N3-1 - Falaises et rivages rocheux de de l'Atlantique et de la Baltique

Atlantic and Baltic rocky sea cliff and shore

Classification des habitats EUNIS 2022

Descriptif de l'habitat

Cliffs, together with vegetated crevices, ledges and cliff-tops along the coasts of the Baltic Sea, the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean south to middle Portugal. Exposed bedrock dominates the habitat, and its very variable composition and structure determine the character of available surfaces. The height and slope of the cliffs influence the input of salt spray which, on exposed coasts, can be very high close to the sea. This combination of local climatic and topographic conditions determines the often strong zonation of crevice vegetation, grasslands and heaths found on the cliffs, with regional climate also affecting the flora. Nesting seabirds also add a distinctive nutrient-demanding element to the flora on their guano.

Espèces diagnostiques

Spergularia rupicola, Armeria maritima, Crithmum maritimum, Armeria pubigera, Cochlearia danica, Cochlearia officinalis, Sagina maritima, Limonium binervosum, Plantago coronopus aggr., Silene uniflora, Limonium dodartii, Limonium ovalifolium, Catapodium marinum, Plantago maritima, Schistidium maritimum, Ligusticum scothicum

Espèces constantes

Festuca rubra aggr., Armeria maritima, Crithmum maritimum, Plantago coronopus aggr., Plantago maritima, Spergularia rupicola, Silene uniflora, Cochlearia danica, Cochlearia officinalis, Sagina maritima, Daucus carota, Catapodium marinum, Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima, Agrostis stolonifera, Limbarda crithmoides, Tripleurospermum maritimum aggr., Limonium binervosum

Espèces dominantes

Crithmum maritimum, Plantago coronopus aggr., Armeria maritima, Plantago maritima, Festuca rubra aggr.

Bibliography

 European Topic Centre on Biological Diversity, 2021. EUNIS terrestrial habitat classification 2021 including crosswalks. ETC/BD-EEA. Table Excel transmise par S. Hennekens (Alterra) le 14/02/2022. (Source)