Maritime Heath
On sea cliffs and coastal slopes, lowland heath tends to grade into maritime grassland, and both habitats form a complex mosaic, frequently described as maritime or coastal heath. The habitat is characterised by such species as such as spring squill, sea plantain and thrift which can all tolerate exposure to high winds and salty spray.
Distribution in Pembrokeshire
On the coast, lowland heathland occurs mainly on the limestone of the Castlemartin plateau, and on headlands and peninsulas such as Marloes/Deer Park, St David's Peninsula coast, Strumble Peninsula and Newport cliffs. It also occurs on islands such as Ramsey and Skomer.
St Davids Peninsula
Inland, most of the lowland heathland left in the county occurs on common land in the north of the county including Dowrog Common near St Davids and in the Preseli Hills such as Brynberian Moor. There are about 2,500 ha of lowland heathland in Pembrokeshire, covering c. 1.6% of its surface area.
Conservation status
Lowland heathland is a priority habitat and 36% of the total amount of lowland heathland in Wales occurs in Pembrokeshire. The national importance of the county for lowland heathland is reflected by the fact that two thirds lie within Sites of Special Scientific Interest. The main factors affecting heathland in Pembrokeshire are changes in agricultural practices, particularly grazing levels. A reduction in grazing can lead to scrub invasion whilst overgrazing can change the habitat to grassland. Afforestation has also been an issue in the past’.
Highlights
St Davids Head
