Site description

The Dale Peninsula and the nearby islands of Skomer and Skokholm are bounded by dramatic cliffs, whose ledges and shores are home to a variety of maritime species. There are some important lichen communities, both on the rocky shores and inland. The plateau vegetation is much affected by salt spray, rabbit grazing and nutrient enrichment from seabirds. The islands have mixed grassland and maritime heath vegetation in varying proportions and the seas around Skomer are a marine nature reserve, notable for marine algae.

Botanical significance

Noted for lichens, bryophytes, marine algae and habitat interest. The area has a very high diversity of algae, with over 240 seaweed species recorded, which represents c. 38% of the marine seaweed species for Britain. Several notable algae are recorded from this area, including the red alga Schmitzia hiscockiana, 98% of whose known European populations occur in Britain. Other species are confined to the south west or considered to be rare.

Habitat/Land use

Rock cliffs, ledges and shore, including the supralittoral: coastal rocks, Pembrokeshire Marine/ Sir Benfro Forol SAC.

Fauna

Skokholm and Skomer Important Bird Area

Protected Areas

Pembrokeshire Marine/ Sir Benfro Forol SAC

Conservation Issues

Internal natural factors that might potentially alter the algal communities and species dynamics are changes in natural currents. Of internal natural anthropogenic factors, the input of contaminants and silt are considered most like to impact on the algae. Of external factors, marine pollution, especially the introduction of suspended solids is the most like to have an impact.