Fásra
Festuca rubra is the overwhelming dominant in this community, usually forming a rank sward. Plantago maritima is frequent, occurring as tufts amongst the grass, as is Glaux maritima, but neither offer much in the way of cover. Aster tripolium, Triglochin maritimum, Cochlearia officinalis, Agrostis stolonifera, Atriplex prostrata and Armeria maritima are occasional plants. Mean maximum vegetation height = 69.5 cm, n = 18.
Éiceolaíocht
This is predominantly an upper marsh community that is infrequently inundated. Conditions are circumneutral (mean pH = 6.7, n = 18). Rarely included here are instances of inland dense Festuca swards.
Fo-phobail
Níor cuireadh síos ar aon fho-phobail don phobal seo
Pobail chosúla
From the other communities of group SM4, this community may be distinguished by the clear dominance of Festuca rubra. Maritime swards of GL3F Festuca rubra – Lotus corniculatus grassland can be similar in the dominance of Festuca and presence of Plantago maritima, but they lack other saltmarsh indicators such as Glaux maritima, Aster tripolium and Triglochin maritimum, as they usually occur on cliff tops.
Luach caomhnaithe
Almost all examples of this vegetation qualify as EU HD Annex I habitat 1330 Atlantic salt meadows. It is typically a medium richness saltmarsh community (species/4 m2 = 6.6, n = 172) that contains some specialist species.
Bainistíocht
The main immediate threat to this saltmarsh community is probably grazing by livestock. Sea-level rises as a result of climate change will have an impact, particularly in areas susceptible to coastal squeeze.