliose brown seaweed [Dictyota dichotoma] is frequently found in this biotope along with the occasional kelp such as [Saccorhiza polyschides] and [Laminaria saccharina]. The faunal composition of the biotope as a whole is often sparse. The anthozoans [Corynactis viridis] and [Caryophyllia smithii] are common on vertical surfaces with scattered bryozoan turf species such as Crisiidae. Grazers such as the gastropod [Gibbula cineraria] and the urchin [Echinus esculentus] are often present. [L. ochroleuca] occurs across a wide range of wave exposures (in common with [L. hyperborea]) and consequently it occurs at low abundance in other kelp biotopes (sheltered through to exposed) that occur in the South-West between Dorset to Lundy. In such cases, records should be considered as regional variations of the usual kelp biotopes. Records should only be assigned to this biotope when the canopy is dominated by [L. ochroleuca] alone, or by a mixture of both [L. hyperborea] and [L. ochroleuca] (though the latter is usually at greater abundance). [L. ochroleuca] commonly occurs on the Brittany and Normandy coasts.
Situation: On moderately exposed to sheltered rock [Laminaria ochroleuca] can form a dense forest below the [L. hyperborea] forest (unit A3.2141). At other sites [L. hyperborea] park (unit A3.2142) occurs below A3.311. A band of dense foliose seaweeds can also dominate the lower infralittoral zone below the kelp zone (A3.116 or A3.1161). More data is required to establish further trends in neighbouring biotopes.
Temporal variation: The under-storey of foliose and filamentous seaweeds will diminish towards the autumn and regrow in the spring. Otherwise, this biotope is not known to change significantly over time.


hname:
Mixed [Laminaria hyperborea] and [Laminaria saccharina] on sheltered infralittoral rock

description:
Mixed [Laminaria hyperborea] and [Laminaria saccharina] on bedrock and boulders in sheltered infralittoral habitats. Typically subject to weak tidal streams and rather silty conditions. Beneath the kelp is an associated under-storey flora of foliose red seaweeds including [Plocamium cartilagineum, Cryptopleura ramosa] and [Callophyllis laciniata] as well as the brown seaweeds [Dictyota dichotoma], [Cutleria multifida] and [Desmarestia aculeata]. The stipes of [L. hyperborea] may be densely covered with red seaweeds such as [Phycodrys rubens] and [Delesseria sanguinea] as well as the solitary ascidian [Clavelina lepadiformis] and the featherstar [Antedon bifida]. The fronds are often epiphytised by the hydroid [Obelia geniculata] and the bryozoan [Membranipora membranacea]. Beneath the kelp canopy, the faunal component is generally less diverse than the more exposed kelp forests, dominated by the echinoderms [Echinus esculentus] and [Asterias rubens], but the tops shells [Gibbula cineraria] and [Calliostoma zizyphinum] can be common as well. The crab [Necora puber] and the brittlestar [Ophiothrix fragilis] can be found in cracks and crevices, while the tube-building polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter] and coralline crusts are present on the rock surface. Although there is a reduced number of species by comparison to the more exposed [L. hyperborea] forests (A3.2141), there are considerably more algae species than occur in the more sheltered [L. saccharina] forests (A3.3132). This biotope is predominately found in the shelter of fjordic sealochs in Scotland. Where it does occur in south-west Britain the mixed kelp forest may also include the southern kelp [Laminaria ochroleuca]. Three variants has been described: The kelp forest in the upper infralittoral (A3.3121), grading to a kelp park with increasing depth (A3.3122) as well as a grazed variant (A3.3123).


hname:
Mixed [Laminaria hyperborea] and [Laminaria saccharina] forest on sheltered upper infralittoral rock

description:
Sheltered, often silted, upper infralittoral bedrock and boulder slopes with mixed kelps [Laminaria hyperborea] and [Laminaria saccharina] and red seaweeds beneath. The kelp at these sheltered sites often has large `cape-form' fronds, which form a dense canopy over the seabed and are often epiphytised by the hydroid [Obelia geniculata] and the bryozoan [Membranipora membranacea]. Beneath the kelp, red seaweeds such as [Delesseria sanguinea] and [Cryptopleura ramosa] occur on top of encrusting coralline algae. Often, a dense algal turf of [Bonnemaisonia hamifera] (tetrasporophyte) carpets the rock. The stipes of [L. hyperborea] may be densely covered with seaweeds such as [Phycodrys rubens], [Plocamium cartilagineum] and [Porphyropsis coccinea]. There can also be a prominent faunal component on the stipes including the solitary ascidian [Clavelina lepadiformis] and the colonial ascidian [Botryllus schlosseri]. Brown seaweeds, occurring here in low abundance, include [Dictyota dichotoma]. The kelp [Saccorhiza polyschides] may also occur but rarely in equal abundance to [L. hyperborea] or [L. saccharina]. Beneath the kelp canopy, the faunal component is generally less diverse than the more exposed kelp forests (unit A3.214). The silted rock supports a sparse fauna of gastropods [Gibbula cineraria] and [Calliostoma zizyphinum], the tube-building polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter] and occasional starfish [Asterias rubens] and the urchin [Echinus esculentus]. Steeper, less silted rock, may have the anthozoans [Caryophyllia smithii] and [Alcyonium digitatum].Sheltered, often silted, upper infralittoral bedrock and boulder slopes with mixed kelps [Laminaria hyperborea] and [Laminaria saccharina] and red seaweeds beneath. The kelp at these sheltered sites often has large `cape-form' fronds, which form a dense canopy over the seabed and are often epiphytised by the hydroid [Obelia geniculata] and the bryozoan [Membranipora membranacea]. Beneath the kelp, red seaweeds such as [Delesseria sanguinea] and [Cryptopleura ramosa] occur on top of encrusting coralline algae. Often, a dense algal turf of [Bonnemaisonia hamifera] (tetrasporophyte) carpets the rock. The stipes of [L. hyperborea] may be densely covered with seaweeds such as [Phycodrys rubens], [Plocamium cartilagineum] and [Porphyropsis coccinea]. There can also be a prominent faunal component on the stipes including the solitary ascidian [Clavelina lepadiformis] and the colonial ascidian [Botryllus schlosseri]. Brown seaweeds, occurring here in low abundance, include [Dictyota dichotoma]. The kelp [Saccorhiza polyschides] may also occur but rarely in equal abundance to [L. hyperborea] or [L. saccharina]. Beneath the kelp canopy, the faunal component is generally less diverse than the more exposed kelp forests (A3.214). The silted rock supports a sparse fauna of gastropods [Gibbula cineraria] and [Calliostoma zizyphinum], the tube-building polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter] and occasional starfish [Asterias rubens] and the urchin [Echinus esculentus]. Steeper, less silted rock, may have the anthozoans [Caryophyllia smithii] and [Alcyonium digitatum].
Situation: This biotope occurs below [Laminaria digitata] on the sheltered sublittoral fringe (A3.2111) or a mix of [L. saccharina] and [L. digitata] in very sheltered conditions (A3.3131). It can also be found on isolated rock exposures amid a sediment seabed (A5.3541 or A5.343). Where suitable substrata allow, the kelp thins out with increased depth to form a park below the forest (A3.3122).


hname:
Mixed [Laminaria hyperborea] and [Laminaria saccharina] park on sheltered lower infralittoral rock

description:
Sheltered silted, bedrock and boulders with a park of mixed [Laminaria hyperborea] and [Laminaria saccharina]. Both kelp species are sparse in the park (Frequent). Beneath the often 'cape-form' kelp canopy, foliose red seaweeds such as [Delesseria sanguinea, Cryptopleura ramosa], [Heterosiphonia plumosa] and [Brongniartella byssoides] are often present at high densities on the silted rock. Other red seaweeds such as encrusting coralline algae, [Phycodrys rubens, Callophyllis laciniata, Bonnemaisonia asparagoides] and [Plocamium cartilagineum] can be present. Other brown seaweeds include [Dictyota dichotoma] and [Desmarestia aculeata]. The animal component of this biotope is generally richer than the upper infralittoral mixed kelp forest (A3.3121). A variety of hydroids such as [Obelia geniculata] grow epiphytically on the kelp fronds along with the bryozoan [Membranipora membranacea]. The echinoderm [Antedon bifida] and ascidians such as [Clavelina lepadiformis] attach to the kelp stipes, above the silted rock. The rock itself supports anthozoans such as [Caryophyllia smithii] and [Urticina felina] as well as the tube-building polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter] and the crap [Necora puber]. Grazers include the prominent echinoderm [Echinus esculentus] and the gastropods [Gibbula cineraria] and [Calliostoma zizyphinum]. Where pockets of sediment occur, there may be an increase in infaunal species such as the burrowing anthozoan [Cerianthus lloydii], the brittlestar [Ophiura albida], and starfish [Asterias rubens]. Although there is a decrease in the number of algal species in the kelp park, the abundance remains relatively high.
Situation: These mixed kelp parks are generally found below the mixed kelp forest (unit A3.3121) where there is a continuation of suitable hard substrata present. These sheltered kelps are also frequently found on bedrock or boulder exposures (XFa) adjacent to sediment seabed characterised by infaunal species. Where silted, circalittoral rock occurs below the kelp park a variety of biotopes may be found characterised by varying amounts of featherstars, anthozoans, solitary ascidians and sponge communities (e.g. units A4.313, A4.312, A4 311, A4.314 and A5.623).


hname:
Grazed, mixed [Laminaria hyperborea] and [Laminaria saccharina] on sheltered infralittoral rock

description:
Silted infralittoral rock with mixed [Laminaria hyperborea] and [Laminaria saccharina] kelp forest, intensively grazed by the echinoderm [Echinus esculentus] and the gastropods [Gibbula cineraria] and [Calliostoma zizyphinum]. Although both kelp species can occur in equal abundance (Common), [L. hyperborea] usually dominates. The grazing-resistant brown seaweed [Desmarestia aculeata] and [Cutleria multifida] may be present. A similar variety of red seaweeds to those found in the ungrazed kelp forest (A3.3121) may occur beneath the kelp canopy, but in much lower abundance. As grazing intensity increases the seaweed cover decreases - and some sites are reduced to the bare appearance of encrusting brown and coralline algae beneath the kelp canopy. The [L. hyperborea] stipes generally support more seaweeds than the rock beneath, including [Cryptopleura ramosa], [Delesseria sanguinea], [Phycodrys rubens] and [Bonnemaisonia hamifera]. The stipes may also support sometimes dense ascidians [Clavelina lepadiformis] and [Ciona intestinalis] and the echinoderm [Antedon bifida]. The kelp fronds are often densely covered by the hydroid [Obelia geniculata]. At the most intensively grazed sites even the kelp stipes are bare. Although the rock appears bare, between boulders and in crevices there are often the brittlestar [Ophiothrix fragilis] and the crabs [Necora puber] and [Pagurus bernhardus]. The tube-building [Pomatoceros triqueter] and bryozoan crusts are commonly found on any vertical surfaces.
Situation: This biotope can be found in similar conditions as units A3.3121 and A3.3122 but where the numbers of grazers present are in high enough numbers to cause substantially community impoverishment through grazing. Generally occurs on isolated rock, surrounded by sediment biotopes. Although it has been recorded from sites astride the ungrazed kelp biotopes (A3.3121 and A3.3122) it is more usually found on bedrock or boulder exposures (A4.13) adjacent to sediment seabed characterised by infaunal species.
Temporal variation: If the grazing pressure is reduced (i.e. a decrease in the number of grazing echinoderms present) the community will eventually re-establish itself as a mixed kelp forest or park (unit A3.312).


hname:
Mussel beds on reduced salinity infralittoral rock

description:
This biotope occur in shallow, often tide-swept, reduced salinity conditions. Dense beds of the mussel [Mytilus edulis] with the occasional barnacle [Balanus crenatus]. A wide variety of epifaunal colonisers on the mussel valves, including seaweeds, hydroids and bryozoans can be present. Predatory starfish [Asterias rubens] can be very common in this biotope. This biotope generally appears to lack large kelp plants, although transitional examples containing mussels and kelps plants may also occur. More information needed to validate this description.
Situation: Occurs in tide-swept entrance channels in very enclosed basins of sealochs where the basins are typically of lowered salinity. Also occurs in very sheltered subtidal rock (often vertical) in lagoons.


hname:
[Cordylophora caspia] and [Electra crustulenta] on reduced salinity infralittoral rock

description:
Shallow sublittoral rock in the upper estuary of one of the south-west inlets (Tamar) with very high turbidity and therefore no seaweeds. The brackish-water hydroid [Cordylophora caspia] and small colonies of the encrusting bryozoan [Electra crustulenta] and a few [Balanus crenatus] characterise this biotope. More information required to validate this description.


hname:
[Hartlaubella gelatinosa] and [Conopeum reticulum] on low salinity infralittoral mixed substrata

description:
Upper estuarine mixed hard substrata colonised by very sparse communities of animals with low species richness and with a few seaweeds in very shallow water. In the Tamar estuary the hydroid [Hartlaubella gelatinosa] and bryozoan [Conopeum reticulum] are found on stones. In the River Dart the bryozoan [Bowerbankia imbricata] is most abundant. The mussel [Mytilus edulis], the crab [Carcinus maenas] and the hydroid [Obelia dichotoma] can be present. A similar brackish-water rocky biotope is recorded from the Bann Estuary, Northern Ireland. There are considerable differences in species composition between sites, but all occur in brackish turbid-water conditions. More information required to validate this description.


description:
Rock habitats in the Baltic infralittoral zone which are exposed to wave action, currents or ice scouring. The exposure status is that impacting on the area concerned at the relevant scale. Thus there may be enclaves of different exposure status caused by localised variation in relief (e.g. steeper rock in more moderately exposed or even sheltered areas). Note that it has been proposed that ‘exposed’ has an effective fetch of greater than 25 km: this requires verification across the Baltic.


hname:
Baltic moderately exposed infralittoral rock

description:
Rock habitats in the Baltic infralittoral zone which are moderately exposed to wave action, currents or ice scouring. The exposure status is that impacting on the area concerned at the relevant scale. Thus there may be enclaves of different exposure status caused by localised variation in relief (e.g. steeper rock in sheltered areas). Note that it has been proposed that ‘exposed’ has an effective fetch of 5 – 25 km: this requires verification across the Baltic.


description:
Rock habitats in the Baltic infralittoral zone which are sheltered from wave action, currents or ice scouring. The exposure status is that impacting on the area concerned at the relevant scale. Thus there may be enclaves of different exposure status caused by localised variation in relief (e.g. sheltered areas within exposed or moderately exposed areas). Note that it has been proposed that ‘exposed’ has an effective fetch less than 5 km: this requires verification across the Baltic.


description:
Includes surge gulleys (A3.71), which are found throughout the infralittoral rock zone, and usually consist of vertical bedrock walls, occasionally with overhanging faces, and support communities, which reflect the degree of wave surge they are subject to and any scour from mobile substrata on the cave/gully floors. The larger cave and gully systems, such as found in Shetland, Orkney, the Western Isles and St Kilda, typically show a marked zonation from the entrance to the rear of the gully/cave as wave surge increases and light reduces. Also includes habitats in hard substrata in the infralittoral zone characterised by the presence of seeping or bubbling gases, oils or water (A3.73) and recently colonised artificial hard substrata in the infralittoral zone (A3.72).


