Important Plant Areas for algae - Natural History Museum

Table 4.3 Sites nominated as potential IPAs for marine algae in the UK, but for which more data are required (data deficient).
Site number refers to the map in Figure 4.1.
Site Grid ref. Status Qualifying No. of Site description
criteria species
ENGLAND
2 Low Newton-bythe-Sea,
NU2424 D Also known as St Mary’s, Newton Haven. Bedrock, boulders and sand.
This site has a long history of study.
Northumberland
3 St. Mary's Island, NZ3575 D Also known as Bait Island. Rocky shore. This site has a long history of
North Tyneside,
study and is a diversity hot spot. It is the type locality and only known site
Durham
6 Sheringham,
Runton and
Cromer, Norfolk
TG145435 to
TG225 425.
2-3 km
centred on
West Runton:
TG185435
for Acrochaetium sanctae-mariae (Darbishire) G. Hamel.
D Includes Robin Friend, West Runton, East Runton and Cromer. Rock
outcrops with sand, consolidated gravel and shingle. It is a significant
eastern site because it is an isolated area of 2-3 km of chalk on an
otherwise soft coastline. It has a long history of algal study with very old
historical collections including by Dawson Turner (1775-1858) and has
been a focus for algal growth studies, including by I. Tittley, 1980s-1990s.
8 Harwich, Essex TM262320 D An isolated outcrop of cement stone, which was formerly widespread but
apparently decreasing; a comparable habitat in Felixstowe has been
destroyed. The site has a long history of study including by Samuel Dale
Padina (1700s). There are some unusual species, including Cutleria
multifida and its other life history phase, Aglaozonia. It is the type locality
for Osmundea pinnatifida (Hudson) Stackhouse.
12 Folkstone/East
Wear Bay/Dover
D A site of diverse geology, including hard rocky substrata, in south east
England, including lower greens and, gault and chalk with very diverse
microhabitats and exposures. This is reflected in the algae. There are
good communities of species which are uncommon in south east England,
including a natural zonation of brown algae (Pelvetia canaliculata - only
place in south east England, Ascophyllum nodosum, fucoids and kelps) and
a good diversity of species (Choriocolax polysiphoniae (very rare at the
site), Chorda filum, Scinaia forcellata, Mastocarpus stellatus).
13 Hastings, Sussex TQ813092 D Medium A site with unusual geology of Wealden series of rocks. Algal
communities, patchy and restricted in this part of Sussex, are present on
intertidal reefs. There is a good historical record. It is the type locality for
Rhodymenia holmesii Ardissone.
16 Mixon Hole,
Sussex
SZ865902
Marine
SNCI
D
44 species
listed
Limestone capping a clay bed exposed as a clay cliff face off the coast of
Chichester and Selsey Bill. It has been referred to in diving reports. There
are unusual marine communities including algae. There is no historical
record.
24
Threatened or rare species
Acrochaetium sanctae-mariae
Helminthocladia calvadosii –
an early record from
Sheringham, 1797.