Areas of windblown sand, generally near
coasts and having distinctive, though varied dune landforms are characteristic
of this category. Vegetation cover may be incomplete so that bare sand is
exposed, in other instances dunes are partially stabilised by grass,
principally marram grass (Ammophilia arenaria). Stabilised links areas are
also included, the low dunes or flat terrain with grassland including plants
such as fescues, eyebrights and lady's bedstraw.
 |
 |
| Dune
system, Uists |
Dune
system - blow out through erosion - Uists |
| |
|
These features are exclusive to cliff-top,
headlands and small islands which are strongly
exposed to sea spray. They occur locally from Shetland and Orkney to the north
coast of mainland Scotland and the Hebrides. Characterised by a short closed
turf, the dominant species include sea plantain (Plantago maritime),
carnation-grass (Carex flacca), vernal squill (Scilla verna) andred fescue (Festuca rubra) with heather and crowberry (Empetrum nigrum)
occurring locally.
|
|
Exploring Scotland
