Lowland to submontane, dry to mesic Nardus grassland

The grasslands characterized by Nardus stricta from the lowland areas up to the submontane belt of the mountains are separated from the Nardus communities in higher mountains (E4.3b), although Natura 2000 classifies them together in one type (H6230). This in spite of the naming of the habitat type in the EU Interpretation Manual: ‘Species-rich Nardus grasslands, on silicious substrates in mountain areas (and submountain areas in Continental Europe)’. The habitat includes low-growing grasslands on nutrient-poor, acidic and moist to moderately dry soils. In most cases, the vegetation is grazed by sheep and/or cattle; occasionally, burning takes place. The species composition of the vegetation is closely related to the intensity and type of grazing.  Generally, Nardus stricta is the dominant species, providing the vegetation with a densely tufted structure. Even from a distance, the pale wiry foliage of the species helps marking out the stands; later in the season the leaves turn to a bleached straw colour. Occasionally, other oligotrophic grasses (such as Festuca filiformis, Agrostis capillaris and Deschampsia flexuosa) may dominate, as well as – less frequent – rushes like Juncus squarrosus, the latter on relatively wet soils and in regions with a high precipitation. The habitat is widespread in the temperate zone of Europe, from Western to Central Europe. In Northern Europe, it reaches to Southern Norway, Southern Sweden and Latvia, in Southern Europe to Spain and Italy. The Nardus swards prefer a rainy and cool climate; in Great Britain, for instance, the habitat is rather rare in the warmer and drier lowlands, but very common and widespread in the cool and wet mountains in the north.

In the widespread ‘sand landscape’ of the lowland regions in North-western Europe (Belgium, Netherlands, Northern Germany and Southern Denmark), the Nardus grasslands are part of the traditional heathland systems, nowadays limited to nature reserves. Here, the communities are often restricted to small localities and highly endangered. Where the Nardus grasslands in Europe occupy larger areas, they tend to disappear due to abandoning at the one hand or nutrient enrichment on the other hand. In both cases, the sites are taken over by more competitive species.

Consequently to the abandonment of the traditional grazing activities, these grasslands are invaded by shrubs, such as Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium sp. pl., Juniperus communis, or trees, e.g. Betula pendula, Pinus sylvestris, as well as Picea and Larix and, sometimes, Pinus cembra or Populus tremula.

Indicators of good quality:

·     Low and rather dense vegetation structure;

·     Absence of shrubs and trees.

Synthesis of Red List assessment

Confidence in the assessment

Pressures and threats