GL3D Cynosurus cristatus – Trifolium pratense grassland
Vegetation
The main grass species of this rather low sward are Cynosurus cristatus and Agrostis capillaris, with Holcus lanatus, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Festuca rubra and Lolium perenne also constant (mean graminoid height = 13.0, n = 167). The broadleaved herbs comprise chiefly Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium repens, Prunella vulgaris, Trifolium pratense, Cerastium fontanum and Hypochaeris radicata (mean forb height = 8.4 cm, n = 167). Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus is frequent beneath and can be abundant. There are often signs of some agricultural improvement beyond the presence of L. perenne, with Senecio jacobaea, Bellis perennis, and Cirsium arvense being fairly frequent.
Ecology
The Cynosurus cristatus – Trifolium pratense grassland may be regarded as a fairly standard neutral, semi-natural pasture community of well-drained mineral soils and less often gleys (mean organic content = 17.8%, n = 113) in the lowlands (mean altitude = 87 m, n = 167). It occurs on sloping (mean slope = 9.1°, n = 167) ground on soils of medium fertility.
Sub-communities
No sub-communities are described.
Similar communities
This community is similar in composition to the GL3C Festuca rubra – Trifolium pratense grassland and the GL3E Festuca rubra – Rhinanthus minor grassland. Its lower sward is typically more species-rich than either, however. It lacks the tussocky grasses found in GL3C and some of the more calcareous indicators found there (e.g. Galium verum, Briza media). In GL3C, Agrostis stolonifera rather than Agrostis capillaris is a constant. GL3D differs from GL3E by lacking Rhinanthus minor and also by being somewhat more semi-improved.
Conservation value
This is a species-rich grassland community (species/4 m2 = 29.9, n = 231) to which belong some examples of the EU HD Annex I priority habitat 6210 Orchid-rich calcareous grassland*.
Management
These swards are managed as grazing land (typically for cattle). The main threats to these grasslands include improvement and abandonment.