hname:
Robust faunal cushions and crusts in surge gullies and caves

description:
Infralittoral rocky habitats subject to strong wave surge conditions, as found in surge gullies and shallow caves, and typically colonised by faunal communities of encrusting or cushion sponges, colonial ascidians, short turf-forming bryozoans, anthozoans, barnacles and, where there is sufficient light, red seaweeds. These features usually consist of vertical bedrock walls, occasionally with overhanging faces, and support communities which reflect the degree of wave surge they are subject to, and any scour from mobile substrata on the cave/gully floors. The larger cave and gully systems, such as found in Shetland, Orkney, the Western Isles and St Kilda, typically show a marked zonation from the entrance to the rear of the gully/cave as wave surge increases and light reduces. This is reflected in communities of anthozoans, ascidians, bryozoans and red seaweeds near the entrance, leading to sponge crust-dominated communities and finally barnacle and spirorbid worm communities in the most severe surge conditions. Gully/cave floors usually have mobile boulders, cobbles, pebbles or coarse sediment. The mobile nature of the gully/cave floors leads to communities of encrusting species, tolerant of scour and abrasion or fast summer-growing ephemeral species. The lower zone of the gully side walls are also often scoured, and typically colonised by coralline crusts and barnacles.
Situation: On open rocky coasts with moderate or greater wave action.
Temporal variation: Unknown, although winter storms likly to yield scouring on gully/cave walls; some ephemeral growth likely in calmer summer months.


hname:
Foliose seaweeds and coralline crusts in surge gully entrances

description:
This biotope is found on steep wave-surged entrances to gullies and caves and on unstable boulders in the entrance to caves and gullies. The rock may be abraded by the movement of the boulders and cobbles in heavy surge and tends to be dominated by dense foliose seaweeds that grow rapidly in the calmer summer months. Beneath the foliose seaweeds the rock surface is typically covered with coralline crusts, which are longer-lived, and tolerant of abrasion. The flora of this biotope is relatively varied, depending upon the amount of light and degree of abrasion or rock mobility with red seaweeds such as [Cryptopleura ramosa], [Plocamium cartilagineum], [Odonthalia dentata], [Callophyllis laciniata], [Phycodrys rubens], [Hypoglossum hypoglossoides], [Phyllophora crispa] and [Corallina officinalis]. The brown seaweed [Dictyota dichotoma] also occurs in these conditions, since it is tolerant of some sand scour. During the summer months small fast-growing kelp plants can arise in this biotope, although the mobility of the substratum prevents the kelp from forming a kelp forest. Dense swathes of very young kelp such as [Laminaria hyperborea] are, however, not uncommon. The faunal community consist of the anemone [Urticina felina], the sponge [Halichondria panicea] and the ascidian [Dendrodoa grossularia]. More mobile fauna include the echinoderms [Asterias rubens] and [Echinus esculentus], the top shell [Gibbula cineraria] and the crab [Cancer pagurus].
Situation: Further into the cave or gully, beyond the dense red seaweeds of A3.711, the vertical rock grades to either an ascidian and sponge dominated community or sponge crusts and anthozoans (A3.712 / A3.713). Further into the cave or gully the floor and any boulders or cobbles are generally scoured clean or may support coralline encrusting algae (unit A3.7162). Above the red seaweeds, steep rock surfaces often support a kelp community (units A3.115 or A3.214) or in shallower water [Alaria esculenta] is usually present (Ala.Myt).


hname:
Anemones, including [Corynactis viridis,] crustose sponges and colonial ascidians on very exposed or wave surged vertical infralittoral rock

description:
Vertical very exposed and exposed bedrock gullies, tunnels and cave entrances subject to wave-surge dominated by sponge crusts such as [Clathrina coriacea, Myxilla incrustans, Pachymatisma johnstonia] and [Halichondria panicea] and anthozoans such as [Sagartia elegans, Urticina felina, Alcyonium digitatum, Corynactis viridis] and dwarf [Metridium senile] generally dominate the area; the anthozoans often appearing to protrude through the sponge layer. There may be dense aggregations of the hydroid [Tubularia] [indivisa], the cup coral [Caryophyllia smithii] and the colonial ascidians [Botrylloides leachi] and [Polyclinum aurantium]. There may be a short crisiid turf, interspersed with [Scrupocellaria reptans]. Encrusting coralline algae may occur on well-illuminated rock faces. The echinoderms [Asterias rubens], [Marthasterias glacialis], [Echinus esculentus], [Antedon bifida] and [Ophiothrix fragilis], the topshell [Calliostona zizphinum] and the calcareous tubeworm [Pomatoceros triqueter] may also be present on the rock face. The crabs [Cancer pagurus] and [Necora puber] may also be recorded. Due to the wave-surged nature and vertical orientation of these biotopes, kelps are rare and certainly never dominate.


hname:
Crustose sponges and colonial ascidians with [Dendrodoa grossularia] or barnacles on wave-surged infralittoral rock

description:
Vertical and overhanging, exposed to moderately exposed bedrock gullies, tunnels and cave entrances subject to wave surge, and dominated by the crustose sponges [Halichondria panicea], [Myxilla incrustans], [Clathrina coriacea], [Leucosolenia botryoides], [Esperiopsis fucorum] and [Grantia compressa]. There may also be dense aggregations of the anthozoan [Sagartia elegans], dwarf [Metridium senile], [Alcyonium digitatum], and [Urticina felina], and a dense covering of the barnacle [Balanus crenatus] on the bare rock face. Dense aggregations of the robust hydroid [Tubularia indivisa] may be recorded, growing through the sponge crust. Colonial ascidians such as [Polyclinum aurantium], [Botryllus schlosseri], [Botrylloides leachi], [Aplidium nordmanni] and the solitary ascidian [Dendrodoa grossularia] may all be recorded. The echinoderms [Asterias rubens], [Echinus esculentus], [Henricia] sp., the crab [Cancer pagurus] and the calcareous tubeworm [Pomatoceros triqueter] may also be present on the rock face, along with encrusting coralline algae.


hname:
[Dendrodoa grossularia] and [Clathrina coriacea] on wave-surged vertical infralittoral rock

description:
Vertical or overhanging infralittoral rock subject to considerable wave-surge, especially in the middle or back of caves but also in gullies and tunnels, and dominated by dense sheets of the ascidian [Dendrodoa grossularia], together with variable quantities of the sponge [Clathrina coriacea]. At some sites [D. grossularia] forms continuous sheets, with few other species present. Other sponges such as [Esperiopsis fucorum], [Pachymatisma johnstonia], [Leucosolenia botryoides], [Scypha ciliata] and [Halichondria panicea] regularly occur in this biotope, though generally at low abundance. Other ascidians, especially [Polyclinum aurantium], [Diplosoma] spp. and other didemnids may also occur, though only [P. aurantium] is ever as abundant as [D. grossularia]. Being characteristically found in the middle or towards the backs of the caves mean that there is generally insufficient light to support any foliose seaweeds, although encrusting coralline algae are not uncommon. More scoured areas may also contain the anemone [Urticina felina], whilst [Sagartia elegans] is often present in low numbers. Mobile fauna are often limited to the starfish [Asterias rubens] and [Henricia] spp., the brittlestar [Ophiopholis aculeata] and crabs [Cancer pagurus] and [Necora puber]. The barnacle [Balanus crenatus] can occur, usually in low densities.
Situation: Where this biotope develops in a cave or tunnel it can occur anywhere from the entrance to the rear of the system. Typically, it will give way to sponge crust or barnacle and encrusting tubeworm communities at the rear of the cave, where surge forces are amplified (units A3.715 or A3.7161). The vertical rock below this unit, abutting the cave/gully floor, is likely to be severely scoured, colonised by the robust A3.7161 biotope. The cave or gully floor is generally scoured clean by boulders and/or cobbles (A3.7162). The cave or gully entrance has more available light for algal growth so dense foliose seaweeds usually dominate the rock walls at the entrance, abutting the [D. grossularia] - [C. coriacea] zone further into the cave (A3.711). This dense seaweed growth may also extend to the upward-facing surfaces of boulders around the entrance. Where this unit occurs in a gully situation, the rock tends to be colonised by dense [Alaria esculenta] in the sublittoral fringe (A3.111) or by [Laminaria hyperborea] forest in the shallow infralittoral (A3.1151).


hname:
Crustose sponges on extremely wave-surged infralittoral cave or gully walls

description:
Walls, or massive boulders, in caves or gullies that are subject to severe wave-surge and characterised by extensive thin crusts of the sponge [Halichondria panicea] with smaller patches of other sponges such as [Esperiopsis fucorum] or [Clathrina coriacea]. Small turfs of robust hydroids, such as [Diphasia rosacea] and [Ventromma halecioides], and patches of the barnacle [Balanus crenatus], coralline crusts and tube-building spirorbid polychaetes may be present. The starfish [Henricia] spp., the brittlestar [Ophiopholis aculeata] and the crabs [Cancer pagurus] and [Necora puber] can be present. The anemones [Sagartia elegans], [Urticina felina] and [Actinia equina] can be found in cracks and crevices or under boulders. The mussel [Mytilus edulis] may be present in low densities.
Situation: This surge-tolerant biotope of low-growing fauna is typically confined to the mid or rear section of caves (or the narrowest part of gullies) where the wave-surge is intensified. It generally abuts the less surged ascidian-sponge communities (units A3.712, A3.714 and A3.713). A highly scoured zone of barnacles and calcareous tubeworms often form a zone below, abutting the cave/gully floor (A3.7161).


hname:
Coralline crusts in surge gullies and scoured infralittoral rock

description:
Scoured rock in wave-surged caves, tunnels or gullies often looks rather bare, and may be characterised by a limited scour-tolerant fauna of [Balanus crenatus] and/or [Pomatoceros triqueter] with spirorbid polychaetes. In areas where sufficient light is available and scour is severe, encrusting coralline algae and non-calcareous crusts cover the rock surface, giving a pink appearance. This biotope most commonly occurs at the bottom of walls in caves and gullies, where abrasion by cobbles and stones is severe, especially during winter. In some gullies, extreme scouring and abrasion produces a narrow band of bare coralline algal crust at the very bottom of the walls, with a band of [P. triqueter] and/or [B. crenatus] immediately above. Other scour-tolerant species, such as encrusting bryozoans may also be common. Crevices and cracks in the rock provide a refuge for sponge crusts such as [Halichondria panicea] and occasional anemones [Urticina felina] and [Sagartia elegans]. More mobile fauna is usually restricted to the echinoderms [Asterias rubens] and [Echinus esculentus] as well as the crab [Cancer pagurus]. Two variants have been identified: Wave-surged bedrock with coralline crust, [B. crenatus] and [P. triqueter] (A3.7161) and coralline crusts on mobile boulders in severely scoured caves (A3.7162).
Situation: Generally occurring at the base of walls in caves and gullies and on the floors of caves and gullies. Immediately above this zone a variety of biotopes may occur depending on the proximity to the cave/gully entrance. Typically sponge crusts and ascidians with a hydroid-bryozoan turf will occur in the outer to mid section (units A3.712, A3.713); sponge crusts and dense ascidians in the outer to rear section (A3.714); and low-growing sponge crusts at the rear of caves (A3.715). At some sites with extreme wave surge, A3.7161 can form a zone towards the rear of the cave, beyond the sponge crust zone.


hname:
[Balanus crenatus] and/or [Pomatoceros triqueter] with spirorbid worms and coralline crusts on severely scoured vertical infralittoral rock

description:
Severely scoured bedrock in wave-surged caves, tunnels or gullies often looks rather bare, and may be characterised by a limited scour-tolerant fauna of [Balanus crenatus] and/or [Pomatoceros triqueter] with spirorbid polychaetes. In areas where sufficient light is available, encrusting coralline algae and non-calcareous crusts cover the rock surface, giving a pink appearance. This biotope most commonly occurs at the bottom of walls in caves and gullies, where abrasion by cobbles and stones is severe, especially during winter. In some gullies, extreme scouring and abrasion produces a narrow band of bare coralline algal crust at the very bottom of the walls, with a band of [P. triqueter] and or [B. crenatus] immediately above. In some caves extreme wave surge at the back of the cave leads to a zone of this biotope which may also be dominated solely by sprorbids or by the barnacle [Verruca stroemia]. Other scour-tolerant species, such as encrusting bryozoans may also be common. Crevices and cracks in the rock provide a refuge for sponge crusts, small [Mytilus edulis] and occasional [Actinia equina], [Urticina felina] and [Sagartia elegans]. More mobile fauna is usually restricted to the echinoderm [Asterias rubens] and the crab [Cancer pagurus]. During periods of relative stability in the summer, small quantities of foliose red seaweeds and opportunistic kelps may occur where sufficient light is available; the seaweeds however do not dominate (compare with A3.711).
Situation: Generally occurs at the base of walls in caves and gullies, but in extreme surge may occur as a zone at the back of caves. Immediately above this zone a variety of biotopes may occur depending on the proximity to the cave/gully entrance. Typically sponge crusts and ascidians with a hydroid-bryozoan turf will occur in the outer to mid section (units A3.712, A3.713); sponge crusts and dense ascidians in the outer to rear section (A3.714); and low-growing sponge crusts at the rear of caves (A3.715). At some sites, A3.7161 can form a zone towards the rear of the cave, beyond the sponge crust zone.


hname:
Coralline crusts and crustaceans on mobile boulders or cobbles in surge gullies

description:
Highly mobile and scoured boulders and cobbles found on cave and gully floors and which often appear bare. Where there is sufficient light and stability, however, the boulders are encrusted by coralline algal crusts. Barnacles [Balanus crenatus] and keelworms [Pomatoceros triqueter] may survive in areas protected from severe abrasion. Crabs such as [Cancer pagurus] and [Carcinus maenas] may occur, often beneath and between the rocks, along with the gastropod [Calliostoma zizyphinum]. The anemone [Actinia equina] may be present in low numbers.
Situation: The slightly less-scoured walls often found above this biotope in caves and gullies are generally characterised by a similar, but richer community of scour-tolerant [Balanus crenatus], [Pomatoceros triqueter], coralline crusts and spirorbid worms (A3.7161). This impoverished biotope may form an intermediate between barren gravel and slightly more stable larger pebbles and cobbles which are covered by algae that are often found in the mouths of caves (unit A3.711).
Temporal variation: Winter storms periodically mobilise the boulders and cobbles, causing abrasion to any seasonal biota that may have developed over the calmer summer months.


description:
Moderately exposed to wave-sheltered artificial substrata (such as steel wrecks/concrete pilings/cable debris etc) subject to moderately strong to weak tidal streams in the infralittoral zone. This habitat type is characterised by a dense covering of filamentous and foliose algae on vertical as well as the upper faces of the substrata. Although there are no biotopes currently defined under this biotope, due to the low number of records, it is suspected that this has been highly 'under-recorded', and that additional records will be added in the near future, leading to the definition of biotopes.


hname:
Caves and overhangs in infralittoral rock


hname:
Pontic [Phyllophora nervosa] under overhangs and in cave entrances


hname:
Pontic caves dominated by sponges [Dysidea] sp. and [Haliclona] sp. with crustose corallines, [Actinia equina], and [Hemimysis] sp.


hname:
Pontic cave entrances with [Palaemon elegans], [Actinia equina], [Pachygrapsus marmoratus] and [Eriphia verrucosa] and little sponges


hname:
Circalittoral rock and other hard substrata

description:
Circalittoral rock is characterised by animal dominated communities (a departure from the algae dominated communities in the infralittoral zone). The circalittoral zone can itself be split into two sub-zones; upper circalittoral (foliose red algae present but not dominant) and lower circalittoral (foliose red algae absent). The depth at which the circalittoral zone begins is directly dependent on the intensity of light reaching the seabed; in highly turbid conditions, the circalittoral zone may begin just below water level at mean low water springs (MLWS). The biotopes identified in the field can be broadly assigned to one of three energy level categories: high, moderate and low energy circalittoral rock (used to define the habitat complex level). The character of the fauna varies enormously and is affected mainly by wave action, tidal stream strength, salinity, turbidity, the degree of scouring and rock topography. It is typical for the community not to be dominated by single species, as is common in shore and infralittoral habitats, but rather comprise a mosaic of species. This, coupled with the range of influencing factors, makes circalittoral rock a difficult area to satisfactorily classify; particular care should therefore be taken in matching species and habitat data to the classification.


