This is a GIS dataset consisting of a inventory of the phase 2 lowland Heathland inventory.
National Vegetation Classification (NVC) is the basis used for the selection of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is used to define Annex 1 habitats for the selection of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) under the Habitats Directive (EU Directive 92/43). This project comprises of detailed data related to the Phase 2 plant community survey for Lowland Heath across Wales. The project covers dry and maritime heath covered by the heathland section of the NVC and wet heath covered by the section of the NVC. Two non-NVC communities the calcareous grass and heath, and shingle heath are also described. This project had three main purposes: - To provide an overview of the Welsh lowland heathland resource allowing local conservation programs particularly local Biodiversity Action Plans (BAP) partnerships, to assess and interpret their resource in a Welsh context. - To identify heathland types which are underrepresented in the SSSIs series. - To identified gaps in knowledge and highlight areas for further study.
