Scientific name	Juncus effusus – Holcus lanatus grassland
Common name	Soft Rush – Yorkshire-fog grassland
Community code	GL2B

 

    

Download full pdf synopsis: GL2B

 

Vegetation

The main graminoids in this rushy, wet grassland community are Holcus lanatus, Juncus effusus, Agrostis stolonifera and Anthoxanthum odoratum, which form a fairly tall, rank sward while the forb component consists largely of Ranunculus repens, Ranunculus acris, Trifolium repens and Rumex acetosa. Frequent species include Cirsium palustre, Cerastium fontanum, Festuca rubra and Juncus acutiflorus. Calliergonella cuspidata is the most frequent bryophyte and can form a dense layer with Brachythecium rutabulum.

 

Ecology

This common grassland community is found across the country on lowland farmland with impeded drainage on flat ground or gentle slopes. It is typical of relatively unimproved, wet pasture and is encountered on gleyed soils and sometimes on basin peats which are mildly fertile.

 

Sub-communities

No sub-communities are described.

 

Similar communities

This community differs from the other main mesotrophic rush-pasture community, GL2D Juncus effusus – Rumex acetosa grassland, by tending to be relatively more species-rich. J. effusus is also not generally as abundant here, so the overall sward tends to be shorter.

 

Conservation value

This is a fairly species-poor grassland community of relatively low conservation value.

 

Management

These swards are managed as rough grazing land (typically for cattle). Occasional topping of the rushes may occur. The main threats to these grasslands include improvement, abandonment and afforestation.