hname:
Atlantic and Mediterranean high energy circalittoral rock

description:
Occurs on extremely wave-exposed to exposed circalittoral bedrock and boulders subject to tidal streams ranging from strong to very strong. Typically found in tidal straits and narrows. The high energy levels found within this habitat complex are reflected in the fauna recorded. Sponges such as [Pachymatisma johnstonia], [Halichondria panicea], [Esperiopsis fucorum] and [Myxilla incrustans] may all be recorded. Characteristic of this habitat complex is the dense 'carpet' of the hydroid [Tubularia indivisa]. The barnacle [Balanus crenatus] is recorded in high abundance on the rocky substrata. On rocky outcrops, [Alcyonium digitatum] is often present.


hname:
Very tide-swept faunal communities on circalittoral rock

description:
This habitat type occurs in wave-exposed, tide-swept narrows and straits on circalittoral bedrock and boulders. The biotopes within this complex are characterised by a high abundance of the robust hydroid [Tubularia indivisa]. The barnacle [Balanus crenatus] is characteristic of A4.111, the cushion sponges [Halichondria panicea] and [Myxilla incrustans] are characteristic of A4.1121 and [Alcyonium digitatum] is characteristic of A4.1122. The anemones [Sagartia elegans], [Actinothoe sphyrodeta], [Urticina felina], [Corynactis viridis] and [Metridium senile] are all found within this complex. Other species present in this high-energy complex are the sponges [Esperiopsis fucorum] and [Pachymatisma johnstonia], the bryozoans [Alcyonidium diaphanum] and [Flustra foliacea], [Cancer pagurus], [Sertularia argentea] and [Asterias rubens].


hname:
[Corynactis viridis] and a mixed turf of crisiids, [Bugula], [Scrupocellaria], and [Cellaria] on moderately tide-swept exposed circalittoral rock

description:
This biotope typically occurs on wave-exposed, vertical or steep, circalittoral bedrock or large boulders, usually subject to moderate or strong tidal streams. It is characterised by dense aggregations of the anemone [Corynactis viridis] and the cup coral [Caryophyllia smithii] intermixed with a short bryozoan turf of one or more [Crisia] spp., [Scrupocellaria] spp., [Bugula] spp. and [Cellaria] spp. Occasionally, this turf obscures the underlying [C. virdis] and [C. smithii]. Cushion and encrusting sponges, particularly [Pachymatisma johnstonia], [Cliona celata], [Esperiopsis fucorum] and [Dysidea fragilis], are present in moderate amounts at many sites. The axinellid sponges [Stelligera] spp. and [Raspailia] spp. are less frequently recorded. Clumps of large hydroids such as [Nemertesia antennina] and [Nemertesia ramosa] as well as the soft coral [Alcyonium digitatum] and the bryozoan [Alcyonidium diaphanum] may be found covering the hard substratum. The anemones [Actinothoe sphyrodeta] and [Sagartia elegans] are typically present in low numbers, while the hard `coral' [Pentapora foliacea] is also occasionally observed. The most frequently recorded echinoderms are [Marthasterias glacialis] and [Asterias rubens], although other species such as [Echinus esculentus] may also be seen. The rocky substratum may have a patchy covering of encrusting red seaweeds/algae. The crabs [Necora puber] and [Cancer pagurus] may be seen in crevices or under overhangs. This biotope is regularly recorded around south west England and Wales, often on vertical rock faces.
Situation: Due to its wave-exposed nature, kelp park and forest biotopes (units A3.115 and A3.111) are commonly found in the infralittoral zone shallower than this biotope, and feature species such as [Laminaria hyperborea], [Sacchoriza polyschides] and [Alaria esculenta].


hname:
Mixed turf of hydroids and large ascidians with [Swiftia pallida] and [Caryophyllia smithii] on weakly tide-swept circalittoral rock

description:
This biotope typically occurs from exposed through to sheltered circalittoral bedrock or boulders subject to moderately strong to weak tidal streams. It is found in water depths ranging from 4m to 37m. This biotope is distinguished by frequently occurring [Swiftia pallida], abundant [Caryophilia smithii] and a diverse range of ascidians including [Clavelina lepadiformis], [Ascidia mentula], [Polycarpa pomaria], [Diazona violacea] and [Corella parallelogramma]. A sparse, yet diverse hydroid turf is often apparent, with species such as [Aglaophenia tubulifera], [Nemertesia antennina], [Polyplumaria frutescens], [Halecium halecinum], [Abietinaria abietina], [Nemertesia ramosa] and [Halopteris catharina] often recorded. Spaces amongst the turf are usually colonised by the polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter] and encrusting red algae. Crinoids such as [Antedon petasus], [Antedon bifida] and [Leptometra celtica] may be seen filter feeding on the tops of outcrops and boulders, along with the soft coral [Alcyonium digitatum]. Other echinoderms such as [Echinus esculentus], [Crossaster papposus] and [Asterias rubens] may also be recorded. There may also be a bryozoan component to the sparse faunal turf. Species such as [Securiflustra securifrons] and [Eucratea loricata] as well as the crustose [Parasmittina trispinosa] are all usually present. There may be a few isolated growths of sponge, such as [Iophonopsis nigricans], [Axinella infundibuliformis] and [Haliclona urceolus]. Other species that may be present include the brachiopod [Terebratulina retusa] and the top shell [Calliostoma zizyphinum]. The crustacean [Munida rugosa] may be visible in crevices. All records are from the west coast of Scotland (east coast of Lewis /Outer Hebrides).
Situation: Above this biotope, kelp forests and parks are typically found in the infralittoral, with [Laminaria saccharina] and [Laminaria hyperborea]. This biotope is found in Scottish Sealochs and, in the most sheltered situations, may graduate into unit A4.314 at greater depths.


hname:
[Flustra foliacea] and colonial ascidians on tide-swept moderately wave-exposed circalittoral rock

description:
This biotope typically occurs on the upper faces of moderately tide-swept, moderately wave-exposed circalittoral bedrock or boulders (although a variant is found on mixed substrata). It most frequently occurs between 10-20m water depth. The biotope is exposed to varying amounts of scour (due to nearby patches of sediment) and, as a consequence, is characteristically dominated by dense [Flustra folicaea], a range of colonial ascidians and a variety of other scour/silt-tolerant species. In addition to [F. foliacea], other bryozoans present in this biotope include [Alcyonidium diaphanum], [Bugula flabellata] and [Bugula plumosa]. Varying amounts of the soft coral [Alcyonium digitatum] may be recorded, depending on the amount of scouring which may vary locally. Where scour is a major factor, species such as the scour-tolerant [Urticina felina] are frequently observed. Hydroids present in this biotope include [Nemertesia antennina], [Halecium halecium], [Tubularia indivisa] and [Hydrallmania falcata]. Other species present include silt-tolerant sponges such as [Scypha ciliata], [Cliona celata], [Leucosolenia botryoides], and the ascidians [Clavelina lepadiformis] and [Botryllus schlosseri]. [Balanus crenatus] may be recorded occasionally on the boulder/rock surface, and the crab [Cancer pagurus] may be observed finding refuge in crevices and under boulders. More ubiquitous species present include [Asterias rubens], [Crossaster papposus], [Ophiothrix fragilis] and [Pagurus bernhardus]. Three variants of this biotope have been defined. Unit A4.1342 tends to have a high abundance of barnacles, which populate the rocky seabed. The second variant (A4.1341) is characterised by abundant [Polyclinum aurantium] in addition to [F. foliacea], which often incorporates sand grains into itself, giving the crustose appearance of sandy rock nodules. Finally, A4.1343 is found on mixed substrata and is characterised by a dense hydroid turf growing alongside [F. foliacea] and other scour-tolerant species.


hname:
[Polyclinum aurantium] and [Flustra foliacea] on sand-scoured tide-swept moderately wave-exposed circalittoral rock

description:
This variant is typically found on the upper face of moderately exposed, moderately tide-swept, circalittoral bedrock or boulders. Sand and silt are periodically re-suspended in the water column, resulting in scour-tolerant species being characteristic of these areas. There is a dense covering of the scour-resistant bryozoan [Flustra foliacea] attached to the bedrock plains and boulders. The colonial ascidian [Polyclinum aurantium] commonly covers the rock surface at most locations within this biotope - itself incorporating sand grains into its surface to give it the appearance of sandy rock nodules. Other ascidians that may occur in this crust are the flat, encrusting colonial [Botrylloides leachi], [Botryllus schlosseri] and the colonial ascidian [Clavelina lepadiformis], although in varying quantities at each location. A short turf of other bryozoans such as [Alcyonidium diaphanum], [Bugula plumosa] and [Bugula flabellata] occur amongst the ascidians. Other species found in this biotope are the sponges [Cliona celata], [Leucosolenia botryoides] and [Scypha ciliata], the hydroids [Tubularia indivisa], [Nemertesia antennina], [Halecium halecinum] and the anthozoans [Alcyonium digitatum] and [Urticina felina]. Echinoderms which may be present include the starfish [Asterias rubens], [Crossaster papposus] and the brittlestar [Ophiothrix fragilis]. Crustaceans such as the crab [Cancer pagurus], the hermit crab [Pagurus bernhardus] and the lobster [Homarus gammarus] may be observed in crevices and under boulders. The palps of the polychaete [Polydora] spp. may be observed whilst the nudibranch [Janolus cristatus] may be seen preying on the hydroid/bryozoan turf. This variant is commonly found on the Northumberland coast, Flamborough Head and the Lleyn Peninsula.
Situation: As A4.1341 tends to occur in waters with a sediment load, the resulting light penetration is reduced, meaning that kelp forests such as unit A3.214, normally found shallower than A4.1341 in the infralittoral zone, are present over a narrower depth range.


hname:
[Flustra foliacea], small solitary and colonial ascidians on tide-swept circalittoral bedrock or boulders

description:
This sub-biotope is typically found on the upper faces of exposed to moderately exposed, tide-swept, scoured, circalittoral bedrock or boulders. It most frequently occurs between 10-20m water depth. The biotope is characteristically dominated by dense [Flustra foliacea] with a variety of slightly scour/silt-tolerant species forming a dense turf. This turf is primarily composed of bryozoans ([Alcyonidium diaphanum], [Bugula flabellata], [Bugula plumosa], [Bicellariella ciliata]) and hydroids ([Tubularia indivisa], [Nemertesia antennina], [Sertularia argentea], [Hydrallmania falcata], [Abietinaria abietina]). Where space permits, barnacles such as [Balanus crenatus] may be found encrusting on the rock surface. There may also be occasional crusts formed by the polychaete [Sabellaria spinulosa], especially where the rock is most influenced by sand. Anthozoans which may be observed include [Urticina felina], [Sagartia elegans], whilst the soft coral [Alcyonium digitatum] may be recorded on the tops of boulders and bedrock ridges. A range of small solitary and colonial ascidians may be seen, including [Polycarpa scuba], [Dendrodoa grossularia], [Molgula manhattensis], [Botryllus schlosseri], [Clavelina lepadiformis] and polyclinids. Sponges found include [Scypha ciliata], [Cliona celata], [Esperiopsis fucorum] and [Dysidea fragilis]. Echinoderms such as [Asterias rubens], [Henricia oculata] and [Crossaster papposus] may be seen on the rock surface. Other species found include the top shell [Calliostoma zizyphinum], the crabs [Cancer pagurus] and [Necora puber].
Situation: Above this variant, exposed kelp forest supporting [Laminaria hyperborea] is commonly found (unit A3.115). At locations where wave-exposure and/or tidal streams are less, this biotope may be replaced by [Alcyonium digitatum] and [Securiflustra securifrons] (unit A4.2143). Where the substrata changes to a less stable mixed substrata, then this biotope will be replaced by the sub-biotope A4.1343, with more `sediment' species such as [Cerianthus lloydii] and [Chaetopterus variopedatus].


hname:
[Flustra foliacea] and colonial ascidians on tide-swept exposed circalittoral mixed substrata

description:
This variant is typically found on very exposed to moderately exposed, circalittoral mixed substrata subject to moderately strong tidal streams. It most frequently occurs between 10m and 20m water depth. This variant is characterised by a dense hydroid and [Flustra foliacea] turf, along with other scour-tolerant species, growing on the more stable boulders and cobbles which overlie coarse muddy sand and gravel. Although [Nemertesia antennina] is the dominant species within the hydroid turf, other species such as [Halecium halecinum], [Nemertesia ramosa] and [Hydrallmania falcata] may also be present. Other bryozoans found amongst the hydroid and [Flustra] turf include [Cellepora pumicosa], [Bugula flabellata], [Bugula turbinata], and a crisiid turf. Encrusting red algae, the polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter] and barnacles such as [Balanus crenatus] may be found on the smaller cobbles and pebbles, which may become mobile during extreme storms. Echinoderms such as [Asterias rubens] and [Ophiothrix fragilis] may be present on the boulders, or the coarse sediment in between. On the larger, more stable boulders, isolated sponge communities may develop, with species such as [Scypha ciliata], [Dysidea fragilis], [Hemimycale columella], [Esperiopsis fucorum] and [Stelligera rigida]. In addition, small [Alcyonium digitatum], various ascidians ([Clavelina lepadiformis], [Botryllus schlosseri]), [Pododesmus patelliformis] and top shells ([Calliostoma zizyphinum], [Gibbula cineraria]) may colonise the upper faces and vertical sides of larger boulders. At some shallower sites, the foliose red algae [Hypoglossum hypoglossoides] may be found on the tops of larger boulders. Within the coarse sediment underlying these boulders and cobbles, anemones such as [Cerianthus lloydii] and [Urticina felina] may be recorded. Under-boulder fauna typically consists of terebellid worms, and crabs such as [Pisidia longicornis] and [Cancer pagurus].
Situation: This variant is found in wave-exposed locations, resulting in kelp forest in the infralittoral zone being dominated by [Alaria esculentus] and [Laminaria hyperborea]. When the substratum becomes rockier, this biotope will graduate into the variant A4.1342.


hname:
Sparse sponges, [Nemertesia] spp., and [Alcyonidium diaphanum] on circalittoral mixed substrata

description:
This biotope is found on moderately wave-exposed sand-scoured, circalittoral boulders, cobbles and pebbles that are subject to moderately strong tidal streams (referred to as lag-cobbles locally). It is characterised by sparse sponges and a diverse bryozoan and hydroid turf. The sparse sponge community is primarily composed of [Dysidea fragilis] and [Scypha ciliata]. The mixed faunal turf is composed of [Nemertesia antennina], [Nemertesia ramosa], [Halecium halecinum], [Sertularia argentea], [Alcyonium digitatum], [Bugula flabellata], [Bugula turbinata], [Bugula plumosa], [Flustra foliacea], [Cellepora pumicosa], [Alcyonidium diaphanum], [Cellaria fistulosa] and crisiid bryozoans. The anemones [Epizoanthus couchii], [Sagartia elegans] and [Cerianthus lloydii] may also be recorded. Echinoderms such as the starfish [Asterias rubens], [Crossaster papposus], [Henricia oculata] and the crinoid [Antedon bifida]. Other species present include the colonial ascidian [Clavelina lepadiformis], the barnacle [Balanus crenatus], the top shell [Gibbula cineraria], the polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter], the ascidian [Morchellium argus], [Prosthecareus vittatus] and the crab [Cancer pagurus]. It is distributed off Pen Llyn and over considerable areas of the Irish Sea.


hname:
[Suberites] spp. with a mixed turf of crisiids and [Bugula] spp. on heavily silted moderately wave-exposed shallow circalittoral rock

description:
This biotope is found on heavily silted, moderately wave-exposed circalittoral bedrock and boulders (often limestone) that are subject to moderately strong tidal streams. A very high silt loading in the water column means that this 'circalittoral' biotope occurs at unusually shallow depths (1 - 10 m BCD). It is characterised by a mixed faunal turf and `massive' examples of the sponges [Suberites ficus], [Suberites carnosus] and [Hymeniacidon perleve]. Other sponges recorded in this biotope are [Cliona celata], [Halichondria panicea], [Esperiopsis fucorum], [Raspailia ramosa], [Polymastia mamillaris], [Dysidea fragilis], [Scypha ciliata], [Stelligera rigida] and [Haliclona oculata]. Also characteristic of this biotope is a dense bryozoan turf with one or more crisiid species, [Flustra foliacea] and [Bugula plumosa]. The polychaete [Polydora] spp. and the rock-boring bivalve [Hiatella arctica] are able to bore into the relatively soft limestone. There is an ascidian component to the biotope, with [Morchellium argus] and [Clavelina lepadiformis] among the most abundant. There may be scattered clumps of the hydroids [Abietinaria abietina] and [Hydrallmania falcata]. Other species present include the anemones [Metridium senile], [Sagartia elegans] and [Urticina felina], the starfish [Asterias rubens], the crab [Necora puber], the nudibranch [Janolus cristatus] and the soft coral [Alcyonium digitatum]. This biotope has currently only been recorded off the east coast of Anglesey, Wales.


