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)
and red fescue (Festuca rubra) with heather and crowberry (Empetrum
nigrum)
occurring locally.
Exploring Scotland
