Caithness Cliffs (2437)
United Kingdom, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2007
National site name: Caithness Cliffs
Central coordinates: Latitude: 58.1848, Longitude: -3.4945
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 130
Area of KBA (km2): 10.00844
Protected area coverage (%): 98.65
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The IBA comprises sections of cliff-lined coast at Dunnet Head, Duncansby Head to Skirza Head, and Wick to Helmsdale. Patches of species-rich maritime heath occur, giving way to acidic heath further inland. These cliffs support breeding seabirds and waterbirds.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Delineation rationale: First recognised in 1989; extended in 2000 to include Noss Head and south to Helmsdale. SPA boundary used from JNCC; digitised at 1:10,000 scale.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 33 | |
| Shrubland | 33 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 33 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy production & mining | Oil & gas drilling | Only in the future |