Criterion

A

The parcel represents a good example of its specific habitat type, with characteristic indicator species present in the typical successional stages, transitions and or mosaics, at sufficient cover and frequency to be a good example.
​
Note - this criterion is essential for achieving Good condition.

B

Vegetation structure (sward height variation, zonation) is varied and not uniform.

C

Naturally open ground or bare surfaces are present as part of a sequence of colonisation and succession.

D

Coastal processes needed to support the habitat are functional and are not modified by hard engineering or other forms of negative intervention.

E

The landform reflects the interaction of coastal processes and geology, and there is a varied topography present supporting the relevant range of habitat types.

F

There is an absence of invasive non-native species2 (as listed on Schedule 9 of WCA3).
​
Combined cover of species indicative of suboptimal condition4 and physical damage (such as excessive poaching, damage from machinery use or storage, damaging levels of access, or any other damaging management activities) accounts for less than 5% of total area.

G

Any scrub (including bramble Rubus fruticosus agg.) present accounts for less than 10% of the area within the habitat or bare substrate matrix.
​
Blocks of scrub or woodland, which might be desirable in their own right should be classified and mapped separately.

H

Water quality and quantity (for example, seasonal fluctuations in dune slacks or seepages on cliff slopes) is sufficient to support the range of water-dependent parts of the habitat.

Condition Assessment Result (out of 8 criteria)

Condition Assessment Score

Passes 7 or 8 criteria including essential criterion A

Good

Passes 5 or 6 criteria;
OR
Passes 7 criteria excluding essential criterion A

Moderate

Passes 4 or fewer criteria

Poor

Footnote 1 - Professional judgement should be used alongside the UKHab description.
​
Footnote 2 – Assess this for each distinct habitat parcel. If the distribution of invasive non-native species varies across the habitat, split into parcels accordingly, applying a buffer zone around the invasive non-native species with a size relative to its risk of spread into adjacent habitat, using professional judgement.
​
Footnote 3 – Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
​
Footnote 4 - General coastal species indicative of suboptimal condition: creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, spear thistle Cirsium vulgare, curled dock Rumex crispus, broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, common nettle Urtica dioica, bramble, white willow Salix alba hybrids, and non-native garden plants.
​
Grassland species indicative of suboptimal condition: creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, spear thistle Cirsium vulgare, curled dock Rumex crispus, broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, common nettle Urtica dioica, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, greater plantain Plantago major and cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris.
​
Heathland species indicative of suboptimal condition: bracken Pteridium aquilinum.
​
There may be additional relevant species local to the region and or site.

Saltmarsh Restoration Handbook UK & Ireland

The Saltmarsh Creation Handbook: a project manager's guide to the creation of saltmarsh and intertidal mudflat

The Sand Dune Managers Handbook