Periodically unstable sea cliffs - State 4

These cliffs are of particular interest because they represent some of the least disturbed habitats found anywhere in the UK. Their often inaccessible nature and the length of time over which they develop, allow 'natural' plant and animal communities to exist largely without human interference. These can be extremely rich in both plants and animals. Two of the best examples are Folkestone Warren and on the Axmouth to Lyme-Regis undercliffs, which are exceptional landscapes in their own right.

In addition to their interest as Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts the landslips between Sidmouth and West Bay (Axmouth to Lyme-Regis undercliffs) on the south Devon coast have created a mosaic of woodland, mixed scrub, grassland and pioneer communities. This mosaic of habitats makes this site rich in invertebrates, especially bees and wasps. The woodland has a hazel Corylus avellana understorey and a ground-flora dominated by ivy Hedera helix (with numerous ivy broomrape Orobanche hederae) and hart’s-tongue Phyllitis scolopendrium, with abundant dog’s mercury Mercurialis perennis and tutsan Hypericum androsaemum. The Red Data Book lichen Parmelia quercina occurs on ash Fraxinus excelsior trees. The site includes a National Nature Reserve designated partly for its high quality and natural woodland.