Smooth grassland is characterised by
unimproved natural grassland, most frequently in
a hill or upland situation, with a high proportion
of palatable grasses such as fescues (Festuca spp),
bents (Agrostis spp), sweet vernal (Anthoxanthum
odoratum) and meadow grasses
(Poa spp). Found on
a mineral soil, those grasslands have not undergone
agricultural improvement by way of the application
of fertilizers, pesticides, drainage or reseeding
so
as to alter significantly the sward composition.
Vegetation of this type is the best pasture of
many of the hill areas and is often heavily grazed.
Smooth grassland has been mapped as a
separate entity and in association with rushes (Juncus spp) resulting from
deterioration of grassland in lowland sites or in hill areas within wet sites,
which are often concave and heavily flushed from spring lines emitting water
at distinct breaks in slope.
It is also mapped in association with low scrub such as gorse or broom.
Click here for Smooth Grassland Map
Exploring Scotland
