Guidelines for the Selection of Biological Heritage Sites
6. Section 1: Habitat Guidelines
6.8 ROCK HABITATS
Ro1 Areas subject to approved Limestone Pavement Orders.
Application
Limestone Pavement Orders are those made under section 34 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Justification
Limestone Pavement Orders protect pavements of special interest by reason of their flora, geological and physiographical features. Limestone pavement is a rare habitat in Britain, Lancashire being one of only six counties in which it occurs. It is a refuge for a number of rare and uncommon wildlife species and is of outstanding scientific interest. It is the most natural of all non-maritime habitats in Lancashire. All significant areas of limestone pavement in Lancashire are now subject to Orders.
Ro2 Cliffs greater than 5 metres high which are considered to contribute significantly to the biodiversity of the Landscape Zone(1) in which they occur.
Application
This guideline may be applied to shale, sandstone or limestone cliffs, maritime or inland, provided that they are of essentially natural origin.
Justification
Natural rock cliffs are uncommon, although widely scattered, in Lancashire. They may be a significant wildlife refuge, particularly for plant species which are susceptible to grazing and also for mosses, liverworts and lichens which require a suitable rock substrate on which to grow.