hname:
[Urticina felina] and sand-tolerant fauna on sand-scoured or covered circalittoral rock

description:
This biotope typically occurs on tide-swept circalittoral bedrock, rock adjacent to mobile sand/gravel in gullies, and cobbles on gravel and sand, characterised by scour-tolerant robust species. Although many of these species are found on subtidal rock, they tend to occur in larger numbers in these highly sand-influenced conditions. The dominant species by far is the anemone [Urticina felina] which commonly occurs on rocks at the sand-rock interface, where the scour levels are at a maximum and few species can tolerate this abrasion. The sponge [Ciocalypta penicillus] is also very characteristic of shifting sand-covered rock. This biotope is only occasionally recorded as a separate entity, because its extent is typically restricted to a very narrow band of rock at the sediment interface. Only occasionally does it cover a large extent of rock (e.g. where the wave action is strong enough to cause sand abrasion well up the rock face or where the rock is low-lying). More often, this scoured zone is recorded as part of whatever biotope occurs on the nearby hard substrata. Other species (which are able to survive, and benefit from the reduced competition) include [Balanus crenatus], [Pomatoceros triqueter], [Cellepora pumicosa], [Alcyonidium diaphanum], [Cliona celata], encrusting red algae and [Asterias rubens].
Situation: This biotope tends to be found in close proximity to mobile sand or gravel, producing scour that tends to limit the number of species found.


hname:
Faunal and algal crusts on exposed to moderately wave-exposed circalittoral rock

description:
This biotope typically occurs on the vertical and upper faces of wave-exposed and moderately wave-exposed circalittoral bedrock or boulders subject to mostly moderate to weak tidal streams (a variant of this biotope containing brittlestar is found on bedrock, boulders and cobbles). The biotope is dominated by faunal (e.g. [Parasmittina trispinosa]) and algal (Corallinaceae) crusts, and tends to have a grazed appearance; this may be partially attributable to the abundance of [Echinus esculentus] found in this biotope. Occasionally, the rock may appear pink from a distance, due to the expanses of encrusting red algae on the rock surface. [Alcyonium digitatum] is one of the few species to stand erect from the encrusted rock surface and are frequently encountered, on the tops of rocky outcrops and boulders. Hydroids do not form a prominent feature of this biotope, with only robust species such as [Abietinaria abietina] frequently recorded. Sponges and [Caryophyllia smithii] are rarely present while erect bryozoans and ascidians are scarce (although there are exceptions, see variants). The [E. esculentus] grazed substratum may be interspersed with other encrusting species such as the polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter] and the saddle oyster [Pododesmus patelliformis]. Other species present include [Asterias rubens], [Ophiothrix fragilis], [Urticina felina], [Ophiocomina nigra], [Pagurus bernhardus], [Flustra foliacea], [Gibbula cineraria], [Calliostoma zizyphinum], [Ophiura albida], [Ciona intestinalis] and [Antedon bifida]. Six variants of this biotope have been recorded. A4.2141 is dominated by the silt and scour tolerant bryozoan [F. foliacea]. A4.2142 is dominated by [A. digitatum]. Unit A4.2143 is dominated by [Securiflustra securifrons]. A4.2145 looks extremely impoverished (even for a grazed community). A4.2144 has a dense covering of brittlestars while A4.2146r is only found under weak/very weak tides and is dominated by [C. smithii].


hname:
[Flustra foliacea] on slightly scoured silty circalittoral rock

description:
This variant is typically found on the upper faces of moderately wave-exposed circalittoral bedrock or boulders subjected to moderately strong tidal streams. These rocky patches may be interspersed with gravelly sand patches, causing a scouring effect. From afar, the variant appears dominated by the bryozoan [Flustra foliacea]. [Alcyonium digitatum] may also be seen attached to the rocky substratum. Under closer inspection, the white tubes of the polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter] may be observed on the rock and boulders, especially on vertical faces. There may be sandy/gravelly patches in between the boulders colonised by the anemone [Urticina felina]. The regular occurrence of large numbers of the sea urchin [Echinus esculentus] in this biotope may be responsible for grazing the faunal and algal turf, thus keeping species richness relatively low. Other echinoderms that may be seen include the ubiquitous starfish [Asterias rubens] and the common brittlestar [Ophiothrix fragilis]. Sparse clumps of the hydroids [Thuiaria thuja], [Abietinaria abietina], [Nemertesia antennina] and [Tubularia indivisa] are occasionally seen attached to the rocky substratum. The hermit crab [Pagurus bernhardus], the polychaete [Sabella pavonina] and sparse bryozoan crusts may also be present. This biotope is characteristic of the bedrock terraces along the Northumberland coast that are generally species impoverished compared to similar [F. foliacea] biotopes on the west coasts of the UK, which have a more diverse range of sponges, hydroids and bryozoans. As the turbidity levels increase in this fairly silty biotope, so the species diversity is reduced.
Situation: This biotope typically occurs around coasts subject to sand scour and siltation. Associated biotopes common around the north-east coast of England include circalittoral gravel and coarse sands. Typical species present include [Echinocardium], [Lanice conchilega], [Ensis] spp., [Mya truncata] and [Myxicola]. Where suitable substratum is available, exposed kelp forests occur in the infralittoral (the latter normally occupies a narrow band due to the high silt loading in the water column). Where this biotope occurs along with chalk or limestone bedrock and boulders, piddock dominated biotopes (Pid) may also be found.


hname:
[Alcyonium digitatum], [Pomatoceros triqueter], algal and bryozoan crusts on wave-exposed circalittoral rock

description:
This variant is typically found on the vertical, steep and upper faces of wave-exposed circalittoral bedrock or boulders subject to varying amounts of current. The variant has a very grazed, sparse appearance, dominated only by the presence of [Alcyonium digitatum] and large expanses of encrusting red alage and bryozoan crusts particularly ([Parasmittina trispinosa]). The sparse appearance can be attributed to the frequently observed sea urchin [Echinus esculentus]. The polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter] can be locally abundant, and may in some cases cover far more rock surface than [A. digitatum], especially on vertical faces. Clumps of robust hydroids such as [Abietinaria abietina] occur occasionally. Other species present include the echinoderms [Asterias rubens], [Henricia sanguinolenta], [Ophiothrix fragilis], the anemone [Urticina felina], [Calliostoma zizyphinum] and [Cancer pagurus].
Situation: Shallower than this biotope, dense kelp forest is typically found, containing species such as [Laminaria hyperborea] and [Alaria esculentus]. Occasionally, this biotope may be found on rocky outcrops surrounding by coarse sand. With this increased scour, A4.213 may develop at the rock/sand interface. Below this biotope, coarse sediments, muddy gravel and sand are typically recorded.


hname:
[Alcyonium digitatum] with [Securiflustra securifrons] on tide-swept moderately wave-exposed circalittoral rock

description:
This variant is typically found on the upper and vertical faces of moderately wave-exposed circalittoral bedrock subject to moderately strong to weak tidal streams. The rock surface is dominated by [Alcyonium digitatum] and the bryozoan [Securiflustra securifrons]. The rock between these species appears fairly sparse and grazed, with expanses of encrusting red algae. The sea urchin [Echinus esculentus] is frequently seen, and in collaboration with the light attenuating effects of depth, is probably the principal reason for the lack of algal turf. Other species found include the hydroids [Abietinaria abietina], [Nemertesia antennina], [Thuiaria thuja], the bryozoans [Cellepora pumicosa], [Parasmittina trispinosa], [Flustra foliacea], [Alcyonidium diaphanum] and other bryozoan crusts. Encrusting species such as the polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter] and the barnacle [Balanus balanus] are frequently observed. Other species present include [Asterias rubens], [Antedon bifida], [Ophiura albida], [Ophiothrix fragilis], [Caryophyllia smithii], [Urticina felina], [Clavelina lepadiformis], [Calliostoma zizphinium] and [Pandalus montagui].
Situation: Above this biotope, you tend to find exposed kelp forest and park (unit A3.115). There is a tendency for slight scouring to occur in this biotope. However, if this scour increases further, for example if water movement increases, mobilising more sand, this biotope may graduate into UrtScr. In more silty sites, there is a tendency for [S. securifrons] to be replaced by [F. foliacea] as the dominant bryozoan, turning the biotope into A4.2141.
Temporal variation: Whilst the great majority of species in this variant are most likely present throughout the year, [C. lepadiformis] grows in spring and may show great variation in abundance from year to year.


hname:
Brittlestars on faunal and algal encrusted exposed to moderately wave-exposed circalittoral rock

description:
This variant is typically found on the upper faces of exposed and moderately wave-exposed circalittoral bedrock, boulders and cobbles subject to moderately strong to weak tidal streams. It is characterised by high densities of brittlestars (predominantly [Ophiothrix fragilis], [Ophiocomina nigra] and [Ophiura albida]). In fact, they may form such dense beds that the seabed underneath may not be visible. The rocky substratum is usually colonised by species such as encrusting red algae and the white, calcareous tubes of the polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter]. Only robust hydroids such as [Abietinaria abietina], [Alcyonium digitatum] and bryozoan crusts such as [Parasmittina trispinosa] are able to tolerate the significant smothering effect from the dense mat of brittlestars. Other species typically seen include [Echinus esculentus], [Asterias rubens], [Pagurus bernhardus], [Anapagurus hyndmanni], [Gibbula cineraria], [Urticina felina], [Pododesmus patelliformis] and [Ciona intestinalis].
Situation: Shallower than the A4.2144 variant, kelp park and forest may be found with species such as [Laminaria saccharina] and [Laminaria hyperborea].


hname:
Faunal and algal crusts with [Pomatoceros triqueter] and sparse [Alcyonium digitatum] on exposed to moderately wave-exposed circalittoral rock

description:
This variant is typically found on the upper faces of exposed and moderately exposed circalittoral bedrock or boulders subjected to moderately strong to weak tidal streams. From afar, the seabed has a rather sparse, grazed appearance, reminiscent of a brittlestar bed after the brittlestars have moved elsewhere. The rocky substratum is generally covered with encrusting red algae and the white, calcareous tubes of the polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter], dotted with the abundant urchin [Echinus esculentus]. Under closer inspection, [Alcyonium digitatum] are usually seen attached to the rocky surface underneath rock overhangs and large boulders. Although they may be recorded as abundant or common in some areas, their relatively small size means that their biomass is generally lower than in other biotopes. Sparse clumps of robust hydroids such as [Abietinaria abietina] are frequently observed, and bryozoan crusts such as [Parasmittina trispinosa] are occasionally seen. Echinoderms such as the brittlestars [Ophiothrix fragilis] and [Ophiocomina nigra], and the crab [Cancer pagurus] may be seen within crevices in the boulders/rock whilst the starfish [Asterias rubens] may be seen on the rock surface. Muddy-gravel patches between boulders (especially within Scottish sealochs) provide a suitable habitat for the anemone [Urticina felina]. The top shell [Gibbula cineraria] is occasionally seen grazing on the rock surface. Within this biotope, there is some regional variation. The robust hydroid [A. abietina] is typically found in higher abundances in northern (Scottish) regions, especially around the Isle of May.
Situation: Above the A4.2145 variant in the infralittoral zone, species such as [Alaria esculenta] and [Laminaria hyperborea] are found in more wave exposed sites (A3.111 / A3.113) while species such as [Laminaria saccharina] may be found above A4.2145 in the more sheltered examples. Due to moderately tide-swept conditions this variant is found in, clean, coarse sediment biotopes are generally found below A4.2145. Typical species found in these coarse sand/gravelly biotopes include [Neopentadactyla mixta] and [Lanice conchilega] (A5.44). Where wave exposure increases, this variant tends to change to A4.2122,, dominated by [Caryophyllia smithii], [Corynactis viridis], encrusting red algae and bryozoan crusts. Where tidal stream and wave-exposure decreases, this variant develops into a similar biotope dominated by encrusting red algae, [Echinus esculentus] and [C.smithii] (A4.2146).


hname:
[Caryophyllia smithii] with faunal and algal crusts on moderately wave-exposed circalittoral rock

description:
This variant is typically found on the upper and vertical faces of exposed and moderately wave-exposed circalittoral rock, subject to very little water movement. Where this variant is found on slightly more wave-exposed sites, it tends to be found towards the bottom of its depth range. The rocky substratum has a grazed appearance, with encrusting red algae. Diversity of species is very low, possibly due to grazing pressure from the sea urchin [Echinus esculentus]. From afar, there is little evident epifauna attached to the rocks apart from the white, calcareous tubes of the polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter] and the cup-coral [Caryophyllia smithii]. In addition, bryozoan crusts such as [Parasmittina trispinosa] are frequently seen. Under closer inspection, a few more species become apparent but few are typically characterising of this particular variant. The echinoderms [Antedon bifida], [Asterias rubens], [Ophiothrix fragilis], [Marthasterias glacialis], [Ophiocomina nigra] and [Crossaster papposus] are occasionally present. Sparse clumps of hydroids such as [Halecium halecinum], [Kirchenpaueria pinnata] and [Nemertesia antennina] may be found attached to rocky outcrops or boulders. Small specimens of [Alcyonium digitatum] may be present. The ascidians [Ciona intestinalis], [Clavelina lepadiformis] and [Ascidia mentula] also occur in this variant but are found in greater numbers in other biotopes. The top shells [Calliostoma zizyphinum], [Gibbula cineraria], and the saddle oyster [Pododesmus patelliformis] may be seen on the rock surface whilst the crab [Cancer pagurus] may be seen under boulders and in crevices. The anemone [Metridium senile] may be found under rocky overhangs and on the sides of boulders.
Situation: As A4.2146 occurs on moderately wave-exposed coasts, kelp forests in the infralittoral zone shallower than this variant tend to be dominated by robust kelp species such as [Laminaria hyperborea] (unit A3.214) and [Saccorhiza polyschides]. Immediately below A4.2146 (typically bedrock/boulder substratum), sublittoral sediment biotopes such as muddy sands, containing [Nephrops norvegicus], [Virgularia mirabilis] and [Funiculina quadrangularis] are found. Occasionally, biotopes composed of coarser sand/gravelly material may be present, with species such as [Peachea cylindrica] and [Neopentadactyla mixta]. When wave exposure and tidal stream increase, A4.2146 tends to grade into A4.2145.


hname:
[Alcyonium digitatum] and faunal crust communities on vertical circalittoral bedrock

description:
This biotope typically occurs on the vertical faces and overhangs of exposed to moderately exposed lower infralittoral and upper circalittoral bedrock subject to moderately strong to weak tidal streams. Due to the large numbers of the urchin [Echinus esculentus] often recorded, this biotope tends to have a grazed appearance, and the bedrock is often encrusted with pink coralline algae, encrusting bryozoans such as [Parasmittina trispinosa] and the calcareous tubeworm [Pomatoceros triqueter]. Dense aggregations of dead mans fingers [Alcyonium digitatum] may be present along with the cup coral [Caryophyllia smithii]. Other species present include the echinoderms [Asterias rubens], [Ophiothrix fragilis] and [Antedon bifida], the ascidians [Clavelina lepadiformis], [Ciona intestinalis] and [Ascidia mentula], the anthozoans [Urticina feline], [Cortynactis viridis], [Metridium senile] and [Sagartia elegans], the gastropod [Calliostoma zizyphinum] and the crustacean [Cancer pagurus]. Three regional variations of this biotope have been recorded. One variant found typically off the north-east coast of Scotland and around the Northern Isles, has a very impoverished appearance dominated by anthozoans. A second variant occurs along the west coast of Scotland, extending to Rockall in the west, and the Northern Isles in the north-east, and has a more fauna, characterised by hydroids, sponges, anthozoans and echinoderms. A third variant occurs along the north-east coast of England (Northumberland) up to the Northern Isles and is dominated by [Alcyonium digitatum], brittlestars and [Echinus esculentus].


