Moist or wet mesotrophic to eutrophic hay meadow
Quick facts
Red List habitat type | code RLE3.4a |
---|---|
Threat status | |
Europe | Endangered |
EU | Endangered |
Relation to |
|
Source | European Red List habitat factsheet |
European Red List of habitats reports | |
European Red List of habitats (Excel table) |
Summary
The habitat comprises various wet to moist grasslands that are influenced by a high water table level and in some cases can be temporarily flooded. This group contains nutrient rich hay meadows, which sometimes are (moderately) grazed at the end of the summer period or in autumn after hay making. When the human impact is reduced or stopped, the habitat will be invaded by tall forb species (Filipendulion, Galio-Urticetea) and consequently by shrub and tree species (Salicion cinereae, Alno-Fraxinetalia). On the other hand, an intensive grazing regime will convert these meadows into pastures (Cynosurion cristati, Potentillo-Poygonetalia). Time and duration of flooding and/or the impact of groundwater are important factors in determining the floristic composition, as they influence the physiological (e.g. roots become in anaerobic condition) and ecological conditions (e.g. availability of nutrients). The main soil types are palanosol and gleysol (also amphigley). These mesotrophic to eutrophic hay meadows can be found widespread over Europe. In temperate zones, they may occur in fresh and relatively nutrient-rich flooded plains along rivers and on wet mesotrophic mineral to peaty soils in brook valleys and comparable landscapes. In other parts of Europe (subcontinental, submediterranean), such wet meadows are found on alluvial plains that are relatively dry during parts of the year.
These habitats should be mown regularly to prevent afforestation process. This process can be started with various high forb communities (mainly from the alliance Filipendulion). The other threat for these grasslands is increased drainage of the habitat that causes turnover of species and formation of low and medium altitude hay meadows. In case of increased humidity, there appear sedges and reed (Phragmiti-Magnocaricetea). Communities from the alliance Oenanthion fistulosae indicate the transition between those two classes: Molinio-Arrhenatheretea and Phragmiti-Magnocaricetea. A further threats is (over)grazing that could convert those meadows into pastures.
The following characteristics can be considered as Indicators of good quality:
High richness in herb species;
Occurrence of regionally distinct species;
Long-term habitat stability;
Extensive management regime aimed at long-term continuation of yearly mowing;
No encroachment of trees en shrubs.
Threat status
Synthesis of Red List assessment
EU | |
Red List Category | Red List Criteria |
Endangered | A1 |
Europe | |
Red List Category | Red List Criteria |
Endangered | A1 |
Confidence in the assessment
Pressures and threats
- Agriculture
- Cultivation
- Modification of cultivation practices
- Agricultural intensification
- Mowing / Cutting of grassland
- Intensive mowing or intensification
- Fertilisation
- Irrigation
- Urbanisation, residential and commercial development
- Urbanised areas, human habitation
Habitat restoration potential
Trends in extent |
|
Average current trend in quantity |
|
Decreasing ![]() |
Decreasing ![]() |
EU28 | EU28+ |
Trends in quality |
|
Average current trend in quality |
|
Decreasing ![]() |
Decreasing ![]() |
EU28 | EU28+ |
Conservation and management needs
List of conservation and management needs
- Measures related to agriculture and open habitats
- Maintaining grasslands and other open habitats
- Measures related to wetland, freshwater and coastal habitats
- Restoring/Improving the hydrological regime
Distribution
Geographic occurrence and trends
EU28 | Present or presence uncertain | Current area of habitat (Km2) | Recent trend in quantity (last 50 years) | Recent trend in quality (last 50 years) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Austria | Present | 200 | Decreasing | Decreasing |
