RH2C Racomitrium lanuginosum – Hypnum jutlandicum scree community
Vegetation
This is essentially a bryophyte community with little cover provided by vascular plants. There are four constant species: Racomitrium lanuginosum, Diplophyllum albicans, Hypnum jutlandicum and Scapania gracilis. Of these, Racomitrium lanuginosum tends to be the most abundant, often forming large patches across the rocks. Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Campylopus flexuosus, Hylocomium splendens, Pleurozia purpurea and Isothecium myosuroides are all frequently encountered. Vaccinium myrtillus is the only frequent vascular plant, but Calluna vulgaris and Erica cinerea are both occasional; in association with some of the more robust pleurocarpous mosses, these species can add a heathy element to the vegetation. Between the larger rocks, Saxifraga spathularis, Dryopteris dilatata and Hymenophyllum wilsonii are also occasional.
Ecology
This is a community of sparsely vegetated siliceous scree in the uplands (mean extent of bare rock = 82.1%, n = 38; mean altitude = 493 m, n = 38; mean slope = 32.2°, n = 38). Soils, where they accumulate, are skeletal (mean soil depth = 0.5 cm, n = 38). Conditions are acidic, fairly dry and infertile.
Sub-communities
No formal sub-communities have been described for this community.
Similar communities
In the RH2B Racomitrium fasciculare – Festuca vivipara scree community, Racomitrium fasciculare and Breutelia chrysocoma are much more frequent and grass species are more prevalent.
Conservation value
Examples of this community qualify as EU HD Annex I habitat 8110 Siliceous scree. Species/4 m2 = 15.5, n = 36.
Management
Some more accessible areas of this vegetation may be sheep-grazed but it is essentially unmanaged.