Semi-dry perennial calcareous grassland

These grasslands generally dominated by broad-leaved graminoids (especially Brachypodium pinnatum agg. and Bromus erectus) are typical of traditionally-managed pastures and meadows developed on relatively deep, nutrient-poor, usually calcareous soils from sea-level to the montane belt throughout temperate Europe.  The swards are generally closed, with a plant cover of more than 80% and often are very rich in species, for which reason they are of high interest for nature conservation. Sites that harbour a conspicuous orchid flora – both in number of species and in number of individual plants – are given a priority status by Natura 2000. The centre of distribution is in suboceanic and submediterranean regions, and outside this range, the communities can be found only under specific conditions: towards northwestern Europe where they are more confined to relatively warm and dry, southern exposed calcareous slopes or, as in the Baltic islands of Öland and Gotland, on low altitude limestone pavement (alvar).  The species composition varies over the geographical range, reflected by different sets of companions: in southern Europe, there are many sub-mediterranean species, whereas in Eastern Europe continental species are of more importance.

Syntaxonomically, the semi-dry perennial calcareous grasslands form a separate order (Brachypodietalia pinnati) within the class Festuco-Brometea. Here we also include the remaining meso-xeric types that are currently still placed in other Festuco-Brometea orders, namely most of the East-European meso-xeric order Galietalia veri as well as the alliance Brachypodion phoenicoidis from North Iberia and South France (traditionally in the order Brachypodietalia phoenicoidis) and the Illyrian Scorzonerion villosae (traditionally placed in the order Scorzonero villosae-Chrysopogenetalia grylli).  The specific characteristics  of mostly closed swards, deep soils, semi-natural character and temperate climate help delineate this habitat type from similar vegetation types on rocky calcareous soils (E1.1g) or under drier conditions in Eastern Europe (E1.2b), both of which are generally dominated by narrow-leaved graminoids.

Being mostly semi-natural and needing management, i.e. grazing by sheep and/or cattle and hay-making, where these practices have ceased for economic reasons throughout Europe, abandonment is one of the main threats when tall grasses (e.g. Brachypodium pinnatum agg., Calamagrostis epigejos) and tall forbs will take over the vegetation within a couple of years, and eventual encroachment of woody species will transform the community first into scrub, then forest. Sometimes, the stands are burned in spring time to destroy standing dead material, which encourages the growth of grasses and so helps prevent any further development of shrubs and trees. Another serious risk is intensification, as deeper calcareous soils can be rather easily transformed into productive agricultural land when competitive grasses like Lolium perenne, Dactylis glomerata and Poa trivialis can outcompete the characteristic grasses and herbs. Nowadays, many sites are managed in the traditional way for the sake of nature conservation.

Indicators of good quality:

• High species richness
• Absence of nutrient-demanding and ruderal species
• Long-term habitat stability
• Generally closed sward with low vegetation structure
• Traditional grazing/mowing regime
• Low cover of encroaching tall grasses, shrubs and trees.

Synthesis of Red List assessment

Confidence in the assessment

Pressures and threats