Thermophilous woodland fringe of acidic soils

These woodland fringes are especially characteristic of semi-shaded habitats along forest margins, overhung road verges and similar places with acidic and nutrient-poor soils. Dominated by bulky grasses and tall herbs, they are not so diverse as the more thermophilous E5.2a woodland fringe occurring on base-rich soils. They reach their optimum development in the cooler Atlantic and Subatlantic parts of Europe and, further east, their species richness gradually diminishes. The typical associated trees in the woodlands are deciduous Quercus spp., Betula spp. and Fagus sylvatica.  Fringe communities are semi-natural habitats, strongly influenced by human activities and where newly established, for example in forest clearings, around plantations and along hedgebanks, some years are needed to develop their characteristic features, above all depending on neighbouring habitats. This kind of fringe can be found in association with mat-grass swards on nutrient-poor soils and heathlands on acidic and humus-rich soils. Towards the Mediterranean region, fringes on acidic and neutral and bedrock can be similar to fringes on basic soils (e.g. in the Lathyro laxiflori-Trifolion velenovskyi). 

To prevent colonisation by shrubs and trees, the vegetation needs to be occasionally mown (for example, every second year) or extensively grazed.

The following characteristics may be considered as indicators of good quality:

• Absence of complete shade of shrubs and trees
• Relative richness in apomictic species of Hieracium
• Irregularly grazed and/or mown
• Absence of invasive species
• Low input of nutrients

Synthesis of Red List assessment

Confidence in the assessment

Pressures and threats