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Special Areas of Conservation

South Devon Shore Dock

Designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Country England
Unitary Authority Devon
Centroid* SX787362
Latitude 50.2125
Longitude -3.7
SAC EU Code UK0030060
Status Designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Area (ha) 332.12
* This is the approximate central point of the SAC. In the case of large, linear or composite sites, this may not represent the location where a feature occurs within the SAC.
Location of South Devon Shore Dock SAC

General site character

  • Marine areas, Sea inlets (30%)
  • Shingle, Sea cliffs, Islets (70%)

Download the Standard Data Form for this site (PDF <100kb)

Note When undertaking an appropriate assessment of impacts at a site, all features of European importance (both primary and non-primary) need to be considered.

Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site

  • 1230 Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic Coasts

    The bedrock at this site in south Devon is composed of mineral-rich Lower Devonian schists forming cliffs rising to 120 metres. The cliffs support maritime grassland communities containing maritime species such as thrift Armeria maritima, sea plantain Plantago maritima and autumn squill Scilla autumnalis. The grassland merges into bare rock and coastal heath, which also support a number of uncommon plant species, including a lichen assemblage with Mediterranean affinities, and an invertebrate fauna consisting of species limited to southerly coastal sites. The site also supports a number of populations of 1441 shore dock Rumex rupestris, for which the site is also selected.

Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site

  • Not Applicable

Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site

  • 1441 Shore dock Rumex rupestris

    This important rocky-shore site for shore dock Rumex rupestris lies at the eastern limit of its current UK range. In 1999 a thorough survey of the site located 16 colonies and a total of at least 62 plants. The site also has some very extensive areas of additional suitable habitat.

Annex II species present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for site selection

  • Not Applicable

Many designated sites are on private land: the listing of a site in these pages does not imply any right of public access.