Areas of dense herbage or partial shade where a humid microclimate is maintained at ground level. Dominance by woody plants is limited by exposure, grazing or cutting of vegetation, but they often form an important component of the habitat.
Semi-natural systems supporting important examples of this assemblage type include heath grassland, moorland, hay meadows, scattered scrub and woodland edge. Sward height and density is often an important factor in species representation, as are the extent of flowering and seed-set.