description:
This habitat type occurs on moderately wave-exposed, circalittoral bedrock, boulders and cobbles subject to moderately strong tidal streams. It is characterised by dense crusts of the polychaete [Sabellaria spinulosa] covering the substratum. Other fauna present in many cases reflects the biotopes found on nearby rock, so to a certain extent, is quite variable. Species typically present include the bryozoans [Flustra foliacea], [Alcyonidium diaphanum] and [Pentapora foliacea], the hydroid [Nemertesia antennina], the sponges [Tethya aurantium] and [Phorbas fictitius], the anemones [Urticina felina] and [Sagartia elegans], and the ascidians [Distomus variolosus], [Polycarpa pomaria] and [Polycarpa scuba]. The barnacle [Balanus crenatus], the polychetes [Pomatoceros triqueter] and [Salmacina dysteri], the starfish [Crossaster papposus], and [Alcyonium digitatum] may also be recorded.


hname:
[Sabellaria spinulosa] encrusted circalittoral rock

description:
This biotope is typically found encrusting the upper faces of wave-exposed and moderately wave-exposed circalittoral bedrock, boulders and cobbles subject to strong/moderately strong tidal streams in areas with high turbidity. The crusts formed by the sandy tubes of the polychaete worm [Sabellaria spinulosa] may even completely cover the rock, binding the substratum together to form a crust. A diverse fauna may be found attached to, and sometimes obscuring the crust, often reflecting the character of surrounding biotopes. Bryozoans such as [Flustra foliacea], [Pentapora foliacea] and [Alcyonidium diaphanum], anemones such as [Urticina felina] and [Sagartia elegans], the polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter], [Alcyonium digitatum], the hydroid [Nemertesia antennina] and echinoderms such as [Asterias rubens] and [Crossaster papposus] may all be recorded within this biotope. There are two variants. The first (unit A4.2211) contains significant cover of barnacles ([Balanus crenatus]) and bryozoans. The second (unit A4.2212) has a dense turf of didemnid ascidians as well as scour-tolerant bryozoans such as [F. foliacea], sponges such as [Tethya aurantium] and [Phorbas fictitius], colonies of the serpulid worm [Salmacina dysteri] and patchy occurrences of the ascidians [Distomus variolosus], [Polycarpa pomaria] and [Polycarpa scuba]. This biotope has been recorded from the Lleyn Peninsula, Lundy Island (including the wreck of the MV Robert) and the north-east and south coast of England.


hname:
[Sabellaria spinulosa] with a bryozoan turf and barnacles on silty turbid circalittoral rock

description:
This variant is typically found encrusting the upper faces of exposed and moderately exposed circalittoral rock and mixed substrata, subject to strong and moderately strong currents and high turbidity levels. The crusts formed by the sandy tubes of the polychaete worm [Sabellaria spinulosa] may completely cover the rock, binding gravel and pebbles together. A diverse fauna may be found attached to this crust, and in many cases reflects the character of nearby biotopes. There is normally considerable variation in the associated fauna encountered. There may be a sparse bryozoan turf ([Flustra foliacea], [Alcyonidium diaphanum], [Bicellariella ciliata], [Bugula plumosa] and [Vesicularia spinosa]) attached to the [Sabellaria] crust and available rocky substrata. Other scour-tolerant species such as [Urticina felina] are occasionally observed. Clumps of robust hydroids such as [Tubularia indivisa], [Nemertesia antennina], [Hydrallmania falcata] and [Halecium halecinum] may also be observed. Other species which may be present include the polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter], [Balanus crenatus], [Asterias rubens], [Pagurus bernhardus] and [Gibbula cineraria]. Occasionally, sponges such as [Haliclona oculata] and [Halichondria panicea], and ascidians such as [Dendrodoa grossularia] may also be observed.


hname:
[Sabellaria spinulosa], didemnid and small ascidians on tide-swept moderately wave-exposed circalittoral rock

description:
This variant is typically found on tide-swept, moderately wave-exposed circalittoral bedrock, boulders and cobbles subject to slight sand-scour. It occurs predominantly in the lower circalittoral. This variant normally appears as a bedrock/boulder outcrop or reef with a dense crust of the polychaete [Sabellaria spinulosa] and a dense turf of didemnid ascidians and scour-tolerant bryozoans such as [Flustra foliacea], [Pentapora foliacea] and [Cellaria] species. There may be discreet clumps of [Alcyonium digitatum] and sparse sponges such as [Tethya aurantium] and [Phorbas fictitius]. Patchy occurrences of the small ascidians [Polycarpa scuba], [Polycarpa pomaria] and [Distomus variolosus] may be present on the tops of rocks and boulders whilst in crevices between, the anemone [Urticina felina] may be found. Species such as [Asterias rubens], [Crossaster papposus], the serpulid worm [Salmacina dysteri] and the anemone [Sagartia elegans] are occasionally seen on the rock surface. This variant has been recorded from the Lleyn Peninsula, the Skerries and around Pembrokeshire in Wales.


description:
This habitat type occurs on moderately wave-exposed, circalittoral soft bedrock subject to moderately strong tidal streams. As this complex is found in highly turbid water conditions, the circalittoral zone may begin at the low water mark, due to poor light penetration. This complex is dominated by the piddock [Pholas dactylus]. Other species typical of this complex include the polychaete [Polydora] and [Bispira volutacornis], the sponges [Cliona celata] and [Suberites ficus], the bryozoan [Flustra foliacea], [Alcyonium digitatum], the starfish [Asterias rubens], the mussel [Mytilus edulis] and the crab [Necora puber] and [Cancer pagurus]. Foliose red algae may also be present. Please note: in areas subject to very high turbidity, biotopes within this habitat type may occur in the infralittoral and even the littoral zone.


hname:
Piddocks with a sparse associated fauna in sublittoral very soft chalk or clay

description:
This biotope occurs on circalittoral soft rock, such as soft chalk or clay, most often in moderately exposed tide-swept conditions. As soft chalk and firm clay are often too soft for sessile filter-feeding animals to attach and thrive in large numbers, an extremely impoverished epifauna results on upward-facing surfaces, although vertical faces may be somewhat richer. The rock is sufficiently soft to be bored by bivalves. Species vary with location, but [Pholas dactylus] is the most widespread borer and may be abundant. Other species present may include the sponges [Dysidea fragilis] and [Suberites carnosus] and the polychaete [Bispira volutacornis]. Foliose red algae may be present on the harder, more stable areas of rock. Mobile fauna often include the crabs [Necora puber] and [Cancer pagurus].
Situation: Subtidal chalk reefs or clay outcrops, mostly known from south-east England.


hname:
[Polydora] sp. tubes on moderately exposed sublittoral soft rock

description:
Large patches of chalk and soft limestone are occasionally covered entirely by [Polydora] sp. tubes to the exclusion of almost all other species. This tends to occur in highly turbid conditions and spans the infralittoral and circalittoral in limestone areas such as the Great and Little Ormes (North Wales) and Gower (South Wales). It is even present on the lower shore in the Severn estuary. The boring form of the sponge [Cliona celata] often riddles the surface layer of the stone. Other sponges present include [Halichondria panicea], [Haliclona oculata] and [Hymeniacidon perleve]. [Polydora] sp. also frequently occurs in small patches as part of other biotopes (e.g. unit A4.134). Other species present include [Alcyonium digitatum], [Sarcodictyon roseum], the hydroids [Halecium halecinum], [Abietinaria abietina] and [Tubularia indivisa], the ascidians [Clavelina lepadiformis], [Botryllus schlosseri] and [Morchellium argus], the anemones [Urticina felina], [Metridium senile] and [Sagartia elegans] and the bryozoans [Flustra foliacea] and a crisiid turf. The starfish [Asterias rubens], the crabs [Inachus phalangium] and [Carcinus maenas], the polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter], the barnacle [Balanus crenatus] and the brittlestar [Ophiothrix fragilis] may also be seen. Please note: this biotope may extend into the infralittoral and littoral zone in areas where water turbidity is sufficiently high.


hname:
[Hiatella]-bored vertical sublittoral limestone rock

description:
Moderately exposed vertical and overhanging soft rock (typically chalk), subject to moderately strong to weak tidal streams, bored by the rock-boring mollusc [Hiatella arctica]. As with other biotopes in the soft rock complex, it is found in areas of high turbidity, where there is poor light penetration. There may be isolated clumps of the hydroid [Nemertesia antennina] and a sparse bryozoan turf formed by various crisiids, [Bugula plumosa] and [Bugula flabellate] (often being grazed on by the nudibranch [Janolus cristatus]), [Alcyonidium diaphanum], [Flustra foliacea] and [Cellapora pumicosa]. A patchy 'carpet' of the brittlestar [Ophiothrix fragilis] is often recorded along with other echinoderms such as [Asterias rubens] and [Henricia sanguinolenta]. Other species present include the colonial ascidians [Polyclinum aurantium], [Botrylloides leachi], [Clavelina lepadiformis], [Aplidium punctatum] and [Botryllus schlosseri], dead mans fingers [Alcyonium digitatum] and the crab [Cancer pagurus]. Sponges present include the boring sponge [Cliona celata], [Halichondria panicea], [Myxilla incrustans], [Leucosolenia botryoides]and [Dysidea fragilis]. Occasionally, the foliose red seaweed [Delessaria sanguinea] may be recorded.


description:
This habitat type occurs on moderately wave-exposed upper circalittoral bedrock subject to strong or moderately strong tidal streams. This complex is characterised by dense aggregations of the mussels [Mytilus edulis] or [Musculus discors] carpeting the underlying substrata. Sponges that may be recorded in this complex are [Scypha ciliata], [Tethya aurantium], [Pachymatisma johnstonia], [Dysidea fragilis] and [Cliona celata]. A sparse hydroid/bryozoan turf composed primarily of [Nemertesia antennina], [Alcyonidium diaphanum] and [Flustra foliacea] is often recorded. Anemones present are [Urticina felina] and [Sagartia elegans]. Other species recorded are the crabs [Cancer pagurus], [Carcinus maenas] and [Necora puber], the starfish [Crossaster papposus] and [Asterias rubens], and [Alcyonium digitatum] and in this upper circalittoral complex, algae species such as [Dictyota dichotoma], [Cryptopleura ramosa] and [Plocamium cartilagineum].


hname:
[Mytilus edulis] beds with hydroids and ascidians on tide-swept exposed to moderately wave-exposed circalittoral rock

description:
This biotope typically occurs on the upper faces of tide-swept circalittoral bedrock, boulders and mixed substrata exposed to varying amounts of wave action. The mussel [Mytilus edulis] forms dense beds, to the exclusion of other species. The starfish [Asterias rubens] is frequently recorded, and it predates heavily on the mussels. Occasionally, the anemone [Urticina felina] may be seen within crevices in the rock or on gravel patches. Crabs such as [Necora puber] and [Carcinus maenas] may be seen on the rock or mussels whilst fauna observed in crevices typically consists of the lobster [Homarus gammarus] and the crab [Cancer pagurus]. The anemone [Sargatia elegans] can be seen attached to bedrock and cobbles, whereas the barnacle [Balanus crenatus] may be seen attached to the mussels themselves.


hname:
[Musculus discors] beds on moderately exposed circalittoral rock

description:
This biotope typically occurs on the upper faces of moderately exposed, moderately tide-swept bedrock, boulders and cobbles in slightly silty conditions. The mussel [Musculus discors] occurs in dense mats and occasionally completely coats all available surfaces. There is also often a layer of pseudofaeces, forming a thick, silty matrix. A relatively diverse fauna of cushion and branching sponges is often present on rocky outcrops and other hard substratum that is free of mussels. These include [Tethya aurantium], [Scypha ciliata], [Pachymatisma johnstonia], [Dysidea fragilis], [Cliona celata] and [Stelligera stuposa]. There may be isolated clumps of silt-tolerant bryozoans such as [Flustra foliacea] and [Bugula plumosa]. Various species may be observed on top of the mussels, including [Asterias rubens], [Crossaster papposus] and the brittlestar [Ophiura albida]. Occasional [Alcyonium digitatum] and clumps of the hydroid [Nemertesia antennina] are found attached to rocky outcrops and boulders whilst the anemone [Urticina felina] may be seen in crevices in the rock or on gravely patches between boulders. Colonial ascidians such as [Clavelina lepadiformis] and didemnids may occasionally be present. A wide range of seaweeds may be present, including [Dictyota dichotoma], [Plocamium cartliagineum], [Dictyopteris membranacea], [Cryptopleura ramosa] and [Heterosiphonia plumosa]. The crab [Cancer pagurus] may be observed in crevices. The majority of the records for this biotope are from the Lleyn Peninsula.


hname:
Pontic [Mytilus galloprovincialis] beds on circalittoral rock


hname:
Circalittoral faunal communities in variable salinity

description:
This habitat type occurs on wave-sheltered, variable salinity bedrock and cobbles, subject to moderately strong to weak tidal streams. This complex contains a suite of sponges able to tolerate the variable salinity conditions like [Hymeniacidon perleve], [Suberites ficus], [Halichondria panicea], [Halichondria bowerbanki], [Cliona celata] and [Leucosolenia botryoides]. The barnacle [Balanus crenatus] is frequently recorded in this complex. A sparse hydroid/bryozoan turf composed primarily of [Nemertesia antennina], [Nemerteis ramosa], [Plumularia setacea], [Alcyonidium diaphanum] and [Bugula plumosa] is often recorded. Other species recorded are the ascidians [Clavelina lepadiformis], [Morchellium argus] and [Dendrodoa grossularia], the anemones [Metridium senile] and [Sagartia troglodytes], the starfish [Asterias rubens] and the crab [Carcinus maenas].


hname:
Cushion sponges and hydroids on turbid tide-swept sheltered circalittoral rock

description:
This biotope is found in variable salinity environments and tends to occur on the upper faces of circalittoral bedrock and boulders, in sheltered sites subject to moderately strong tidal streams. This biotope is characterised by aggregations of cushion sponges such as [Hymeniacidon perleve], [Halichondria panicea], [Halichondria bowerbanki] and [Cliona celata], other sponges ([Leucosolenia botryoides] and [Suberites ficus]) along with occasional hydroid tufts of [Nemertesia antennina], [Nemertesia ramosa] and [Plumularia setacea]. Other species that may be present include the colonial ascidians [Clavelina lepadiformis] and [Morchellium argus], [Dendrodoa grossularia], the anemones [Metridium senile] and [Sagartia troglodytes], the barnacle [Balanus crenatus], [Asterias rubens], [Carcinus maenas] and [Bugula plumosa]. Two variants of this biotope have been recorded: units A4.2511 and A4.2512.


hname:
Cushion sponges, hydroids and ascidians on turbid tide-swept sheltered circalittoral rock

description:
This sub-biotope typically occurs in a mixture of turbid, full and variable salinity water, on wave-sheltered and moderately exposed bedrock or boulders. Tidal streams are typically moderately strong but may vary considerably. This sub-biotope occurs in relatively shallow water (typically 5m to 11m water depth) and is dominated by cushion sponges, hydroids and ascidians. On the silty, rocky substrata, large growths of sponge are usually associated with this biotope ([Suberites ficus], [Hymeniacidon perleve], [Cliona celata], [Halichondria panicea], [Raspailia ramosa]). The tasselled form of [Esperiopsis fucorum] is also notably present. Other epifauna present includes silty hydroids such as [Nemertesia antennina], [Nemertesia ramosa], [Plumularia setacea], [Hydrallmania falcata] and [Halecium halecinum]. Individual colonies of dead mans fingers [Alcyonium digitatum] and plumose anemones [Metridium senile] may be seen attached to the tops of boulders and ridges. At some sites, whole sides of rocks may be colonised by the anemones [Sagartia elegans], [Sagartia troglodytes] and [Actinothoe sphyrodeta]. Within crevices in the rocky substratum and at the base of boulders [Urticina felina] and [Cereus pedunculatus] may be found. Ascidians such as [Clavelina lepadiformis], [Morchellium argus], [Dendrodoa grossularia], [Diplosoma listerianum] and [Distomus variolosus] may all be observed. Other ubiquitous species which may be recorded include [Polydora], terebellid worms, [Balanus crenatus], [Alcyonidium diaphanum] and [Asterias rubens].


