HE4E Molinia caerulea – Calluna vulgaris – Erica tetralix heath
Vegetation
Molinia caerulea dominates this community but is accompanied by a reasonably well-developed dwarf shrub layer composed of Calluna vulgaris and Erica tetralix. Potentilla erecta, a plant common to most upland heaths and bogs, is again to be found here, and indeed is the only other constant vascular species. Often, there are some patches of Trichophorum cespitosum/germanicum or Eriophorum angustifolium amongst the Molinia tussocks, and the blue flowers of Polygala serpyllifolia may be spotted. Occasionally there is some Eriophorum vaginatum or Carex panicea. The bryophyte layer is not very abundant with Hypnum jutlandicum the most frequent component, often joined by Sphagnum capillifolium, Sphagnum subnitens or Odontoschisma sphagni.
Ecology
This community occurs on the lower to middle slopes of hills and mountains (mean altitude = 215 m, n = 49; mean slope = 15.0°, n = 42) on wet, acidic and infertile peaty soils (mean extent of bare peat = 3.3%, n = 77).
Sub-communities
No sub-communities have been described for this community.
Similar communities
Community HE2D Calluna vulgaris – Molinia caerulea – Erica cinerea heath is similar, but in that assemblage Calluna dominates and there is a greater presence of both Erica cinerea and pleurocarpous mosses.
Conservation value
This is a heath community of medium species richness (species/4 m2 = 16.9, n = 85). Most examples may qualify as EU HD Annex I habitat 4010 Wet heath.
Management
This community, which often forms parts of commonages, is usually used as rough grazing land (typically for sheep); overgrazing may be a problem. Burning may be periodically used across large areas to suppress the dwarf shrubs and encourage grass growth. Other threats are afforestation and agricultural improvement.