Calcareous grassland

Calcareous grassland is an important habitat for insects, particularly butterflies and ants,[2] and is kept at a plagioclimax by grazing animals, usually sheep and sometimes cattle.

Rabbits used to play a part but due to the onset of myxomatosis their numbers decreased so dramatically that they no longer have much of a grazing effect.

These lichen communities require specific conditions to grow, including areas of open ground created through natural or human disturbance, such as rabbit grazing, trampling, or historical agricultural practices.

The richest lichen sites are often found where soil has been disturbed within the past century or where natural factors like landslips create suitable habitats.

Many calcareous grassland lichen communities have shown significant decline since the mid-20th century, attributed to factors such as reduced grazing, nitrogen deposition, and habitat loss.