Classification

Description

GB distribution

Compiled by: Leigh Jones, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Monkstone House, City Road, Peterborough PE1 IJY, UK.

Derived, in part, from: the UK marine biotope classification (Connor et al. 1997a) and a review undertaken for the UK Marine SACs Project (Elliott et al. 1998).

Shores of predominately fine particulate sediment with a particle size less than 0.063 mm in diameter that typically forms extensive mudflats. Dry compacted mud can form steep and even vertical structures, particularly at the top of the shore adjacent to saltmarshes. Also included in this suite of biotopes are sandy muds, which have between 20% and 70% sand. Small amounts of gravel or pebbles may be found within the mud, having little effect upon the structure of the associated communities. Littoral muds support infaunal communities characterised by polychaetes, certain bivalves and oligochaetes. The majority of littoral muds are under variable or reduced-salinity conditions in coastal inlets. The ragworm Hediste diversicolor, the Baltic tellin Macoma balthica and the furrow shell Scrobicularia plana are conspicuous members of muddy freshwater-influenced shore communities. Fully marine littoral muds typically have a richer infauna of polychaetes and bivalves.

Saltmarshes (LMU.Sm) are not considered here.

(from MNCR database in February 1999)

Habitat requirements

Species composition and biodiversity

Ecological relationships

Sensitivity to human activities

Conservation and protection status

References