Current status
The species of Limonium which are endemic to Britain all belong to the Limonium binervosum aggregate (rock sea lavenders). The taxonomy of this group was revised in 1986 and nine species and numerous infraspecific taxa are now recognised. Of the nine species, eight are believed to be endemic to Britain, these are Limonium britannicum, L. dodartiforme, L. loganicum, L. paradoxum, L. parvum, L. procerum, L. recurvum and L. transwallianum. These species grow almost exclusively on rocks and sea-cliffs of a wide range of geological types, although a few have also been recorded from other habitats, for example L. procerum on saltmarshes and dune slacks, and L. dodartiforme on shingle.
All known colonies of the endemic rock sea lavenders are confined to the west coasts of England and Wales between Dorset and Cumbria, with different species predominating on different stretches of coast. There is little evidence that these Limonium taxa have declined significantly. However, conservation action is proposed because of their endemic status and small population sizes.
Of the endemic taxa, nine are classified as Vulnerable and the other six as Near Threatened. They receive general protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, although none are specially protected under Schedule 8.
Current factors causing loss or decline
It is possible that trampling of plants by rock climbers and tourists causes localised losses.
It has been suggested that residual effects of the Sea Empress oil spill may be affecting the performance of L. parvum in Pembrokeshire.
Current action
Discussions are ongoing between English Nature and rock climbers in west Cornwall with the aim of minimising the impact of rock climbing on L. loganicum.
Research into the genetics of L. binervosum agg is being conducted at Birkbeck College, London.
All known populations of L. paradoxum, L. parvum, L. transwallianum, L. dodartiforme, L. logicanum and L. recurvum and some of L. procerum and L. britannicum lie within SSSIs.
Colonies of L. dodartiforme on shingle are contained within the pSAC of Chesil Beach.
Action plan objectives and targets
Maintain the range of L. procerum.
Maintain the range of L. binervosum ssp. anglicum
Maintain the range of L. binervosum ssp. saxonicum
Maintain the range of L. binervosum ssp. mutatum
Maintain the range of L. britannicum.
Maintain the range of L. dodartiforme
Maintain the range of L. loganicum
Maintain the range of L. paradoxum
Maintain the range of L. parvum
Maintain the range of L. transwallianum
Maintain the range of L. recurvum ssp. recurvum.
Maintain the range of L. binervosum ssp. cantianum
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
Following further taxonomic clarification reconsider this group of species for addition to Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. (ACTION: DETR, JNCC)
Consider proposing the British endemic rock sea lavenders for inclusion on Annex II of the EU Habitats and Species Directive. (ACTION: CCW, DETR, NE, JNCC)
Promote management policies which will help maintain the natural geomorphology of the British coastline. This is important for maintaining the shingle habitats for L. binervosum agg. (ACTION: EA)
Ensure the identification of Marine Environmental High Risk Areas. The purpose of this action is to help improve the management of oil transportation at sea, and thereby reduce the pollution risk to important coastal sites for L. binervosum agg. (ACTION: DETR)
Site safeguard and management
Ensure that the requirements of the rock sea lavenders are taken into account in habitat management plans for SACs. (ACTION: NE)
Species management and protection
Promote the development of an ex-situ conservation programme for the endemic Limonium taxa. (ACTION: CCW, NE, RBG Kew)
Advisory
Ensure that rock climbing clubs and organisations active on coastal cliffs in Wales and western England are aware of the importance of these plants and advise on particular areas which should be avoided. Priority should be given to sites for L. loganicum. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Future Research and Monitoring
Promote continued research into the genetics and taxonomy of L. binervosum agg and use the findings to inform future reviews of this action plan. (ACTION: JNCC)
Collate information from relevant experts and re-survey sites where necessary in order to assess the status of populations of L. binervosum agg. The species L. parvum and L. loganicum should both be treated as priorities for further survey with the aim of finding additional sites. (ACTION: CCW, NE, JNCC, SNH)
Investigate current threats to populations including an assessment of the effects of adjacent land uses, eg herbicide drift. (ACTION: CCW, NE, JNCC)
Investigate the approach that has been adopted towards the conservation of L. binervosum agg elsewhere in Europe and where appropriate apply the knowledge so gained to the conservation of the group in Britain. (ACTION: JNCC)
Establish good baselines for the monitoring of rock sea-lavenders. (ACTION: CCW, NE, JNCC)
Assess the effects of the Sea Empress oil spill, if any, on populations of L. parvum. This species is commonly found growing around the rims of sea-cliff blow-holes and observations suggest that oil residue from the Sea Empress disaster has also accumulated in these areas. (ACTION: CCW)
Communications and Publicity
Assess the need to raise awareness in the tourism sector of the important coastal flora of western Britain, perhaps by writing articles for local tourist guidebooks. (ACTION: CCW, NE, LAs)
Links with other action plans
None given.
Publication details
Originally published in: UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans - Volume I: Vertebrates and vascular plants (June 1998, Tranche 2, Vol I, p201)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to
Limonium britannicum ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to
Limonium dodartiforme ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to
Limonium loganicum ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to
Limonium parvum ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to
Limonium procerum ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to
Limonium recurvum ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to
Limonium transwallianum ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to
Limonium paradoxum