Scientific name	Succisa pratensis – Epipactis palustris duneland
Common name	Devil’s-bit Scabious – Marsh Helleborine duneland
Community code	DU3E

 

Download full pdf synopsis: DU3E

 

Vegetation

This is an unusual dune slack community, characterised by a number of species not found elsewhere in duneland systems. The constant graminoids are Anthoxanthum odoratum, Carex otrubae, Festuca rubra, Carex nigra, Agrostis stolonifera, Juncus maritimus and Holcus lanatus. Briza media, Danthonia decumbens and Helictotrichon pubescens are frequent grasses. The main forb species are Succisa pratensis, Epipactis palustris, Ranunculus bulbosus, Lotus corniculatus, Prunella vulgaris and Filipendula ulmaria. Dactylorhiza purpurella and the fern Ophioglossum vulgatum may also be encountered in this diverse assemblage.

Ecology

This vegetation is currently only known from the desiccating dune slack system on North Bull Island in which the water is only mildy brackish.

 

Sub-communities

No sub-communities are described.

 

Similar communities

This community supports a number of species seldom found in other communities (e.g. Succisa pratensis and Anthoxanthum odoratum) and should be fairly easily distinguished.

Conservation value

Examples of this vegetation correspond to the EU HD Annex I habitat 2190 Dune slacks

 

Management

This community is vulnerable to trampling by recreational walkers and alterations to the water table.