4.1   Extent

Extent all maritime plant communities is likely to remain fairly consistent, being a self-perpetuating and largely governed by climatic conditions and gradual erosive processes, where existing grazing pressures remain constant.

Cliffs and slopes are neither threatened by development nor anthropogenic. Thus monitoring extent of cliffs or plant communities is not applicable.

Marine splash zone/inter-tidal algae and nesting bird populations may face problems with pollution or disturbances.

4.2   Quality

Condition of the Maritime cliff communities and flushed grassland Sub-communities (NVC)

Quality will be confirmed by presence of the range typical species within each sub-community type, which are:

• MC4 Festuca rubra, Brassica oleracea, Dactylis glomerata, Daucus carota ssp.gummifer
• MC8 Festuca rubra- Armeria maritima grassland
• MC9 Festuca rubra- Holcus lanatus grassland
• Geology and geomorphology; absence of visitor erosion
• Supralittoral zone; absence of pollution.
• Sea bird colonies; absence of disturbance

5.1   Objective statement

To maintain the limestone cliffs and its communities of flora and fauna in a favourable condition, WHERE:

5.2   Extent

6.1   MC4 Festuca rubra, Brassica oleracea, Dactylis glomerata, Daucus carota ssp.gummifer

• Extent=8.1 ha.
• Target level: None set
• Upper and lower limits: As stated in NVC floristic tables
• Monitor: frequency of Festuca rubra, Brassica oleracea, Dactylis glomerata, Daucus carota ssp.gummifer

6.2   MC8 Festuca rubra- Armeria maritima grassland and MC9 Festuca rubra- Holcus lanatus grassland

• Extent = 3.7 ha.

• Target level: None set

• Upper and lower limits: As stated in NVC floristic tables

• Monitor: frequency of constant species,

  • Festuca rubra- Armeria maritima, Festuca rubra- Holcus lanatus, Plantago lanceolata, Armeria maritima.

6.3   A set of associated plants as indicators of changes

• Target level: None set

• Upper limit: None set

• Lower limits: Continued annual flowering.

• Monitor: Frequency of,

  • Brassica oleracea, Cotoneaster cambricus, silene vulgaris, Sedum maritimum, Silene nutans, Armeria maritima, Epipactis atrorubens, Helianthemum canum, Hypochoeris maculata.

6.4   Geology and geomorphology

There is an absence of visitor erosion

• Monitor: signs of erosion

6.5   Supralittoral zone

There is an absence of pollution.

• Monitor: for oil pollution

6.6   Sea bird colonies

There is an absence of disturbance

• Monitor: Populations, demographic factors, signs of disturbance.

7.1   Grazing of maritime grassland

Maritime grasslands lies ungrazed on steep to moderate slopes, generally up to 50 m above sea level. Feral goats have greater access to these than sheep, and their increasing numbers may pose a threat to the maritime grasslands.

Monitoring:

• Monitor diet of goats by faecal analysis.
• Monitor grazing habits of goats, on rounds.

7.2   Non-native Invasive shrubs

Cotoneaster integrifolius and Centranthus ruber have become locally dominant in places. Their spread will be controlled. Uprooting invasives may destabilise fragile soil deposits, so we will cut stems in preference.

Operational limit:

• Target : elimination of invasives
• Upper limit: As present
• Lower limit: Target level.
• Monitoring & Projects:
  • Monitor distribution of invasives.
  • Eradicate invasives by containment of dispersal and cutting stems, but not uprooting.

7.3   Breeding Success of Sea cliff birds

Visitor disturbance and predators can have severe impacts on breeding success, or expansion of colonial nesting bird populations, which are predated upon by badgers, fox, grey squirrel, oyster catcher, kestrel, brown rats, cats, feral cats, ferret and mink. Their presence will be monitored and if necessary controlled. In order to minimise disturbance, controls must take place while birds and food are scarce; ie. winter. Rock climbing is controlled by British Mountaineering Council (BMC) voluntary restrictions; so disturbance should be minimal now. Walkers' access to colonies is restricted by the cliffs.

Monitoring & Projects:

• Monitor predator populations.
• Control predator populations if necessary.
• Climbing activities

7.4   Fishing

The abundance of food has an impact on breeding performance of all birds.

Discarded waste from commercial fisheries may be linked to population increases in some sea bird species. However, fishing for sandeels can have a negative impact on food availability, and entanglement with fishing equipment causes drowning. These threats can be curtailed by spreading awareness, especially amongst fishermen and future fishermen.

Projects:

• Liaise with local fishermen

7.5   Pollution

Contaminants from illegal oil discharges, and other toxic chemicals, can reduce condition and survival of birds and intertidal species. Plans have been floated to contain future spillages at sea, and bring them to shore, at the foot of the Gt. Orme. These methods will be resisted, and better alternatives sought.

Projects:

• Liaise with Coastal Services

7.6   Egg collecting and hunting

Are controlled through legislation.

Monitoring & Projects:

• Monitor activity on cliffs by inspection on rounds.
• Enforce prohibition by prosecution.

7.7   Recreational pressure

The cliffs, which are dangerous to visitors, are not under great pressure from passive activities. Climbing may cause degradation of any fragile plant communities and disturb cliff-nesting birds. Rock climbing in sensitive areas is limited by agreement and will be monitored. Scuba diving for food or sea urchins has an effect on the food resources of sea birds, and so local scuba clubs will be informed.

Monitoring and Projects:

• Monitor climbing activities by inspection on rounds.
• Monitor climbing erosion
• Liaise with local scuba diving clubs
• Path Erosion

7.8   Geology, geomorphology/coastal processes and fossils

Whilst the southern part of Wales is sinking as a result of isostatic factors resulting from the end of the last glaciation, the north is static. Erosive reformation is probably not taking place through slippage. The exposed hard limestone is irreplaceable and internationally rare. Geological forms are susceptible to erosion or damage by specimen collecting. Fossil collection is illegal, according to Bylaw. The removal of geological specimens (including fossils) is a Potentially Damaging Operation (SSSI) and may result in a reduction in the value of the quarries as an educational asset.

Monitoring and Projects:

• Prepare leaflet for visiting geological societies/groups, outlining bylaws and responsibilities.
• Enforce prohibition