A New Biogeographical Classification of the Scottish Uplands. I. Descriptions of Vegetation Blocks and Their Spatial Variation

Abstract

A vegetation survey of 88 Scottish upland sites (mainly designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest) was carried out between 1981 and 1988. Vegetation stands were classified in the field into 90 previously defined types, equivalent to 65 communities in the National Vegetation Classification. Vegetation maps were drawn for each site and measured to give quantitative data on the occurrence and extent of the communities. Two-way indicator-species analysis, used to classify the sites and communities, gave nine geographical groups of sites, each defined by blocks of indicator communities. These nine groups remained stable when the analysis placed varying degrees of emphasis on communities which are rare and restricted (in area) or on extensive communities which make up the major components of the upland landscape (...)