Vegetation
The constant grasses in this community are Anthoxanthum odoratum, Agrostis capillaris, Festuca rubra and Holcus lanatus, while Cynosurus cristatus and Danthonia decumbens are frequent (mean graminoid height = 17.6 cm, n = 180). Potentilla erecta, Trifolium repens, Plantago lanceolata and Galium saxatile are the main broadleaved herbs, with Succisa pratensis, Prunella vulgaris, Hypochaeris radicata and Cirsium palustre frequent (mean forb height = 10.2 cm, n = 180). The bryophyte layer is fairly well developed and contains Hylocomium splendens, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Scleropodium purum and Thuidium tamariscinum. Some sites have a measure of calcareous influence evidenced by the occurrence of Carex flacca and Lotus corniculatus.
Ecology
The Agrostis capillaris – Potentilla erecta grassland is chiefly a community of the lower uplands (mean altitude = 137 m, n = 180; mean slope = 13.2, n = 180). The soils vary from gleys to drained mineral earths (mean organic content = 25.2%, n = 116) and are infertile, humid and strongly acidic.
Sub-communities
No sub-communities are described.
Similar communities
Community GL4C is intermediate in nature between the higher upland swards of GL4B Nardus stricta – Potentilla erecta grassland and the variable, somewhat semi-improved swards of GL4A Agrostis capillaris – Trifolium repens grassland which is found at slightly lower altitudes. The present community has greater forb diversity than GL4B but a stronger calcifuge component than GL4A
Conservation value
This is a fairly species-rich grassland community (species/4 m2 = 27.6, n = 199). Examples on calcareous substrates may relate to EU HD Annex I priority habitat 6210 Orchid-rich calcareous grassland*. Examples on siliceous substrates (but with some calcareous flushing) may relate 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.