In Wales, this type of grassland typically occurs on steep slopes with thin limestone soils and scattered rocky outcrops. The habitat is not particularly species-rich as only specialist xerophyte species can thrive there. However, some of the specialist plants and invertebrates found in these locations are of considerable interest for being locally distributed in Wales and restricted to these situations. These include wild cotoneaster (Cotoneaster cambricus), spiked speedwell (Veronica spicata) and spring cinquefoil (Potentilla tabernaemontani). The silver-studded blue butterfly (Plebejus argus) also spends part of its life cycle being tended by ants in this habitat.