Bulgaria | Present | 3.8 | Decreasing | Decreasing |
France mainland | Present | 1500 | Decreasing | Decreasing |
Germany | Present | Unknown | Decreasing | Decreasing |
Hungary | Present | 300 | Decreasing | Decreasing |
Slovakia | Present | 300 | Decreasing | Decreasing |
Spain mainland | Present | 128 | Unknown | Decreasing |
Belgium | Present | 50 | Decreasing | Decreasing |
Croatia | Present | 750 | Decreasing | Decreasing |
Czech Republic | Present | 160 | Decreasing | Decreasing |
Denmark | Present | Unknown | Stable | Decreasing |
Estonia | Present | 46 | Decreasing | Decreasing |
Finland mainland | Present | 40 | Decreasing | Decreasing |
Italy mainland | Present | 605 | Decreasing | Decreasing |
Latvia | Present | Unknown | Decreasing | Decreasing |
Lithuania | Present | 130 | Decreasing | Decreasing |
Poland | Present | 5250 | Decreasing | Decreasing |
Romania | Present | Unknown | Decreasing | Decreasing |
Slovenia | Present | Unknown | Decreasing | Decreasing |
Sweden | Present | Unknown | Decreasing | Decreasing |
United Kingdom | Present | 90 | Decreasing | Decreasing |
Netherlands | Present | 30 | Decreasing | Decreasing |
EU28 + | Present or presence uncertain | Current area of habitat (Km2) | Recent trend in quantity (last 50 years) | Recent trend in quality (last 50 years) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bosnia and Herzegovina | Present | 40 | Decreasing | Decreasing |
Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) | Present | 50 | Decreasing | Unknown |
Switzerland | Present | 300 | Decreasing | Decreasing |
Extent of Occurrence, Area of Occupancy and habitat area
Extent of Occurrence (EOO) (Km2) | Area of Occupancy (AOO) | Current estimated Total Area | Comment | |
---|---|---|---|---|
EU28 | 7410650 | 16552 | 9600 | AOO and EOO incl. potential distribution |
EU28+ | 16711 | 10000 | AOO and EOO incl. potential distribution |
EOO = the area (km2) of the envelope around all occurrences of a habitat (calculated by a minimum convex polygon).
Characteristic species
Species scientific name | English common name | Species group |
---|---|---|
Equisetum palustre | Ferns | |
Alisma plantago-aquatica | Flowering Plants | |
Allium angulosum | Flowering Plants | |
Alopecurus bulbosus | Flowering Plants | |
Alopecurus pratensis | Flowering Plants | |
Bromus racemosus | Flowering Plants | |
Caltha palustris | Flowering Plants | |
Carex divisa | Flowering Plants | |
Centaurea carniolica | Flowering Plants | |
Cirsium oleraceum | Flowering Plants | |
Cirsium rivulare | Flowering Plants | |
Clematis integrifolia | Flowering Plants | |
Crepis paludosa | Flowering Plants | |
Dactylorhiza majalis | Flowering Plants | |
Eleocharis palustris | Flowering Plants | |
Filipendula ulmaria | Flowering Plants | |
Fritillaria meleagris | Flowering Plants | |
Galium debile | Flowering Plants | |
Galium palustre | Flowering Plants | |
Geum coccineum | Flowering Plants | |
Geum rivale | Flowering Plants | |
Gratiola officinalis | Flowering Plants | |
Hypericum tetrapterum | Flowering Plants | |
Leucojum aestivum | Flowering Plants | |
Lotus uliginosus | Flowering Plants | |
Lychnis flos-cuculi | Flowering Plants | |
Lysimachia vulgaris | Flowering Plants | |
Myosotis nemorosa | Flowering Plants | |
Myosotis scorpioides | Flowering Plants | |
Oenanthe fistulosa | Flowering Plants | |
Oenanthe silaifolia | Flowering Plants | |
Plantago altissima | Flowering Plants | |
Polygonum bistorta | Flowering Plants | |
Ranunculus ophioglossifolius | Flowering Plants | |
Ranunculus sardous | Flowering Plants | |
Rhinanthus angustifolius | Flowering Plants | |
Sanguisorba officinalis | Flowering Plants | |
Scirpus sylvaticus | Flowering Plants | |
Senecio aquaticus | Flowering Plants | |
Silaum silaus | Flowering Plants | |
Stachys palustris | Flowering Plants | |
Thalictrum flavum | Flowering Plants | |
Trifolium michelianum | Flowering Plants | |
Trollius europaeus | Flowering Plants | |
Valeriana officinalis | Flowering Plants | |
Viola elatior | Flowering Plants |