GL2A Agrostis stolonifera – Ranunculus repens marsh-grassland
Vegetation
Agrostis stolonifera is the main species of this marshy community, with Ranunculus repens, Galium palustre, Trifolium repens and Potentilla anserina being the other constants. These are frequently accompanied by Cardamine pratensis, Filipendula ulmaria, Mentha aquatica, Leontodon autumnalis and Senecio aquaticus. The community differs from others in this group (GL2) in its higher forb component and the presence of more species tolerant of seasonal flooding. Calliergonella cuspidata tends to be the only bryophyte. The vegetation is typically calf-height (mean graminoid height = 29.8 cm, n = 77; mean forb height = 24.7 cm, n = 77).
Ecology
The Agrostis stolonifera – Ranunculus repens marsh-grassland is a variable grouping of vegetation predominantly from mesotrophic, wet grassland and marsh on gleys and basin peats in the lowlands (mean altitude = 45 m, n = 77; mean slope = 0.3°, n = 77). Soils are relatively base-rich, quite fertile and fairly organic (mean organic content = 28.8%, n = 52).
Sub-communities
No sub-communities are currently described for this community.
Similar communities
This community differs from the closely related GL1B Agrostis stolonifera – Filipendula ulmaria marsh-grassland in being species-poor, more fertile, and also more heavily grazed.
Conservation value
This is a fairly species-poor grassland community (species/4 m2 = 17.7, n = 184). A limited number of examples with good cover of plants such as Filipendula ulmaria, Iris pseudacorus and Equisetum fluviatile may correspond with EU HD Annex I habitat 6430 Hydrophilous tall herb.
Management
These swards are managed as rough grazing land (typically for cattle). The main threats to these marshy grasslands include improvement, abandonment and changes to the flooding regime.