basic grassland A vegetation pattern that occurs on soils with an alkaline reaction, particularly those developed in chalk or limestone. In Britain, and NW Europe generally, basic grasslands include some of the oldest areas of rough grazing, dating from Neolithic times. Floristically they are comparatively diverse and there are numerous characteristic herbs other than grasses.

basic grassland A vegetation that occurs on soils with an alkaline reaction, particularly those developed in chalk or limestone. In Britain, and north-western Europe generally, basic grasslands include some of the oldest areas of rough grazing, dating from Neolithic times. They are floristically rich and there are numerous characteristic herbs other than grasses.