Changes to the coastal flora of Wirral, Merseyside (v.c.58)

Abstract

Changes over more than 200 years in the landscape, vegetation and flora of coastal habitats of the Wirral peninsula in north-western England are described. These include the creation of new salt-marshes, following ongoing accretion of sediments as well as destruction of habitats following urbanisation and industrialisation. These changes led to the development of new Open Mosaic Habitats increasing floral diversity. The role of hybrids and new species to the Wirral coast is discussed in relation to changes in floral diversity with losses largely confined to species of totally destroyed and relatively nutrient poor habitats and occurring before 1900.