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Habitats

A habitat is the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism. They can be characterized by their unique communities of species and physical characteristics, enabling them to be classified into broad habitat types.

Broad Habitat types found in West Wales

Woodland and scrub
Grasslands
Tall herb and fern
Heathland
Mire
Open Water
Coastland
Rock exposure
Miscellaneous

    • Semi-natural broadleaved woodland
    • Semi-natural coniferous woodland
    • Semi-natural mixed woodland
    • Plantation woodland (broadleaved, coniferous and mixed)
    • Dense/continuous scrub
    • Recently-felled woodland

    • Acid grassland (unimproved and semiimproved)
    • Neutral grassland (unimproved and semi-improved)
    • Calcareous grassland (unimproved and semi-improved)
    • Improved + poor semi-improved grassland
    • Marsh/marshy grassland
Grassland habitats in West Wales are characterized by a rich tapestry of wildflower meadows and pastureland, shaped by the region’s climate and traditional land management practices. These grasslands support a diverse array of flora, including species like hay rattle, yellow rattle, and various orchids, which thrive alongside grasses such as fescues and ryegrass. The meadows are teeming with wildlife, providing essential habitats for pollinators like bees and butterflies, as well as small mammals and a variety of bird species that rely on the open space for nesting and foraging. Many grassland areas are managed through traditional farming practices that promote biodiversity, while some have been designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) due to their ecological importance. However, these habitats face challenges from agricultural intensification, urban development, and habitat fragmentation, prompting conservation efforts aimed at restoring and maintaining their ecological integrity and promoting sustainable land-use practices. West Wales’ grasslands not only enhance the landscape’s beauty but also play a vital role in supporting local ecosystems and agricultural livelihoods

  • Continuous bracken
  • All other tall herb and fern habitats

 

    • Acid + basic dry dwarf shrub heath + lichen/bryophyte heath + montane heath/dwarf forb
    • Wet dwarf shrub heath NB: For mosaics classify as heath or grass according to majority cover, If proportion is unknown, divide 50/50.

  • Blanket bog
  • Raised bog
  • Modified bog (wet and dry)
  • Acid + basic flush Fen (valley + basin + flood-plain mires)
  • Swamp, marginal and inundation All types should be combined

    • Standing water (all types, including coastal lagoons)
    • Running water (all types)

    • Intertidal mud/sand (with or without Zostera or algal beds)
    • Intertidal shingle/cobbles + boulders/rocks (with or without Zostera or algal beds)
    • Dense/continuous saltmarsh
    • Shingle + boulders/rocks above high tide mark + strandline vegetation
    • All sand dune habitats
    • All maritime cliff and slope habitats

Sand dune habitats in West Wales represent a unique and dynamic ecosystem characterized by shifting sands, grasses, and specialized plant communities. These dunes, found along the coastline, provide crucial habitats for a diverse array of flora and fauna, including rare plant species such as bee orchids, as well as numerous insects, birds, and other wildlife. The dunes, shaped by wind and tides, are often divided into zones—from the pioneer species that colonize the exposed sand to the more stable areas where larger plants take root. This zonation creates distinct microhabitats that support various species, making the dunes biologically rich. Additionally, sand dune systems play an essential role in coastal protection, helping to absorb wave energy and prevent erosion. Conservation efforts in West Wales focus on managing these habitats to mitigate the impacts of human activity, invasive species, and climate change, ensuring the preservation of their unique biodiversity and ecological functions for future generations.

 

Salt marshes are coastal ecosystems characterized by the presence of salt-tolerant plants that thrive in intertidal zones where ocean saltwater and freshwater meet. These dynamic environments play a crucial role in coastal protection, serving as natural buffers against storm surges and erosion while providing essential habitat for a rich diversity of wildlife, including birds, fish, and invertebrates. The unique biodiversity found in salt marshes contributes to their ecological significance, as they support various food webs and serve as nurseries for juvenile marine species. Additionally, salt marshes act as critical carbon sinks, helping to mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Their intricate networks of channels and pools also serve as valuable research sites for understanding the impacts of climate change, pollution, and habitat loss on coastal ecosystems.

 

Marine habitats in West Wales are characterized by stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity, shaped by the region’s rugged coastline, estuaries, and offshore waters. The area features diverse ecosystems, including rocky shores, sandy beaches, and thriving offshore reefs, which are home to a variety of marine life such as seals, dolphins, and a multitude of fish species. Notable habitats include the extensive seagrass meadows that provide crucial nursery grounds for juvenile fish and support a healthy array of marine invertebrates. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and other protected areas are vital for conserving these habitats, as they serve as important feeding and breeding grounds for seabirds and marine mammals. The unique geography and currents of West Wales contribute to its rich marine biodiversity, making it an important area for both ecological research and sustainable fisheries. Conservation efforts are increasingly focused on protecting these habitats from pressures such as pollution, climate change, and human activities, ensuring the continued health of West Wales’ marine ecosystems.

  • All natural types, except limestone pavement
  • Limestone pavement
  • All artificial and waste types

  • All cultivated/disturbed land
  • All built-up areas

Habitat Survey Methods

Wales Biodiversity Partnership – Carmarthenshire

Wales Biodiversity Partnership – Ceredigion

Wales Biodiversity Partnership – Pembrokeshire