'Hard' rock sea cliff - State 2, Overgrown vegetation

This state is not normally reached in exposed sites where salt spray and other climatic factors help to maintain open vegetation. The growth of coarse grassland and scrub, at the expense of low-growing species rich vegetation tends to be associated with areas where grazing (formerly helping to maintain the open vegetation) has been abandoned. The reasons for abandonment are complex but include changes in stock management practice, threats from dogs and disturbance from people. In this state the values are generally less favourable than State 1 especially in relation to nature conservation interests. The value of the nature conservation interest of the overgrown state is diminished as the growth of coarse grasses and scrub develops (see picture opposite).

Caption: A typical overgrown cliff top path in Cornwall, south west England