GL3G Arrhenatherum elatius – Dactylis glomerata grassland
Vegetation
Arrhenatherum elatius dominates this tall, rank grassland usually accompanied by patches of Holcus lanatus (mean graminoid height = 61.3 cm, n = 21). These are the only constant species and diversity is rather low. Frequently, there are some tufts of Dactylis glomerata and some Agrostis stolonifera. Common amongst the dense sward are stems of the yellow-flowered Lathyrus pratensis and other legumes, such as Vicia cracca or Vicia sepium may be present (mean forb height = 41.4 cm, n = 21). Occasional species include Elytrigia repens, Filipendula ulmaria and the tall umbellifer Heracleum sphondylium.
Ecology
The Arrhenatherum elatius – Dactylis glomerata grassland is a feature of abandoned pasture or meadows and unmown verges in the lowlands (mean altitude = 41 m, n = 21; mean slope = 1.9°, n = 21). Soils are well-drained mineral types or gleys and fairly fertile (mean organic content = 19.2%, n = 19).
Sub-communities
No sub-communities are described.
Similar communities
The abundance of Arrhenatherum should serve to identify this community. This species is occassional in GL3C Festuca rubra – Plantago lanceolata grassland, but it usually less abundant there in a more diverse sward in which Trifolium spp. and Plantago lanceolata are typical.
Conservation value
This is a very species-poor grassland community (species/4 m2 = 9.8, n = 24) with relatively little recognised conservation value.
Management
These swards are usually the result of lack of management and are eliminated by regular grazing or mowing. With time they are liable to succeed to scrub. Afforestation is a threat where resumption of agriculture is less economically viable.