GL2B Juncus effusus – Holcus lanatus grassland
Vegetation
The main graminoids in this rushy, wet grassland community are Holcus lanatus, Juncus effusus, Agrostis stolonifera and Anthoxanthum odoratum, which form a fairly tall, rank sward (mean graminoid height = 44.7 cm, n = 352) while the forb component consists largely of Ranunculus repens, Trifolium repens and Rumex acetosa (mean forb height = 26.1 cm, n = 352). Frequent species include Ranunculus acris, Cerastium fontanum, Festuca rubra and Juncus acutiflorus. Calliergonella cuspidata is the most frequent bryophyte and can form a dense layer with Brachythecium rutabulum.
Ecology
This common grassland community is found across the country on lowland farmland with impeded drainage on flat ground or gentle slopes (mean altitude = 90 m, n = 352; mean slope = 2.1°, n = 352). It is typical of relatively unimproved, wet pasture and is encountered on gleyed soils and sometimes on basin peats (mean organic content = 25.5%, n = 266) which are mildly fertile.
Sub-communities
No sub-communities are described.
Similar communities
This community differs from the other main mesotrophic rush-pasture community, GL2D Juncus effusus – Rumex acetosa grassland, by tending to be relatively more species-rich. J. effusus is also not generally as abundant here, so the overall sward tends to be shorter
Conservation value
This is a fairly species-poor grassland community (species/4 m2 = 17.9, n = 399) of relatively low conservation value.
Management
These swards are managed as rough grazing land (typically for cattle). Occasional topping of the rushes may occur. The main threats to these grasslands include improvement, abandonment and afforestation.