hname:
Cushion sponges and hydroids on turbid tide-swept variable salinity sheltered circalittoral rock

description:
This sub-biotope typically occurs in turbid, variable salinity water, on wave-sheltered bedrock in estuaries subject to strong tidal regimes where circalittoral communities occur in relatively shallow water (typically 5m to 8m water depth). Cushion sponges, hydroids and ascidians dominate the biotope. Large growths (often up to 50cm across) of the sponges [Halichondria panicea] mixed with [Halichondria bowerbanki] almost entirely cover the bedrock, appearing in places like a continuous cushion. [Haliclona oculata], [Suberites ficus], [Leucosolenia botryoides], various hydroids such as [Plumularia setacea], [Nemertesia antennina], [Nemertesia ramosa] and various bryozoans such as [Bugula plumosa], [Bugula turbinata] and [Bowerbankia pustulosa] protude through the [Halichondria] spp. sponge growth. Colonial ascidians such as the lightbulb ascidian [Clavelina lepadiformis] and [Morchellium argus] may also be observed. Other more ubiquitous species include [Balanus crenatus], [Carcinus maenas], [Asterias rubens], [Metridium senile], [Sagartia elegans] and [Ophiothrix fragilis].


hname:
[Halichondria bowerbanki], [Eudendrium arbusculum] and [Eucratea loricata] on reduced salinity tide-swept circalittoral mixed substrata

description:
This biotope typically occurs on circalittoral mixed substrata (bedrock, boulders, cobbles, pebbles and gravel) in the moderately strong, tide-swept narrows near the entrance of Loch Etive, although not in the extremely tide-swept Falls of Lora. This sea loch is unique in having a substantial freshwater input from the surrounding moorland, yielding the most brackish, large sea loch in Scotland. Large growths of the brackish-tolerant sponge [Halichondria bowerbanki] cover the cobble and boulder seabed, interspersed with [Mycale lobata], the hydroid [Eudendrium arbusculum] and the bryozoan [Alcyonidium diaphanum] which are particularly characteristic of these conditions. Tufts of the bryozoan [Eucratea loricata] are occasional in most areas. Other species recorded include [Carcinus maenas], [Asterias rubens], [Crossaster papposus], [Buccinum undatum], [Pagurus berhardus], [Henricia] spp., [Onchidoris bilamellata] and [Palio dubia], tolerant of the low salinity, are found in the circalittoral throughout this area. Ascidians such as [Ascidiella scabra] and [Corella parallelogramma] may also be present. A very impoverished low salinity version is present in the upper basin of Loch Etive. Unit A4.251 is similar in several respects to this biotope and will develop in less brackish situations where species-richness is generally greater.


hname:
Mediterranean coralligenous communities moderately exposed to hydrodynamic action

description:
This habitat is present in the Mediterranean on hard rocky and/or biogenic horizontal substrata formed by coralligenous formations developed within sedimentary beds that are well supplied by currents, up to 100 metres in depth, in clear waters with moderate hydrodynamic action. Coralligenous concretions are found on rock faces or on rocks where calcareous algae can build biogenic constructions.


description:
This association is characterised by the high abundance of the brown alga [Cystoseira zosteroides]. The association can include in its higher levels both sciaphilous and photophilous species such as the brown algae [Phyllariopsis brevipes], [Arthrocladia villosa], and others.


description:
This association characterised by the brown alga [Cystoseira usneoides] is present in relatively deep rocky areas crossed by currents.


description:
This association characterised by the brown alga [Cystoseira dubia] occurs on hard substrata subject to weak hydrodynamics and relatively strong sedimentation.


description:
This association characterised by the brown alga [Cystoseira corniculata] occurs on hard substrata in the circalittoral zone.


description:
This association characterised by the abundance of the brown algae [Sargassum] spp. occurs on hard substrata, simultaneously relatively deep and well-lit, in oligotrophic conditions.


description:
This association characterised by the red alga [Mesophyllum lichenoides] occurs on hard substrata with strong deep currents.


hname:
Algal bioconcretion with [Lithophyllum frondosum] and [Halimeda tuna]

description:
This association characterised by the red encrusting alga [Lithophyllum strictaeforme] ([Lithophyllum frondosum]) and the green alga [Halimeda tuna] is present on coralligenous horizontal formations developing within sedimentary beds affected by sea bottom currents.


description:
This association characterised by the brown alga [Laminaria ochroleuca] occurs on hard or detritic substrata composed by sparse rocks located at 30 - 100 metres depth in areas affected by strong currents and the Atlantic influx (e.g. Strait of Messina, Sea of Alboran, Algerian coasts).


description:
This facies is characterised by the high density of colonies of the gorgonian (sea-fan) [Eunicella cavolinii].


description:
This facies is characterised by the high density of colonies of the gorgonian (sea-fan) [Eunicella singularis].


description:
This facies is characterised by the high density of colonies of the gorgonian (red sea-fan) [Paramuricea clavata].


description:
This facies is characterised by the high density of the cnidarian (sea anemone) [Parazoanthus axinellae].


description:
These are coralligenous horizontal formations developing within sedimentary beds subject to currents, at up to at least 100 metres depth in clear waters.These formations are not usually built on rock substrata but result from the active development of constructor organisms (e.g. calcified algae, hard-skeleton invertebrates) from scattered elements on loose beds, shells, stones, and graves.


hname:
Faunal communities on deep moderate energy circalittoral rock

description:
These communities populate hard substrata with low hydrodynamics and strong sedimentation.


hname:
Pontic faunal communities on deep moderate energy circalittoral rock


hname:
Atlantic and Mediterranean low energy circalittoral rock

description:
Occurs on wave-sheltered circalittoral bedrock and boulders subject to mainly weak/very weak tidal streams. The biotopes identified within this habitat type are often dominated by encrusting red algae, brachiopods ([Neocrania anomala]) and ascidians ([Ciona intestinalis] and [Ascidia mentula]).


hname:
Brachiopod and ascidian communities on circalittoral rock

description:
This habitat type occurs on the wave-sheltered, circalittoral bedrock and boulders subject to weak tidal streams. The biotopes within this complex are typically found in the Scottish sealochs (with the exception of A4.312, recorded off Ireland) and are characterised by brachipod and ascidian communities. Ascidians often recorded in this complex are [Ciona intestinalis], [Ascidia mentula], [Ascidia virginea] and [Clavelina lepadiformis]. The brachiopod [Neocrania anomala] is also characteristic of the biotopes within this complex recorded in Scottish sealochs. The polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter], the saddle oyster [Pododesmus patelliformis], the cup coral [Caryophyllia smithii] and encrusting red algae are frequently recorded on the rocky substrata. Echinoderms such as the brittlestars [Ophiothrix fraglis], [Ophiocomina nigra] and [Ophiura albida], the starfish [Asterias rubens], [Crossaster papposus] and [Henricia oculata], the crinoid [Antedon bifida] and the urchin [Echinus esculentus] are all found in this complex. Other species present include the squat lobster [Munida rugosa], the hermit crab [Pagurus bernhardus], [Alcyonium digitatum], the anemone [Protanthea simplex] and the hydroid [Kirchenpaueria pinnata].


hname:
Solitary ascidians, including [Ascidia mentula] and [Ciona intestinalis], on wave-sheltered circalittoral rock

description:
This biotope predominantly occurs on the upper faces of wave-sheltered (often sealochs) circalittoral bedrock, boulder and cobble slopes with little tidal flow. Apart from the solitary ascidians [Ciona intestinalis] and [Ascidia mentula], this biotope has a rather barren, pink appearance (due to the encrusting red algae), possibly due to grazing pressure from the sea urchin [Echinus esculentus]. Other organisms found encrusting the rocky surface include the polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter] and the cup coral [Caryophyllia smithii]. Other species occasionally encountered include [Alcyonium digitatum], [Asterias rubens], [Pagurus berhardus], [Crossaster papposus], [Antedon bifida] and [Metridium senile]. Crustaceans such as [Munida rugosa] and [Cancer pagurus] may be recorded in crevices. Two variants of this biotope exist: Units A4.3111 and A4.3112. A4.3112 occurs where is a dense carpet of brittlestars which sometimes completely cover the rocky substratum. Species present include [Ophiothrix fragilis], [Ophiocomina nigra] and [Ophiura albida].
Temporal variation: The abundance of [C. intestinalis] tends to fluctuate seasonally, so it may appear absent at a site at one time of year and then be present at other times, altering the visual appearance of the biotope. Other solitary ascidian species such as [A. mentula] and [Ascidiella aspersa] tend to be longer-lived (approximately 7 years and 3 years, respectively).


hname:
Solitary ascidians, including [Ascidia mentula] and [Ciona intestinalis], with [Antedon] spp. on wave-sheltered circalittoral rock

description:
This variant occurs on circalittoral bedrock or boulder slopes in generally wave-sheltered conditions (often in sea lochs) with little tidal flow. It is frequently found on vertical or steeply-sloping rock. Apart from the large ascidians, [Ascidia mentula] and [Ciona intestinalis], the rock surface usually has a rather sparse appearance. Scyphistomae larvae are often present on any vertical surfaces. Grazing by the sea urchin [Echinus esculentus] leaves only encrusting red algae (giving the bedrock/boulder substratum a pink appearance), cup corals [Caryophyllia smithii] and the keelworm [Pomatoceros triqueter]. There may be a few hydroid species present, such as [Nemertesia] spp. and [Kirchenpaueria pinnata], occasional [Alcyonium digitatum] and occasional [Metridium senile]. Barnacles [Balanus] spp. and the colonial ascidian [Clavelina lepadiformis] also occasionally occur. At some sites, echinoderms such as the crinoid [Antedon] spp., the starfish [Crossaster papposus] and [Asterias rubens] and the brittlestar [Ophiothrix fragilis] (in low densities) may be found. The squat lobster [Munida rugosa] is likely to be found in crevices, under boulders, and the hermit crab [Pagurus bernhardus] may be observed moving around the rock surface. The brachiopod [Neocrania anomala] is frequently observed (especially where this biotope occurs shallower than unit A4.314 for example). The saddle oyster [Pododesmus patelliformis] may occasionally be seen attached to the rock/boulder face.
Situation: This biotope is typical of one found in sheltered sealochs. On slightly more wave and tide exposed sites, a transition to the more diverse A4.313 biotope will occur. Below A4.3111, you may find the A4.314 biotope (especially situated on the sills of sealochs).
Temporal variation: The abundance of [C. intestinalis] tends to fluctuate seasonally, so it may appear absent at a site at one time of year and then be present at other times, altering the visual appearance of the biotope. Other solitary ascidian species such as [A. mentula] and [Ascidiella aspersa] tend to be longer-lived (approximately 7 years and 3 years respectively).


hname:
Dense brittlestars with sparse [Ascidia mentula] and [Ciona intestinali]s on sheltered circalittoral mixed substrata

description:
This biotope is typically found on wave-sheltered sites (although it may be found in wave-exposed through to extremely wave-sheltered conditions), on circalittoral mixed substrata (Bedrock, boulders, cobbles, pebbles and gravel), subject to moderately strong to weak tidal streams. This biotope often has a silty appearance in parallel with A4.3111 but is characterised by a dense carpet of brittlestars ([Ophiothrix fragilis], [Ophiocomina nigra] and to a lesser extent [Ophiura albida]) which virtually cover the seabed. Where the underlying substratum is visible, pink coralline crusts and the white calcareous tubes of the keelworm [Pomatoceros triqueter] are often observed. Hydroids and bryozoans are scarce, perhaps partly due to the smothering effect of the brittlestars and possibly due to the grazing pressure of the sea urchin [Echinus esculentus] which is occasionally recorded. Other echinoderms present include [Asterias rubens] and [Crossaster papposus]. The solitary ascidian [Ciona intestinalis] may be seen attached to isolated rocks and boulders, whilst on the tops and sides of larger boulders, dead man's fingers [Alcyonium digitatum] may be recorded. The hermit crab [Pagurus bernhardus] is often recorded, whilst under boulders and in crevices the claws belonging to the long-clawed squat lobster [Munida rugosa] may be seen.
Situation: A4.3112 is found in predominantly sheltered areas, so in the infralittoral zone above, kelp forest formed by dense [Laminaria saccharina] and cape-form [Laminaria hyperborea] are frequently recorded. A dense understorey of red algae is also present.


hname:
Large solitary ascidians and erect sponges on wave-sheltered circalittoral rock

description:
A4.312 is characteristic of the wave-sheltered conditions found in the Kenmare River on the west coast of Ireland. This biotope is typically found on silty circalittoral bedrock and boulders in wave-sheltered channels subject to varying amounts of tidal flow. These fully marine inlets and channels have steep, often vertical sides with small terraces or ledges. This biotope, characterised by erect sponges and large solitary ascidians, appears to be biologically diverse. A diverse ascidian fauna is generally present, including [Ascidia mentula], [Aplidium punctum], [Corella parallelogramma], [Ascidia virginea], [Botryllus schlosseri], [Clavelina lepadiformis] and [Ciona intestinalis]. An equally diverse sponge fauna, with massive erect sponges particularly noticeable, compliments these species. Dominant species include [Esperiopsis fucorum], [Dysidea fragilis], [Tethya aurantium], [Polymastia boletiformis], [Raspailia ramosa], [Stelligera stuposa], [Polymastia mamilliaris] and [Pachymatisma johnstonia]. Other sponges present are [Suberites carnosus], [Haliclona fistulosa], [Stelligera rigida], [Mycale rotalis], [Haliclona simulans], [Iophon hyndmani] and [Hemimycale columella]. Various sponge crusts may also be present but in most cases in lower abundances. Other significant components of the community include the cup coral [Caryophyllia smithii] and various echinoderms, including the sea urchin [Echinus esculentus] and the starfish [Henricia oculata] and [Marthasterias glacialis]. Small isolated clumps of [Nemertesia antennina] and individual [Alcyonium digitatum] may be seen, whilst the top shell [Calliostoma zizyphinum] may also be present. At present, there are relatively few records in this biotope, as it is only reported from around the south-western coast of Ireland, where sponge diversity is very high.
Situation: Due to the sheltered nature of the biotope, this unit  is usually situated on bedrock/boulder outcrops associated with mud slopes and plains. Typical species found within these circalittoral muds include the seapen [Virgularia mirablis] and the anemone [Pachycerianthus multiplicatus]. In the infralittoral zone, sheltered kelp biotopes such as A5.521 with [Laminaria saccharina] occur frequently. In areas where there is a slightly stronger tidal-stream, the circalittoral muddy plains become more muddy gravel plains and slopes. Typical species found within these habitats include the anemones [Mesacmaea mitchellii] and [Aureliana heterocera]. When tidal-streams becomes negligible, but with similar wave-sheltered conditions, you tend to find A4.2111 biotopes occurring, especially in the same geographical location (around south-west/west Ireland) as A4.312.


