GL4B Nardus stricta – Potentilla erecta grassland


  • Grasslands (GL)
  • GL4 Nardus stricta – Galium saxatile group
  • GL4B Nardus stricta – Potentilla erecta grassland
Scientific name:
Nardus stricta – Potentilla erecta grassland
Common name:
Mat-grass – Tormentil grassland
Community code:
GL4B
Full PDF Synopsis

GL4B Nardus stricta – Potentilla erecta grassland

Vegetation

The main grasses of this community are Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum and Nardus stricta, with Festuca ovina and Danthonia decumbens also frequent. They form a fairly low sward (mean graminoid height = 12.6 cm, n = 172). Potentilla erecta and Galium saxatile are constant species, and indeed often the only forbs present apart from Viola riviniana and Polygala serpyllifolia, which are occasional in the sward (mean forb height = 5.9 cm, n = 172). There is generally a well-developed bryophyte layer composed of Hylocomium splendens, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, R. loreus, Thuidium tamariscinum and Scleropodium purum. As these grasslands are derived from, and often in mosaic with, dry heaths, there is frequently some low cover of dwarf shrubs in the form of Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus. Carex binervis is frequent and, in more flushed areas, C. panicea can be found amongst the sward.

Ecology

The Nardus stricta – Potentilla erecta grassland occurs on thin, peaty (mean organic content = 36.3%, n = 77), very infertile soils and is restricted largely to unenclosed, sheep-grazed, steep slopes in the high uplands (mean altitude = 238 m, n = 172; mean slope = 14.6°, n = 172). It occurs at higher altitudes than the other grassland communities.

Sub-communities

Two sub-communities are described. The Festuca ovina – Luzula campestris sub-community (GL4Bi) represents swards with some mild basic enrichment and consequently the presence of some species more lowland in character. These are somewhat transitional towards community GL4C. The Calluna vulgaris – Rhytidiadelphus loreus sub-community (GL4Bii) is strongly calcifuge in nature and supports a number of species at low abundances that are characteristic of dry and wet heaths.

Similar communities

The most similar community is GL4C Agrostis capillaris – Potentilla erecta grassland. That assemblage occurs on average at lower altitudes and frequently supports a much broader range of forbs including Plantago lanceolata, Succisa pratensis, Prunella vulgaris, Cirsium palustre, Hypochaeris radicata and Lotus corniculatus. From GL4A Agrostis capillaris – Trifolium repens grassland, GL4B differs in the much lower frequency of upland calcifuges.

Conservation value

This is a grassland community of medium species richness (species/4 m2 = 20.6, n = 299). More diverse swards from the uplands may correspond to EU HD Annex I priority habitat 6230 Species-rich Nardus upland grassland*.

Management

These swards are managed as rough grazing land (typically for sheep). The main threats to these grasslands include overgrazing, improvement, abandonment (e.g. bracken or heath encroachment) and afforestation.

  • Contact Us
  • +353 51 306 240
  • National Biodiversity Data Centre
    Beechfield House,
    Waterford Institute of Technology West Campus,
    Carriganore,
    Co. Waterford,
    Ireland.
    X91 PE03

Download our free smartphone app for recording in the field
Android App
Apple App

The National Biodiversity Data Centre is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Register Number: 730718.

 

  • Privacy
We made this!
  • Home
  • About
    • Global Biodiversity Information Facility
      • Ireland’s GBIF profile
      • The GBIF Network
      • Latest news at GBIF
      • GBIF Science Review
    • Strategic Objectives
  • Monitoring & tracking change
  • Assisting conservation
  • Ireland’s Biodiversity Learning Platform
  • Workshops
  • Publications
  • Biodiversity Ireland’s Top 10
  • Videos
  • Shop
  • News and Events
    • Distinguished Recorder Award
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. You can view our privacy policy here.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non Necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Save & Accept