A survey of the vegetation of Ben Nevis - Scottish Natural Heritage

Background
COMMISSIONED REPORT
Summary
A survey of the vegetation of Ben Nevis
Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of
Conservation, Scotland, 2003–2004: Volume 1
Commissioned Report No. 090 (ROAME No. F02LD01)
Contractor: Ben and Alison Averis
Year of publication: 2005
This project was commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage in order to collate existing information on the
vegetation and flora of the Ben Nevis Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation
(SAC), to survey and map the vegetation and to assess the populations of rare vascular plant species. This site of
about 90km 2 is situated to the east-south-east of Fort William in the western Highlands of Scotland, has an
altitudinal range of 30–1334m a.s.l. and is varied geologically. This report begins with a background study
of previous work on the vegetation and flora of this site, followed by the results of our survey. The fieldwork was
completed in the periods 10–26 June, 11–27 July and 4–18 August 2003, and 13–20 June, 7–20 July and
27 July–4 August 2004. The vegetation was mapped at the scale of 1:10,000 and classified according to the
National Vegetation Classification (NVC). Representative quadrats measuring 2m x 2m were recorded in most
vegetation types. NVC types were related to EC Habitats Directive Annex I habitats. A list of all plant species
found during the survey was made, indicating the approximate quantity of each species as ‘rare’, ‘uncommon’,
‘common’ or ‘abundant’. The locations of species of special interest were mapped and described.
Main findings
● A rich diversity of habitats, with a total of 154 vegetation and habitat types.
● A rich flora (292 vascular plant species and 263 bryophytes found in this survey; additional records from other
people giving totals of 331 vascular plants and 321 bryophytes) including several rare species.
● Some of the finest British examples of snow-bed vegetation (U11, U12, U14, U18 and Pohlia ludwigii,
Racomitrium heterostichum and UX types) and associated montane springs (M31, M32 and M33), with rare
species in both of these habitats.
● A very good range of vegetation types of exposed windblown summits (U8, U9, U10, Fell-field, Luzula spicata
swards and Lichen heath).
● Basic rocks and soils with herb-rich woodland (W7 and W9), Salix lapponum scrub (W20), tall herb
vegetation (U15 and U17), grassland (U4F, U5c, CG10, CG11 and CG12), Dryas heath (CG14) and
flushes (M11/12), and nationally important populations of rare montane plants.
● Bryophyte-rich heaths (H20c and H21b) and woods (W17a) with internationally important assemblages of
northern, sub-montane and montane oceanic liverworts.
The Ben Nevis hills are grazed by sheep and red deer, and also some roe deer, wild goats, cattle and mountain
hares. Different animal species graze in different parts of the site, and the intensity of grazing also varies. The effects
of grazing on the vegetation and flora are discussed in this report. This report ends with appendices containing:
(1) quadrat data from representative 2m x 2m quadrats in different vegetation types; (2) a list of all plant species
which we found during the survey; (3) ‘Target Notes’ for locations which we found to be of special botanical interest;
(4) maps; (5) photographs of a selection of vegetation types and individual plant species.
For further information on this project contact:
Dominic Sargent, Scottish Natural Heritage, The Governor’s House, The Parade, Fort William PH33 6BA.
Tel: 01397 704716
For further information on the SNH Research & Technical Support Programme contact:
The Advisory Services Co-ordination Group, Scottish Natural Heritage, 2 Anderson Place, Edinburgh EH6 5NP.
Tel: 0131–446 2400 or ascg@snh.gov.uk