hname:
[Antedon] spp., solitary ascidians and fine hydroids on sheltered circalittoral rock

description:
This biotope is typically found on silty boulder or rock slopes, in the sheltered parts of sealochs, subject to weak or very weak tidal currents. The seabed consists of smooth, silty bedrock or boulders, often as outcrops on mixed muddy sediment. There are often small vertical faces on the sides of rock ridges, and at few sites, there may be more extensive steep or vertical bedrock. In sharp contrast to the barren, grazed appearance of A4.3111, the species composition of unit A4.313 is quite diverse, although no one phyla dominates. A wide range of encrusting species may be found, including the brachiopod [Neocrania anomala], the saddle oyster [Pododesmus patelliformis], encrusting red algae and polychaetes ([Pomatoceros triqueter] and [Protula tubularia]). Other conspicuous species include crinoids on the tops of boulders ([Antedon bifida], commoner in shallower water and [Antedon petasus], commoner in deeper water), scattered solitary and colonial ascidians ([Ascidia mentula], [Ascidia virginea], [Corella parallelogramma], [Clavelina lepadiformis] and [Ciona intestinalis]) and tufts of fine hydroids ([Kirchenpaueria pinnata], [Nemertesia antennina], [Obelia dichotoma] and [Halceum halecinum]). The cup coral [Caryophyllia smithii] and the crustose bryozoan [Parasmittina trispinosa] are all typically present, as are a wide range of echinoderms, including the sea urchin [Echinus esculentus], the starfish [Asterias rubens] and [Crossaster papposus], and the brittlestars [Ophiothrix fragilis] and [Ophiura albida]. Other species recorded are the squat lobster [Munida rugosa], the hermit crab [Pagurus bernhardus] and the chiton [Tonicella marmorea].
Situation: The range of biotopes shallower and deeper than A4.313 is typical of a sheltered sealoch. Silted kelp biotopes (e.g. units A3.312, A3.313) are typically found shallower than A4.313 in the infralittoral zone. Deeper than A4.313, the boulder slope typically grades into a muddy slope or plain (units A5.3 or A5.4), along with fauna commonly associated with soft-sediments (e.g. seapens and the mud snail [Turritella]).


hname:
[Neocrania anomala] and [Protanthea simplex] on sheltered circalittoral rock

description:
This biotope typically occurs in full to variable salinity conditions on very wave-sheltered circalittoral bedrock and boulder slopes subject to negligible tidal streams (this tends to be in the landward, very sheltered basins of fjordic sealochs). This biotope is characterised by often dense populations of the anemone [Protanthea simplex], growing on the silty bedrock. The underlying rock surfaces are usually covered by encrusting red algae, the polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter], the brachiopods [Neocrania anomala] and [Terebratulina retusa], the saddle oyster [Pododesmus patelliformis] and the polychaete [Sabella pavonina]. Scattered colonies of [Alcyonium digitatum] and the hydroid [Bougainvillia ramosa] may occasionally be recorded. A diverse range of ascidians including [Ciona intestinalis], [Ascidia mentula], [Corella parallelogramma], [Ascidia virginea], [Polycarpa pomaria] and [Dendrodoa grossularia] are also occasionally recorded. Echinoderms such as the common brittlestar [Ophiothrix fragilis] are frequently reported with their arms protruding from crevices in the rock, whilst the starfish [Asterias rubens], [Henricia oculata], and the sea urchin [Echinus esculentus] and [Psammechinus miliaris] are occasionally found on the boulder/rock surface. The whelk [Buccinum undatum] is often present but in very low numbers. The squat lobster [Munida rugosa] may be seen hiding in crevices. The hermit crab [Pagurus bernhardus] may also be recorded.


hname:
[Neocrania anomala] and [Protanthea simplex] on very wave-sheltered circalittoral rock

description:
This variant typically occurs on deep, lower circalittoral bedrock or boulder slopes (often-vertical walls) in the landward, very sheltered basins of fjordic sealochs. In these very sheltered conditions, there are frequently dense populations of the anemone [Protanthea simplex] growing on the silty boulder or rock slope, and on the tubes of the parchment worm [Chaetopterus variopedatus]. The underlying rock surfaces are usually covered with encrusting red algae, the polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter], the brachiopod [Neocrania anomala], the saddle oyster [Pododesmus patelliformis] and the conspicuous fan worm [Sabella pavonina]. Scattered colonies of [Alcyonium digitatum] are occasionally present along with the hydroid [Bougainvillia ramosa]. The barnacle [Balanus balanus] and the hermit crab [Pagurus bernhardus] is occasionally seen on boulder or rock surface, whilst underneath in crevices, the squat lobster [Munida rugosa] may be present. A diverse range of solitary ascidians, typically found in sheltered conditions, are often present including [Ciona intestinalis], [Corella parallelogramma], [Polycarpa pomaria], [Ascidia mentula] and [Ascidia virginea]. Echinoderms such as brittlestars [Ophiothrix fragilis] are frequently seen with their arms protruding from crevices in the rock, whilst the starfish [Asterias rubens], the sea urchin [Echinus esculentus] and [Psammechinus miliaris] are occasionally found on the boulder or rock surface. The whelk [Buccinum undatum] is often present but in very low numbers.
Situation: Where this biotope occurs on vertical rock cliffs, you tend to find silted sugar kelp [Laminaria saccharina] communities above A4.314, in the infralittoral zone (A3.313). Where A4.314 occurs on a rock or boulder slope and due to the very sheltered nature of the habitat, it is common to find a mud plain community where slope ends (A5.3). Species such as the seapen [Funiculina quadrangularis], the anemone [Cerianthus lloydii] and the Norway lobster [Nephrops norvegicus] are typically abundant.


hname:
[Neocrania anomala], [Dendrodoa grossularia] and [Sarcodictyon roseum] on variable salinity circalittoral rock

description:
This variant typically occurs on lower circalittoral silty, bedrock or boulder cliffs and ridges in very wave-sheltered fjordic sealochs subjected to variable salinity regimes (such as Loch Etive, Scotland). In these sheltered conditions, there are frequently dense populations of the ascidian [Dendrodoa grossularia], the brachiopod [Neocrania anomala] and to a lesser extent, the brachiopod [Terebratulina retusa], which are able to tolerate the variable salinity. Other solitary ascidians that may be present include [Ciona intestinalis], [Corella parallelogramma], [Ascidiella scabra], [Ascidia mentula], [Ascidia virginea] and [Polycarpa pomaria]. The anemone [Protanthea simplex] is occasionally seen, although to a lesser extent than in unit A4.314, possibly due to the variable salinity. The hydroids [Bougainvillia ramosa] and [Lafoea dumosa], the cup-coral [Caryophilia smithii] and [Sarcodictyon roseum] are occasionally present. The tubes formed by the polychaete [Sabella pavonina] may be observed standing erect from the rock surface. The rest of the rock surface is usually covered by encrusting red algae and the polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter] and [Protula tubularia]. The sea cucumber [Psolus phantapus] may be found on the underside of boulders. Other species such as the hermit crab [Pagurus bernhardus] and the spider crab [Hyas araneus] may be found amongst the rock/boulders. The starfish [Asterias rubens], [Crossaster papposus], and [Henricia] spp. and the sea urchin [Psammechinus miliaris] are also recorded within this variant. The relatively bare, silty rock supports low numbers of a relatively few species. Although barren rock grazed by the sea urchin [Echinus esculentus] is found in other sea loch biotopes (see units A4.2145 and A4.2146), [E.esculentus] is virtually absent within A4.3142.
Situation: Due to the variable or reduced salinity conditions present where this biotope is found, you tend to find reduced salinity kelp biotopes above A4.3142, such as A3.322 and A3.323. The very sheltered conditions give rise to muddy sediment slopes or plains beneath A4.314 (A5.3) where species such as the seapen [Funiculina quadrangularis], the anemone [Cerianthus lloydii] and the Norway lobster [Nephrops norvegicus] are typically abundant.


hname:
Mediterranean coralligenous communities sheltered from hydrodynamic action

description:
Coralligenous concretions are found on rock faces or on rocks where calcareous algae can build biogenic constructions. These communities are present in the Mediterranean on hard rocky and/or biogenic substrata at 10 - 100 metres depth with low hydrodynamic action.


description:
This association populates hard poorly-lit substrata, in a sheltered environment, at about 25-45 metres depth.


description:
This facies is characterised by the high density of colonies of the gorgonian (sea-fan) [Lophogorgia sarmentosa].


hname:
Faunal communities on deep low energy circalittoral rock


hname:
Baltic moderately exposed circalittoral rock


description:
Circalittoral rock features include circalittoral fouling communities (A4.72) and circalittoral caves and overhangs (A4.71). These features are present throughout the circalittoral zone in a variety of wave exposures and tidal streams. Two fouling subtypes have also been identified: A4.722 has been recorded from disused fishing nets and other artificial substrata, and is characterised by aggregations of [Ascidiella aspersa] whilst A4.721 has been recorded from steel wrecks, and is characterised by dense aggregations of [Alcyonium digitatum] and [Metridium senile]. Habitats in hard substrata in the circalittoral zone characterised by the presence of seeping or bubbling gases, oils or water are also included (A4.73).


hname:
Communities of circalittoral caves and overhangs

description:
Caves and overhanging rock in the circalittoral zone, away from significant influence of strong wave action (compare A3.71). This habitat may be colonised by a wide variety of species, with sponges such as [Dercitus bucklandi], anemones [Parazoanthus] spp. and the cup corals [Caryophyllia inornatus], [Hoplangia durotrix] and others particularly characteristic.


hname:
Sponges, cup corals and anthozoans on shaded or overhanging circalittoral rock

description:
This biotope occurs on shaded and overhanging rock, such as on cave walls and ceilings although there are very few records of caves in conditions not subject to wave surge (i.e. deeper circalittoral habitats) and almost all are different in species composition. There are also a few examples of similar communities on very deep (70-100 m+) upward-facing rock (in Loch Hourn) and more may be found through the use of ROVs. These often species-rich habitats are almost invariably adjacent to well-mixed turbulent water. Characteristic species include the sponges [Stryphnus ponderosus], [Dercitus bucklandi], [Chelonaplysilla noevus], [Pseudosuberites] sp. and [Spongosorites] sp., the anemones [Parazoanthus] spp., the cup corals [Leptopsammia pruvoti], [Hoplangia durotrix], [Caryophyllia inornatus] and the soft coral [Parerythropodium coralloides]. [Thymosia guernei] is sometimes present. This biotope is likely to need further splitting with further data and analysis.
Situation: Subtidal rocky coasts.


hname:
Caves and overhangs with [Parazoanthus axinellae]

description:
This facies, characterised by the colonial sea anemone [Parazoanthus axinellae], occurs on hard bottoms affected by very rough water and relatively dim light. Found attached to rocks and sponges in open coast rocky habitats, it is often observed on vertical faces or beneath overhangs, at 6-100m depth.


hname:
Caves and overhangs with [Corallium rubrum]

description:
This facies, characterised by the high presence of the cnidarian (red coral) [Corallium rubrum], occurs on walls of caves and/or cavities with coralligenous concretions and semi-dark overhangs. The vertical distribution of this facies occurs from 10 to 200 metres depth.


hname:
Caves and overhangs with [Leptopsammia pruvoti]

description:
This facies with the madreporian (yellow coral) [Leptopsammia pruvoti] occurs on hard substrata at the entrance to caves and under overhangs.


hname:
Caves and ducts in total darkness (including caves without light or water movement at upper levels)

description:
This habitat occurs in very large submerged cavities especially present in drowned karstic networks, isolated little cavities and microcavities in heaps of stones and within certain concretions. The caves in total darkness are enclaves of the aphotic area in the littoral area. These habitats present extremely original environmental conditions, close to those found on the continental slope. The two most important ecological factors are the absence of light, which rules out photosynthetic organisms, and the confined space.


hname:
Coastal dunes: (brown) dunes covered with natural or almost natural coniferous forest, e.g. pines


hname:
Coastal dunes: (brown) dunes covered with deciduous forest (beech, birch, oak)


hname:
Coastal dunes covered with planted dwarf mountain pine woodland

description:
Very dense [Pinus mugo] scrubland planted for stabilization of shifting sand dunes, particularly in the Curonian Spit (SE coast of the Baltic Sea).


hname:
Coastal brown dunes covered with natural or almost natural thermophilous pines

description:
Coastal dunes colonised by Mediterranean and Atlantic thermophilous pines, corresponding to substitution facies or in some stations climax formations of evergreen oak of artificial origin ([Quercetalia ilicis] or [Ceratonio-Rhamnetalia]). Typical species are [Pinus pinea], [Pinus pinaster], [Pinus halepensis], [Juniperus macrocarpa], [Juniperus turbinata ssp. turbinata], [Scaligeria napiformis], [Rhamnus alaternus], [Arbutus unedo], [Erica arborea], [Pistacia lentiscus]. This is the coastal equivalent of unit G3.7.


description:
Moist or wet depressions in coastal dune systems, sometimes with permanent water but more often only seasonally moist or flooded by fresh water. Dune-slacks are extremely rich and specialised habitats, very threatened by the lowering of water tables.


description:
Freshwater aquatic communities (cf. units C1.22-C1.26, C1.32-C1.34, C1.42-C1.45, C1.69) of permanent dune-slack water bodies.


description:
Pioneer formations of humid sands and dune pool fringes on soils with low salinity. Component habitats may be found in unit C3, in particular unit C3.4132 and unit C3.512.


description:
Calcareous and, occasionally, acidic fen formations of coastal dune-slacks (cf. units D2.2, D4.1, in particular units D2.29, D4.11, D4.1H), often invaded by creeping willow, occupying the wettest parts of dune-slacks.


description:
Humid grasslands and rushbeds (units E3.1, E3.411F, E3.418, E3.51 i.a., wet heaths and swamp-heaths (unit F4.11 i.a.) of dune-slacks, also often with creeping willows ([Salix rosmarinifolia], [Salix arenaria]).


hname:
Dune-slack reedbeds, sedgebeds and canebeds

description:
Reedbeds, tall-sedge communities and canebeds (cf. units C3.2, C3.3, D5.2) of dune-slacks. Communities of [Phragmition], [Magnocaricion], [Potamogetonion], [Juncetalia].


hname:
Coastal dunes: wet dune slacks: dominated by shrubs or trees


description:
Short-turf grasslands formed on dry and seasonally waterlogged, relatively flat and low-lying sand plains, where windblown calcareous sand overlies peat or impermeable bedrock. Machair grasslands are machair in the strict sense, and form part of the machair complex (X27), characteristic of the Outer Hebrides and western Ireland, with dunes (B1.3, B1.4), shallow lochs (C1) and land cultivated on a strip rotation (I1). They support a flower-rich, and correspondingly insect-rich, dune grassland studded with shallow lochs and cultivated on a strip rotation. The grassland is dominated by [Poa pratensis] and [Festuca rubra], accompanied by [Thalictrum minus ssp. arenarium], [Thymus praecox ssp. arcticus] ([Thymus drucei]), [Bellis perennis], [Prunella vulgaris], [Erodium cicutarium], [Trifolium] spp., [Euphrasia] spp. and many orchids, among which [Dactylorhiza fuchsii ssp. hebridensis], [Dactylorhiza purpurella], [Gymnadenia conopsea], [Coeloglossum viride], [Platanthera chlorantha] and [Orchis mascula] are the most prominent. This grassland harbours a plant community of very restricted distribution comprising vulnerable species; [Cochlearia scotica], [Euphrasia marshallii] and [Dactylorhiza fuchsii ssp. hebridensis] are endemic. As a whole, machair is an essential habitat for breeding waders such as [Haematopus ostralegus], [Vanellus vanellus], [Charadrius hiaticula], [Calidris alpina], [Tringa totanus] and [Gallinago gallinago]; it supports the healthiest western European population of the threatened corncrake [Crex crex].


