Habitat Classification

The different physical characteristics of an area in which plants and animals live. Larger groupings are then divided into sub-groups.

A habitat classification system is used for Phase 1 and Phase 2 surveys and can be grouped as follows:
• Major habitat types / categories: Phase 1 = 10; Phase 2 = 12.
• Habitat types / communities: Phase 1 = 155; Phase 2 = 286.
• Total sub-communities: Phase 1 = Not applicable; Phase 2 = 578.

Phase 1 classification (Major types)
A. Woodland and scrub.
B. Grassland and marsh.
C. Tall herb and fen.
D. Heathland.
E. Mire.
F. Swamp, marginal and inundation.
G. Open water.
H. Coastland.
I. Rock exposure and waste.
J. Miscellaneous.

Phase 2 classification (Major types)
1. Woodlands and Scrub.
2. Mires.
3. Heaths.
4. Mesotrophic grasslands.
5. Calcicolous grasslands.
6. Califugous grasslands and montane.
7. Aquatic communities.
8. Swamps and tall-herb fens.
9. Shingle, strandline and sand-dune communities.
10. Salt-marsh communities.
11. Maritime cliff communities.
12. Vegetation of open habitats.

A useful indication of how the classification is structured can be seen from one habitat type (Woodland and scrub) from the Phase 1 survey.


Diagram showing Phase 1 Category A classification:

Definitions:
• Woodland = 'vegetation dominated by trees more than 5m high when mature, forming a distinct, although sometimes open canopy.
• Broadland woodland = 10% or less conifer in the canopy.
• Mixed woodland = 10-90% of either broadleaved or conifer in the canopy.
• Conifer = 10% or less broadleaved.