hname:
Boreal purple moorgrass-deergrass-brown moss-sphagnum fens

description:
Fen lawn communities of boreal regions of the Palaearctic domaine, in particular, of boreal Fennoscandia, dominated by [Scirpus cespitosus ssp. cespitosus] ([Trichophorum cespitosum]), [Molinia caerulea], with [Myrica gale] and [Carex lasiocarpa], and a sphagnum and brown moss carpet mainly of [Sphagnum papillosum], accompanied by [Sphagnum angustifolium], [Sphagnum imbricatum], [Sphagnum plumulosum], [Sphagnum subfulvum], [Sphagnum subsecundum], [Sphagnum teres], [Sphagnum warnstorfii], [Calliergon sarmentosum], [Campylium stellatum], [Drepanocladus badius]. The species cortège, which typically comprises some rich fen species, may include [Andromeda polifolia], [Carex chordorrhiza], [Carex dioica], [Menyanthes trifoliata], [Parnassia palustris], [Pinguicula vulgaris], [Selaginella selaginoides], [Tofieldia pusilla], [Eriophorum vaginatum], [Phragmites australis], [Scirpus hudsonianus] ([Trichophorum alpinum]).


description:
Mire communities of boreal regions of the Palaearctic domaine with a sphagnum ground layer dominated by [Sphagnum lindbergii] and a field layer dominated by sedges of [Carex] spp., [Scirpus cespitosus] or [Eriophorum] spp.


description:
Basiphilous fen communities of the Western Carpathians, in particular, of the Pieniny and the Tatras, and of intramountain depressions at the 400-500 m level of the Eastern Carpathians, dominated by the small sedges [Carex davalliana], [Carex flava], [Carex distans], [Carex hostiana], [Carex panicea] and other fen species such as [Eriophorum latifolium], [Eriophorum angustifolium], [Primula farinosa], [Pinguicula vulgaris], [Pedicularis palustris], [Valeriana simplicifolia].


description:
[Carex davalliana] calcareous fens of northern Central Europe, north of the Jura, the Bohemian Quadrangle and the Carpathians, recorded, in particular, from the central German Hercynian ranges and hills, Poland, Lithuania and Latvia.


description:
Calcareous fens of the Dinarides, with [Carex panicea], [Carex hostiana], [Eriophorum latifolium], [Molinia caerulea].


description:
Uncommon calcareous fens of the Pyrenees, with [Eriophorum latifolium], [Carex davalliana], [Carex lepidocarpa], [Carex echinata], [Carex rostrata], [Carex flacca], [Carex panicea], [Carex paniculata], [Carex ovalis], [Eleocharis quinqueflora], [Juncus articulatus], [Juncus inflexus], [Tofieldia calyculata], [Epipactis palustris], [Crepis paludosa], [Parnassia palustris], [Succisa pratensis], [Pinguicula grandiflora].


description:
Diverse rich fen communities dominated by small sedges, among which [Carex dioica], [Carex pulicaris] or species of the [Carex flava] group, are usually prominent, but with little or no [Carex davalliana]. They have a distinctly western and northern distribution, occurring, in particular, in Fennoscandia, Baltic, the British Isles, the Causses, Iberia, with a disjunct area of prominence in the middle European Hercynian ranges and the Carpathians.


description:
Small [Carex] swards of calcareous, soligenous mires on peat or mineral gleys, with [Carex dioica], [Carex lepidocarpa], [Carex demissa], [Carex nigra], [Carex hostiana], [Carex flacca], [Carex panicea], [Eriophorum latifolium], [Eleocharis quinqueflora], [Blysmus compressus], [Scirpus setaceus], [Pinguicula vulgaris], [Primula farinosa], [Bartsia alpina], [Tofieldia pusilla] and sometimes, [Juncus articulatus], [Juncus alpinoarticulatus], [Molinia caerulea], [Equisetum variegatum], [Anagallis tenella], [Epipactis palustris] and the bryophytes [Campylium stellatum], [Bryum pseudotriquetrum], [Drepanocladus revolvens], [Riccardia pinguis], [Cratoneuron commutatum], [Fissidens adianthoides], characteristic mostly of northern England and Scotland.


description:
Short [Carex]-dominated fen communities of Fennoscandia and northeastern Europe, with [Carex flava] s.l., [Carex panicea], [Carex dioica], [Carex hostiana] ([Carex hornchuchiana]), [Eriophorum latifolium], [Tofieldia pusilla] and brown mosses.


hname:
Fennoscandian brown moss yellow sedge fens

description:
Fen communities of Fennoscandia, concentrated in eutrophic districts, with a field layer of sedges, herbs and grasses that may include [Carex dioica], [Carex flava], [Carex lasiocarpa], [Carex panicea], [Carex rostrata], [Eriophorum latifolium], [Schoenus ferrugineus], [Scirpus hudsonianus] ([Trichophorum alpinum]), [Scirpus cespitosus ssp. cespitosus] ([Trichophorum cespitosum]), [Molinia caerulea], [Equisetum palustre], [Selaginella selaginoides], [Bartsia alpina], [Parnassia palustris], [Potentilla erecta], [Primula farinosa], [Saussurea alpina], [Tofieldia pusilla], sometimes with [Erica tetralix], [Andromeda polifolia], [Betula nana], [Vaccinium oxycoccos], and a brown-moss carpet dominated by [Campylium stellatum], [Paludella squarrosa], [Tomentypnum nitens], with [Drepanocladus intermedius], [Fissidens adianthoides], sometimes dominated by [Sphagnum warnstorfii].


hname:
Fennoscandian [Sphagnum warnstorfii] yellow sedge fens

description:
Fen communities of subalpine and lower alpine zones of Fennoscandia, concentrated in eutrophic areas, with a field layer of sedges, herbs and grasses and sparse willows, notably [Salix glauca], [Salix lapponum]; [Anthriscus sylvestris], [Carex juncella], [Potentilla palustris] are characteristic as are the dominating bryophytes, [Tomentypnum nitens] and [Sphagnum warnstorfii]; the species cortège may include [Carex dioica], [Carex flava], [Carex lasiocarpa], [Eriophorum latifolium], [Scirpus hudsonianus] ([Trichophorum alpinum]), [Molinia caerulea], [Equisetum palustre], [Equisetum fluviatile], [Bartsia alpina], [Crepis paludosa], [Geranium sylvaticum], [Menyanthes trifoliata], [Parnassia palustris], [Saussurea alpina], [Andromeda polifolia], [Betula nana], [Salix myrsinites], [Vaccinium oxycoccos], [Paludella squarrosa], [Alacomnium palustre], [Sphagnum angustifolium]. [Sphagnum warnstorfii] sedge communities are drier than the brown moss fen communities of unit D4.1521 and often occupy fen hummocks.


description:
Calcareous lake fens of Lithuania and northwestern Russia dominated by [Carex hostiana], with [Primula farinosa], [Peucedanum palustre].


description:
Fen communities of middle latitudes of continental Western Europe and of Central Europe, recorded from the Netherlands, Belgium, western Germany, France, northern Italy including the Apuan Alps, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Romania, with [Carex dioica], [Carex lepidocarpa], [Carex flava], [Carex demissa], [Carex serotina], [Carex panicea], [Eriophorum latifolium], [Juncus articulatus] and [Campylium stellatum].


description:
Rare exiguous alkaline spring and gully communities of the montane level of the Cordillera Cantabrica, with [Carex lepidocarpa], [Carex demissa], [Carex davalliana], [Carex echinata], [Carex nigra], [Carex panicea], [Eriophorum latifolium], [Eleocharis quinqueflora], [Juncus articulatus], [Juncus alpestris], [Equisetum variegatum], [Pinguicula grandiflora], [Parnassia palustris] and, in more eastern communities, [Tofieldia calyculata], [Primula farinosa], [Bartsia alpina].


description:
Calcareous fens of the southern Iberian Range (Sierra de Gudar, Sierra de Javalambre).


description:
Fen formations of nemoral Europe intermediate between the [Caricion davallianae] and the [Caricion fuscae], often developed in ecotonal situations, with [Carex pulicaris] and [Carex dioica], dispersed over a fairly wide range in continental middle Europe.


hname:
Black sedge ([Carex nigra]) alkaline fens

description:
Rich fen communities of the Palaearctic domaine dominated by [Carex nigra], accompanied by basiphile species and brown mosses.


description:
Weakly alkaline, neutral or slightly acid fen communities of the montane to subalpine belt of the Alps and the greater Hercynian ranges, in particular, the Black Forest, the Vosges and the Bohemian Quadrangle, and of neighbouring hills, dominated by [Carex nigra], accompanied by calciphile species, brown mosses and basiphile sphagna. They are transitional between the rich fen communities of unit D4.1 and the acidic fen communities of unit D2.2, in particular, of unit D2.221, closely related to the dioecious-yellow-flea sedge communities of units D4.153 and D4.156, of which some of them constitute facies. Similar [Carex nigra]-dominated or -rich stands occur in more Atlantic regions, in particular, of the British Isles; they are probably best treated as part of the regionally more prevalent unit D4.15.


description:
[Carex nigra]-dominated fen communities of the subalpine to lower alpine zones of the boreoalpine and arctoalpine mountains of Fennoscandia occupying low-lying areas affected by running water (pH 5.5-6.0), among low (0.20 m) willow brush of, notably, [Salix hastata], [Salix lanata], [Salix lapponum], [Salix phylicifolia], comprising poor fen margin vegetation with, in some parts, an admixture of medium rich fen elements, and with a ground layer mainly of brown mosses. The sedge-rich species cortège includes [Carex bigelowii], [Carex canescens], [Carex chordorrhiza], [Carex dioica], [Carex flava], [Carex limosa], [Carex magellanica], [Carex panicea], [Carex rostrata], [Carex rotundata], [Eriophorum angustifolium], [Scirpus cespitosus ssp. cespitosus] ([Trichophorum cespitosum]), [Phleum alpinum], [Poa pratensis] s.l., [Caltha palustris], [Cardamine pratensis], [Pedicularis palustris], [Pinguicula vulgaris], [Polygonum viviparum], [Potentilla erecta], [Potentilla palustris], [Viola palustris], [Salaginella salaginoides], [Thalictrum alpinum], and bryophytes [Aulacomnium palustre], [Calliergon sarmentosum], [Calliergon stramineum], [Cinclidium stygium], [Drepanocladus exannulatus], [Paludella squarrosa], [Philonotis fontana], [Sphagnum warnstorfii].


description:
[Carex nigra]-dominated fen communities of the lowlands of Iceland with a variable species cortège that may include [Carex rariflora], [Carex lyngbyei], [Carex canescens], [Eriophorum angustifolium], [Scirpus cespitosus ssp. cespitosus] ([Trichophorum cespitosum]), [Juncus filiformis], [Calamagrostis stricta], [Potentilla palustris], [Menyanthes trifoliata], [Polygonum viviparum], [Pinguicula vulgaris], [Salix callicarpaea] ([Salix arctica]), [Equisetum palustre], [Selaginella selaginoides] and bryophytes [Drepanocladus revolvens], [Calliergonella cuspidata], [Polytrichum commune], [Aulacomnium palustre], [Calliergon sarmentosum], [Calliergon stramineum], [Calliergon giganteum], [Cinclidium stygium], [Cinclidium subrotundum], [Climacium dendroides], [Hypnum] spp., [Oncophorus wahlenbergii], [Sphagnum girgensohnii]. Hummocks with heath mosses and sphagna are common; these communities are modified by grazing, resulting, notably, in a reduced willow component.


description:
Deciduous thickets of the Illyrian and eastern Adriatic region of northeastern Italy and the western Balkan peninsula dominated, or co-dominated, by [Paliurus spina-christi].


description:
Varied, often species-rich, shrub formations of the temperate and sub-Mediterranean belts of the Southern and Eastern Carpathians, the Balkan Range, the Moeso-Macedonian Mountains, the Rhodope Mountains, the Pelagonides, the Pindus, the Thessalian Mountains and adjacent regions, accompanied by a flora of mostly Moesian affinities, substitution formations of [Quercion frainetto] (unit G1.76), [Fagion moesiacum] (unit G1.69), [Fagion dacicum] (unit G1.6D), [Fagion hellenicum] (unit G1.6A) and, locally, [Ostryo-Carpinion aegeicum] (unit G1.73) climax forests, generally dominated by, or rich in, [Carpinus orientalis], [Syringa vulgaris], [Paliurus spina-christi], [Cotinus coggygria] or [Rhus coriaria].


description:
Shrub communities dominated, or co-dominated, by [Carpinus orientalis], often rich in [Syringa vulgaris], [Cotinus coggygria] and other characteristically Moesian shrubs, of warm foothill slopes of the Southern and Eastern Carpathians, the Balkan Range, the Moeso-Macedonian Mountains, the Rhodope Mountains, the Pelagonides, and neighbouring regions, within the geographical range of [Quercion frainetto], [Fagion moesiacum], [Fagion dacicum], and, locally, [Ostryo-Carpinion] forests.


description:
Shrub communities dominated by [Carpinus orientalis], of Epirus, southern Paeonia, Macedonia and Thrace, with [Fraxinus ornus], [Cornus mas], [Crataegus] spp., [Pistacia terebinthus], [Lonicera caprifolium], [Asparagus acutifolius], [Ruscus aculeatus], [Colutea arborescens], [Cotinus coggygria], [Paliurus spina-christi], [Cyclamen hederifolium] ([Cyclamen neapolitanum], [Cyclamen linearifolium]), [Carex hallerana], [Geranium purpureum]. Many of the communities include evergreen shrubs; if these are sufficiently prevalent, the formation belongs to unit F5.31.


description:
Neutrophilous beech forests of the subhumid montane areas of the Cantabrian mountains and, locally, of the Northern Iberian Range, with [Carex sylvatica], [Galium odoratum], [Lathyrus occidentalis], [Melica uniflora], [Mercurialis perennis], [Paris quadrifolia], [Scilla lilio-hyacinthus].


description:
Fir-birch or beech forests of volcanic soils in the 1100-1600 metre range of the central and southern Massif Central, with [Galium odoratum], [Euphorbia hyberna], [Lilium martagon], [Scilla lilio-hyacinthus].


description:
[Fagus sylvatica] woods usually composed of low, low-branching trees, with much sycamore ([Acer pseudoplatanus]), situated near the tree limit, mostly in low mountains with oceanic climate of Western Europe and of central and northern Central Europe, in particular the Vosges, Black Forest, Rhön, Jura, outer Alps, Central Massif, Pyrenees, the mountains of the Bohemian Quadrangle, and, very locally, the Carpathians. The herb layer is similar to that of the forests of unit G1.63 or locally of unit G1.61 and contains elements of the adjacent open grasslands


description:
Xero-thermophile [Fagus sylvatica] forests developed on calcareous, often superficial, soils, usually of steep slopes, of the medio-European and Atlantic domaines of Western Europe and of central and northern Central Europe (also present in Greece), with a generally abundant herb and shrub undergrowth, characterised by sedges ([Carex] spp.), grasses ([Sesleria albicans], [Brachypodium pinnatum]), orchids ([Cephalanthera] spp., [Neottia nidus-avis], [Epipactis] spp.) of alliance [Cephalanthero-Fagenion] and thermophile species, transgressive of the [Quercetalia pubescenti-petraeae]. The bush-layer includes several calcicolous species ([Ligustrum vulgare], [Berberis vulgaris]) and [Buxus sempervirens] can dominate.


hname:
Middle European dry-slope limestone beech forests

description:
Middle European sedge and orchid beech woods of slopes with reduced water availability.


hname:
Medio-European dry slope sedge beech forests

description:
Beech woods occupying dry limestone slopes and areas of low precipitation of sub-Atlantic Western Europe, south and west to the Charentes and Normandy, of the Jura, the northwestern, northern, eastern and southern pre-Alps, of the Hercynian arc and neighbouring regions and of the western Carpathian hills, with an often rich shrub layer constituted by [Sorbus aria], [Ligustrum vulgare], [Viburnum lantana], [Rosa arvensis], [Lonicera xylosteum], [Daphne mezereum], [Berberis vulgaris], [Acer campestre], [Buxus sempervirens], and an herb layer rich in sedges, [Carex digitata], [Carex flacca], [Carex montana], [Carex alba], grasses, [Brachypodium sylvaticum], [Bromus benekenii], orchids, [Neottia nidus-avis], [Cephalanthera rubra], [Cephalanthera damasonium], [Epipactis] spp. The unit is composed of many highly distinctive and conservation-significant local variants.


